TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS - VOLUME 29 APR/MAY 2021 - TSIC.ORG.AU - Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council
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TSIC.ORG.AU TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS VOLUME 29 APR/MAY 2021
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FROM THE
PRESIDENT
LINDSAY NEWMAN
It has been 12 months since the COVID-19 We ensured that seafood businesses were On the evening of the 18 March, Minister
pandemic hit our Australian shores. included in the eligibility for a range of Barnett announced ongoing funding for the
12 months since strict quarantine Small Business Grant schemes, and many Rural Alive and Well Stay Afloat Reach Out
restrictions were put into place and businesses benefited from these grants. officer, Chris Claridge. The extension of this
working and learning from home became dedicated seafood support for a further three
We worked closely with AusTrade and the
the new norm. 12 months since the years is very welcome news. Chris and the
State Government to ensure freight and
domestic impact on our seafood industry RAW team have been out and about over
logistics solutions through the IFAM scheme.
started to really ramp up. recent months, visiting wharves and jetties,
We provided our members with COVID Safe talking with fishers and their broader seafood
The last 12 months has certainly been a
Plan Templates for their vessels or on land community.
busy time for TSIC, especially with the
facilities.
current market disruption issue on the plate. We at TSIC know that times are tough for
The TSIC CE and staff have been working We ramped up our Stay Afloat mental health many in our seafood industry. We do our best
incredibly hard to support our members, initiative and linked members to free financial to support our members, that is grassroots
lobbying and advocating for support from counselling support through Rural Business fishers, marine farmers, and seafood
the Government and promoting our fantastic Tasmania. processors; with strong lobbying, advocacy
seafood out to the broader public through our and proactive projects.
And the list goes on.
Eat More Seafood campaign. Although we did
If you have any ideas about things we could
not get everything we had hoped for, we were The more recent Chinese market access
do, our doors and phone lines are always
able to secure considerable support for the scenario has proven a little more challenging
open.
seafood industry. for both rock lobster fishers and for TSIC’s
ability to secure support to help these fishers. In late 2020, TSIC called for nominations for
Looking back, we achieved a lot and
I can assure everyone though, that the TSIC Directors of TSIC, with four positions up for
communicated updates and available support
CE and staff have been working tirelessly, election. At the completion of the nomination
through the regular TSIC Update newsletters
lobbying both State and Federal Government period, we had received four nominations. I
that were emailed to members (those we have
for a diverse range of support. The TSIC CE am pleased to announce re-nominating TSIC
email addresses for), with updates sometimes
will detail some of the requests in his report Directors Paul Richardson and Tim Hess have
going out every couple of days. I think it is
in this issue of Seafood Industry News. been re-elected. I would also like to welcome
timely to remind our members of the key
two new Directors, Greg (Tubby) Quinn and
outcomes TSIC achieved, in partnership with At the time of writing this report, we have
Rob Rattray. Greg is relatively new to the
our sector associations. been successful in having some licence
Tasmanian commercial Scalefish fishery
renewals waived. These waivers represent
We were able to implement a payment plan but has a long history and love of the water,
$663,000 of fee relief, money that can stay
for licence fees, and then the waiving of while Rob Rattray is well known within the
in the pockets of our seafood industry. The
majority of licence fee renewals for wild catch rock lobster world. Both will bring a wealth of
$663,000 relief package includes:
fisheries and the ShellMAP levy for oyster knowledge and experience to the TSIC Board
farmers. After considerable lobbying into U Waiver of the biotoxin levy payable by table.
DPIPWE and the Minister, we were successful rock lobster fishers
I would also like to take this opportunity
in having already paid fees reimbursed. Waiver of the translocation levy payable
U
to welcome Rene Hidding as the relatively
This was no easy task for DPIPWE, and I by rock lobster fishers new CEO of the TRLFA. We look forward to
commend the Licencing and Monitoring staff
U Waiver of rock lobster tags fees payable continuing the strong relationship between
for achieving this in a timely manner.
by fishers and processors the TRLFA and TSIC.
TSIC also waived its levy for all members for
U Waiver of the Fishing Vessel Licence fee Finally, the TSIC AGM will be held on Friday
the 2020-2021 renewal period.
(rock lobster and other commercial wild 16 April. A full notice of meeting will be sent
fishers including scalefish and abalone) to members next week.
