THE state government has blocked a move to condemn the presence of the controversial Geelong Star fishing trawler in Australian waters. The vessel, which has permission to catch 16,500 tonnes of redbait and jack mackerel, killed four dolphins and two seals in its first fishing trip in Australian waters. The Tasmanian Greens on Wednesday moved a motion in Parliament noting concern about the Geelong Star’s operation in Australia. The motion passed the lower house, but only after the government removed a section that said the Parliament did not support the operation of any factory freezer trawler in Australian waters. Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the government supported a scientific approach to the management of fisheries. ‘‘I do acknowledge the concerns that some recreational fishers have discussed with me,’’ he said. ‘‘As difficult as it is in very emotional issues such as this ... we have to back the science and listen to the scientific argument.’’ Greens leader Kim Booth said the government was effectively rolling out the welcome mat for the Geelong Star. ‘‘This Liberal backflip will not be forgiven by the thousands of Tasmanian environmentalists and commercial and recreational fishers,’’ Mr Booth said. ‘‘The Liberals stand exposed for their slippery and deceitful treatment of the Tasmanian community’s concerns about protecting our fisheries from super trawlers.’’ Hundreds of angry anglers and concerned environmentalists joined forces at Perth at the weekend to rally against the Geelong Star’s presence. The rally was attended by protesters from across the state, including the North-West, East Coast and Hobart.
THE state government has blocked a move to condemn the presence of the controversial Geelong Star fishing trawler in Australian waters.
The vessel, which has permission to catch 16,500 tonnes of redbait and jack mackerel, killed four dolphins and two seals in its first fishing trip in Australian waters.
The Tasmanian Greens on Wednesday moved a motion in Parliament noting concern about the Geelong Star’s operation in Australia.
The motion passed the lower house, but only after the government removed a section that said the Parliament did not support the operation of any factory freezer trawler in Australian waters.
Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the government supported a scientific approach to the management of fisheries.
‘‘I do acknowledge the concerns that some recreational fishers have discussed with me,’’ he said.
‘‘As difficult as it is in very emotional issues such as this ... we have to back the science and listen to the scientific argument.’’
Greens leader Kim Booth said the government was effectively rolling out the welcome mat for the Geelong Star.
‘‘This Liberal backflip will not be forgiven by the thousands of Tasmanian environmentalists and commercial and recreational fishers,’’ Mr Booth said.
‘‘The Liberals stand exposed for their slippery and deceitful treatment of the Tasmanian community’s concerns about protecting our fisheries from super trawlers.’’
Hundreds of angry anglers and concerned environmentalists joined forces at Perth at the weekend to rally against the Geelong Star’s presence.
The rally was attended by protesters from across the state, including the North-West, East Coast and Hobart.
