20th Annual CCSBT meeting in Adelaide a Success

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Brian Jeffriess explains implications of quota increases to ABC Rural News.
Australia’s Southern Bluefin Tuna quota has been increased for the next four years.

The International Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna met this week to decide on the new quota.

Globally, the quota will rise to nearly 12,500 tonnes, up from 10,949 in 2013.

The 2014 quota for Australia will be just over 5,000 tonnes, an increase of 500 tonnes over last year.

CEO of the Australian Tuna Association, Brian Jeffriess, says it’s an exciting time for the industry.

 

Foreign Opportunities in Agribusiness

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Positive increases in Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) stocks and likely quota increases allow foreign entities looking to invest in the fishery to do so with confidence. Such investment may facilitate industry access to new overseas markets and reduce dependence on the Japanese market. Foreign investment in the Australian seafood industry has occurred recently, likely due to an increased understanding of our quota management system. Securing free-trade agreements with countries such as China and Korea will give Australian primary industries a foundation to see through difficult market conditions in the future, remain internationally competitive and diversify export markets.

A breakfast is being held in Adelaide on 31 October 2013, where presentations will be given on recent South Australian Government activity in China.

For more information, or to register to attend visit South Australia China Strategy.

 

Welcome to Our New Home on the Web

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Welcome to the ASBTIA website. This website has been launched with the purpose of keeping industry, stakeholders and the general public up-to-date with the latest information, developments and research in the Southern Bluefin Tuna industry.

The industry’s long term commitment to ecologically sustainable fishery and aquaculture practices is something to be proud of.

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Some major opportunities and challenges facing the industry include:

Long-term quota level and stability

Australia’s quota bottomed out at 4,015 tonnes pa in the 2 years ending 2010/11, then increased to 4,528 tonnes in 2011/12, and 4,698 tonnes in 2012/13.

These quota increases are based on the results of the CCSBT scientific model – the Management Procedure (MP) – see www.ccsbt.org.

The CCSBT will next meet (in Adelaide) 14-17 October, 2013 to confirm the quota for 2013/14, tentatively set at 5,147 tonnes. That CCSBT meeting will also set the quota for the 3 years starting 2014/15. It is possible the Australian quota could be set at 5,665 tonnes – the limit allowed for Australia.

The CCSBT will then, in late 2016, set the quota for the 3 years starting 2017/18.

This is the type of longer-term stability the industry needs to make the investments required to remain internationally competitive.

Diversifying markets

Australia is very dependent on an uncertain Japanese market, and on a relatively weak Yen. Real progress has been made in 2013 in developing other markets in Korea and China. However, the next step required is for Australia to finalise Free Trade Agreements (FTA’s) with Korea, China and Japan. It is not only the tariffs in China (10%), Korea (22%) and Japan (3.5%), the other issues are:

– Countries competing with Australia have FTA’s with these key markets – for example, the US with Korea, Mexico and Chile with Japan, and NZ with China

– FTA’s facilitate access through difficult Customs procedures in some countries.

Ensuring long-term feed supplies

The Australian tuna ranching industry has access to a large part of its feed requirements from high quality local sardines. Some imported feed is also required, and global supplies are increasingly costly.

Positive relationships

Maintaining a positive relationship with the SBT fishery regulator (AFMA), the aquaculture regulator (PIRSA), and with the scientific community.. The relationship needs to robust but recognise one another’s responsibilities. The industry and the fishery have been through tough times – now the sun is rising for both, the message is to continue to be precautionary and to think long term.

Kind Regards,
Brian Jeffriess
ASBTIA Executive Officer

What can you expect to find on our new website?

www.asbtia.com.au is a hub of user-friendly reliable information, available to the global community.

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