OFFICIAL SPONSORS OF TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS
VOLUME 29 APRIL/MAY 2021 3
FROM THE CHIEF
EXECUTIVE
reside, apart from the requirement of
being a ‘fit and proper person’.
U ITQs in Tasmania’s abalone and rock
JULIAN HARRINGTON lobster sectors are increasingly owned by
investors, with a growing portion residing
outside of Tasmania. ITQs have caused
a decrease in owner operators and a
decrease in active vessels in the fleet.
U Active fishers increasingly reliant on
A TOUGH 12 MONTHS Business restructuring assistance – support investors to access quota.
for processors for cooking, freezing and
The TSIC President has provided an U Pre-COVID/market disruption, investors
packaging infrastructure, interest-free loan
overview of my key workload over the had significantly higher net return
scheme for further business support, grants to
previous 12 months. compared to divers/fishers.
support marketing and promotion
Looking back, it appears to be a system U Capital value of quota is a significant
Business exit assistance – support for those
of repetitive lobbying and advocacy for barrier to ownership by the fishing sector.
forced or choosing to exit the industry
our seafood industry. Consistent and
repetitive requests to both State and Federal Some of these requests may not be easy for In the submission, TSIC asks a series of
Government for support and recognition of some members to comprehend, but we must probing questions, including:
our important seafood industry. work with the current reality of the situation, U Is a reduction in fishing fleet numbers
which is limited new markets and very low and a shift in quota ownership away from
There is no doubt that Tasmanian seafood
beach prices. the fishing fleet to investors, and more
is currently in one of its most challenging
importantly investors living outside of
periods. Off the back of the COVID-19
pandemic, we now have even more difficult
INQUIRY INTO THE FISHERIES Tasmania, meeting the principles and
challenges associated with the Chinese market QUOTA SYSTEM
objectives of the LMRMA, the Tasmanian
communities’ expectations on how our
disruption; issues around resource sharing and On 7 December 2020, the Senate moved
natural resources should be managed
everything in between. that the following matter be referred to the
(returned to the State) and National
Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport
Reaffirming our President’s message, we are Strategy for Ecologically Sustainable
References Committee for inquiry and
here for the best interests of our members. Development?
report by 24 June 2021.
Is it equitable for those privileged enough
TSIC STATE BUDGET SUBMISSION On behalf of our 491 wild catch fishers, the
U
to own quota, especially those residing
TSIC recently made a submission to the TSIC Board approved a comprehensive
outside Tasmania, to take the lion’s share
State Budget community consultation submission to this inquiry.
of profit from a Tasmanian community
process. Key points made in the TSIC submission fisheries quota?
Central to this submission was a Rock Lobster included:
U Is the disproportionate distribution of
Structural Adjustment Package. This package U Tasmania’s marine resources are owned profits to investors (who bear financial
formalised many of the support measures that by the Tasmanian community and the risk of their capital asset losing value)
TSIC has been lobbying the State and Federal Government is tasked with ensuring they and divers (who take on operational cost,
Government for over the last 5 months. Key are used in a sustainable manner and and safety and regulatory risk) providing
aspects of this package include: in the best interests of the Tasmanian adequate economic return to Tasmania,
community (i.e., sustainability, economic and the communities that fishers live and
Cash flow assistance – through further fee
and social objectives). work in?
relief and emergency grants.
U TSIC supports the use of output
Debt consolidation assistance – through a The full TSIC submission can be found at
controls, notably quota management, to
government interest-free loan scheme and www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/
sustainably manage Tasmania’s marine
rock lobster financial service program through Committees/Senate/Rural_and_Regional_
resources.
Rural Business Tasmania. Affairs_and_Transport/Fisheriesquota/
U The Tasmanian ITQ system allows quota Submissions under submission number 32.
Workforce adjustment package – to include
to be owned by anyone, including outside
free training/upskilling, employment transfer
scheme (salmon industry) and employer grant
of Tasmania. Under the Tasmanian ITQ BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC
system, the Government has no control SLEEVE
scheme for businesses taking on wild catch
over who can own quota and where they
workers. TSIC is looking at ways it can minimise its
environmental footprint. I am pleased to
announce that this issue of Seafood Industry
STAY THE STAY AFLOAT SEAFOOD
News came enclosed in a new biodegradable
afo
od Indust
INDUSTRY MENTAL HEALTH AND
plastic sleeve. Just one of the many strategies
Se
ry
1300helpmate WELLBEING INITITIATIVE IS
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY OUR that TSIC is exploring in support of our
AF
LO AT OFFICIAL SPONSORS environment.
