OUTER HARBOUR — COCKBURN SOUND
271. Dr D.J. HONEY to the Minister for Fisheries:
I have a supplementary question. As
the Minister for Fisheries, will the minister stand up for the recreational and
commercial fishing industries and oppose the proposed outer harbour and the 400
hectares of seagrass clearing?
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER: Order, please!
Mr D.T.
PUNCH replied:
What
a silly question! The decision-making around fisheries in this state is based
on some of the world's best research and applied research undertaken by
the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Those people work
professionally and very hard to provide the best advice to get the best balance
for both recreational and commercial fishers. That is why we have 95 per cent
coverage from the Marine Stewardship Council for the quality of our commercial
fisheries. That is why we are the most sustainable in the world, according to
the oceanographic institute. We are doing amazing work in that space and we
will continue, in all our endeavours, to rely on good research and good science
to help inform decision-making.