A fishing group says there could be a case to cull New Zealand fur seals in a sustainable way in South Australian waters.
The Goolwa Pipi Harvesters Association, in the Coorong region near the Murray mouth, has written to the South Australian Research and Development Institute asking for a study of increased seal numbers and the impact on fish stocks.
Association chairman Roger Edwards on Wednesday told ABC radio that if the study revealed there was a problem, there was a need to look at a “commercial solution”. “They’re certainly eating fish, as seals do, they’re interfering with fishing nets and so forth in the Coorong,” he said. Full AAP / Yahoo Australia story here
Update October 12-2015
Australia grapples with seal population problems
Tens of thousands of long-nosed fur seals have taken to the lower stretches of the River Murray, causing problems for the local commercial fishing industry.
Liberal Member for Barker Tony Pasin, whose electorate includes the impacted areas, said inquiries by himself and federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt had revealed there were no legal protections for the species.
“I certainly think we need to proceed with a sustainable harvest,” Mr Pasin said.
“These seals are wreaking havoc in the lakes and Coorong, they’re decimating the ecology, harming the industry and impacting on the culture of the Ngarrindjeri people.”
Full article here