4 TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS TSIC.ORG.AU
JETTY TALK
AUSTRALIAN WOODEN BOAT
FESTIVAL – THE MARITIME TRAIL
Presented by the Australian Wooden
Boat Festival, The Maritime Trail is a
behind-the-scenes look into Tasmania’s
vibrant maritime culture and wooden boat
industry. Travel across the state to take
private tours of boatyards and sawmills, take
a ride on a classic ship, or head to the Palais
Theatre for a series of workshops, films, and
presentations. Put together your own trail to
discover Tasmania’s rich maritime culture
and the people who keep it ticking. Tickets
are on sale now at www.awbf.org.au. One
weekend only – April 10th and 11th.
HELPING SEAFOOD STAY AFLOAT
The State Government is IFAM EXTENDED AGAIN The awards judging is currently run from
providing $360,000 over STAY the Hobart Show Ground Pavilions from the
afo
od Indust
In a boost to Tasmanian seafood exporters,
the next 3 years to fund beginning of June each year, and there are
Se
ry
1300helpmate the Australian Government has announced
the Stay Afloat Mental exciting new plans afoot to create a state-of-
AF the extension of its International Freight
Health Program – a LO AT Assistance Mechanism (IFAM) through to
the-art space for this show case and more in
seafood industry/Rural the near future.
30 September 2021.
Alive and Well partnership supporting the
Traditionally the Awards have invited
health and wellbeing of those operating in This is welcome news as industry and
entrants, and volunteers individually across
and connected to the Tasmanian seafood government continue to collaborate to
a wide range of categories, moving forward
industry. Huge thanks to Minister Barnett support Australia’s response to COVID-19
we are looking to strengthen and grow
and Deputy Premier Jeremey Rockliff and as we evolve to ‘new-look’ supply chains in a
the participant process, and competition
the Tasmanian Government for this much changed trading environment.
involvement by seeking Food Industry related
needed support.
bodies and there members to partner with us.
ROYAL TASMANIAN FINE FOOD
“In its 25th Year, The Royal Tasmanian
AWARDS Fine Food Awards committee is excited to
The Royal Tasmanian Fine Food Awards announce their plans for this Fine Foods
(RTFFA) is one of the pre-eminent foods Awards season.
and beverage awards in Australia.
This season 2021, sees the awards broken
With links to Manufactures, Producers, up across 5 months of the year. Allowing for
TRUE SOUTH SEAFOOD Industry, Hospitality, Agriculture, and the more seasonality of entries, closer attention
“We are excited about launching our new Public. Formerly the Royal Hobart Fine Food to individual categories, and potential for
name and our new brand.” True South awards. We are excited to share the newly increased media exposure. “
Seafood. branded Royal Tasmanian Fine Food Awards
The RTFFA is seeking partnerships which
“After trading for 20 years as Ralph’s Managed by the Royal Agricultural Society of may include: Industry Member involvement
Tasmanian Seafood and since 2017 as Tasmania (RAST), this not for profit awards at the awards, or during the planning and
RTSPauaco, we have created a new look has been run in its present format now for organising stages, Stewarding and Judging,
to better reflect our current operations, 24 years. Seeking to showcase, benchmark to Category Naming rights, and or individual
the clean Tasmanian message, and our and aid the betterment of fine foods and award trophies or perhaps even in-kind
expanded product range. Our new website beverages not only from Tasmania but across support.
will be up and running by Easter and you will Australia.
Please contact Rod Wyker on 0418138586 or
notice the newly branded trucks travelling
at events@hobartshowground.com.au to get
throughout the state. If anyone wants to talk
involved.
with us about our business or how we could
collaborate, please call Beth Mathison, CEO
and Managing Director on 0402 121 200.”
VOLUME 29 APRIL/MAY 2021 5
SEAFOOD
INDUSTRY
TEACHER
CAPACITY
BUILDING
PROGRAM
(SITCAP) Twenty-four senior level STEM teachers
from public and private schools and
The action packed and interactive program
included a full day of presentations, games
curriculum services employees of the and site visits. Teachers went home armed
In February TSIC coordinated Department of Education attended the with a greater and more up to date knowledge
the very first (pilot) Seafood full day program to learn directly from of industry, management and science – to take
industry. directly into the classroom.
