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The Associations believe that there is a need
to do this work, and that it has the potential to provide benefits
to industry - including through better-informed decision making,
by providing a tool to respond to upcoming environmental
legislation, and by providing the means to increase public awareness
of industry's role in 'ecologically sustainable' planning - including
the development of the fishing vessel camera
system.
The Associations share concerns
about how the information will eventually be used, but are confident
about the way the project has been developed - with their inputs
into the projects methods,
details spelt out in an agreement,
and continued involvement in the project - including through its
Steering Committee.
From the SETFIA President, Terry Moran
 "The
South East Trawl Fishery is one of Australia's oldest fisheries,
having been in existence for over 100 years off the coast of NSW
and eastern Victoria. During this time trawler operators have faced
many challenges in continuing to provide fresh fish to Australian
consumers. The majority of fresh fish on the Sydney and Melbourne
fish markets is provided from the SETF. However, at the present
time, operators are facing more challenges than ever before. SETFIA
members are working with managers, researchers and conservationists
to address these challenges and are confident that the end result
will be very positive for the industry."
"In my travels around the fishery, it has become apparent
that trawl operators are becoming proactive in addressing the many
issues facing us. SETFIA works with researchers and managers to
ensure the sustainability of its fishery resources and the conservation
of biodiversity in the south-east region. The SEF mapping project
is a good example of cooperative research between SETFIA and CSIRO.
With the strong leadership that has been demonstrated by Directors
and underpinned by supportive industry members, we have the greatest
opportunity to show we are an environmentally responsible industry
that can withstand any community scrutiny."
 For
further information on SETFIA or other SETFIA projects contact the
Executive Officer, Gail Richey on: Tel: (03) 6428 7766; Fax: (03)
6428 7755;
email: trawline@tassie.net.au
From the SENTA President, Wayne Baker
 The
non-trawl sector of the South East Fishery is an old established
industry, having started with hook-and-line fishing off Tasmania
in the 1930's. Today SENTA represents a diverse industry using
drop-lines, long-lines, traps and mesh-nets targeting a small range
of quality fish - mostly blue-eye trevalla, ling and warehous -
for the domestic markets of SE Australia.
Our Association also has a history of working with scientists,
managers and conservationists, and shares the views of the trawl
sector that this is necessary in working towards a sustainable fishery.
Being environmentally responsible is a key part of modern fishing.
Our association has been supportive of the CSIRO mapping project
since it was originally proposed. Maps of fishing grounds
will be important to understand and deal with fishery issues such
as gear interactions, and conservation issues such as where to put
marine parks. We don't want these decisions to be made without
taking industry's knowledge into account.
 For
futher information on SENTA or other SENTA projects contact the
Executive Officer, Charlie Farquar on: Tel/Fax: (03) 6266 4137.
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