MBSIA has received numerous prestigious awards for the Environmental Management System developed by the MBSIA and its members.
2008
Winner - UN Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards
2008 – Excellence in Marine and Coastal Management
The prestigious United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA) World Environment Day Awards acknowledge actions taken at a local level to address global environmental issues. This award specifically recognises businesses and community groups that have demonstrated excellence in marine and coastal management, such as implementing best practices and improving eco-efficiency. All businesses, no matter how small, can play their part in reducing their ‘environmental footprint’. Through actions outlined in the Moreton Bay EMS, several Association projects have been undertaken to achieve this in the local commercial fishing industry.
Runner-up - 2008 EMS Association of Australia Awards - Small Business Category
The Environmental Management Systems Association (EMSA) was established as a support organisation for those businesses and individuals committed to improving environmental outcomes in primary production and natural resource management. The association seeks to foster environmental management system practices through the use of EMS and associated tools, thereby giving the discipline currency and credibility.
This award was received for the development of such a unique EMS and successful implementation across multiple fisheries, businesses and large geographical area. Implementation has been supported by the EMS’ first successful independent audit undertaken by an Honours student from the University of Queensland.
Runner-up - HWW Awards 2008 – Industry Category
The South East Queensland Healthy Waterways Partnership (HWW) is a collaboration between government, industry, researchers and the community that was developed to improve catchment management and water quality.
This was awarded to MBSIA for the implementation of the Moreton Bay EMS during 2007. This year saw MBSIA undertake a number of programs such as: minimisation of trawl gear interaction with the seabed; bycatch reduction; improvement of water quality (urban rubbish and pollution); and development of collaboration between industry, community and government. With continued enthusiasm it is hoped that the relationships forged between industry, community and government continue to grow so that the issues confronting SEQ waterways and catchments are tackled together.
2006
Winner - QLD Primary Industries Sustainable Primary Production Award 2006
Winner - QLD Primary Industries Most Outstanding Contribution to Primary Industries Award 2006
Each year, as part of Primary Industries Week, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) recognise and reward outstanding Queensland-based achievers in agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries.
In 2006, MBSIA took out two of these awards for the development of the EMS for Professional Fishers of Moreton Bay. The award recognises outstanding commitment to minimising the environmental impacts of commercial fishing in the region. In particular, these awards recognise the innovative approach employed by MBSIA to manage a suite of environmental/natural resource issues which will have long term benefits for the commercial fishing industry. The development of such a comprehensive EMS in the seafood industry was an Australian first and potentially a world first. |
