Seal of approval for WA's deep sea crab fishers

Thursday, 21 July 2016

• Special recognition for Western Australia's commercial deep sea crab fishery
• Marine Stewardship Council 'eco-tick' for fishery's management 

Fisheries Minister Joe Francis today congratulated the State's commercial deep sea crab fishers for securing sustainability certification for the Australian west coast deep sea crab fishery.

"It's a fantastic achievement to be recognised through the highest benchmark for ecologically sustainable fishing - Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification," Mr Francis said.

The fishery operates from Carnarvon to Bremer Bay and currently has an annual harvest quota of 140 tonnes.  Fishing occurs in waters 500-800 metres deep using pots. 

The majority of the catch is sent to Asian markets, with exports to China accounting for about 30 per cent of sales.

The Minister said the MSC independent certification would further enhance the deep sea crab fishery's reputation as a quality, sustainable, seafood provider.

"The MSC sustainable fisheries standard is internationally recognised as the most prestigious fisheries environmental accreditation," he said.

"The MSC certification, which was funded as part of a $14.5 million third party certification program, is another example of the Liberal National Government's commitment to providing better fishing opportunities for West Australians."

Mr Francis thanked the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council and other parties who took part in the MSC's public consultation process for the deep sea crab fishery.  The full assessment took about 18 months.

Fact File

• In 2013, the beach value of WA's deep sea crab fishery was $2.3 million
• Five WA fisheries are now MSC certified; WA rock lobster, Exmouth Gulf prawn trawl, Shark Bay prawn trawl, Peel Harvey Estuary blue swimmer crab and sea mullet, and Australian west coast deep sea crab