One of Australia’s largest fisheries is backing a plan for a super trawler to fish the nation's southern waters.
Conservationists and many fishing crews are fighting the proposal for the Dutch-owned FV Margiris to take fish, including redbait and jack mackerel.
Southern Bluefin Tuna Association CEO Brian Jeffriess said the trawler could set up opportunities such as providing feed for tuna farming.
He said the operation would be tightly controlled under scientifically-set quotas.