The Western Australian and Northern Territory governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding designed to ensure better management and co-operation of the pearling industry.
The Western Australian and Northern Territory governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding designed to ensure better management and co-operation of the pearling industry.
Also, the WA Department of Fisheries has released a draft discussion paper on aquaculture lease processes.
The MOU is based on a combined agreement between WA and the NT and agrees that South Sea pearl production be managed on a whole-of-industry basis in order to maintain the integrity of the industry and its value to the community.
At a joint signing with the Northern Territory Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries Kon Vatskalis, WA counterpart, Fisheries Minister, Jon Ford said that the MOU would see the state and Territory working together to develop more consistent standards and policies to deal with management, compliance and industry development.
Mr Ford said there were potential synergies and efficiencies in compliance arrangements across both WA and NT.
"Consistent translocation and fish health protocols are critical to the management of both pearl oyster health and production throughout the WA and NT," Mr Ford said.
"The MOU will help to ensure that the collection and interpretation of industry information relating to the South Sea pearl market is more reliable and will be integral to any future quota management system."
Pearl Producers Association executive officer Brett McCallum said a consistent policy position across both governments would ensure production was carefully managed to meet world demand.
"This policy approach ensures confidence in the future and provides a strong incentive for industry investment in pearl quality through technological and husbandry improvements," Mr McCallum said.
Meanwhile the Department of Fisheries has released a draft discussion paper, which proposes recommendations to better guide the aquaculture lease process for lease applications, renewals and variations.
"This document holds important implications for the management of aquaculture in WA and I urge industry members and interested people in the community to read the draft and provide their feedback," Mr Ford said.
People have until June 27 to comment on the paper and the document can be accessed online from the Department of Fisheries website at http://www.fish.wa.gov.au
THE FULL MEDIA RELEASES ON THE PEARL INDUSTRY MOU & THE FUTURE OF WA's AQUACULTURE INDUSTRY APPEAR BELOW.
Future of pearling industry strengthened through joint State and Territory agreement
Fisheries Minister Jon Ford today heralded the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Western Australia and the Northern Territory as an important tool to ensure better management and co-operation of the pearling industry.
At the joint signing in Perth today with the Northern Territory Minister for Primary Industry and Fisheries Kon Vatskalis, Mr Ford said the MOU would see the State and Territory working together to develop more consistent standards and policies to deal with management, compliance and industry development.
The MOU is based on a combined agreement between WA and the NT and agrees that South Sea pearl production be managed on a whole-of-industry basis in order to maintain the integrity of the industry and its value to the community.
Mr Ford said there were potential synergies and efficiencies in compliance arrangements across both WA and NT.
"Consistent translocation and fish health protocols are critical to the management of both pearl oyster health and production throughout the WA and NT," the Minister said.
"The MOU will help to ensure that the collection and interpretation of industry information relating to the South Sea pearl market is more reliable and will be integral to any future quota management system."
Mr Vatskalis said the industries are closely linked with similar legislation, and many pearling companies farm in both jurisdictions.
"Developing a collaborative approach to manage the industry will ensure the needs of pearlers in both jurisdictions are met," he said.
"Joint management of the industry will financially benefit pearling companies and this is good news for a range of other sectors that provide indirect support."
Executive officer of the Pearl Producers Association Brett McCallum said a consistent policy position across both Governments would ensure production was carefully managed to meet world demand.
"This policy approach ensures confidence in the future and provides a strong incentive for industry investment in pearl quality through technological and husbandry improvements," Mr McCallum said.
The MOU was developed in consultation with members of the Northern Territory and West Australian Pearling Industry Advisory Committees and will be subject to a review in 10 years.
Public input sought on future of aquaculture development.
Fisheries Minister Jon Ford today urged the public to comment on a major report into the development of aquaculture in Western Australia.
Mr Ford said the report had important implications for the expansion of aquaculture in WA.
The Department of Fisheries has released a draft discussion paper - Fisheries Management Paper 215 draft policy on the granting, renewal and regulation of aquaculture leases in Western Australia - which proposes a series of recommendations to better guide the aquaculture lease process, for lease applications, renewals and variations.
"Management measures need to be developed to ensure continuing environmental sustainability within the aquaculture sector, as well as providing the maximum economic benefit to industry and the community," the Minister said.
"This document holds important implications for the management of aquaculture in WA and I urge industry members and interested people in the community to read the draft and provide their feedback."
People have until June 27 to comment Fisheries Management Paper No. 215 and the document and associated information can be accessed online from the Department of Fisheries website at http://www.fish.wa.gov.au
