Tuna Farmers Commit To Clean Up Beachesff

Source: Port Lincoln Times

Blaslov Fishing Group has committed to cleaning up their allocated beach at least four times a year under the newly announced Adopt a Beach program.

The Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) program, which was launched last month, is a voluntary commitment from local aquaculture companies and PIRSA to do regular beach clean ups to minimize the amount of aquaculture debris being washed up and staying there for long periods of time.

So far 14 aquaculture companies, including those from the southern bluefin tuna and mussel sectors, on Eyre Peninsula have committed to the clean ups.

The clean ups will cover 155 kilometers of coastline, which has been divided up into 13 sites.

Blaslov Fishing Group general manager Justin Nelligan said it was only fair the company participated in the beach clean up, as tuna fishers were clearly responsible for some of the debris that washed up on the beaches.

“We will actually try to do ours (clean ups) once a month,” Mr. Nelligan said.

“We recognize that the rubbish is ours and we are going to go and clean it up. People will take it in good faith that we will get it done.”

Mr. Nelligan said a lot of companies were aware of the debris issue.

“Especially with the big structures that wash up, you can’t expect people to go and drag them off the beach, it’s not their responsibility,” he said.

Sue Lawrie, who’s property is adjacent Bolingbroke Beach near Tumby Bay, said she was thankful Blaslov Fishing Group’s commitment to clean up beach debris.

“Blaslov Fishing contacted me within a few days of the Adopt A Beach program being announced by PIRSA,” she said.

“I have sat down with them and talked about my concerns and frustrations relating to marine debris. I hope that all the other companies take on the approach that Blaslov Fishing have. It is a positive step in the right direction.”