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In 2003, MBSIA began developing an Environmental Management System (EMS) for the commercial fishers of Moreton Bay. To download the EMS, click here. Purpose of EMS
The EMS provides the fishers of Moreton Bay a comprehensive outline for how to assess and improve their fishing practices to ensure that their day-to-day activities are as environmentally sustainable as they can be. The EMS highlights the priority areas that need improvement within each fishery, and sets out actions that Moreton Bay fishers can take to address high priority issues. Overall, the EMS represents a commitment by the commercial fishers of Moreton Bay to creating a sustainable future - to ensure a better future for all. Development of EMS
The EMS was developed through the assistance of numerous bodies: - The University of Queensland (technical assistance)
- Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) (project management assistance)
- Seafood Services Australia (SSA), (project managment assistance)
- Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (funding support)
- Natural Heritage Trust (funding support),
- Queensland Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
- Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) and
- CRC Reef.
EMS Standards
The EMS has been developed in accordance with guidelines set out in the following publications: - Australian Standard ISO 14001:1996 Environmental Management Systems,
- World Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing
- Australian Seafood Industry Council (ASIC) Code of Conduct for a Responsible Seafood Industry, and
- Seafood Services Australia - Green Chooser.
How it is Implemented
The EMS addresses the fisheries of Moreton Bay as a whole, and provides a tool for the overall management of the industry. Commercial fishers of Moreton Bay can apply the action list and assessment criteria outlined in the EMS to their individual business to highlight the top priority issues and inefficiencies of their individual situation. In 2009, MBSIA will be conducting a series of workshops and one-to-one sessions to assist members create an Individual Enterprise EMS. An Individual Enterprise EMS considers in detail the practices of a single business and sets our environmental priorities and targets for that particular business.
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