9 November
2006 - The Orange Roughy fish species will be
added to the threatened species list under Australian
environment law, the Australian Minister for the
Environment and Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell,
announced today.
“Orange Roughy is the first
commercially harvested fish to be listed under
the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
Act 1999,” Senator Campbell said.
Orange Roughy will be listed
as conservation dependent, and will be managed
subject to a conservation programme to be implemented
by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority
(AFMA).
“Scientific advice to me indicated
that Orange Roughy is under considerable pressure
and protection under environment law is needed
if the species is to have any chance of long-term
survival,” Senator Campbell said.
The conservation programme will
protect Orange Roughy from over-fishing, in part
by prohibiting targeted fishing in fishing zones.
Catch limits at the Cascade
Plateau will be set at levels that will conserve
the species – AFMA has already announced a reduction
in the zone’s 2007 total allowable Orange Roughy
catch.
“My decision to add the Orange
Roughy to the threatened species list follows
careful consideration of the scientific information,
as well as extensive consultation with experts
and the public,” Senator Campbell said.
Orange Roughy are found in south-eastern
and south-western Australia, the Great Australian
Bight and around Tasmania, and have been one of
the primary species caught in Australia’s south-east
fisheries since the late 1980s. It can live to
well over 100 years, and reach maturity at between
20 and 30 years of age. Unlike many fish species,
its reproduction rate is low.
“My decision reflects the Australian
Government’s commitment to biodiversity conservation
and sustainable use of our natural resources,”
Senator Campbell said.
Further information about the
listing of the Orange Roughy under the EPBC Act
will be available online at: www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/index.html
Rob Broadfield
