The Trawl Network-Fishing Innovation is designed to help improve industry resilience and future-proof trawl fisheries around the country. While our core focus is technological innovation, a resilient industry is one that produces benefits highly valued by society. Clearly, it is important that society is aware of such benefits and efforts made by industry to ensure they are enjoyed both now and in the future.  

Seafood Industry Australia (SIA) identified social licence as the number one issue that needed to be addressed by the fishing industry. This outcome was based on an exhaustive investigation of industry values and practices across multiple peak bodies, industry representative organisations, and businesses across the supply chain.  

As part of that investigation, and in consideration of the identified industry values and practices, SIA produced “Our Pledge” on behalf of the Australian seafood industry. The pledge is: 

We are the Australian seafood industry, and we are committed to putting the best Australian seafood on your table now and for generations to come. To do this in ways we are all proud of, we promise to: 

Actively care for Australia’s oceans and environment and work with others to do the same;

Value our people, look after them and keep them safe;

Respect the seafood we harvest and the wildlife we interact with;

Be transparent and accountable for our actions;

Engage with the community and listen to their concerns; and, 

Continually improve our practices. 

The pledge clearly identifies a need to be responsive, improve practices, and engage with society by being transparent and accountable. Amongst other things this includes presenting the seafood industry’s actions, position, and perspectives, and showcasing how the industry is already addressing public concerns. Collectively this will help maintain or improve the industry’s social licence to operate.  

What do you think about “Our Pledge”?  

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