Australian fishery woes

Press, 28 May 1981, Page 16

Australian fishery woes

The Australian fishing industry is in trouble and imports of fish from New Zealand are getting some of the blame. As well as competition from imports, Australian fishermen blame rising fuel costs and disappointing catches. When Australia declared a 200-mile fishing zone several nations sought agreements to fish there. Most have since lost interest and Australia has agreements only with Japan and Taiwan-

Few joint fishing ventures' remain round the Australian coast. Most of the larger vessels brought, in to test outer fishing grounds have' been withdrawn after disappointing catches. ' . '■

At one point, nearly 70 loieign fishing boats were seeking squid in Bass Strait between Victoria and Tasmania. A new squid season star in the strait in October and so far no foreign boats are interested. According to the “Australian Financial Review” the high quality fresh fish market in Australia is under pressure from New Zealand imports. The market for processed fish is also being heavily supplied from such countries as New Zealand and South Africa. Two new plants making fish fingers have been established — in New South Wales and South Australia — and both are using large quantities of im-

ported fish because local fish is too expensive. Fishermen who have invested heavily in new boats .are seeking greater tariff protection and other restrictions against imports, according to the “Financial Review.” Australians say the brief activities of foreign fishing boats round their country’s coast have at least proved one point — that Australia cannot expect a fishing bonanza. The sea round Australia is not rich in nutrients; no major' current such . as the Gulf Stream enriches the water and attracts fish. Australia’s coastal, waters are too warm, and ; the continental shelf too nar- | row to support big eOncentrat tions of marketable fish.