RST Apology to Tasmanian Aboriginal people 2021.
The history of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel scallop fishery is discussed and its past and present structure and management are examined, with a view to providing a basis for future management. It has opened or closed over the years as production has fluctuated, closure being forced again in 1986 by evidence of overfishing and the sudden appearance of the toxic dinoflagellate alga Gymnodinium catenatum Graham. Lack of a comprehensive management plan impedes dealing with difficult administrative and biological problems or unexpected developments such as increased amateur participation or the present preponderance of the doughboy scallop (Chlamys asperrimus Lamarck) over the commercial scallop (Pecten fumata Tate). This is a serious obstacle to successful conservation and utilisation of the resource. Recommendations concerning the future of the fishery are made, in particular that the the fishery should be amateur-only while scallop stocks remain low.
Key Words:
scallop, fishery, D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Tasmania, resource management, Royal Society of Tasmania, RST,
Published Papers
The Royal Society of Tasmania acknowledges, with deep respect, the traditional owners of this land, and the ongoing custodianship of the Aboriginal people of Tasmania. The Society pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that Tasmanian Aboriginal Peoples have survived severe and unjust impacts resulting from invasion and dispossession of their Country. As an institution dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, the Royal Society of Tasmania recognises Aboriginal cultural knowledge and practices and seeks to respect and honour these traditions and the deep understanding they represent.
On 15 February 2021, the Royal Society of Tasmania offered a formal Apology to the Tasmanian Aboriginal people.