November 22, 2007

Australian fish group warns of supply shortage this Christmas

Australia's Queensland Seafood Industry Association warned consumers of possible fish shortage during the Christmas season due to some reef fishing closures on the Great Barrier Reef.

The reef closed for nine days each month for the past three months due to spawning closures.

Greg Smith, the association's line fishing chairman, said the upcoming December closure should be shelved. Smith explained that they have only been given access to the reef in 14 days out of 51 days.

Terry Must, owner of Arabon Seafoods at Bowen in north Queensland Australia, suggested for fishing closures to be more flexible.