TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS - VOLUME 22 FEB/MAR 2020 - TSIC.ORG.AU - Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council
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TASMANIAN
SEAFOOD
INDUSTRY NEWS
VOLUME 22 FEB/MAR 2020
TSIC.ORG.AU
Seafood Industry
Mental Health & Wellbeing
STAY AFLOAT GALA
The Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council
and Rural Alive and Well invite you to a
Seafood Extravaganza.
18th of September, 2020 The fundraising evening will help
promote the health and wellbeing of our
Hobart Function and Conference Centre
fishers and farmers.
Book at tsic.org.au/stayafloat
Interested in becoming a Stay Afloat sponsor?
Email projectofficer@tsic.org.au
Showcasing local seafood
to a global tourist Jims Fish and Chips
Oyster farm tours
Video: Couta fishing
in the Channel 1946
Tasmanian
Eat
History
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS OR EVENT
SEAFOOD TRAIL
Events
ON THE TRAIL Stories
Please contact the TSIC office for an advertising
prospectus
Launching 2020
FROM THE
PRESIDENT
LINDSAY NEWMAN
In early January, I watched with growing As examples: there is a considerable
concern the escalation of the bushfires on reduction in the abalone TAC for the 2020
mainland Australia. season, which will have significant flow-on
consequences for divers and processors; as
I am aware that many seafood businesses,
detailed in the last issue of Seafood Industry
wild catch, marine farming and seafood
News, improved catches of rock lobster on
processing, as well as the communities
the East Coast are creating resource-sharing
these businesses live in, have been greatly
and quota access issues for the commercial
impacted. Given the scale of this emerging
sector; and the review of management of the
disaster, the effects of these fires will be felt
calamari fishery has created a diversity of
for some time to come.
viewpoints as to what should happen with – a complex principle that takes into
I must commend Federal Minister McKenzie this fishery, with many in this sector unsure account seafood on the plate, new
and Assistant Minister Duniam’s offices about future access rights. export dollars into communities, and
for their request for information on how the fishers living in and supporting regional
Over the following months, the TSIC
fires are / have affected seafood businesses communities and the businesses in
Strategic Subcommittee and TSIC Board will
and for information on what assistance these regional communities.
strategically plan our next steps for dealing
they may need. This is very important
with these significant issues. In determining The TSIC Board is not naïve and knows
recognition of our seafood sector and the
TSIC policy, the TSIC Board will not lose that finding a balance between these three
impact it will feel because of the fires. I must
sight of our membership base: active wild objectives will be challenging. Furthermore,
also commend Jane and her SIA team for
catch fishers (that is, people with a Fishing as with any change, there will be some
coordinating seafood industry responses
Licence Personal), holders of a marine farm winners and losers.
and for instigating a regular teleconference
licence, and holders of a seafood processing
of key stakeholders to keep industry, Of further note, there is some important
licence. Where possible, we will align TSIC
government, and politicians informed. economic and social research being
policy with our sector group association
The importance of two-way communication conducted by IMAS which will help drive
policy. However, it is important to note that
in such trying times is such an important TSIC (and industry and government) policy
differences in membership bases mean this
aspect of such disasters. over the following years. Of particular
is not always possible.
interest is:
The huge scale of the mainland fires means
Central to the policy discussions, TSIC will Economic and social assessment of
there are potential flow-on impacts on U
attempt to find a balance between three Tasmanian fisheries reporting
Tasmanian seafood operators. It is difficult
important objectives:
to say at this stage whether this will be U A detailed social and economic survey
negative or positive, or a combination. 1. Sustainability of the stock – will also of the rock lobster fishery
Potential risks include freight and take into account the principles of
logistics problems, reduced (or increased?) ecosystem-based fisheries management U Socio-economic characterisation of
demand for seafood products in mainland to ensure a healthy and functioning a small-scale commercial fishery:
markets, and potentially reduced tourism marine environment. opportunities to improve viability and
in Tasmania as mainland families and profitability in the Tasmanian scalefish
2. Economic viability of fishers – ability for fishery (2019-2021).
communities recover.
fishers to earn an income after paying
As we move forward into 2020, TSIC has all expenses. It is hoped that this research will provide
not lost sight of other significant issues and an important evidence base to drive future
3. Support for and return to the Tasmanian
challenges affecting our Tasmanian seafood management options and policy change.
community (the owners of the resource)
industry, particularly our wild catch fishers. Some of the issues we currently face will
also require a political appetite to drive
change, but the harsh reality is we are at
the crossroads of change, whether we like
it or not.
OFFICIAL SPONSORS OF TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS 2020 certainly will be a busy year for TSIC,
TSIC staff and the Tasmanian seafood
industry.
VOLUME 22 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 3
“Well I was earning more in a night
catching flounder than working for
20 pounds a week as a motor mechanic.
I thought, that’s odd. So straight away I
started to do that,” Ivan explained.
He found more work on a sea urchin survey
for David Fehre of Planet Fisheries at
Port Arthur, but the physical challenge of
“kneeling and raking about” prompted him to
look for something different.
The commercial abalone fishery was at its
earliest beginnings in 1962-64, and Ivan was
one of the first abalone divers in Tasmania.
Ivan recalls, “When I came here, there were
two divers only. Two fellas in the one boat.
What are they doing? We were out here
fishing at the time and I thought ‘okay’.
You could see them in 6-8 foot of water. So
I thought I would have a go at that. So I put
on the diving suit, did a diving course. That’s
when I was working in Sandy Bay.”
Ivan began snorkelling at Hellfire, with his
young children and wife in tow, and selling
the abalone meat. It was a “very appropriate”
place for abalone fishing: “The abs used
Commercial rock lobster catches landed in Dunalley to be that thick that you used to just hop
in the water there, and of course it was a
A COLOURFUL
very narrow bottom, and you’d have to start
flicking them off to make space so you could
get your knife under them. They’d go right
through into the sand. Every rock. You’d look
and say ‘how did that support abs?’, but it
CAREER IN
did.” They would bring back 50-60kg of meat
alone, leaving piles of shells along the shore,
but at this point “the value of it wasn’t there.”
