Tackling illegally imported seafood

Ahead of the festive season, the Albanese Government is taking strong action to keep illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) seafood out of Australia, supporting legitimate seafood suppliers here at home and abroad.
 
A draft report, published today (Friday), outlines three policy proposals for consideration; 

• Review Australia’s import tariff codes and related data reporting requirements to provide a more comprehensive classification of Australia’s seafood imports.
• Introduce a seafood traceability program applying to high-risk imports.
• Support the expansion of multilateral catch documentation schemes.

The report draws on findings from initial analytical work and feedback received through the earlier consultation phase.
 
Across the globe, up to $23.5 billion dollars each year is lost to IUU fishing, representing approximately 20% of all global fish catch.
 
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said seafood import controls have an important role to play in curbing trade in IUU fishing products.
 
“IUU fishing is a global problem and one that we want to stamp out of Australia,” Minister Watt said.
 
“It contributes to overfishing, undermines sustainable fisheries management, puts legitimate operators at a disadvantage and threatens marine ecosystems.
 
"While Australia already combats IUU fishing including through licensing and enforcement, monitoring control and surveillance, and regional and multilateral action, we do not have a national import control scheme to prevent IUU fishing product from entering the country.
 
“Despite some strong industry self-regulation, seafood supply chains are highly complex and it is likely IUU seafood is currently entering the country.
 
“This is why we committed at the 2022 election to prepare a framework that would help to address regulatory gaps and to make IUU fishing a less viable activity.”
 
Between 2018 and 2022, Australia imported seafood from 133 countries, with an average annual import volume of 273,846 metric tonnes and an average value of $2.22 billion per year.
 
Minister Watt said stakeholders from across the country are invited to have their say on the draft report.
 
“Our focus is on improving data collection to better assess and mitigate IUU fishing risk in our imports, and promoting collaboration among governments, regional fisheries bodies and industry.
 
"I encourage interested stakeholders to have their say on the draft report. Your feedback is valuable and will inform the final report.”
 
Consultation closes at AEST 5pm, Friday 16 February 2024. To view the draft report and to have your say, visit https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/iuu-seafood-imports.