The Victorian Commercial Fishing Statement of Intent
The opportunity for all Victorians to enjoy the benefits of consuming local seafood depends on the success of our commercial fishing industry. Victoria produces some of the worlds best sustainable seafood, including southern rock lobster, giant crab, King George whiting, calamari, abalone and snapper.
The Victorian commercial fishing industry has a bright future, although there are some major challenges ahead. This includes adapting to the emerging effects of climate change, competition with imported products, energy costs, exotic pests and diseases, changing market preferences for seafood, and sharing access with other resource users.
Fisheries Victoria and Seafood Industry Victoria have worked with the commercial fishing industry to identify priority areas for action so that the local seafood industry can prosper into the future. This work informed the development of the 'Victorian Commercial Fishing Statement of Intent' (the Statement).
The Statement highlights the Victorian Governments commitment to a secure, long-term commercial fishing industry in Victoria, encouraging a cooperative partnership. It sets out high priority actions to be progressed by the Victorian commercial fishing industry and the Victorian Government over the next two to three years, working with other groups with an interest in our wild harvest fisheries.
Some of these actions will contribute to the longer term initiative to review the policy and legislative framework governing access to Victorias fisheries resources.
Fisheries Victoria and Seafood Industry Victoria will report on progress made towards implementing the actions listed in the Statement each year on their websites. The actions will be progressively reviewed and refined based on practical experience, and allowing flexibility to be responsive to emerging priorities over time.
