Australia's tuna fishers reeling over quota cuts

The Port Lincoln-based industry in Australia is reeling from a 24% bluefin tuna quota cut, while the Salvation Army is reporting an increase in the number of locals seeking financial help.

South Australia's State Fisheries Minister Michael O'Brien has written to his federal counterpart Tony Burke, seeking a South Australian role in future quota decisions. O'Brien said he is not blaming Burke but would appreciate better consultation with bureaucrats.

"If we were privy to the thoughts or conclusions of the federal government in advance of them sitting down with other nations, then we might have actually ended up with a better outcome," O'Brien said.

"I wouldn't lay the blame at Tony's feet but I think the Commonwealth bureaucracy have got to be more prepared to admit their state counterparts in the process and I think if that had happened, the quota level that was ultimately struck internationally as it applies to South Australian waters would not have been as savage."