Tasmanian opponents of the super trawler Abel Tasman are celebrating the passage of a Federal laws stopping the ship.
Laws narrowly passed the House of Representatives last night after independent MP Rob Oakeshott changed his mind.
The laws stop the super trawler from fishing in Australian waters while further research is undertaken.
Environment and recreational fishing groups say they look forward to seeing the bill pass the Senate next week which is expected to happen with Greens support.
Environment Tasmania spokeswoman Rebecca Hubbard has welcomed the move to review the science surrounding the effects of super trawlers.
“With a more thorough review of fisheries management legislation in Australia we’ll see a more precautionary and ecosystem-based approach to our management,” she said.
The Tuna Club of Tasmania’s Nobby Clark says he’s happy to negotiate on the long-term future of the trawler.
“Personally I don’t think I’d ever support a super trawler being in our waters but I’m certainly not going to say no to the scientists if they can somehow prove that they believe it won’t cause any issues to any other users of the fishery.”
“I think at the end of the day, the reason why we actually got this far is because we had actually some true concerns and they’ve been voted upon and seen that they’re definitely valid.”
The company that brought the trawler to Australia, Seafish Tasmania, has declined to comment.
