WE FISH press release 28th August Super tralwer

“WE FISH”

Press release

28^TH August 2012

For immediate release

Victorian Anglers Banding Together to protest against the Super Trawler Margiris

With the imminent arrival of the Super trawler FV Margiris into Australian waters to fish for 18000tonnes of Jack Mackerel Redbait and Blue Mackerel (and an option of another 18000 Tonnes) Victorian anglers  like other Anglers from all over Australia have drawn an line in the sand and are taking a firm Stance against this Trawler, AFMA. DAFF and Senator Joe Ludwig’s support of this Vessel.

The Science, Backroom Deals regarding the Quota and lobbying for this Trawler by AFMA just don’t stack up Said Dale McClelland, WE Fish spokesman

Victorian and Australian anglers have been dealt So many issues in the last 2 years by This Government such as marine parks, Mako Bans, pressure on specific species, and the like on based on out-dated and dodgy Science and we have had enough.

A show of Strength will occur this Saturday (September 1^st)  when a procession of boats From both the east and West of the state will merge on the West Gate Bridge in and then proceed back to Altona Ramp where a rally will be held to voice concerns over the Trawler and the process involved in bringing it to Australian shores

Boats will leave Launching Way in Patterson Lakes at 10 am and Altona at 10.30 am and merge together on the Westgate Bridge to form a line of some 200 boats showing recreational fishermen’s solidarity on this issue

We Fish and Victorian anglers believe this ship should be banned from fishing in Australian waters and registered as an Australian ship on the following 3 grounds 

ENVIRONMENTAL

- Victorian anglers do not believe the Margiris employs sustainable fishing practices
- Victorian anglers believe that the Margiris is threatening to the entire food chain by its impact on bait (food) species. We believe that its method will result in adverse effects to all marine life right up to top end species including whales, seals, sharks, dolphins, tuna and marlin. We hold great concerns over other effects on marine reliant species such as penguins, seabirds etc.

MORAL

- Victorian Anglers do not believe in harvesting and selling precious Australian resources cheaply to overseas markets.
- Victorian anglers do not believe that employing imported ships with foreign labour should be allowed to fish in our waters whilst our own professional fleet is diminished.

ECONOMIC

- Victorian anglers do not believe that employing the Margiris provides any positive economic value for Australians.
- Victorian anglers believe that there will be a negative economic result through the impact on marine life and its various reliant economies i.e. Professional and Recreational Fishing, tourism etc
- Victorian anglers do not trust the science supporting the proposal. The science has been primarily funded by the proponents, and history has shown clearly that marine science has got it wrong. i.e. School shark, gemfish, coastal prawn, orange roughy etc.

WE URGE ALL VICTORIAN ANGLERS TO SHOW THEIR SUPPOT BY JOINING THE RALLY

Media Contact:

Dale McClelland

0400 902 492