Stop the Super trawler – human message

On Saturday August 25th, over 300 people joined in a ‘human message’ to alert the federal government to the fact that the Western Australia (WA) community doesn’t want a super trawler fishing in WA waters. The event was organised by passionate Fremantle locals Steve Andrews and Jamie Van Egmond with support from The Wilderness Society WA, Greenpeace and Sea Shepherd.

It was thought that earlier in the week, the Super Trawler - FV Margiris may have been calling into port, this spurred residents to take action and have their voices heard. Melissa Parke (Fremantle federal labour MP) was first to speak about the issues of local depletion of our oceans and has taken the fight to federal politicians, while Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettit supported her statements and supported the call to ban the vessel from our waters. Nathaniel Pelle spoke about how Green peace has been driving the campaign internationally to have these super trawlers band, with their nets that can hold 13 jumbo jets. Lastly, David Mackenzie of the Conservation Council remarked that we have never had a fishing vessel this size in Australia before thanked the locals of Freo for being so passionate and for making their voices heard on the big environmental battles of our time, this being one of them.

Meanwhile the Federal government are currently conferring over whether or not to accept the vessel and the ombudsman review the controversial quota that the FV Margiris (Super trawler) has been given of 18,000 tons of Jack Mackerel and redbait. The vessel is planned to fish across the southern waters of Australia after being kicked out of Europe by the European Union for overfishing.

The FV Margiris is due in Tasmania next week. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority said yesterday it had not yet received an application to register the Dutch trawler and the ship would need to be registered, reflagged and marked as Australian before it can start fishing in Australian waters. The trawler will also need to be licensed by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority before it can be used to fill the controversial quota. However, with a bill in the upper house of Parliament – the vessel may not be allowed into Australian waters by the beginning of September.

Take Action

Help us stop the super trawler! Email federal fisheries minister Senator Joe Ludwig (joe.ludwig@maff.gov.au) and environment minister Tony Burke (Tony.Burke.MP@aph.gov.au)

Dear Ministers Ludwig and Burke,

I am deeply concerned about the potential introduction of the 142-m trawler vessel, the Margiris, into the Australian fishing fleet. I want Australian fisheries to be managed in a precautionary, responsible and ecologically sustainable manner that does not impact on our unique and threatened marine life. Allowing the super trawler Margiris to operate in Australia targeting fish stocks that are a publicly owned resource is inconsistent with these principles. I am also concerned that the Australian Fisheries Management Authority has not adequately addressed the following issues:

1. Localised depletion of target fish: There is no strategy in place to ensure the vessel does not wipe out fish stocks in one area.
2. Ecosystem-related impacts: The target species are important feed fish for seabirds, seals, cetaceans and other fish of recreational, commercial and ecological value.
3. Impacts on threatened species: Measures to reduce accidental death of seals and dolphins have not been tested to ensure they do not simply eject dead marine life.
4. Inadequate observer coverage: A single human observer cannot adequately monitor all fishing operations; electronic monitoring would require funding, testing and verification.


As the Ministers for fisheries and the environment, you have the authority to prevent the Margiris operating in Australian waters. I ask that you exercise this authority on behalf of the Australian public. Allowing the vessel entry to Australia would damage the credibility of claims that Australian fisheries management and marine protection are the best in the world.

Yours sincerely,              
{Your name will go here}

More super trawler news

• Super Trawler sparks National Day of Action