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Fisheries and the Environment
The effects of fishing on non-target species and more broadly on the marine environment are increasingly part of routine fisheries management.
Major issues include:
- the effect of catches of non-target species on their populations
- the impacts of fishing methods on benthic habitats, and
- the overall impact of fishing on the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems.
Fisheries resources are also being threatened by activities other than commercial fishing, such as the loss of inshore nursery habitats and pollution from land-based activities.
A number of strategic responses to protect the marine environment have been initiated since 1998, including initiatives to minimise negative impacts from fishing. Major initiatives were the commencement of strategic assessments of Commonwealth fisheries under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and development of Bycatch Action Plans for Commonwealth fisheries.
Last reviewed: 28 Mar 2007
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