Response to sardine mortality must be grounded in science and evidence

“Response to sardine mortality must be grounded in science and evidence”

The available evidence does not establish widespread penguin starvation caused by the sardine mortality event, nor does it support a complete fishing moratorium as the only scientifically defensible response. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment adopted a precautionary, restricted and reviewable fishing approach while further scientific analysis continues, balancing ecological risks with the socioeconomic impacts of a total closure.