Seal Dilemma In SA – Fishing Industry vs Tourism Industry

A breeding boom amongst long-nosed fur seals, also known as new Zealand fur seals, means more than 500 tonnes of fish a day are being ‘chewed through’ according to fishermen in the Coorong/Murray Lakes fishery region. Without a cull the industry will ‘go bust’ in 18 months, fishermen say. (The Australian 31 July)

The Dispute

The SA Government proposes building a $112,000+ tourist viewing platform at Goolwa Barrages to support nature-based tourism, worth over a billion dollars to the state’s economy. It aims to maintain SA’s reputation for a

“clean, green and sustainable environment which produces premium food and wine”

This has outraged the fishing industry, though Environment Minister Ian Hunter says:

“We want to help the fishing industry…preserve their reputation”.

Seal Scarers Are Being Proposed

Small underwater explosives will be trialled to keep the seals away from fishing areas as research shows culling does not work, the Minister claims.

Changing fishing techniques – such as not leaving nets out for long periods – may also be trialled.

Keeping two-way communication going may also be important!!