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.