10 February 2010

A new online tool unveiled today in Cairns as part of a roll out across Queensland will help the local seafood industry be more energy efficient, save money and future-proof their industry.

Developed by the Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), the online emissions calculator allows fishers to measure and understand their carbon emissions.

During a series of workshops in regional centres, fishers will be shown how to use the tool and be encouraged to look at ways to minimise their energy use and improve waste management.

The emissions calculator is tailored for commercial fishers and calculates yearly greenhouse gas emissions based on the information provided by fishers across areas like fuel consumption, electricity use and waste.

QSIA President Michael Gardner said the calculator would allow the local seafood industry to understand their environmental performance and use this information to identify potential business efficiencies.

"The emissions calculator is a simple business tool that will help the Queensland seafood industry operate in a more economic and environmentally efficient way," he said.

"Fishers can use the information to get a picture of the energy and waste their business generates so they can look in to cost-saving measures.

"The future of the Great Barrier Reef and the future of this industry are inextricably linked – this tool will help industry be business smart and care for the resource they rely on."

GBRMPA Chairman Russell Reichelt said the local seafood industry should be recognised for their proactive approach to caring for the marine environment.

"The Queensland Seafood Industry Association should be commended for its efforts and demonstrating a strong commitment to helping protect the Great Barrier Reef," he said.

"This is an innovative business tool that has the potential to be used as a model for other industries nation-wide so they too can improve their business efficiency and care for the environment.

"We all have a role to help protect the Great Barrier Reef for the future."

Any business involved with the commercial wild catch fishing industry in Queensland will be able to use the calculator, although it is mainly aimed at small businesses operating in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

It is a web-based, user friendly tool. Resources will be available to assist fishers with technical information as well as case studies on environmentally friendly business practices.

A QSIA Emissions Calculator Workshop will be held in Cairns today (Wednesday 10 February 2010). Sessions will also be held on 11 February in Townsville, 18 February in Mackay and 19 February in Gladstone. If fishers would like more information on the workshop or the emissions calculator, they can contact QSIA Climate Change and Fisheries Liaison Officer Eric Perez on phone 0414 841 532.

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