Austral Fisheries has a proud history of responsible fishing in the environmentally sensitive waters of Australia's sub Antarctic territories.
Our commitment as demonstrated through partnerships with Non Government Organizations (NGO's) is aimed at eliminating illegal fishing of Patagonian Toothfish, promoting sustainable management of the fishery and encouraging environmentally sound fishing practices.
Government Supervision
The Southern Champion carries one Government approved observer from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and a FAS Independent Data Collector Officer (DCO).
One of these observers monitors the catch for quantity, sex, length, weight and stomach contents as well as conducting a range of research work including random stratified trawl surveys and tag and recapture studies to assist scientists to assess the status of the target species and therefore appropriate levels of catch.
The other observer checks the interaction of the fishing operation with other sea-life including birds and mammals. This work allows the fishing operation to be modified to minimise impacts of fishing.
Bycatch Minimisation
Through the use of technology and sensible fishing practices Austral Fisheries ensures an extremely low level of bycatch, or fish not intended to be caught. Austral Fisheries bycatch is less than 1%, demonstrating the effectiveness of our practices, which exceed the guidelines laid down by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).
Surveillance of Poaching Vessels
Unfortunately, not all vessels operating in this ocean conform to the strict guidelines we have placed on ourselves. Poachers over-fish and deplete the managed stock of Toothfish whilst polluting the seas and indiscriminately killing the marine animals in the process.
Austral has been a strong voice for delivering great protection to sovereign toothfish resources of the Heard Island Fishery. Working in co-operation with the Federal Government Fisheries Department, the Australian Armed Forces and other Government agencies, we have been partners in early detection and apprehension of these operators.