Industry Teacher Capacity
The program addressed eight topics that
Building Program along with TSIC has long recognised the need for
teachers raised in a pre-program consultation:
NRM South and the Smart engagement with teachers to help provide
more accurate and relevant information 1. Understanding the seafood industry
Seafood Partnership. through to their students about seafood using balanced narrative
industry opportunities, careers, and
2. Technology for sustainability
innovations. This need was also highlighted
in the recent Seafood Industry Workforce 3. Biosecurity
Plan and meets the Seafood Industry
4. Local seafood: diversification of markets,
Workforce Development Project objectives.
species and operators; labelling
TSIC has prioritised the continuity of this
program to maintain a network of teachers 5. Understanding the marine environment
who are actively engaged with industry. 6. Understanding water quality
The teacher program will also compliment
the annual Working on Water program for 7. Marine debris
students. 8. Illegal harvesting
Some key feedback and learnings from
teachers include:
“I was more concerned with how little I knew
when I thought I was quite well informed.
Haven’t stopped boring people with my
newfound knowledge since the day.”
“Role of TSIC, regulations and
interdependencies and individual business
stories”
6 TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS TSIC.ORG.AU
“The info on Fish catch rates was
interesting”
“Developed knowledge on roles, processes
and links between industry and peak
bodies such as NRM, TSIC, IMAS etc.
Learnt about career opportunities in
the industry not just in industry but also
careers in peak body organisations.”
“The salmon farm research on impacts and
the triggers for anoxic conditions - I knew a
little but found this really good in changing
my understanding of things.”
“The oyster industry info was great.”
“How the fish were remotely fed at Huon
Aquaculture [multiple mentions] and the
processes involved in producing candied
abalone [multiple mentions].”
“I thought Friday’s Seafood Industry
program was a really positive expose of
the various facets of the industry, how
it operates, its challenges, its workforce
and its training needs. So many thanks
for putting together such a professionally
stimulating program”
“Thanks for putting together an excellent
informative day! It was a terrific
networking opportunity and I (and others)
really appreciated the genuine education-
based presentations from the different
companies (as opposed to companies
promoting themselves) - well done in
getting this right!”
Many thanks to those TSIC members,
businesses and partners who helped to
present and facilitate tours on the day
-your contribution to the program was
invaluable.
U IMAS – Caleb Gardner
U TSIC – Bryan Denny
U DPIPWE – Grant Pullen
U Oysters Tasmania – Sue Grau
U IMAS – Camille White
U Huon Aquaculture – Pene Snashall and
team
U Tas Gourmet Seafoods – Michael Blake
U Barilla Bay – Justin Goc
U Candy Abalone – James Polanowski
VOLUME 29 APRIL/MAY 2021 7
Deploying the buoy from FV. Motunui thanks to Bryan Denny. 8 TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS TSIC.ORG.AU
NEW MARIA ISLAND
WAVE BUOY
The new wave buoy is used to measure the state of the ocean surface, providing
observations which are critical for marine industries such as fisheries, shipping and
offshore operations and for the general public when boating, surfing and swimming.
The wave buoy is part of Australia’s aquaculture industry by providing data for make for a highly complex sea-state,” says Dr
Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS). research and operational tools,” says Dr Diana Greenslade.
IMOS operates a wide range of observing Greenslade, Principal Research Scientist at
The new wave buoy will help forecasters and
equipment through Australia’s vast and the Bureau of Meteorology, and Leader of the
other users unravel the different components
valuable marine estate. IMOS has recently Wave Buoy Facility for IMOS.
of these complex wave fields.
deployed two wave buoys, one in Tasmania
“The east coast of Tasmania, as opposed to
and the other in the Northern Territory, to The new wave buoy was deployed by
the west coast, experiences complex wave
help fill spatial gaps in national and global commercial fisherman Bryan Denny on FV.
fields. The east coast experiences Southern
wave observations. Motunui in early March, 20km Northeast of
Ocean swell as it refracts around the coast
Maria Island.
“The Tasmanian wave buoy will benefit of Tasmania but is also exposed to swell
the economically and socially valuable generated within the Pacific Ocean. This can “We steamed to designated site off Marion
Bay, to deploy the buoy in about 100m of
water. It’s great because fishermen will know
more about swell and wave direction and will
be able to base their daily fishing activities
from the data. Its also good to know that the
buoy data will be continuously transmitted
via satellite,” says Mr Denny.
