SOUTHERN BLUEFIN TUNA INDUSTRY

The Hon. M. PARNELL (14:49): My supplementary question is: does the South Australian government support the World Conservation Union, of which the South Australian department for environment and heritage is a member, in its declaration of southern bluefin tuna as a critically endangered species at imminent risk of extinction in the wild?

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for State/Local Government Relations) (14:50): As I indicated, our tuna industry is a highly regulated and highly monitored industry. We seek to manage it in a highly sustainable way and they are subject to catch quotas, and suchlike, plus a whole range of other standards and measures as well. So, when stocks are assessed as being low then adjustments and changes are made to the take each year. We abide by those rules and requirements. South Australia prides itself on maintaining sustainable fisheries.