Gippsland Fishery Cast for International Markets

20 September 2017

Commercial fishers at Corner Inlet can now export their rock flathead, King George whiting, calamari and southern sea garfish to global markets.

Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing today announced that the Corner Inlet fishery has been approved under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 to export its seafood products.

Ms Shing applauds the work of local fishermen who are maximising the value of Victoria's fisheries.

Corner Inlet is a small artisanal fishery which operates to the north of Wilsons Promontory.

Corner Inlet commercial fishers, some of whose families have been fishing for generations. The Victorian Bays and Inlets Fisheries Association Environmental Management System, to which many of these fishers are signatories, commits them to operating at an even higher environmental standard than what is required by the fisheries regulations.

The Commonwealth Government determined that the fishery meets its requirements for export approval. The decision was underpinned by a comprehensive fishery assessment by Victorian Fisheries Authority scientists who regularly assess Victoria's fish stocks. 

Victoria's commercial fishing industry contributes an estimated $60 million annually to the State's economy and supports coastal and regional communities.

More information is available at https://vfa.vic.gov.au/commercial-fishing/export-approval-epbc-act.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing

"Gippsland fish will be on the menu at more restaurants around the world - a great achievement for a small fishery and a fantastic opportunity for Gippslanders to shine." 

Quotes attributable to Victorian Fisheries Authority Chief Executive Officer Travis Dowling:

"The Victorian seafood industry provides high quality, fresh fish and seafood to Victorian, Australian and international markets and is an important contributor to regional economies."

"This government is committed to building strong and economically resilient commercial fisheries that continually seek to grow seafood production for all to enjoy."

Quotes attributable to Seafood Industry Victoria Executive Director Johnathon Davey:

"This is a fantastic opportunity for industry to access global markets for the wonderful, fresh and desired species of this amazing fishery."

"Industry express thanks to the Government for supporting this initiative, which gives the Corner Inlet fishers an opportunity to grow their markets based on a long-term sustainable commercial fishery."