Author: Kate Bevitt

‘Lots going on’: Klokan Fishing’s new longliner taking shape after 14 months of building

The construction of Klokan Fishing’s new tuna longliner continues to progress, with the propeller shaft and rudder now in place and painting underway. Since August 2019, when Tuna Australia last gave an update on the boat’s construction, Klokan…

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Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery on track to be MSC certified

The Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery is on track to be certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council in late August, creating excitement among Tuna Australia members. The Public Comment Draft Report was published on 27 May…

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Eat tuna for a healthy body and mind

This World Tuna Day, on 2 May, Tuna Australia is encouraging people to eat tuna regularly to realise its significant health benefits, as tuna products once destined for overseas markets are now being sold in supermarkets. “Tuna is…

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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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‘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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‘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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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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‘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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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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‘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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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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‘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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