Austral Fisheries purchases additional quota. Austral Fisheries has announced the purchase of additional quota and fishing vessels in the Northern Territory’s Timor Reef fishery.
Austral first entered the fishery five years ago after purchasing a small amount of quota and one trap fishing vessel. In that time the company has focused on reinvesting in its crew; optimising its operations and maximising the quality of its catch. This acquisition will see three additional vessels added to their fleet and their total quota taken to almost 1000 tonnes of premium seafood destined for the Australian market.
The expanded operation will continue Austral’s focus on trap-fishing for snapper, in particular the premium Goldband snapper, and will provide for a consistent and stable supply of fresh fish to domestic customers.
The decision is a significant vote of confidence in the current health of the fishery, its future commercial prospects and the quality of the management arrangements as overseen by Northern Territory Fisheries Department.
Austral Fisheries has a history as proponents of sustainable fishing practices, with their operations in the Southern Ocean and Northern Prawn Fishery both certified as sustainable and well-managed by the Marine Stewardship Council. The company plans to invest in a similar fashion in the Timor Reef fishery to ensure its future sustainability.
Consistent with Austral’s existing wild-caught products, this additional catch from the Timor Reef Fishery will be certified as carbon neutral by the Australian Government’s ‘Climate Active’ Carbon Neutral Programme.