Heart and Soul.

Professor Kate Barclay and Dr Kirsten Abernethy led a research project investigating the social and economic contributions made by commercial fisheries and aquaculture to regional communities and the state of Victoria. Their research indicated that members of the Victorian public held an incorrect perception that all commercial fishing was conducted by massive, super-trawlers and that commercial fishing is unsustainable. They identified that improved communication tools, such as this short film, are required to help break down these incorrect perceptions.

Heart & Soul is a heartfelt 'ocean to plate' story that reveals the reality of commercial fishing in Victoria – that the majority of licence holders are small family-run businesses, many of them are multi-generational, they are sustainable, and they are an important part of both the regional economy and regional communities.
Victoria’s wild-catch fisheries are sustainably managed by the Victorian Government with strict input and output controls in place to ensure that all Victorians have access to Victoria’s unbelievably delicious seafood. As illustrated in the film, commercial fishers have a strong connection to the environment and play an important role in catching seafood for Victorians to enjoy.