The Tasmanian wave buoy measures wave
direction, period and height, and sea surface
temperature. The data is currently being used
by the Bureau of Meteorology to ensure wave
forecasts and models are accurate and will be
made openly accessible through the IMOS
Australian Ocean Data Network Portal.
Hourly buoy data is visible via the BoM
website at:
www.bom.gov.au/products/IDT65091.shtml
VOLUME 29 APRIL/MAY 2021 9
The buoy was deployed just in time to capture the big swell event on the East Coast, where
maximum wave height was recorded at 11.2m at a peak period of 13 seconds on 24th March 2021.
IMOS acknowledgement statement:
Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing
System is enabled by the National
Collaborative Research Infrastructure
Strategy (NCRIS). It is operated by
a consortium of institutions as an
unincorporated joint venture, with the
University of Tasmania as Lead Agent.
www.imos.org.au
Live camera for Maria waters
In other news, Tas Maritime Radio has
commissioned a live camera of ‘The Narrows’
entrance to Marion Bay. The camera has
direct line-of-sight towards the Waverider
Buoy and Maria Island. Aspiring marine
weather observers will be able to access live
footage of the site to match up with the buoy
data to better inform their boating and fishing
decisions.
The high-resolution camera has full tilt and
zoom controls from the Domain control tower
in Hobart and will soon be accessible via the
Tas Maritime Website.
10 TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS TSIC.ORG.AUSCALLOP FISHERMEN’S
ASSOCIATION OF
TASMANIA INC.
BOB LISTER
TASMANIAN STATE SCALLOP Nine boats were active in the fishery last year A ScRAG virtual meeting was held on 2
FISHERY and 2732 tonnes or 91% of the 3000 tonne March this year to provide advice on which
TAC was caught. No doughboy scallops were scallop beds should be biomass surveyed this
Based on the encouraging survey results taken and there were no bycatch or protected year.
from last year we should expect an species interactions reported during the
excellent open season this year after a ScRAG members considered the proposed
season.
five-year closure of Tasmanian scallop survey design produced by Fishwell
waters. There were very little exports mainly due Consulting and the advice provided by
to the coronavirus. The domestic market the Bass Strait Industry Co-Management
Firstly, we need to assess if the main beds remained strong, and the fleet enjoyed Committee.
are still intact and that will involve another generally lower fuel prices with many
preseason survey possibly limited in coverage As a result, ScRAG made the following
reporting higher than normal catch rates
and targeting specific known beds. recommendations for coordinated biomass
and in some cases productive beds closer to
surveys of these areas this year – Apollo Bay
A ScFAC virtual meeting is planned for 22 landing ports than in previous years.
2 extended, Blue Dot extended, Blue Dot
March where the main topics for discussion Scallop meats from east of King Island were South East, King Island 9, King Island 10, JH
will be planning for the 2021 survey and the smaller than in recent years and the move extended, The Hill North, 5 Hours, Flinders
use of towed camera surveys. to north east of Flinders Island resulted in Island, Flinders Island North/The Sisters,
Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery increased meat sizes. The Apollo Bay beds Flinders Island South/North of Babel, and
produced larger meat weights than in 2019. King Island Middle. If as expected the last
For the record these are the main outcomes area is unproductive then the survey could
from the last Bass Strait scallop season. Overall a good season despite the difficulties
include King Island 7.
in managing all the impacts from COVID-19.
The fishery opened on 12 July and closed on Requests for expressions of interest have now
31 December 2020. Significantly the most recent ABARES
been sent to all concession holders seeking
Fishery Status Report for 2020 lists scallops in
There were six closed beds to comply with the up to four vessels to survey the twelve
Bass Strait as not subject to overfishing with a
Harvest Strategy – Flinders Island, Apollo Bay nominated sites from about 1 May.
large and stable biomass identified in western
1, King Island 7, King Island 6, King Island Bass Strait. Normally we would expect a season opening
Blue Dot extended and the JH bed. around the second week in July, so we are all
starting to get excited once again.
Stay tuned.
