According to the fishermen any changes to the catching of seafood may lead to consumers having to rely on imports. Executive officer of the Professional Fishermen’s Association, John Harrison has appealed to the people to raise voice against the changes as it may harm the fishing industry badly.
He also told that the imported seafood would become the norm if the draft plan of changes was adopted. While the recommendations are expected to benefit recreational fishers and marine habitats, Harrison believes the latest draft plan for the marine park, announced earlier this week, will have ‘a fairly substantial impact’ on the Clarence ocean trawler fleet of 30, as well as around 15 trawlers based in the Coffs region.
He added that the Professional Fishermen’s Association was most concerned by the intention to ‘reduce the impact of commercial fishing activities through a total prohibition on prawn trawling within two years’. NSW government has recommended 80 percent of the park should continue to allow recreational fishing while providing for improved key habitats by increasing the area of sanctuary zone from 12 to 20 percent.
But Harrison said that Professional fishermen need to have flexibility, and any decrease in access will have an impact on their ability to catch product. Federal member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker has weighed in to the debate, saying the proposed changes will not only cost jobs but provide a boon to the seafood black market. He said that the local commercial fishing industry understandably feels threatened.
