Currently 33% of the Great Barrier Reef is under the protection of exclusion zones. That leaves the remaining 67% of the reef open to both boat anglers and the local fishing industry.
Australian waters have less than 5% of their areas currently protected with exclusion zones.
This needs to be increased to ensure that we will continue to have adequate fish stocks in our oceans to maintain a viable fishing industry.
The Greens want to see all Australian waters put onto a more level playing field with the Great Barrier Reef exculsion zones by an increase of 25% (to 30%) to ensure that fish stocks are allocated areas where they are able to recover, and then retain these zones as breeding grounds to ensure that our fishing industry remains viable and productive.
The Greens want to openly negotiate areas of exclusion in consultation with local fishers over a period of time (ie two years) to ensure that a suitable solution is found for all involved.
It is estimated that 6-7% of commercial fishermen may be effected, these commercial fishermen must be taken care of with regards to fair and adequate compensation, retraining and supportive services to enable them to diversify smoothly.
Anne Goddard, Greens candidate for Flynn
Media contact: flynn@qld.greens.org.au