9 October 2002
MEDIA RELEASE
TFIC supports release of Seal Strategy
The Tasmanian Fishing Industry Council fully supports the release of the Seal/Fishery Interaction Management Strategy by the Minister for Primary Industries, Water and Environment Hon. Bryan Green in Hobart today.
The Chief Executive of TFIC Bob Lister said "TFIC representatives participated in the Marine and Marine Industries Council study of this difficult issue and generally support the findings and future management strategies.
Interactions with seals are currently estimated to cost the Tasmanian aquaculture industry in excess of $12m. per annum and commercial fishermen over $0.8m each year.
Seals are a protected species but the adverse impact on our commercial operations is increasing and is of considerable concern.
The current generation of seals around Tasmania have little fear of man and in fact are attracted to fishing and aquaculture activities as an easy food source" Mr Lister said.
"Being inquisitive by nature they do interact with humans and as seal numbers increase so do the instances of concern as highlighted in the Management Strategy.
Positive management protocols are necessary for dealing with the increasing number of seals as are deterrent options aimed at minimising interactions and possible injury to humans.
Incidentally, we are talking about very large and aggressive seals sometimes over 200 kgs in weight in their own marine environment, many of which carry a strain of tuberculosis" Mr Lister said.
TFIC representatives will be participating in the agreed program to consider appropriate protocols and standards for dealing with seal interaction and in the trialling of approved mitigation measures.
Bob Lister can be contacted on 0408 146 960