Saving the water: Luke Anedda’s quest to protect his inlets future
In the tranquil waters of Corner Inlet, where the southern-most tip of mainland Australia kisses the sea, a tradition of sustainable fishing weaves through the lives of those who call this place home. Here, the morning starts with the arrival of gulls and terns, eager spectators to the day's catch—a vibrant ballet of stingrays, sharks, sardines, crabs, and fish revealed as the nets draw in. This shallow inlet, graced by tidal mudflats and vast meadows of seagrass, stands as one of Victoria's last sanctuaries for commercial net fishing, a testament to the community's dedication to conservation.
Luke Anedda, a third-generation fisherman from Corner Inlet, embodies the spirit of this dedication. With a philosophy deeply rooted in the health of the marine environment and the legacy of his forebearers, Luke operates under a principle that sustainability isn’t just a practice but a way of life. 'To me, it is being able to catch fish, making sure that there's good fish numbers for the next generation, and leaving a really small footprint on the environment,' he says, reflecting a sentiment that sustainability is about more than just meeting today's needs—it's about ensuring the prosperity of the marine life and the community for generations to come.
“To me, it is being able to catch fish, making sure that there’s good fish numbers for the next generation, and leaving a really small footprint on the environment”
The Anedda family, like many in this close-knit community, has seen fishing practices evolve dramatically over the decades. From the days of rowing dinghies and hauling nets ashore, to the modern methods that respect the depths and the creatures that dwell within, the techniques have shifted towards more gentle practices. Today, fish are carefully selected from the catch and placed into an ice slurry to ensure freshness, while bycatch is promptly returned to the waters, unharmed.
This evolution was significantly influenced by Luke’s father, Nick Anedda, who pioneered the development of nets designed to minimize environmental impact, protect the seagrass meadows, and ensure the sustainability of the fish populations. These innovations have allowed the fishermen of Corner Inlet to continue their work without compromising the ecological balance of the area.
Luke Anedda’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Chefs across the country, recognizing the superior quality and ethical standards upheld by Luke, now seek to source their seafood directly from him. This growing demand marks a significant shift from the days when Corner Inlet was a relatively unknown fishery, tucked away behind a landmark national park in the very southeast corner of Australia.
Historically, this region faced numerous challenges, including threats from powerful recreational fishing lobbies. However, through persistent collaboration and a shared commitment to quality and sustainability, spearheaded by Luke, the name of Corner Inlet has become recognized, respected, and protected.
The community's commitment extends beyond individual practices. A formalized "gentlemen's agreement" among the fishermen, which once capped net casts to twice a day to prevent overfishing, has now been enshrined into law, ensuring that these mindful practices will continue to protect the inlet’s delicate ecosystem. This legislation not only underscores the community's dedication but also sets a precedent for sustainable fishing practices worldwide.
Furthermore, this work has been a collaboration among fishers, conservationists, chefs, and politicians, all of whom have recognized the importance of the sustainable management of diverse local food sources. Their collective efforts highlight the impact that wide collaboration under a unified goal of sustainable food systems can have. With enough will and commitment, these efforts demonstrate that incredible outcomes are indeed possible.
Luke Anedda’s vision extends to the future as he imagines his grandchildren fishing these same waters. His story, along with that of Corner Inlet’s broader fishing community, serves as a powerful narrative on how tradition, innovation, and community spirit can converge to create a sustainable model of living with, and caring for, the natural world. Through their efforts, the people of Corner Inlet continue to forge a path of coexistence with nature, offering a beacon of hope and a blueprint for sustainable practices globally.