Perceptions regarding the need for broad sustainability assessments of Australian fisheries

Demonstration of fishery sustainability has expanded from a relatively narrow biological focus to one that includes a wide range of issues in response to environmental legislation, social factors, and demands from markets and consumers. The Healthcheck for Australian Fisheries Sustainability (Healthcheck) is a new initiative designed to be comprehensive with regard to ecological, economic, social and governance aspects, presenting available information about a fishery for easy access and use. Here we report on the framework development process, including engagement with fishery managers, environmental non-government organisations, and fishery participants. All participants emphasized the need for a broad sustainability assessment with timely reporting, easy availability, and wider coverage of seafood sustainability information than is currently accessible, and expressed the importance of trustworthy and transparent information. Differences were found when comparing sustainability issues generally reported and issues of main concern to stakeholders. Subsequent refinement of the Healthcheck extended coverage into issues that are on the horizon for fishery reporting, but may soon be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders.