`Have Your Say’ consultation is now open for the discussion paper on measures to prevent the importation of seafood from fisheries involving illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing practices.

Assistant Secretary of Fisheries Branch, Mr George Day said Australia is committed to combating IUU fishing through direct domestic action and international collaboration.

“IUU fishing contributes to global overfishing, undermines sustainable management of fish stocks, threatens marine ecosystems, and puts food security and regional stability at risk,” Mr Day said.

“While Australia adheres to several multilateral catch documentation schemes, concerns have been raised that Australia does not have a national import control scheme to prevent IUU imports entering the country.

“To take appropriate action, we need to better understand Australia’s vulnerability to IUU fishing imports, identify risks, and explore options for corrective actions if necessary.

“In assessing the case for additional market-based measures, the department will consider the views of consumers, industry, fishers, governments, and non-government organisations, aided by the ‘Have Your Say’ consultation.

“Your submission will inform a draft report that will be released later this year. We will seek further public feedback on the draft report before releasing a final report in early 2024.”

Stakeholders can provide submissions or complete a survey via https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/iuu-seafood-imports.

Consultation on the discussion paper will open on 24 April 2023 and close at 5:00pm (AEDT) on 23 June 2023.

The Australian Government is considering a framework that addresses the importation of seafood from fisheries that might involve illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing practices.