Ivan moved on to scuba diving down the
DUNALLEY:
channel and around Schouten Island from a
pair of boats owned by two brothers.
“We got some good catches. But I was never
comfortable with diving. I had a problem.
IVAN
I’d have a day’s diving, and I didn’t notice
that until I started with them, and then after
a couple days’ diving I’d be walking the deck
because of balance factors. So I thought
‘there is no future in diving for me’.”
CLEAVER’S
In those early days, there wasn’t yet a licence
for abalone diving, and when one was
STORY
Ivan Cleaver started out as a motor mechanic up until age 22.
In 1964, he moved with his wife and two children to Dunalley
and began selling fish “to a Greek down in Sandy Bay”.
Ivan with a barramundi in the Kimberley
4 TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS TSIC.ORG.AU
The challenges of oyster farming continued,
however. “We didn’t have the right format
for setting up an oyster farm. An oyster farm
has got to have a two-way tide otherwise it’s
not going to be successful. That had a tide
coming in. But the whole bay, there is only
a one-way tide on the beach here. When the
tide goes out, it falls out to the channels and
that’s where a lot of us made big mistakes.
No sooner had it set up and about 12 months
later the grass started.” Seagrass grew so
high that the oysters stopped growing, and
Ivan was forced to remove the sticks.
During this time the pair caught a few
varieties of fish, as well as spearing southern
calamari as that industry began.
“With the spear, it is still the most successful
“I WAS ALWAYS
Ivan with a bag of abalone in the 1970s
way of doing it. Because then I started to
catch 200kg a night because that’s all my
dinghy would hold because I was only using
FISHING”
introduced Ivan cut his losses and moved a 14-foot dinghy at the time. So then I had Bicheno, which he also held a small number
into garfish and flounder fishing, which was flounder, which for me was based on weather, of shares in. Cameron of Tasmania became
more lucrative. However, the abalone market then I introduced the dip netting of garfish his spat supplier of choice, though, since his
called again for Ivan, and once his son turned in the bay, which then gave me two arms, eldest daughter had married their hatchery
17 in the early 70s, Ivan bought an abalone and then of course with the squid I was very manager Graeme. “They’re family anyway.
licence for $10,000, “which was quite cheap at secure then, just for my style of fishing in A bit of a circle. That’s why we sold to
the time. My son was just about ready to leave small vessels.” them. When we started to buy the spat, that
school, so I said ‘here, hop in the suit, over in changed again. We were buying very small.”
Ivan upgraded to a 21-foot Savage, Trojan.
the bay there. You’re going fishing and I’ll be
Set up with seines, he fished for garfish Lease fees for Ivan’s 50-odd hectares began
the deckie’. That’s how it started, you see.”
and flounder successfully until catch rates increasing, and in 2006 he decided to sell the
Ivan did plenty of recreational fishing, too. plummeted for about three years in the farm to Cameron of Tasmania. “So we now
Rock lobster fishermen would bring their 1970s. The focus returned to abalone diving operate his lease over there from our depot
catches into “the narrows” and sort them, and continued development of the oyster here. So he pays us to do that, you see, which
tossing the smaller ones out into the Denison farm, with a brief foray into the wrasse and is quite a good arrangement.
Canal in Dunalley. “You could go across over morwong fisheries. It still allows us to go fishing in between the
the bridge there and on a calm morning there tides and some weather. Income coming from
For many years, he also made contributions
you’d see them all over the bottom. We used Cameron of Tasmania, and we still do our
to fisheries research. Ivan would take
to fish for them. And of course before that fishing. Time marches on.”
fisheries science officer John Grant out on
when I was in town, lived in Hobart, I used to
the water regularly, sometimes three times This story is based on an interview of
catch the crayfish on the wharves.”
a week, to assist in abalone farming trials in Ivan Cleaver conducted by TSIC staff on
On the side of their father–son abalone Bicheno. “I did all the [abalone] sexing and 12 February 2014, as part of the ongoing
diving business, Ivan set up an oyster farm sending them up to Bicheno for the trials.” ‘History of the Tasmanian Seafood Industry’
in the bay [Boomer Bay] with his son as the project. Volume 3 is underway and will focus
After four or five years, Ivan stepped back
main worker. on southern Tasmania.
from being his son’s deckhand, and focused
If you or someone you know has a story,
The first load of spat came on sticks, bought on oyster farming.
photos, or articles to share about the
off the Wivells in the Tamar in 1972. Sticks
After the Tamar hatchery closed, Ivan history of the seafood industry in southern
weren’t a very good or efficient system and
bought spat from Shellfish Culture in Tasmania, please contact the TSIC office.
required a fair bit of work. “The oysters just
grew and then you just smashed them off the
sticks because they had a cement coating
over them which allowed them to jar them
and release. Of course the oysters were grown
together so you had doubles and triples.
All sizes and shapes.” The sticks made of
untreated hardwood timber from the local mill
didn’t last long at all, so they added two-inch
black PVC over it, and set up at Tea-Tree Bay.
Still, Ivan and his son were able to sell small
quantities to the local markets while they put
most of their energy into abalone diving.
Ivan (on left in both images) on his oyster lease in Boomer Bay
VOLUME 22 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 5
FROM THE CHIEF
To comply with legislation, your SMS must
demonstrate and document that you are
complying with your general safety duties.
EXECUTIVE
JULIAN HARRINGTON
In partnership with 26 TEN, TSIC
has developed a ‘plain speak’ SMS
template which complies with the AMSA
requirements. This comes in two formats, a
blank template download or a fill out online,
save and print option. These resources can
be found on the TSIC website at
www.tsic.org.au/sms. Need some support,
As highlighted by the TSIC President in Stay Afloat Ambassador, well-known TV call the TSIC office.
his article, 2020 will bring with it several personality Ray Martin, will return to be the For those wanting a digital, cloud-based SMS
issues and challenges that we will need to event’s Master of Ceremonies. Tickets are option, the OffshoreSMS platform provides
tackle in a strategic manner. In addition, now available on the TSIC website at a no paper, no hassles, access at anytime,
the TSIC team will be progressing and www.tsic.org.au/stayafloat. anywhere version, all from your phone, tablet
delivering several exciting projects and or computer.
