MEDIA RELEASE: LABOR TO INVEST IN RESEARCH FOR TASMANIA’S OCEAN HEALTH

THE HON TONY BURKE MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CITIZENSHIP AND MULTICULTURAL AUSTRALIA
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
MEMBER FOR WATSON
 
JUSTINE KEAY
FEDERAL MP FOR BRADDON

Tony Burke and Justine Keay have today announced a Shorten Labor Government will provide a research grant of $750,000 for research in to the health of Tasmania’s oceans as part of Labor’s support for fishers and healthy oceans in Tasmania.

Continuing Tasmania’s role as one of Australia’s leading marine research hotspots, the research will be based in Tasmania and build on the work of the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Sciences at the University of Tasmania.

The proposal would see researchers meet with key stakeholders including commercial and recreational fishers, and community groups and leaders to identify priority research topics and issues of concern. The final report will be made public.

“Our oceans are home to world class recreational fishing which generations of Tasmanians have grown up enjoying and attracts visitors from interstate and overseas, Ms Keay said.
“They also support a sustainable high value commercial fishery that relies upon contemporary science to underpin their operations.

“Labor knows how important this is to our state but the Liberals have failed to provide sufficient studies to give our community the confidence they deserve their oceans are being managed sustainably for future generations to enjoy.

“That’s why a Shorten Labor Government will deliver $750,000 for a study to provide scientific basis from which the Australian Government develop policy regarding the ongoing sustainability of the marine environment around Tasmania,” Ms Keay said. 

Mr Burke said the research will develop an Ocean Health Scorecard for the waters and coastline around Tasmania. 

“The Scorecard will be used to make recommendations for the ongoing sustainability of Tasmania’s fisheries, recreational fishing sector and marine environment, Mr Burke said.
“The Scorecard team will review existing research and undertake new projects to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of Tasmanian waters.

“This will provide a reference point so that decisions affecting the future of Tasmania’s marine environment can be informed by contemporary scientific evidence and truly engage the community in decision making,” Mr Burke said.

Labor is committed to an informed, best practice oceans policy.  This research will provide certainty for industry and recreational fishers, as well as guarantee the environmental protection of Tasmania’s waters and marine life.

THURSDAY, 19 JULY 2018