Ecologically Sustainable Development (or ESD) is a dynamic concept that seeks to integrate short and long-term economic, social and environmental effects into the decision-making of government and industry. ESD was formulated over 10 years ago, but until recently has proved hard to implement effectively and demonstrate its achievement, in a practical manner. All Australian fisheries agencies and industry groups are committed to implementing the principles of ESD.
This website is part of a national initiative to implement ESD within the management of all Australian fisheries and aquaculture resources. It is aimed at assisting fishery managers, the industry, environmental groups and the wider community in understanding.