Author: Kate Bevitt

2 April 2020

Government support welcomed but ‘not a silver bullet’, say tuna producers

Tuna producers have welcomed the Australian Government’s support packages to keep businesses afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has committed to spend AUD $110 million to subsidise international air freight for premium fisheries and agricultural exports, waive…

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24 March 2020

‘Everything is up in the air’: How COVID-19 is impacting the tuna industry

The stopping of nearly all international flights and the closure of pubs, clubs and restaurants due to COVID-19 has had a huge impact on Australian tuna producers. Tuna Australia spoke with some members to hear how they’ve been…

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21 March 2020

‘A massive impact’: Tuna Australia members look for ways to survive coronavirus

Like many Australian businesses, Tuna Australia members have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. And the future doesn’t look very promising. Within days, there has been a significant economic shock to members’ business operations, threatening their economic…

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9 October 2019

Meet the Tuna Australia Board Chair: Richard Stevens OAM

In July 2019, Tuna Australia appointed Richard Stevens OAM, a government relations and fisheries management consultant, as an independent Chair. We spoke with him about his plans for the role, career experience, and views on the seafood industry….

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26 September 2019

‘It’s really cool’: Queensland youth learn of Tuna Australia’s conservation work

Two groups of high school students from across South East Queensland have had their eyes opened to Tuna Australia’s work to conserve and protect tuna fisheries across Australia. Program Manager Phil Ravanello recently spoke with 30 students, aged…

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25 September 2019

In the news: Federal Treasurer visits Walker Seafoods

Tuna Australia member Walker Seafoods Australia has made front page news following a visit from the Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. Mr Frydenberg visited the Sunshine Coast-based business on 23 September to get feedback on some new government initiatives…

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23 August 2019

‘It’s going to be a great boat’: New tuna vessel taking shape after 4 months of construction

Klokan Fishing’s new tuna longliner is looking more like a boat every day, with the frames and engine beds now in place after four months of construction. “All the guts of the boat are in there,” Klokan Fishing…

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14 August 2019

New program manager to boost Tuna Australia’s advocacy efforts

Phil Ravanello has this week joined the Tuna Australia team as program manager, providing a significant boost to the organization’s efforts to add further value to the longline tuna industry. “The addition of a full-time program manager will…

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19 July 2019

‘He just loved catching fish’: Frank Puglisi’s lifelong passion

Frank Puglisi adored going fishing. It was a passion that would define his whole life and career. “He just loved catching fish and he loved to go out on the ocean,” says Joy Puglisi of her husband, who…

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3 July 2019

‘Favourable outcome’: Australia campaigns to keep 1 percent Indian Ocean tuna quota

An Australian delegation has made a strong case to the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) for maintaining a modest but fair share of the Indian Ocean tuna catch, allowing delegates to pursue a positive outcome when the final quotas are allocated. The discussion took place at the IOTC’s 23rd annual meeting on 17–21…

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8 June 2019

Celebrating women’s roles and contributions to the Australian tuna industry

The tuna industry is typically perceived as a man’s domain, but many women are actively involved in the industry. Women contribute in many ways, and their perspectives and expertise can help to address skills and knowledge gaps in the…

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3 June 2019

Meet a member: Graciella Lavalle, Lavalle Fisheries and South Seas Tuna

Despite growing up in a fishing family in Ulladulla, Graciella Lavalle never thought she’d carve out a career in the fishing industry. That all changed when she married a commercial fisherman and later became director of her family’s…

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