Funding for sustainable fisheries

OceanWatch has been recognised by the government as a natural resource management (NRM) organisation.

As a result, OceanWatch will receive $439,836 as part of the National Landcare Program to promote best-practice harvest practices and help increase long-term returns for Australian fishers, including work to enhance fish habitats and improve water quality in estuaries and coastal marine environments.

“This funding will help OceanWatch transition into its new role and allow it to continue to work with industry and recreational fishers to improve sustainability - both environmentally and economically,” said Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce.

“By continuing to expand its environment and marine programs, OceanWatch is building unique partnerships between communities and businesses which further promotes the adoption of world-best industry practices.”

“I envisage OceanWatch as the marine counterpart to the Landcare movement, inspiring new attitudes and behavioural change in fishing communities, as Landcare has in farming communities,” added Parliamentary Secretary Senator Richard Colbeck.

“The fisheries sector is a vital component of Australian food production. Having an NRM organisation dedicated to the marine environment will ensure our fisheries sector can continue to supply high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood now and into the future.”

“Fishers are in the business of food production and, like farmers, are stewards of our natural resources. As we all know, seafood is an important part of a balanced healthy diet, and demand for seafood is rising,” said Brad Warren, executive chair of OceanWatch.

“The funding announced means we can continue to work with Australia’s seafood producers to promote world’s best practice, as well as raise the profile of the productivity value of healthy fish habitats for a sustainable seafood industry.”