The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) has confirmed that the mid-water factory trawler Geelong Star, which has been operating in Australia waters since April 2015, is no longer under Australian jurisdiction.
“Inquiries about the decision to leave Australian waters or future fishing operations of the Geelong Star, should be directed to the operator,” a statement reads.
“The Geelong Star is not currently subject to any investigation by AFMA for breaches of Commonwealth fishing regulations.”
Tourism operators and fishing clubs on the Far South Coast had been calling for greater restrictions on the vessel, holding concerns about the level of fishing and localised depletion of fish stocks off Narooma and Bermagui.
Related stories
Stan Gorton
Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.
Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.
