SEAFISH Tasmania will find out early next week if it can operate its controversial super trawler on a limited basis while more research is carried out.
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The 60-day interim ban ends on Monday and Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke is expected to announce his decision on whether to extend the ban for up to two years on Tuesday.
Two months ago, Mr Burke rushed through legislation, giving him the power to ban new types of fishing operations in Australian waters.
He immediately issued an interim ban on the super trawler and sought feedback from the public.
More than 100 submissions were received during the consultation period including a proposal from Seafish Tasmania to use the super trawler under strict conditions.
The Triabunna-based company offered to abide by extra limits to its total catch within a 100 nautical mile diameter area and to use only half or less of its frozen storage capacity on each trip.
The company has not ruled out taking legal action after the federal government issued the ban at the 11th hour when Australian fishing authorities had known about the plans for years.
"We are waiting for the minister's decision before deciding on our next course of action," a spokesman said yesterday.