A huge thanks to the Stay Afloat official
events throughout 2020 and into 2021. From now until 30 June 2020, we are
sponsors, the Tasmanian Rock Lobster
Fishermen’s Association, Seafood and offering TSIC members a free two-year
STAY AFLOAT subscription to the OffshoreSMS option.
Maritime Training and the Tasmanian
The Stay Afloat mental health and Seafood Industry Council, which have all Included in this subscription is a one-on-one
wellbeing partnership will be taken to the pledged $10,000 in 2020 to support for the SMS set-up service. To determine eligibility
next level during 2020. initiative. and to get the two-year free OffshoreSMS
Rural Alive and Well is currently developing Want to become a sponsor? A prospectus of process started, call or email TSIC Project
an easy delivery ‘soft entry’ training platform sponsorship opportunities is also available Manager Emma on 6224 2332 or email
and resources, and we will finalise further at www.tsic.org.au/stayafloat. projectmanager@tsic.org.au. Some terms
hard copy resources and promotional and conditions apply.
materials throughout the year. SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
TASMANIAN SEAFOOD TEACHER
We are also very excited to launch our Members should be aware by now that all
second Stay Afloat Gala Cocktail Fundraiser fishing and marine farm vessels must have
CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM
to be held in mid-September at the Hobart a safety management system (SMS). In March, we will deliver a Tasmanian
Function and Conference Centre. The event Seafood Teacher Capacity Building
An SMS is a risk assessment of a vessel’s Program, as part of the Smart Seafood
will offer a smorgasbord of tasty seafood
operations and should describe how safety, Project in partnership with the NRM South
treats, matched with some Tasmanian
maintenance and operations are managed. team.
beer and wine. We are hopeful that our
The dynamic, one-day program is like
the Working on Water program, but the
key aim is to deliver information about
how our seafood industry operates.
Key topics will include management, the
role of science in managing our marine
resources, environmental monitoring
and biosecurity, and more.
TASMANIAN SEAFOOD TRAIL
I am very excited to announce that
TSIC has invested in the development of
a digitised self-drive seafood trail to
promote our industry and engage with
the growing tourist market in Tasmania.
This exciting digital tool will allow
consumers, tourists and businesses to
engage with the seafood industry past,
present and future.
If you / your business is interested in
STAY THE STAY AFLOAT SEAFOOD advertising on the Seafood Trail, contact
afo
od Indust
INDUSTRY MENTAL HEALTH AND the TSIC office for an official seafood
Se
ry
1300helpmate WELLBEING INITITIATIVE IS trail prospectus.
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY OUR
AF
LO AT OFFICIAL SPONSORS
6 TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS TSIC.ORG.AU
JETTY TALK PETUNA
CELEBRATES
70 YEARS
Seventy years after first
SMALL EXPORTER GRANT meeting on Tasmania’s
OPEN NOW north-east coast, Peter and
Una Rockliff celebrated, with
The Australian Government is inviting
family, staff, and friends, the
applications to deliver activities under
business which, from humble
the Package Assisting Small Exporters
beginnings, has become a
program.
Tasmanian success story.
Under the program, grants are available to
The Tasmanian aquaculture
organisations and individuals for projects
business began in 1949 when
that support small exporters in the dairy,
Peter – a young professional
fish, eggs, grain, plant, horticulture, meat Peter and Una with their 3 children – Dianne, Neville
fisherman – met his future wife
and animal products industries to overcome and Sallyann
and business partner, Una, on the
barriers to market access.
docks at Bridport. The business
Applications close 11pm ACT local has grown over the decades to become Tasmania’s largest multi-species seafood
time, 28 Feb 2020. Apply here: business, providing jobs for hundreds of Tasmanians. The anniversary event, held at
www.grants.gov.au/?event=public. Una’s favourite restaurant, Mrs Jones, on the Devonport waterfront on 26 November,
GO.show&GOUUID=85EBB74A-D9AC-2C36- presented an opportunity for guests to celebrate Petuna’s proud history and to
B91754A8F893A664 acknowledge the company’s continued innovation and commitment to environmental
sustainability and world’s best practice.
REPORT ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES
IN MARINE PARKS
If you suspect illegal activities in
12TH INTERNATIONAL REGISTER AS A BRAND TASMANIA
Australian marine parks, you can report
them by calling 1800 110 395. CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP TASMANIAN PARTNER
ON LOBSTER BIOLOGY AND In December 2019, Brand Tasmania
This hotline is part of compliance efforts quietly launched tasmanian.com.au,
under the Environment Protection and
MANAGEMENT 2020
your new Tasmanian brand website
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The 12th International Conference and digital toolkit.
and Workshop on Lobster Biology and
TRACEABILITY GRANTS PROGRAM: The evolved Tasmanian brand is the product
Management 2020 (ICWL 2020) will
of hundreds of one-on-one interviews with
ROUND 1 NOW OPEN take place from 18-23 October 2020 in
people across the State. It’s a powerful and
The Australian Government is inviting Fremantle, Western Australia.
inspiring cultural expression, and it will help
applications through an open competitive The Conference hosted by the Department guide the future direction of Tasmania.
process to apply to deliver services under of Primary Industries and Regional We encourage you to register as a
Round 1 of the Traceability Grants Program Development (DPIRD) and the Western Tasmanian partner, if you haven’t already –
(the program). Rock Lobster Council (WRL) will bring individuals and organisations can register,
The objectives of the program are (1) to together hundreds of scientists, fisheries and it’s free!
support industry projects that will enhance managers, government employees and
students from across the globe. What’s in it for you? When you register, you
our agricultural supply chain traceability
gain access to the Tasmanian brand book
systems, including developing and trialling For more information and to register,
and work book; an image library of sparkling
technologies that digitise information head to www.icwl2020.com.au.
Tasmanian photos; brand workshops
flow, (2) to provide an advantage for our
tailored for your sector; and news, stories
exporters in overseas markets to assist ARE YOU USING NEW
and updates from Brand Tasmania via email.
them in maintaining their competitive edge, TECHNOLOGY TO PERFORM TASKS The digital toolkit will evolve and grow over
and (3) to increase opportunities to export THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY DONE time. Brand Tasmania wants to help every
Australian commodities.