Abalone and Rock Lobster quota (sales and
TM FIM is a leading seafood valuations) in Australia
brokerage, advisory and State, National and international fishing jurisdictions
consultancy group in Australia
Brokers deals from single quota units to
with a combined experience of $multimillion seafood portfolios
over 80+ years in the fishing Values seafood assets for major banks, courts,
industry – a ‘one stop shop’ for legal firms, SMSF’s and family offices
all seafood investments. Quota management services
Phillip (Mate) Simpson 0418 128 838 philsimpson@bigpond.com
Alan (Tank) Gray 0417 357 005 tankgray@bigpond.com FIMAUSTRALIA
VOLUME 29 APRIL/MAY 2021 11SEAFOOD AND
MARITIME TRAINING
REGIONAL ROLL OUT OF JOB TRAINER SUBSIDIES
In 2021 SMT is rolling out a more extensive regional training
program.
These training programs include courses that lead to Coxswain Grade Chadd acclimatising to on water conditions on the river Derwent
1 and 2 and with the assistance of the Job Trainer subsidy, we will be
offering free Coxswain Engineering and Coxswain Navigation places
to those who are unemployed/underemployed or aged between 17 and THE PREMIER’S ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RECOVERY
24 years old.
ADVISORY COUNCIL (PESRAC) FINAL REPORT
These courses will be offered in Smithton, Strahan, and St Helens
One of the most talked about findings of the PESRAC report is
plus SMT will offer this training in other regions where there is a
that TAFE needs to become a GBE to be able to react to industry
community demand. Please feel free to contact SMT to discuss your
needs. The Tasmanian Seafood Industry has been leading the way
community training needs at any time.
in this area for many years with its own not for profit provider SMT,
which is responsive to its needs and is independent of government.
CERTIFICATE IV IN SHELLFISH Maybe the Tasmanian Government will be able find some funds to
In 2019 on the back of industry demand, SMT commenced the recognise and support the continuation of the Tasmanian Seafood
development of a new Shellfish Farmers Certificate IV program, Industry success in this area of workforce development, whilst they
which focuses on farm management skills. This work was slowed by are funding TAFE to become more like SMT!
COVID in 2020, but in 2021 we have it back on track and hope to be
taking enrolments for the program soon after Easter, with the aim of NEW TRAINER AT SMT
commencing delivery mid-year. As part of the program development
In late 2020 SMT welcomed Chadd Mumme to the team as a new
there has been extensive, on-farm regional consultation undertaken
aquaculture trainer and assessor.
to ensure the training delivers the outcomes employers and industry
wants. However, if you have any suggestions on the course content or Chadd’s passion for the Seafood and Maritime industries developed
how the program should be offered, please feel free to contact Elli or at an early age with his family owning and operating fishing vessels
James at SMT. and licences in the NT and WA. At the age of 18 Chadd complete
his Coxswains certificate and then furthered his studies in the
MASTER 24 COMMENCED 2021 completion of an Associate Diploma of Applied Science Northern
Territory University (NTU) and a Bachelor of Applied Science in
We have commenced Aquaculture at the University of Tasmania (UTAS). Since graduating
our 2021 Master up to from UTAS in the late 90s Chadd has worked in the Seafood industry
24 programs with 16 in Australia and overseas including pearl farming in remote regions
students enrolled in our of the NT, salmon and trout farming in Scotland and Wales, hatchery
first intake. With our production of barramundi for NT Fisheries and prior to moving to
revised training schedule, Tasmania, coordinating, and training in Charles Darwin Universities
we are now getting the Aquaculture Certificate programs.
students on the water
earlier to make the most Chadd brings a new and diverse range of experience and knowledge
of their current skills and to the SMT team and we are looking forward to working with him to
knowledge to prepare add further value to SMTs programs.
them for the learning required for this qualification. For this first 2021
course, we are using Shane Wilson’s vessel Cuttlefish - thanks Shane
- but for future courses, we are hoping to have a new SMT training
vessel!
SMT’s trainer Ben Tucker Teaching Master 24 Navigation onboard
Cuttlefish
12 TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS TSIC.ORG.AUTASMANIAN
ROCK LOBSTER
FISHERMEN’S
ASSOCIATION
RENE HIDDING, CEO
SURVIVAL INSTINCT STRONG! But nothing we do, as the peak body of the We need serious funds to properly, once and
Rock Lobster Industry in Tasmania, should for all, crack open and maintain our domestic
The Tasmanian Rock Lobster Industry, blindly assume that the Chinese market east coast market. 20 million Australians live
as a key Primary Industry sector in the will re-open in that timeframe. It would be on the east coast. Even better, pre- COVID
Tasmanian economy, is very much down wonderful if that happens, however we need tourism injected annually another 10 million
right now but is far from being able to be to well and truly have other markets going as or so tourists into that space, mostly from
described as ‘down and out’. well. which country? From China, and these
Other than severe drought periods for tourists will be able to enjoy our lobster in
Also, even if China were to re-open in that
farmers, it is hard to mirror our current Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne at very
timeframe, we must not assume that our
situation to the history of any other Primary accessible prices.
