The gross value of
fisheries production in Australia rose by 4 per cent to $2.48 billion in
2000-01, reflecting another good year for fishing, Federal Fisheries
Minister Senator Ian Macdonald told the Fisheries Research and
Development Corporation’s 10th Anniversary Dinner. (Tuesday Evening).
Senator Macdonald said that the Fisheries Research and Development
Corporation (FRDC) had played a key role in the ongoing balancing act
between developing industry sustainability and protecting our valuable
natural resources.
“The FRDC is an important contributor toward enhancing the efficiency
of the industry commensurate with our shared desire to protect our
fisheries for the long term,” Senator Macdonald said.
“Other figures to be released later this week by ABARE for the
2000-01 financial year show exports are $2.2 billion, a 9 per cent
increase on the previous year.”
Senator Macdonald said that, not only has the gross value of
production increased, but particular sectors also performed well. For
example, in 2000-01:
- the gross value of Australia’s aquaculture sector rose by 9 per
cent to $746 million; and
- the value of farmed southern bluefin tuna in South Australia rose
to $264 million.
“The FRDC has played a critical role in research and development,
contributing to the overall performance of the industry in such diverse
areas as food safety guidelines, aquaculture development and by-catch
reduction.
“The FRDC has been able to lever nearly $2 from other sources for
each $1 it invested on research and development, for a total investment
in projects last year of $52 million.
“I congratulate the FRDC on ten successful years of contribution to
our fisheries,” Senator Macdonald said.
***Senator Macdonald will address the Decade of Fisheries
Research & Development Corp Dinner from 6.30pm tonight (Tuesday) at the
Australian War Memorial.***
Further inquiries:
Senator Macdonald's office:
David Moore 0417 774 724
