As part of a broader, multifaceted strategy to educate both recreational fishers and the general public about southern bluefin tuna (SBT), a fifty minute documentary, titled Life on the Line, led by well-known and influential recreational fishing identity Al McGlashan was produced.
The documentary tells the story of how the stock was heavily fished throughout its range until the mid-1980s when it became apparent that the stock was at such a low level that global management and conservation was required to ensure its future. It highlights the significant management measures that were implemented by Australia, Japan and New Zealand that formed the basis of the current Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT).
Along the way the documentary explores how the stock is used both commercially and recreationally. Starting with a brief history of the farming sector located off Port Lincoln, South Australia and then exploring current operations that support a significant industry. Al then ventures to the waters off southern New South Wales during the winter months to follow skipper Shane Ralph on the vessel Jordan Kate as he targets SBT using longline methods.
Recreational fishers share their experiences of a fishery that was almost non-existent in the early 2000s to one that is available to more and more fishers every year, and rapidly becoming the mainstay of many southern ports. The recreational message highlights how rec fishers can best look after their catch both for the table and when practicing catch and release. The science behind catch and release is further explored by investigating the FRDC funded work undertaken by Dr Sean Tracey into post release survivability of SBT. A conservation message based on the Tuna Champions theme underpins the overall message of responsibility and stewardship of the resource.
The story then follows the significant investment in science that has underpinned the ongoing recovery of the species, especially the ground-breaking close kin techniques pioneered by CSIRO and supported by Fisheries Research and Development Corporation. It also investigates the impact of the CCSBT management procedure, the first harvest strategy of its kind in any tuna Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO), on the status of the stock and its role into the future.
Amidst the optimism, the message is tempered with the reality of the situation. The species is currently listed under domestic environmental law as conservation dependent and commercial fishing is reliant on the species being managed under a formal recovery plan. Commentary from the conservation sector reinforces the need for a continued strong conservation message and strict science based management, to ensure that all fishers and consumers can continue to sustainably harvest and use the resource into the future. The documentary also provides an opportunity to recognise previous government research and management that has led to the recovery of the species and the consequential benefits to recreational fishers as a result.