The Federal Government has announced a two year ban on all large mid-water trawl freezer vessels from operating in the Small Pelagic Fishery.

 

Federal Minister for the Environment, Tony Burke, said the move to ban super trawlers and freezers came about following the growing uncertainty about their environmental impacts on the fishery.

 

"In September the Australian Government made changes to national environment law which allow me to stop new types of commercial fishing activities in Commonwealth waters when there is uncertainty about their environmental impacts," Mr Burke said.

 

"Under the law I made an interim declaration on 20 September 2012 prohibiting this commercial fishing activity for 60 days.

 

"During this time I invited and considered written submissions from fishing businesses that would be impacted if I was to make a final declaration prohibiting their activity for up to two years.

 

"After considering the matters raised in the submissions, I am of the view that there is uncertainty about the environmental impacts of this type of fishing operation and it is appropriate to prohibit it while it is assessed by an expert panel.