MANUALLY? Tasmanian to bring the Tasmanian story to
Applications close 11pm ACT local time, life through the work you do.
Your feedback is invited on the draft
21 Feb 2020. Apply here:
skills standards, which are available for If you were a previous Brand Tasmania
www.grants.gov.au/?event=public.
comment on Skills Impact’s website until partner you will still need to register.
GO.show&GOUUID=E534F063-D887-CDA1-
early March 2020. www.tasmanian.com.au
32243B229E388077
You have the opportunity to play a key role
in defining the skills standards for working
with new technologies, supporting future
learners and industry as a whole. Visit
skillsimpact.com.au to get involved.
VOLUME 22 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 7
TWO FISHERMEN WORKING FREE
HARD TO SIMPLIFY SAFETY TWO-YEAR
MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS SUBSCRIPTION
TSIC is offering all members a free
FOR COMMERCIAL VESSEL two-year subscription to Offshore SMS
until 30 June (value $198).
OPERATORS After 30 June, TSIC is offering members
a one-year subscription to Offshore SMS
(value $99).
When AMSA’s revised laws around safety live in the cloud and do away with a ton of Please call or email the TSIC office to sign
management systems on commercial paper. I went away and built a prototype up today.
fishing vessels left many vessel operators website that did just that, and a year later LIMITED TO ONE SUBSCRIPTION PER MEMBER.
confused and overwhelmed, two innovative Offshore SMS was born. We released version
Tasmanian fishermen decided to create a two in late 2019, and as our membership
complete a pre-start checklist before every
web-based app that simplifies the process grows we are able to continue improving the
trip, and that these are kept for five years.
of setting up and maintaining an SMS. app and developing new features to make
On the app, the daily startup checklist can
life easier for other fishermen.”
Steve Fraser and Rob Menadue, both be done in less than 30 seconds and saved in
experienced Tasmanian abalone fishermen, Offshore SMS has a wide range of useful the cloud in real time, all with zero paper!”
launched Offshore SMS in 2019 after features. At its core is the ability to quickly
Compliance is a key focus for the small
becoming frustrated by the increasing set up a safety management system for any
Offshore SMS team. With AMSA stepping
amounts of paperwork required to stay vessel, induct crew, log maintenance, record
up compliance checks and SMS audits
compliant with AMSA’s marine orders. incidents, do daily startup checks and more.
around Australia in 2020, Fraser says,
On top of that, the team is adding new
Steve Fraser, also a software developer for “We check in regularly with AMSA at all
features like sea time logs for crew, and they
the last 12 years, says: “Rob approached me levels, right up to the bigwigs in Canberra,
have just released a Fleet version of the app
in 2018 asking if there was a way that our to make sure that any SMS developed on
aimed at larger maritime businesses with
vessel safety management systems could our app is indeed compliant. In the coming
multiple vessels and crew.
months, we will be launching a new self-
Fraser says, “While our membership is audit tool to allow our users to check how
growing around the country, we have their SMS is tracking.
been overwhelmed by the support of
“We are still fishermen ourselves, and
the Tasmanian Abalone Council and the
with the continued support of industry
Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council. In
organisations like TSIC, we hope to
particular, TSIC’s endorsement of Offshore
continue our mission to simplify safety for
SMS and its commitment to subsidise a
commercial fishermen and to make it easier
two-year subscription to the app for TSIC
for every operator to comply with AMSA’s
members in 2020 is a sign of the council’s
SMS requirements.”
unwavering support of commercial
fishermen in Tasmania. Offshore SMS won the 2019 Tasmanian
Seafood Industry Council Safety Award.
“From the beginning, we have worked hard
to simplify the language that has come out To find out more, visit www.offshoresms.
of AMSA around vessel safety management com.au. If you are a member of the
systems. We also understand that fishermen Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council, and
don’t want to spend hours each week filling wish to get a free two-year subscription to
Steve Fraser from Offshore SMS in logbooks, so the checklists on Offshore Offshore SMS with full support from the
demonstrating a Daily Startup Checklist to Offshore SMS team, please call the TSIC
SMS can be done on an iPad or mobile
Ian Melrose from Melshell Oysters at Dolphin
phone in just a few clicks. For example, it office on 03 6224 2332. This offer ends on
Sands on Tasmania’s East Coast
is now a requirement that all fishermen 30 June 2020.
Have you done a daily
startup checklist?
8 TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS TSIC.ORG.AU
DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY
The third phase of releases will follow
review of the legislation, and is envisioned
to support end-to-end digital transactions
INDUSTRIES, PARKS, WATER for many licence-related processes.
We also welcome Kellie Fahey who joined
AND ENVIRONMENT the team in January to assist development
of digital catch and effort platforms,
including remaining activities associated
with the Making Life Easier initiative. Kellie
brings a wealth of knowledge gained while
developing digital tools for Tasmania’s
Inland Fisheries Service.
FISHERIES DIGITAL TRANSITION Many transactions, whether initiated using
a paper form or through FishPort, must be For more information about the project,
PROJECT UPDATE
processed by a Fisheries Licensing and please contact FDTP Manager, Daniel
Since our last update, Marine Resources Gledhill daniel.gledhill@dpipwe.tas.gov.au.
