The Federal Government has announced the appointment of a new expert panel tasked with assessing the environmental impacts of super trawlers on marine ecosystems.

Chaired by Mary Lack, the four-member panel includes:

  • Professor Peter Harrison
  • Associate Professor Simon Goldsworthy
  • Dr Cathy Bulman

Federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke, said the panel will carry out an extensive assessment of the environmental impacts of large mid-water trawl freezer vessels in the Small Plagic Fishery under national environment law.

"The expert panel will assess the declared commercial fishing activity to determine if the proposed fishing activity would adversely impact the Australian environment,” Mr Burke said.

The formation of the panel comes months after the Federal Government hastily legislated against allowing super trawlers to operate in Australian waters.

The report from the expert panel must be presented to the Minister by 22 October 2014, at which time a decision will be made as to the future of this kind of fishing activity.

The full terms of reference for the panel are available athttp://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/fisheries/commonwealth/pelagics