Without fish stocks there are no fisheries to manage. Industry driven initiatives like seasonal and permanent closures, improvements in nets, reduced effort, mandatory by catch reduction devices are just some of the changes introduced and supported by industry.
Commercial fishing has been a part of the Clarence since the
1860s and continues today to play an important part of the social
and economic fabric of the local community. Professional fishers
play an integral role by supplying sustainable wild harvest local
seafood to the community.
Our Members and the Local Commercial Fishery
Adopting a delicate balance between commercial fishing, community interest and the environment, is one that members of the Clarence River Fishermen’s Co-operative take very seriously.
Sustainability is the first and foremost issue on the minds of
commercial fishers as their livelihoods are reliant on healthy fish
stocks and healthy environments. Off-stream impacts can and do
have a dramatic impact on habitat and fish populations.
A collective voice is extremely important to ensure strong and
effective communication between members, the government/s
and other community stakeholders. This collective voice is heard
through the PFA. There is a wide range of issues that impact on
commercial fishing and the PFA is the voice of fishers through
many forums.
The PFA does not represent the Co-operative itself. It specifically
represents its own members which includes the Clarence River
Fishermen’s Cooperative members. The PFA was established to
maintain professional fisher’s rights including access and habitat
issues whilst encouraging members to meet their obligations and
be proactive in the management of fish resources.
Some of the services provided by the PFA include:
• transparent policy formulation in collaboration with fishers;
• updates to fishers from stakeholder and vice versa;
• information on opportunities and developments;
• updates fishers on the latest research and development findings
and encourage the adoption of these;
• a forum for negotiating on contentious issues;
• forums and support through initiatives such as the ‘Men’s Shed’
to address psychological, emotional, financial and social issues;
• assistance to access government exceptional circumstances
programs;
• media representation for the local fishing industry;
• media advice and assistance with fisher initiatives; and
• representing the industry at all levels of Government including
Federal, State and Local.