MANDURAH Licensed Fisherman’s Association and Recfishwest have secured the highest benchmark for ecological sustainable fishing for the Peel-Harvey Estuary’s blue swimmer crab fishery.
Fisheries Minister Joe Francis was in Mandurah todayto announced third party sustainability certification, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.
Mr Francis said it was great to see the commercial and recreational sectors working together.
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“This MSC certification is an eco-tick of approval.
“It confirms Mandurah’s prized blue swimmer crab fishery – which is shared by recreational and commercial fishers – is well managed and sustainable.”
The certification was funded as part of a $14.5 million third party certification program.
“The joint effort by the commercial and recreational sectors to gain MSC certification is recognition of the sustainability of the fishery and its social and economic importance to people in the Peel region,” he said.
Mr Francis thanked community members and groups who took part in the MSC’s public consultation process for the blue swimmer crab fishery to ensure a rigorous outcome that took account of important environmental considerations.
“Recreational and commercial fishers and other stakeholders all need the confidence that sustainability provides,” he said.
Mr Francis said Peel-Harvey Estuary’s sea mullet fishery had also been awarded an eco-tick – the first finfish fishery in WA to receive MSC certification.