The managers of Southern Bluefin Tuna in Australia all have Objectives in their legislation requiring them to manage fish stocks sustainably. In the case of the EPBC Act, there is almost continuous public review of internationally managed species such as SBT.
Southern Bluefin Tuna in Australia is a Sustainable Fishery
The most recent reviews under the EPBC Act have all found that Southern Bluefin Tuna is sustainably managed in Australia, as follows (see www.environment.gov.au):
- In October 2010, the Minister for Environment (SEWPaC) renewed the authorisation for Southern Bluefin Tuna to export under the Wildlife Trade Operation provisions of the EPBC Act. The renewal is for three years. To gain this approval, Southern Bluefin Tuna has to be sustainably managed in Australia under the stringent sustainability provisions in Section 303FR of the Act.
- In October 2010, the Minister for Environment (SEWPAC) listed Southern Bluefin Tuna as conservation dependent. This is for species which had been over-fished but are now being managed sustainably.
- In March 2009, the Minister for Environment (Minister Garrett) accredited the Australian SBT Management Plan as sustainably managing the Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery.
