-.tmb-author.png?sfvrsn=8ffd941a_1 "The Great Australian Bight Industry Association (GABIA)")
The Great Australian Bight Industry Association (GABIA) is proud to announce recognition of the Great Australian Bight Trawl Fishery by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as being a producer of certified sustainable seafood to the highest international standard.
Jim Raptis, President of GABIA, said: “The recognition of our Deepwater flathead, Bight redfish, and Gummy shark as being sustainably fished against the MSC standard, by the assessment body MRAG Americas, is a strong recognition of the efforts put into sustainable fishery management and practices by the industry and the Commonwealth Government, through the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA).”
Anne Gabriel presenting Jim Raptis with the MSC certification from MRAG Americas.
“The Great Australian Bight Trawl Fishery operates in some of the most remote and inhospitable waters around the Australian mainland producing around 600 to 800 tonnes of certified product. While only a small industry, our certified products are recognised nationally. They feature on the menu of many restaurants and are strongly sought after by consumers looking for a great fish at a competitive price to cook at home“
“I express my thanks to the Australian Government for its funding support through the Our Marine Parks Grants Program for the assessment. Producing seafood at a high standard of sustainability given the high degree of marine conservation within the Great Australian Bight (GAB), underpins the industry’s desire to continue to act responsibility in managing its catch and by-catch, while not having adverse impacts on the marine environment”.
“We acknowledge the AFMA Commission and staff for their commitment to a strong and supportive fisheries management approach that provides industry with confidence in a system of monitoring and assessment to underpin the long-term sustainability of the GAB’s fishery’s resources. In particular, the species certified to the MSC Standard and the recognition of the effective management of a range of secondary species taken with the certified fish. This is underpinned by the co-management approach taken involving the industry and other interested parties in the process of monitoring and management through the Great Australian Bight Management Advisory Committee and its Research Advisory Group”
“As demand for fresh Australian seafood grows, we look forward to providing exceptional products to seafood consumers and the potential for further growth in the production of sustainable seafood from the GAB."