Monitoring Officer. Until the legislation
staff have been undertaking structured
is amended, transactions undertaken
testing of the commercial fisheries licensing CONVICTIONS
digitally will, in effect, be applications to the
website FishPort, scheduled for release in
Department in the same way a paper form is MALCOLM BUDD, MANAGER – COMPLIANCE
March 2020.
used today. The launch version of FishPort AND LICENSING
This has once again highlighted the will represent a significant step forward
for industry as users will no longer have Recreational fisher convicted on 8
complexities associated with managing
to repeatedly fill in personal and licence- charges: On 12 September 2019 Mr Yun
and administering Tasmania’s wild capture,
related details on paper forms and will ZHAO was convicted in the Hobart
marine commercial fisheries.
have direct visibility of their licence-related Magistrates Court of unlawfully taking
TSIC has also recruited industry volunteers more than 10 abalone, take undersized
information. The Department will continue
to undertake testing in the coming weeks. abalone in the southern area, possess
to support paper-based applications for
Once registered to use FishPort, clients will undersize abalone in the southern area,
clients who prefer that medium.
be able to view their licences and packages fail to immediately replace undersize
and perform a range of related transactions Data displayed through FishPort is held in abalone, take undersize female rock lobster,
online. Where a transaction requires two FILMS, Tasmania’s Fisheries Integrated possess undersize female rock lobster,
parties to complete (e.g. the addition or Licensing Management System. FILMS take undersize male rock lobster, possess
removal of a supervisor) both clients must is more than a database; it contains undersize male rock lobster.
be registered FishPort users, otherwise a the relevant rules, which dictate what
transactions can be undertaken and by The charges resulted from Tasmania
paper-based transaction will be required.
whom. For example, a client may be the Police Marine & Rescue Service Officers
licence holder or Nominated Natural attending the shore at Lady Bay, Southport
Person (NNP) for one licence package, on Saturday 12 January 2019. Officers found
and supervisor on another. As the licence that Mr ZHAO had taken 19 abalone, five
holder or NNP, they will be able to view of which were undersized. Mr ZHAO held
REPORT more detail and perform more actions than a fishing licence (recreational abalone)
ILLEGAL they can as a supervisor. This role-based which permitted him to take a maximum
of 10 abalone from State waters in any
FISHING relationship to licences and packages
mirrors what clients can currently view and one day. Mr ZHAO held a fishing licence
FISH perform via paper-based transactions. (recreational rock lobster dive) which
WATCH
permitted him to take a maximum of 2 rock
While the first release of FishPort won’t lobster from the Eastern Region in any one
0427 655 557 support all transactions necessary to
comply with all fisheries rules and
day, admitted to taking 2 undersize rock
lobster.
regulations, functionality will continue to be
added in coming months. Staff have spent Mr ZHAO received fines and special
considerable time trying to make a complex penalties totalling $4,269 which resulted
process simple, but further improvements in Mr ZHAO being allocated 26 demerit
can be made. points.
We’ll therefore continue to seek feedback
from users during this second stage of
development so we can continue to improve
FishPort and the level of service it can
provide to industry.
VOLUME 22 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 9
SCALLOP FISHERMEN’S
activity to disrupt in any way the spawning,
settlement and growing cycle of scallops
ASSOCIATION OF
in this vast area. We repeatedly warned the
seismic proponents of the likely impact on
scallop stocks but were mostly ignored, and
TASMANIA INC.
the 2D seismic program went ahead from 19
February 2010.
BOB LISTER Several months later in mid-June 2010,
when seasonal scallop harvesting would
normally commence, it was immediately
apparent that the very valuable scallop
stocks had been impacted and were
either newly dead or dying at a time when
IMPACT OF SEISMIC TESTING Despite strong objections and many
representations to government agencies they should be in peak condition. Many
ON FISHERIES AND THE MARINE surviving scallops were in a very weak
and elected representatives, GeoScience
ENVIRONMENT Victoria undertook an intense 2D seismic condition and we believed were likely to die
The SFAT has lodged a submission to the program over the Greenhouse Gas Storage in the next few weeks.
Senate inquiry on this very important Blocks (Gipp-01, 02 and 03) in Bass Strait Climate change was not believed to
matter and, for your information, generally north of Flinders Island, starting be a reason for the mortality, as water
shown below is an edited version of that in February 2010 for a period of two months. temperatures had been normal all year
submission. and routine testing of scallops revealed no
This marine seismic survey covered a
The SFAT represents the best interests of massive area of approximately 16,500 sign of disease. The younger age class of
commercial scallop fishermen members square kilometres entirely within the scallops in the area ruled out the beds dying
from both Tasmania and Victoria who Commonwealth waters of the Gippsland of old age.
hold entitlements to take scallops in the Basin using the vessel MV Aquila Explorer Significantly a southern protected area
Commonwealth-managed Bass Strait to run intense seismic transects across the of scallops that was not in the path of the
Central Zone Scallop Fishery. whole permit area. seismic activity were in the usual good
This fishery is managed by AFMA and The seismic transect lines crossed condition with all classes of scallops, native
is regarded as one of the best managed immediately over known commercial oysters, razor clams and cockles showing no
commercial fisheries in Australia. There is a scallop beds in Bass Strait that had been sign of stress or abnormal mortality.
Federal Government approved management identified following fishery research surveys The estimated loss of around 24,000 tonnes
plan and Scallop Harvest Strategy along over the previous few years. of scallops with a retail value in excess of
with rotational harvesting practices that $70M had a significant impact on fishermen,
ensure growing stocks are protected for the An early 2010 preseason research survey
undertaken by industry before the seismic processors and regional economies in both
future. Tasmania and Victoria. There was plenty
found that scallops in the known beds were
All vessels in the fishery are equipped with in good condition and most were suitable of forensic evidence with masses of dead
satellite-based vessel monitoring systems. for harvest later that year. Other shellfish in scallop shells but no definite proof that
AFMA, researchers and industry work the area were also in good condition. seismic was the cause.
closely together to ensure the long-term Scientific advice subsequently indicated
sustainability of the fishery and to maximise As these known scallop beds were
continually monitored for future harvesting, that the intense and continual seismic air
the economic returns. There are significant gun pulses may have caused the scallops to
employment benefits from this industry we had chosen to protect all this resource
and we certainly did not want seismic take flight, with repeated startled responses
particularly in regional areas.
seafoodjobs.org
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10 TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS TSIC.ORG.AUexhausting them to the point of delayed Some four years later, in October 2016, These reports support scallop industry
mortality several months later. the FRDC-supported research projects observations that delayed scallop mortality
determined that exposure to seismic occurred some 2 to 4 months after the
Several age classes were impacted, so age
surveys is associated with behavioural seismic survey was conducted.
