Supporters of local small business, recreational fishers and the marine environment are increasing pressure on federal Liberal MP Peter Hendy to support a permanent ban on factory freezer trawlers, with a public event at his office this week.
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Bega Valley Shire Council meanwhile passed a motion on Wednesday opposing the use of super trawlers such as the controversial Geelong Star along the Far South Coast. Read more
Locals have joined the Stop the Trawler Alliance, as part of a National Week of Action, and are delivering a petition of over one thousand Eden-Monaro residents to his office.
“The foreign factory trawler Geelong Star hasn’t stopped operating off the far south coast since December, causing untold damage to our baitfish stocks and catching protected marine life, which are the foundation of important recreational fisheries and costal tourism businesses. These super trawlers give nothing to our community, but threaten everything,” spokesperson Sven Helland said.
More than 100 businesses in the Eden-Monaro electorate have signed onto a Business Charter supporting a ban on factory freezer trawlers in the Small Pelagic Fishery.
“The super trawler Geelong Star hasn't stopped killing protected dolphins, seals, sharks and seabirds since it started fishing in Australia. Our fisheries and unique marine life is being traded for the profits of a foreign factory trawler, and our local communities are being failed by the government,” Mr Helland said.
“This industrial trawler threatens our local environment and economy. Liberal State MP Andrew Constance has taken a stand against these trawlers. It’s time Dr Hendy also starts listening to his constituents and support a permanent ban on these destructive trawlers,” he said.
This week’s action at Peter Hendy’s office follows the successful motion in Bega Valley Shire Council on Wednesday that opposed the trawler and asked Dr Hendy to advocate for a ban on factory freezer trawlers in the Federal Government.
The Merimbula Open Yellowfin Tuna Tournament and the Canberra Yellowfin Tuna Tournament were held on the South Coast in the last two weeks, attracting over 140 competitors combined, many from outside of the area. The tournaments demonstrated overwhelming opposition to super trawlers, with increasing concerns around the future health of important bait fish populations.
