CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY

Position Statement

  • The Western Australian Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) recognises the global significance of climate change impacts and is committed to supporting WA’s commercial fishing industry to manage and adapt to those impacts.
  • We acknowledge the Australian government’s commitment to reduce emissions by 43 per cent by 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
  • The commercial fishing industry has a role to play to manage and reduce its carbon emissions and environmental impacts to support government policy.

Scope

WAFIC is the peak industry body representing professional fishing, pearling and aquaculture enterprises, processors and exporters in Western Australia.

WAFIC will:

  • Provide leadership and strategic guidance to the commercial fishing industry to implement this policy;
  • Explore and foster innovative mitigation opportunities for carbon emissions reduction and adaptation;
  • Communicate and demonstrate an ongoing commitment in supporting climate change strategies; and
  • Monitor and review the effectiveness of policy implementation.

Policy Commitment

WAFIC is committed to:

  • Identify and understand the commercial fishing industry’s carbon footprint;
  • Encourage the integration of practical low emissions technologies throughout commercial fishing operations and supply chains;
  • Support targeted research and development opportunities to understand the impacts of climate change on WA’s fish resources and industry;
  • Evaluate the level of waste and plastic usage within the industry and develop reduction strategies;
  • Collaborate with proponents to facilitate planning of projects to establish co-existence to maintain food security; and
  • Support aquaculture’s role in carbon sequestration and explore and understand blue carbon opportunities and habitat restoration.

 

This policy will be reviewed and updated as required