was not a factor, and other shellfish species
and physiological changes in commercial
in the affected area also died at the same As a result of the devastation to the Bass
scallops and Southern Rock Lobster and
time. Strait scallop fishery in 2010, there is a clear
a chronic reduction in animal immune
need for future regular, ongoing meaningful
The impact on highly vulnerable scallop systems. These physiological changes
consultation and dialogue between the
larvae in the water column, scallop spat reduce the tolerance to other environmental
commercial fishing industry and the oil and
and juvenile scallops was not immediately stressors and increase the risk of mortality.
gas sectors.
known, but it could be reasonably assumed
The FRDC research projects to investigate
that seismic resulted in total mortality. Never again should marine seismic
concerns about marine seismic were all
Future generations of scallops were operations be permitted that can impact
completed in 2016 and are listed below:
obviously affected and limited research on valuable marine resources where
surveys since have shown that the impacted 2012-008 Assessing the impact of marine operators hold government approved
areas have still not recovered some nine seismic surveys on southeast Australian fishing entitlements without full and fair
years later, with no known commercial beds scallop and lobster fisheries; compensation being paid well in advance.
of scallops in harvestable quantities in the
2013-209 Optimising processes and policy The Senate Committee is now considering
seismic coverage areas.
to minimise business and operational all submissions on this matter and a final
To better understand the impact of this impacts of seismic surveys on the fishing report is due in May this year.
type of seismic on marine species, the industry and oil and gas industry;
SFAT encouraged a collaborative research
2014-041 Potential impact of low frequency
project with the Tasmanian Aquaculture
sound from seismic operations on benthic
and Fisheries Institute, Curtin University
communities in the Gippsland Basin.
and other experts to study and measure
the effects of seismic on unrestricted wild
scallops and other marine species.
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VOLUME 22 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 11INSTITUTE FOR MARINE
& ANTARCTIC STUDIES
ASSESSING ECONOMIC AND
SOCIAL VALUES OF COMMERCIAL
ROCK LOBSTER FISHERY
IMAS is conducting a survey of
Tasmania’s commercial rock lobster
fishery to identify a wide range of
economic and social values which can be
used to understand the fishery.
For example, collecting information on the
cost of going fishing enables researchers to
determine the direct and flow-on economic
IMAS SALMON TEAM TAKES OUT TOP UNIVERSITY AWARD contributions of the commercial sector
to different parts of Tasmania and the
Our IMAS Salmon Environmental Interactions Team has taken out the prestigious
national economy.
University of Tasmania Medal for Research Excellence, in recognition of their
science on the effects of salmon farming in our coastal zone. Currently, the fishery’s value is usually
reported as an ABARES figure that
The award honours the outstanding contribution that Dr Jeff Ross, Associate Professor
measures the gross value of Australian
Catriona Macleod and their dedicated team have made to ensuring the research that
fisheries and aquaculture production
underpins our understanding and monitoring of the environmental interactions of
(GVP) or ‘beach price’.
salmon farming is of the highest quality.
However, this does not reflect the true
Dr Ross said the team showed an outstanding commitment, both to Tasmania’s natural
social and economic contribution of the
environment and to generating the understanding needed to support the sustainable
resource or fishery activities, or how
development of the salmon industry.
the benefits are distributed to people
“Our work has contributed to better balancing the protection of natural values of our within the fishery and to the Tasmanian
coastal environment with the social and economic benefits from the industry. This community.
benefits society and the communities we are such a part of – and informs government
There have been many changes in the
and industry management.”
industry since the last economic survey of
Read the full story here: https://tinyurl.com/SalmonEnviroTeamWins the commercial fishery in 2007. The current
survey will fill the gaps in assessing
the social and economic dimensions of
Tasmanian fisheries.
The survey will be open until February-
March 2020, with the report available in
late 2020.
12 TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS TSIC.ORG.AUMAIDEN MARINE
CONSULTANTS PTY LTD
Photo credit: Scott Ling, IMAS
MARINE
SURVEYORS
EVALUATING TASMANIA’S URCHIN HARVEST SUBSIDY
IMAS researchers recently evaluated the subsidy provided to commercial
harvesters of long-spined sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii in Tasmania, which
was introduced in 2016 to address the ecological and economic impacts of the
urchin’s incursion into our rocky reefs. AMSA Accredited
Funded by the Abalone Industry Reinvestment Fund, the project looked at the spatial
Fully Insured
and economic effectiveness of the subsidy, and investigated various alternative Local & Experienced
subsidy structures, including the effect of removing or reducing the subsidy.
Initially a flat rate of $0.75 per kilogram wet-weight of harvest, the subsidy was
changed to a spatially explicit structure in early March 2019. This is where the price INITIAL SURVEYS
per kilogram depends on latitudinal zones along the east coast of Tasmania.
Researchers found that while the higher subsidy for more southern areas pushed PERIODICAL
some catch southward, further refinement may be needed as the State Government’s
Centrostephanus Response Strategy is developed. RENEWAL
It was clear that the subsidy had achieved its primary goal – to re-spark the harvest INSURANCE
industry for long-spined sea urchins in Tasmania. Before the subsidy, the total harvest
had dropped to less than 50 tonnes, but it increased to about 560 tonnes in the recent PRE-PURCHASE
season.
In addition, while the cost- NEW BUILDS
effectiveness of urchin culling
versus harvesting depends on
PLAN APPROVAL
speed, urchin density and other
factors, researchers found that
S M S P R E PA R AT I O N
harvesting was generally more
cost-effective than culling for a
subsidy of $1/kg or less. However,
culling was found to be more cost- Need Advice or a Survey?
effective when higher subsidies
were used to incentivise divers in
For an Obligation Free
more southerly areas. Quote contact
In the 2020 season, GPS and depth
logger units will be carried by all STEVE 0417 918 855
divers involved in long-spined steve@maidenmarine.net
sea urchin operations. This will
provide fine-scale measurements
and further insight into the
QUENTIN 0428 751 411
effectiveness of subsidising the quentin@maidenmarine.net
fishery as a removal strategy. Centrostephanus subsidy zones in 2019. Based
on the IMAS evaluation, this was updated from
Read the report here: https://tinyurl.
