Commercial fisheries are a valuable part of the Queensland economy – and a new study will measure exactly how valuable.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner today announced the new study to calculate the economic and socialimpact of Queensland’s commercial fisheries.
“Commercial fishers, associated seafood processors and charter fishers make an important contribution to Queensland’s economy and community,” the Minister said.
“BDO Econsearch has been awarded the contract to do a landmark two-year study.
“They will be engaging with industry bodies such as the Queensland Seafood Industry Association and the Queensland Seafood Marketers Association.
“They’ll be encouraging commercial fishers to come forward and talk to researchers about their operations, including how many people they employ and their annual turnover.”
Mr Furner is encouraging commercial fishers to participate in the surveys, which will help Queensland’s fishers demonstrate their value and contribution to the community.
“From the economic data that’s collected we will be able to tell how much the commercial fisheries contribute to regional economies, including how many jobs they support, and the social benefits from providing locally caught seafood,” he said.
Starting in October, the study will collect data on the 2017-18 and 2018-19 financial years.
“By March next year we should have a better understanding of how valuable commercial fisheries are to Queensland’s economy and community,” Mr Furner said.
BDO Econsearch has a strong history in economic monitoring, including monitoring the value of South Australia’s commercial fisheries for the last 20 years.
“This study is part of the Queensland Government’s strategy to help build a legacy of a sustainable fishery for our children and grandchildren.”
