The National Strategy to Address Interactions Between Humans and Seals: Fisheries, Aquaculture and Tourism
Australian sea lions, Neophoca cinera
(© Brad Page - SARDI Aquatic Sciences)
In 2003, the Marine and Coastal Committee of the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council (NRMMC) established an inter-government working group, the National Seal Strategy Group (NSSG), to initiate a coordinated national approach to managing human-seal interactions.
In consultation with relevant stakeholders, the National Seal Strategy Group developed the National Strategy to Address Interactions between Humans and Seals: Fisheries, Aquaculture and Tourism 
PDF [1.5mb] (National Seal Strategy). The National Seal Strategy aims to assist the commercial fishing, aquaculture and tourism sectors to understand legislation protecting seals in Australian waters, and guide industry efforts to reduce any adverse impacts on seals while maintaining the economic and ecological sustainability of those industries.
A comprehensive scientific background document, the National Assessment of Interactions between Humans and Seals: Fisheries, Aquaculture and Tourism PDF [5mb] provides the science to support the strategy.
A summary document Managing Interactions between Humans and Seals PDF [751kb] is available for stakeholders who wish to quickly understand the science behind this National Strategy as a basis for decision-making.
In July 2007, the National Seal Strategy Implementation Group (NSSIG) 
Word [24kb] was formed to carry out the Strategy. Terms of Reference Word [36kb] for the group were developed at the inaugural meeting of the NSSIG on July 2007 in Melbourne.