1 January 2020 to northern $0, central $0.75 and
com/UrchinSubsidyEvaluation www.maidenmarine.net
southern zone $1.50.
VOLUME 22 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 13TASMANIAN
Efficiencies
There have been some gains for the fishery
in this field. The removal of the length/
ROCK LOBSTER tonnage Schedule in the Fisheries (Rock
Lobster) Rules has resulted in efficiency gains
FISHERMEN’S
for some smaller vessel operators that can
increase their pot numbers and now operate
more efficiently. The failure to achieve a
ASSOCIATION 60-pot maximum allocation in all but the
western region in the 2019 Management Plan
Amendments was disappointing for a number
JOHN SANSOM, CEO of fishers. This industry is a “price taker” and
not a “price setter”. Rising costs of production
cannot be passed on to the end consumer;
they are forced on to the fisher. The options
THE DECADE THAT WAS 2020, compared to approximately $260 million
for reducing the cost of fishing are very
in 2010. The Gross Value of Production
As we move into a new decade, it is limited and efficiencies for larger vessels have
(GVP) has increased from $60 million to $92
important to consider what was achieved not been equitable statewide.
million over the same period. While beach
over the past one. While much has
prices fluctuate according to market demand, The introduction of AMSA on the regulatory
happened, the big ticket items deserve
average beach prices have also increased scene has not been a seamless transfer
scrutiny and comment.
substantially throughout this period, from from the State-based system (MAST). The
Sustainability $48/kg in 2010 to $92/kg in 2018/19. These initial promises of lower costs, less red tape
For the first half of the last decade we were figures represent an obvious increase in the and improved safety outcomes have not
still grappling with sustainability issues. value of the fishery over the same time. The materialised. The continued urging from the
From a Total Allowable Catch of 1470 tonnes growing sustainability of stocks and increased seafood industry for the State Government to
in 2010, successive reductions to the TACC GVP has resulted in industry participants resume delivery of the NSCV through MAST
continued until 2014/15 when the 1050 tonne having the confidence to continue to invest in is an ongoing issue.
total we have today was introduced. This the fishery.
The move by DPIPWE to the digital age
level is now achieving the intended goals
Social is welcomed by industry. Early days of the
of rebuilding the biomass and increasing
There has been no social policy for the Digital Transition Project have seen DPIPWE
egg production on a statewide basis. Limit
fishery since the implementation of the ITQ institute a policy of “making life easier”
Reference Points for egg production and
system of management was introduced in that has seen improvements in licensing
virgin biomass have now been met and
1998. Over the last 10 years, there has been a and administration. As phase 1 and 2 are
exceeded, and the Target Reference Point of
major reduction of the fishing fleet and the implemented throughout 2020, industry looks
25% virgin biomass level by 2026 is well on
subsequent flow-on effect of economic benefit forward to continuing developments in online
track to being achieved. There are still some
in our coastal communities. The reduction licence-related transactions, notifications and
regions requiring ongoing management to
is mainly market driven, through the effects applications.
exceed limit reference points; however, they
of increased biomass. It now takes fewer
are currently expected to do so by 2023 in Challenges for the next decade
fishers to catch the available TACC, and the
line with the current harvest strategy. Overall Industry needs to consider, sooner rather
industry has literally become a victim of its
these results are significant and should be than later, where it wants to be in ten years’
own success. While a fleet reduction was
recognised as such. time. Sustainability of the fishery stocks
an expected outcome of the original ITQ
looks to be in hand at present and the current
Value implementation, questions are now being
harvest strategy is well placed to identify any
The value of the fishery has increased asked about how far the reduction should
potential risks.
substantially over the last ten years. Despite go. This trend will in all likelihood continue
a lower TACC, capital investment in licences unless industry decides on some structural Property rights were brought into sharp
and quota is worth approximately $1 billion in changes to arrest it. focus last year with the Western Australian
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14 TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS TSIC.ORG.AUOYSTERS
government attempting to allocate itself a
chunk of a TACC increase.
BIOTOXIN PROJECT
TASMANIA
Most jurisdictions are now looking at how Tasmanian shellfish growing areas have
they can protect their access rights. The been subject to a biotoxin management
TRLFA is currently looking at the abalone plan as part of the industry’s quality
fishery Deed of Agreement with the State assurance program since the 1980s, with
Government that has now become the several evolutions along the way.
benchmark of property rights in Australian
wild fisheries. The most recent monitoring strategy was
implemented in 2013 following a major
Along with property rights, industry will need bloom affecting much of the east coast,
to deal with other stakeholders’ aspirations resulting in widespread closures and
that will undoubtedly have implications for product recalls.
the commercial sector. This is especially
important for the East Coast. We have seen The current sampling regime is one of the
management of this area pose significant most stringent in the country, with weekly
problems for the Department, especially in monitoring occurring for the intervening
THE SUMMER SEASON SO FAR years in most growing areas. While
constraining catches from the recreational
The oyster industry is enjoying a busy food safety remains our priority, it does
sector, continually in excess of their notional
holiday season, with demand high for our represent a significant cost burden to our
allowance. These increased catches are not
fantastic produce here in Tasmania and farmers, and as we now have six years of
sustainable if the East Coast Stock Rebuilding
throughout Australia. data it’s time to review the program.
Strategy is to be maintained. Current
proposals from the Department to reduce the With Chinese New Year and Tassie’s Oysters Tasmania, with funding and
commercial catch to mitigate overcatch from extended summer, it’s expected this will support from the Tasmanian Government,
the recreational sector are not acceptable and continue for the next few months. is coordinating a project to assess the risk
set a very dangerous precedent. of biotoxins in Tasmanian shellfish and
There have been a few reports of very
The almost total reliance on one market how to best manage this risk. Independent
minor mortalities from the Pacific
for the industry is an important economic experts in biotoxin risk management
Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS) in
factor. Should that market fail for any reason, have been commissioned to analyse the
late January. The disease has made its
the industry would be in for a significant significant amount of data that has been
appearance a bit later than usual, probably
readjustment. The lack of a plan B leaves us gathered on Tasmanian shellfish and
reflecting cooler water temperatures.
in a very vulnerable position. It is probably provide their advice.
