There are fears that move to ban the commercial fishing of longtail tuna or Thunnus Tonggol could devastate small operators in Western Australia.
Federal Fisheries Minister Ian Macdonald says if the Coalition is returned to power, the commercial fishing of Tongol tuna will be banned. He says the species is of little commercial value but is prized by recreational anglers as a sport fish.
But Tuna West, representing license holders in the Indian Ocean, says the decision shows little regard for the industry.
Executive officer Geoff Diver says smaller, family owned operators will suffer the most. “The potential impact is to deprive the commercial industry of a $20 million section of our fishery,†he said.
Tuna West is urging the minister to consult the commercial industry on any planned changes.