By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
THE CONTROVERSIAL factory freezer trawler Geelong Star has arrived in Australia and could start fishing for its 16,500 tonne quota within days.
The 95 metre fishing trawler is to be based at Geelong, but has arrived at Albany, Western Australia, after sailing from Europe.
Proponents say the trawler will add $20 million to Geelong’s economy with up to 60 jobs.
Seafish Tasmania hired the trawler after a larger “super-trawler” the Margiris was banned by the Federal Government in 2012.
Geelong Star will fish for jack mackerel and redbait in the Small Pelagic Fishery stretching from Queensland to WA.
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority announced it had inspected the Geelong Star upon its arrival.
It said the inspection confirmed the ship complied with requirements for GPS tracking, nets to minimise seabird, seal and dolphin deaths and requirements to monitor and minimise impacts on non-target species.
Geelong Star must finalise a plan to manage its fishing to minimise its impact on other commercial and recreational fisheries.
The trawler has attracted strong oppostion from environmentalists and recreational fishing groups.