The situation will be monitored closely
overdue for the southern rock lobster states to by our famers over the coming months. Primary goals of the project are to:
cooperatively look at a mitigation strategy. The success to date of the ASI breeding U Assess the current biotoxin risk profile
program for POMS resistance gives hope for each Tasmanian growing area for
Succession planning is a high priority in the
that mortalities will remain low. known, emerging, and novel biotoxin
TRLFA Strategic Plan. The financial barriers
for young fishers have been identified as the hazards.
major inhibiting factor preventing fishers
THE YEAR AHEAD
Define potential risk management
For Oysters Tasmania, 2020 sees us focus
U
acquiring some ownership of their fishery. options.
It also restricts fishers wishing to lease on how we can best serve our members
seasonal quota “up front”. The TRLFA has and help them develop and thrive in their U Examine the use of new and existing
put a submission to the State Government businesses. testing methods.
to source funding for a feasibility study to This will involve “a long hard look in U Develop a risk assessment framework
establish a not-for-profit, industry-managed the mirror”– more formally known as a for ongoing management.
Equity Loan Program. If funding for the strategic planning day in early February.
study is approved, the TRLFA will develop This will include a review of our activities, This will allow the Tasmanian shellfish
a business framework, an application, with a renewed emphasis on providing industry to ensure our biotoxin
assessment and approval process and value to our members, and will set the management remains world leading so we
governance structure for government scene for the year ahead and beyond. can continue to supply our customers with
consideration. delicious, safe product.
We will also assess how we best serve
Climate change could well pose some, as yet, our industry through relevant research
unknown challenges for the fishery. activities, with a number of projects being
The demise of kelp forests and the funded this year, including the Biotoxin
introduction of the long-spined sea urchin are Project detailed below.
already evidence of a changing ecosystem.
Researchers advise that a robust biomass is
a good strategy for mitigating effects like the
long-spined sea urchin. However, we are yet
to see the continued and cumulative impacts
of rising sea temperatures. It will pay to
consider what strategies might be needed
in the future to offset the effects.
VOLUME 22 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 15SEAFOOD
AND
MARITIME
TRAINING
ROV pool training
NEW TRAINEESHIP PATHWAYS FOR by the Victorian Skills Commissioner.
MED 2 AND MASTERAUSTRALIAN MARITIME
SAFETY AUTHORITY
CLAIRE CUNNINGHAM, LIAISON OFFICER
REQUIREMENT FOR It is important that you follow the
FLOAT-FREE EPIRBS manufacturer’s instructions when fitting
your float-free EPIRB. An incorrectly fitted
A reminder that, from 1 January 2021,
EPIRB can accidently activate if it is not
float-free emergency position-indicating
correctly fitted inside the float-free bracket.
radio beacons (EPIRBs) will be mandatory
It is also important to ensure you mount and money, including searching rubbish tips
on certain types of domestic commercial
the bracket in a location on your vessel for beacons that have been thrown in the
vessels.
to minimise the risk of the EPIRB getting garbage.
This includes all Class 3 (fishing) vessels caught up in rigging or other parts of your
To properly dispose of your expired beacon
that are: vessel when it floats free.
you can, for a small fee, drop it into your
U at least 12 metres in length, and operating Alternative option for smaller vessels nearest battery store in Tasmania and they
beyond 2 nautical miles from land; or will safely dispose of it for you. See the
If your vessel is less than 7.5 metres in
less than 12 metres in length operating, AMSA website for more information on
U length and does not have level flotation,
and in B or C waters without level beacon disposal.
you have the option of carrying a GPS-
flotation. equipped, manual or water-activated EPIRB Does your safety management system
in a manual bracket, instead of carrying a reflect your operation?
This change to safety requirements is
float-free EPIRB. This option is only valid if
in response to tragic incidents where AMSA will often ask for a copy of your
everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket.
commercial vessels have sunk too quickly safety management system (SMS) when you
for the master and crew to deploy their Make sure you register your beacon apply for a new Certificate of Operation,
EPIRB in time. if you have an incident, or during a vessel
All EPIRBs and personal locator beacons
inspection. We are finding that some
This change does not affect those that are (PLBs) must be registered with AMSA (every
operators who are using a template-based
required to also carry a manually activated two years). Up-to-date registration details are
SMS are not changing the content to reflect
EPIRB in their life raft. important for a number of reasons:
their operation, nor are they using and
Purchase your float-free EPIRB sooner U It allows the AMSA Response Centre updating their SMS regularly.
rather than later (ARC) to know what kind of vessel they
are looking for and who may be on board. An SMS that is not reflective of your
Don’t leave it to the last minute to purchase operation does not meet the National Law
your float-free EPIRB as your local stockist U It provides the ARC with emergency requirements and importantly is not going
may not have stock available and may contact details to verify whether a beacon to help improve the safety of your operation.
have to order it in. AMSA will not be able activation is an emergency situation or AMSA is now following up with compliance
to accept this as an excuse when float-free accidental. action for those whose SMS does not meet
EPIRBs become mandatory from 1 January AMSA’s requirements.
You can easily update your registration
2021. Remember, this important piece of
details at any time, for instance if your AMSA has a range of guidance material
safety equipment might save you and your
contact details or your emergency contact available online to help you improve your
crew’s life one day!
details change, to update vessel images or if SMS. See www.amsa.gov.au.
Fitting of float-free EPIRBs you take your PLB on a bushwalk. The more
information the ARC has in a search and
A float-free EPIRB is an EPIRB that is fitted
rescue situation, the better.
in a bracket with a hydrostatic release unit
and a water-activated switch. The EPIRB Please call 1800 406 406 or visit
automatically activates and floats free to the beacons.amsa.gov.au to register online.
water’s surface when a vessel capsizes to a Registration is free.
depth of 1 to 4 metres underwater. Float-free
Don’t bin your beacon
EPIRBs can also be manually removed from
the bracket and manually activated without Each year accidental EPIRB activations cost
being submerged in water. our search and rescue agencies a lot of time
VOLUME 22 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2020 17You can also read
