Eastern tuna and billfish fishery

11 June 2020

‘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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5 June 2020

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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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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2 March 2020

Dredging works commenced in Mooloolaba Harbour

Mooloolaba is home port for a large number of vessels including motorised pleasure craft and yachts, Qld State commercial fishers, and a third of Australia’s tuna longline fleet.  The Mooloolah River is the main commercial waterway in the…

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20 December 2019

Meet the new Tuna Australia Board

Tuna Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of four new Directors to its Board for the next two years. Pavo Walker from Walker Seafoods Australia (Mooloolaba), Hayley Abbott from Narooma Seafood Direct (South Coast NSW), Cathal “George…

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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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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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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 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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10 April 2019

‘A quintessential longliner’: Work begins on new tuna vessel for Klokan Fishing

Now that the Australian Marine Parks have been finalised, the Australian longline fishery is looking to invest significantly and develop opportunities. “The Australian Marine Parks process has been ongoing for 20 years and has stifled investment,” says David…

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