6 October 2010
DAFF10/014L
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Senator Joe Ludwig today experienced firsthand the innovations of the Western Australian fishing industry, helping octopus fishers off the Western Australia coast.
Minister Ludwig was accompanied by WA Senator Glenn Sterle as he travelled on the fishing boat of Mr Ross Cammilleri, Director of Octopus Technologies Pty Ltd and Fremantle Octopus Pty Ltd, to harvest octopus using a unique new ‘trigger pot’ technology developed by Mr Cammilleri’s company to improve octopus fishing efficiency and quality.
“I was very impressed with the world-class technologies being used to fish for octopus in WA,” said Minister Ludwig.
“The Australian fishing industry contributes $2.2 billion to the Australian economy annually. It employs more than 16,000 people nationally, and WA contributes significantly to this success.
“Many businesses are seeing the benefits of focused innovation and value-adding in order to stay competitive and ensure their business survives well into the future.
“This can be seen here today in WA for Mr Cammilleri’s thriving octopus business in an area where they were once considered a pest to the lobster industry.
“The innovative practices in WA industries are demonstrating the future strength and adaptability of the industry on the world stage,” Minister Ludwig said.
“It is great to see first hand the hard work being done every day by the men and women of the fishing industry.
Minister Ludwig also met with members of the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC), including Chief Executive Ms Anna Cronin and Chair Mr Kim Colero, to discuss the critical issues of marine bioregional planning and strengthening the relationship between government and industry.
“The Gillard Government is committed to working in partnership with the fishing industry here in the West and across Australia to build confidence and success into the future,” Minister Ludwig said.
Minister Ludwig will continue his visit to Perth tomorrow.
