Australia: Seafood industry managing environmental impact – Fishupdate.com

NEW resources have been developed to help Australian seafood producers manage their impact on the environment.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Sussan Ley, has launched the Seafood Environmental Management Systems (EMS) Resources at the Sydney Fish Markets.

The package includes a range of self assessment and training material and gives detailed advice, with instructions and exercises, to assist producers in tailoring EMS to their own businesses.

“These resources demystify the EMS process and help industry understand and manage environmental issues. The Australian seafood industry is leading the way in responsible and sustainable natural resource management,” Ms Ley said.

“Against a background of growing demand from local and international communities for an environmentally aware fishing industry, sound environmental management practices are essential for the future of the industry.”

The Australian Government has supported the future profitability and sustainability of the seafood industry through a number of industry partnership programmes including:

– The EMS National Pilot Programme and the Pathways to Industry EMS Program, funded through the Natural Heritage Trust.

– The Sustainable Industry Initiatives programme, funded through the National Landcare Programme.

Ms Ley also publicly released today the Systems in action – EMS National Pilot Programme booklet.

“This booklet brings to life the experiences of each of the EMS pilots, including those of the seafood industry. It identifies what worked and what didn’t and details some of the things that new comers may wish to avoid,” Ms Ley said.

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