trade with China will be just the same as
Industry sector in Tasmania for a relevant when we left it. Given the long-term effects As well as marketing funds, we are going to
comparison. of COVID-19 on the airfreight market, the need much better cooking and freezing gear
It’s doubtful that a similar historical live lobster market in China may well have in Tasmanian processor’s facilities. We have
occurrence exists in Tasmania’s economy transitioned into a product with a safer supply addressed those needs, and many others, with
where a farmed or harvested product has ever chain such as frozen green or frozen cooked both State and Federal Governments.
had, essentially, the totality of its annual crop lobster.
We can crack both the new Asian markets
being sold to one single overseas market, year So, we need new markets. and our domestic markets at a modest level
after year, for such an extended period. for now, however they both will rely on the
They are out there, particularly in Taiwan,
As we declared in a recent newsletter, in higher turnover that can only occur with the
Japan, South Korea, and the ASEAN
the face of the market disruption on the return of tourists to pre-COVID levels. And
countries. They know of our product, but have
importation of all Australian rock lobster sadly, that is not going to happen overnight.
likely never considered buying it, given that
by the Chinese government over concerns for so long China took everything we could We are not on our own. The whole Australian
of cadmium levels in Australian lobster, harvest. These unfamiliar markets have been food and beverage and hospitality sector,
the Tasmanian industry maintains a strong importing various species of lobster from particularly on the eastern seaboard, has been
friendship with our customers in China, as around the world for years and will continue smashed by COVID. Most have restructured
well as respect for their government. to do so. We need to find a way in. their businesses, spent capital on upgrades
The required scientific testing regime is and have worked hard to hang on to key
We have been pleased to see some early
well underway across Australia, in order to personnel. They will survive.
green-shoots in terms of interest in our
prove that cadmium levels in our lobster are penetration into these markets. Like them, we will have to demonstrate
acceptable. patience and resilience. It’s going to take
The other market, closer by, is the eastern
In Tasmania’s case, the exhaustive months- some serious belt-tightening across our
seaboard of Australia. This domestic market
long, state-wide sampling effort finished right industry, but given our extraordinarily high-
simply demands a year-round supply of
on time; a matter of great credit to IMAS, quality product, and the great state of our
Southern Rock Lobster, at a reasonable price
our Division of Marine Resources and our fishery, we will also survive.
point. Then we need to market our product to
participating fishers. the locals, most of whom have never had it on We will be back, stronger than ever.
We stand by our expectations that within 1-3 a plate before them.
years we will know whether our product will
be allowed back into that China.
VOLUME 29 APRIL/MAY 2021 13AUSTRALIAN MARITIME
Pre-engineered systems are usually more cost
effective for smaller spaces. Systems such as
inert gas and aerosol systems are commonly
SAFETY AUTHORITY
CLAIRE CUNNINGHAM, LIAISON OFFICER
used in other industries such as data centres,
where they can effectively extinguish a fire
without damaging vital computer systems.
It is important that the storage of gaseous
extinguishing agents is effectively ventilated
and carbon dioxide, being toxic to humans,
needs to be stored at deck level in case of
leakage.
Your accredited marine surveyor will need
IS YOUR CRAY FISHING VESSEL Who Needs It? to sight the system certification, confirm it
NOW CARRYING MORE POTS? meets the applicable standards and that it has
Whilst the USL Code required most fishing
been correctly installed.
Changes in fisheries laws now allow some vessels operating in coastal waters to have
cray fishing vessels to carry more pots. fixed fire detection and extinguishing Operating Your System
systems, it seems many Tasmanian fishing
If you are operating with an increased deck These systems are manually activated
vessels do not have such systems fitted
load, you need to ensure that this increase and there is an audible and visual warning
and may have been exempt through
in load is within your calculated loading (flashing light) prior to release, designed to
grandfathering arrangements.
conditions as part of your stability book. If ensure anyone in the engine room has time
you don’t have a stability book we strongly Certain changes to your vessel or its to evacuate. The control panel must have
encourage that you get one to ensure you are operations will trigger it to become a clear instructions for use and highlight any
not overloading your vessel and placing it, transitional vessel and meet certain survey associated hazards.
