THE Gillard government was last night poised to approve an eleventh-hour plan to prevent controversial super trawler Abel Tasman from taking huge fish hauls from Australian waters.
Cabinet was due to consider giving Environment Minister Tony Burke or Fisheries Minister Joe Ludwig powers to impose stricter conditions on boats that use "new fishing methods" to vastly increase their catch, after the super trawler indicated it would still fish around the east coast under the toughest conditions Mr Burke was able to impose under existing environmental law.
The move would pre-empt a Labor backbencher's private members bill aimed at stopping the factory ship, which looked likely to be supported by caucus today amid growing public concern.
"One way or the other the government wants to stop this," a senior source said.
Mr Burke had encouraged caucus to agitate against the super trawler, but Senator Ludwig has defended the Australian Fisheries Management Authority from attacks over its handling of approvals for the ship, on the basis that it had been doing its job properly within the limitations of the law.
The minority of caucus members who support the super trawler's activities say AFMA's scientific processes to set fishing quotas are sound and it sets a dangerous precedent for them to be overturned on the basis of lobbying by Greenpeace and GetUp!
The issue was further complicated over the weekend when former leader Kevin Rudd backed the private members bill proposed by West Australian backbencher Melissa Parke to stop the super trawler, originally named the Margiris but now renamed the Abel Tasman.
If new laws are not passed quickly the Abel Tasman is likely to be able to start fishing under its licence to take 18,000 tonnes of mainly mackerel and red bait fish. AFMA says that once it receives a "survey certificate" from Maritime Safety Queensland the trawler is now technically based in that state it is likely to grant final fishing approvals within 48 hours.
A week ago, Mr Burke imposed new rules aimed at limiting the bycatch of seals, dolphins and sea lions by the factory ship, conditions he suggested might make the trawler's operation unviable. But operator Seafish Tasmania said it would comply and proceed with its fishing plans.
"I've gone to the limit of what I can do under current law. Decisions on further steps will be considered soon," Mr Burke told Fairfax yesterday.
Environment and recreational fishing groups argue the trawler will overfish stocks with its 600-metre long net.
Ms Parke's bill proposes to amend the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and the Fisheries Management Act, although last night it remained an option that amendments would be needed to only one of them.
Seafish Tasmania argues that it is the size of the quota not the size of the boat that matters, and the quota will still be fished, whether by one large boat or several smaller ones. It says it has worked with Commonwealth officials for seven years and has met every rule, regulation and request and that rules should not be changed because of "emotive campaigning and trial by media".
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
What is the Abel Tasman super trawler and why is it causing public concern?
The Abel Tasman (formerly Margiris) is a large factory super trawler that can use a 600‑metre net and, under its licence, could take up to 18,000 tonnes of mainly mackerel and red bait fish. Recreational and environmental groups worry it will overfish stocks and create significant bycatch of seals, dolphins and sea lions.
What emergency steps did the government consider to stop the super trawler from fishing?
The Gillard government was poised to give Environment Minister Tony Burke or Fisheries Minister Joe Ludwig powers to impose stricter conditions on boats using new fishing methods, as an eleventh‑hour move to prevent the Abel Tasman from operating while a private member’s bill was being considered.
What does Melissa Parke’s private member’s bill propose regarding the super trawler?
Melissa Parke’s bill proposes amending the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and the Fisheries Management Act to stop the factory ship; the article noted it remained an option to amend just one of those laws instead of both.
What limits did Environment Minister Tony Burke already impose on the Abel Tasman?
Tony Burke imposed new rules aimed at limiting the trawler’s bycatch of seals, dolphins and sea lions, and said he had gone to the limit of what he could do under current environmental law while considering further steps.
What is Seafish Tasmania’s position on the controversy and the licence?
Operator Seafish Tasmania said it would comply with the new conditions and proceed with fishing, arguing the size of the quota — not the size of the boat — is what matters, and that it has met rules and worked with Commonwealth officials for seven years.
How quickly could AFMA grant final fishing approvals for the Abel Tasman?
AFMA said once it receives a 'survey certificate' from Maritime Safety Queensland — which technically bases the trawler in that state — it is likely to grant final fishing approvals within 48 hours.
What arguments do supporters of the trawler use to defend its activities?
A minority of caucus members and supporters argue AFMA’s scientific processes for setting fishing quotas are sound and warn that overturning approvals because of lobbying by groups like Greenpeace and GetUp! would set a dangerous precedent.
How are key political figures positioned on the super trawler issue?
Environment Minister Tony Burke encouraged caucus pressure against the trawler, Senator Joe Ludwig defended AFMA’s handling of approvals, and former leader Kevin Rudd backed Melissa Parke’s private member’s bill to stop the Abel Tasman.
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