Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Wright for her second supplementary question. As I said in my primary answer to the question, I have outlined the strengthening of the strategy from 1 May 2011. In addition this strategy recognises that breeding females are the most important part of the population in terms of population growth. AFMA is reviewing the acceptable mortality levels for each colony given their varying size and status. AFMA remains proactive in ensuring and maintaining this species. And to ensure appropriate protection of sea lions, AFMA is also reviewing interaction thresholds in the fishery that would see access closed to gillnet fishers if predetermined levels were met. Since the start of the strategy in mid-2010 there have been three reported Australian sea lion mortalities. AFMA continues to work with marine mammal experts, other scientists, fisheries and, of course, environmental experts and industries to ensure that the Australian sea lions are properly protected. (Time expired)