Action on seafood products linked to illegal fishing and forced labour

Question

Between 60 and 70 percent of Australia's seafood is imported, but very little information is collected on this seafood at the border. This makes it challenging to know exactly what is being imported and whether it was produced legally or by illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fisheries. These fisheries contribute to overfishing, damage marine ecosystems, and are linked to human rights abuse and organised crime. Recent investigations have exposed cases of horrific worker exploitation and IUU fishing occurring in overseas fisheries, with supply chain analyses indicating that these fisheries are likely to be supplying the Australian market. 1. Does the Albanese Government have any clear and currently actioned plans to commence data collection of high-risk imported seafood categories? (Noting the continued importation of these products harms our oceans, overseas workers, and undercuts legitimate Australian seafood producers). a. If this is not considered a current priority by the Government, please provide a rationale as to why this position is currently taken given the concerning issues outlined above.

Answer

Please see PDF attachment.

Documents

• Question with answer (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
• SQ26-000577.pdf (opens in a new tab)