“The sea is everything… It is the immense desert where man is never lonely, for he feels life stirring on all sides. The sea is only the embodiment of a supernatural and wonderful existence. It is nothing but love and emotion; it is the Living Infinite.”
Jules Verne – Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (1870)
Verne captures the idea of the ocean as both provider and a place of mystery and abundance and sums up our complex relationship with oceans on this World Oceans Day. This relationship is one of interdependence, awe and deep respect.
For us in 2025, this translates into concepts of planet and people and an economic dividend and shows us that effective fisheries management holds the key to striking that balance between the protection and use of our ocean estate.
In the face of growing global demand for food and deepening concerns about ocean health, it’s easy to assume that fishing and marine conservation are at odds. But this simply isn’t true — when fishers have a vested interest in long-term sustainability, they help protect and rebuild ocean ecosystems.
“My life’s journey has been intrinsically intertwined with the ocean. I have a deep appreciation for the incredible complexity, fragility and diversity of life in the ocean. I, therefore, have a deep sense of obligation to ensure that fishing activities both preserve the integrity of our ocean ecosystems, whilst also providing for human nutrition and livelihoods.”
David Carter, CEO Austral
🌱 Environmental Benefits
Well-managed fisheries support ocean health in measurable ways. Unlike agriculture or aquaculture, wild capture fisheries require no land clearing, freshwater, or fertilisers at some of the lowest CO2 intensity of any animal protein. Our operations exist within nature, we are totally reliant on nature and in tune with her changing moods. We are seeing, and feeling, first hand her response to climate change and adjusting our activities to ensure the integrity of the fish stock and the ecosystems that support them. That is what best practice fisheries management is about.
👥 Social Benefits
Fishing supports resilient communities, local culture, and food security. Our crews, scientists, and supply chain partners are part of a proud, skilled workforce — many of whom live in coastal communities where fishing is the backbone of the economy. We uphold strong labour standards and support programs that improve crew welfare, safety, and mental health.
💰 Economic Benefits
Fisheries like ours contribute to a thriving blue economy. Sustainably caught Australian seafood offers a high-quality, climate-smart source of protein that’s in demand around the world, driving export value and economic return. Backed by continuous innovation — from low-emission fuels to satellite monitoring — the industry is evolving to become smarter, safer, and more sustainable.
The ocean can help feed the world — we have the tools, we need the will.
#WorldOceansDay #SustainableSeafood