FV Margiris

The petition of the undersigned Citizens of Tasmania reminds the House that the giant, 142 METRE LONG, 9499-tonne factory trawler FV Margiris threatens Tasmania's marine ecosystem and all the recreational and commercial fisheries that rely on it. The Freezer-Trawler brings with it a history of environmental destruction. It's been used to fish out other fisheries, and it now risks doing the same in Australia. Its huge nets that measure 200m by 100m plan to catch small pelagic fish like the jack mackerel and redbait, which are vital food sources for the seabirds, marine mammal and game fish and endangered southern blue fin tuna. Inevitably, with nets this size there will be bycatch including dolphins and seals. Freezer-Trawlers of this size are unsustainable, taking more than their fair share and being profitable for only one entity: their owner. The company which is bringing the FV Margiris to Australia has attempted to reassure the Tasmanian public about the impacts of this huge trawler and to convince us that it will generate employment. These reassurances are not convincing and we still have major concerns. Your Petitioners therefore call on the Tasmanian Labor and Liberal parties to stand up for Tasmanians and our environment by lobbying the Federal Government to do everything possible to prevent the FV Margiris from fishing in Australian waters, including refusing the FV Margiris an operating licence or permission to operate.