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Native Fish Conservation

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Speakers - Saffin The Hon Janelle; Obeid The Hon Eddie
Business - Questions Without Notice


    NATIVE FISH CONSERVATION

Page: 18374

    The Hon. JANELLE SAFFIN: My question is directed to the Minister for Fisheries. What action has been taken to recognise potential threats to rare species in our rivers and waterways?

    The Hon. EDDIE OBEID: I thank my colleague the Hon. Janelle Saffin for a very important question and her continuing interest in the conservation of our aquatic species. This Government is working to protect the future of our native fish. I am sure I speak for all members of this House when I say that it is important that future generations will be able to enjoy our unique species. Scientific advice is crucial in helping the community to make decisions about our aquatic environment and it is an important part of our whole-of-government approach to looking after our aquatic habitats.

    Recently the independent Fisheries Scientific Committee identified a number of practices that should be regarded as key threatening processes to native fish and aquatic habitats. The committee decided that the degradation of native vegetation growing alongside waterways should be listed as a key threatening process. It has also determined that the removal of large wood debris, snags, is another key threatening process. The committee concluded that the introduction of fish to fresh water within a river catchment outside their natural range should be regarded as a key threatening process. The Government has no argument with the scientific decisions by that eminent group of highly qualified individuals. Of course, the wider community will decide how that information is used.

    For quite some time the potential for those activities to impact on our natural waterways has been recognised. As a result, a range of sensible environmental measures has already been implemented to minimise the risk of those activities on our aquatic environment. Over the coming years New South Wales Fisheries will consult with local communities and stakeholders on any issues arising from those listings. Only by working with regional communities can the best management decisions be made.

    The Hon. MICHAEL EGAN: If honourable members have further questions, they may ask them tomorrow or put them on notice.


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