Labor’s Marine Parks Network Threatens Seafood Industry

Here in Gladstone we have a special appreciation for the health of the coastline along which our communities have been built. We also understand the need to protect and manage our oceans in a manner that allows a healthy balance between commercial and recreational fishers and environmental sustainability. The current Federal Government however, clearly doesn’t get it.

Australia currently imports over 70% of its seafood, around 200,000 tonnes a year. It is estimated that this figure will have to increase by 650,000 tonnes to 2020 to meet growing needs. Labor’s Marine Parks Network threatens Australia’s seafood industry and puts pressure on our neighbours’ resources. Their lock-up zones have not been based on credible, peer-reviewed science.

Our fishing industry is among the most sustainable and efficient in the world. By locking up these waterways, the Labor Government is forcing Australia to become reliant on imports from countries that do not look after their marine resources the way we do. They are pushing the commercial fishing industry into the welfare line.

The Coalition has a strong track record in protecting Australia’s marine environment and is committed to restoring balance. A future Coalition government will appoint a science-based panel to review all boundaries in all zones.