Scallop processing factory closed in Gladstone

Gladstone fishing industry face another with the closure of scallop processing factory, says a report.

Gladstone Fish Market has closed its scallop processing factory and hit the fishing industry of the town badly. The Gladstone commercial fishing community is in trouble with this closure. The owner Ted Whittingham says the closure wipes out up to 70 per cent of his business. He will now run only a retail outlet selling produce sourced from outside the Gladstone region.

He said that the scallop processing was done in water on the harbour and now because of the issues with the water quality we weren't prepared to subject that product to the water. The Queensland Seafood Industry Association says while the loss of another business in Gladstone is disappointing, it's not surprising. QSIA President Geoff Tilton said that the condition of the state of commercial fishing in the region is so bad that it is surprised the Whittingham family has been able to hold on so long.

The Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, which is in charge of water quality in the harbour, has commented monthly water quality testing has found no evidence to link water quality with any adverse impacts on fish health. The Gladstone Ports Corporation has declined to comment but says funds are being spent on environmental projects in the region.

Source: : abc.net.au"

WorldFishingToday d. 05-07-2012