and anyone on board, at risk. This will also requirements (see AMSA article in previous
help you to meet your general safety duties edition of this magazine). One of these
under the national law. requirements is to have a fixed fire detection
and extinguishing system that meets the
AMSA works with Tasmania Police to ensure
requirements of the National Standard for
the safety of vessels. Any vessel that presents
Commercial Vessels C4 Fire Safety (NSCV
a risk to the safety of people may be ordered
C4).
back to port and required to provide evidence
that it is safe before it is allowed of operate Fixed Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
again. A wired-in fire detection system works by
detecting both smoke and a rapid increase
GUIDANCE NOTICES FOR in temperature. It provides an audible and
CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY visual alarm both in the engine room and
AMSA has published several guidance the wheelhouse. You must also have smoke
notices which summarise the requirements to detectors in other areas, including your Aerosol suppression system
obtain domestic and international certificates accommodation.
of competency in an easily readable format.
Fixed Fire-Extinguishing Systems
Find guidance notices on the AMSA
website here: www.amsa.gov.au/guidance- A fixed fire-extinguishing system needs
domestic-certificates to be suited to the size and set up of your
engine room. It may use any one of the
REQUIREMENTS FOR FIXED FIRE number of suppression mediums, which
DETECTION AND EXTINGUISHING may be gaseous, foam, aerosol, pressured
water or dry chemical. The system needs to
SYSTEMS meet certain standards to ensure the correct
Benefits quantity of extinguishing agent, dispersion
Engine rooms are spaces where the likelihood arrangements, and the means for protecting
and consequences of a fire is high due to personnel from accidental discharge.
the potential for the spillage or escape of There are generally two types of systems:
flammable substances together with high
U Engineered systems specifically designed
temperatures and ignition sources.
to suit your engine room
Early detection and use of fire suppression
U Pre-engineered systems designed to
have saved loss of numerous vessels.
service a generic space of a certain size
Control System
14 TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS TSIC.ORG.AUDEPARTMENT OF
Give that fire requires fuel, a source of
ignition and oxygen, it is vital that any
potential source of air being introduced into
the engine room is first eliminated prior to
the activation of any extinguishing system. PRIMARY INDUSTRIES,
PARKS, WATER AND
It is therefore important that your remote/
manual engine room ventilation closures
work properly.
Similarly, you need to shut off your fuel
before activating your extinguishing
system. Your engine room fire emergency
ENVIRONMENT
plan needs to cover these actions, so all
crew know what to do in the event of a
fire, including who is to activate the fire
extinguishing system and ensuing no one Docket Review
is in the engine room. Your extinguishing The first batch of dockets reviewed under the Making Life Easier (MLE) initiative
system is single use before needing to be were circulated to rock lobster fishers in early February. The new Commercial
recharged so make sure you know how to Rock Lobster Catch Record and Quota Docket book and the Commercial Rock
use it properly. Lobster and Giant Crab Direct Sales Quota Docket book must be used from the
Servicing Requirements first trip for the new quota year (1 March 2021 – 28 February 2022).
If you have these systems on board your The review and implementation of these docket books has been a joint effort
vessel you need to make sure they will work between Marine Resources Division staff and key stakeholders including fishers
when needed. This includes any mandatory and Marine Police.
servicing requirements by third parties. The MLE initiative continues to review dockets in other fisheries, with revised
Different systems have different ongoing dockets and instructions for Banded Morwong and Scalefish already approved by
servicing requirements, and some systems the Fisheries Digital Transition Project Steering Committee. These docket books
require cylinder hydrostatic testing on a will be circulated to fishers prior to the start of the next season (March 2022).
10-yearly basis. Make sure your system’s
servicing requirements are part of your Digital catch reporting tools
safety management system so you do not Staff have increased engagement with industry members over recent weeks
get caught out. to better understand industry activity and workflows to assist development of
electronic reporting tools to meet the needs of industry and the Department.
This has included dockside visits to fishing vessels, with further visits to fishers,
processors and Marine Police scheduled over coming weeks.
For queries about the revised Rock Lobster books please contact the Monitoring
Section of the Fisheries Compliance and Licensing branch by email fisheries.
monitoring@dpipwe.tas.gov.au or phone (03) 6165 3000 or 1300 368 550. For
information about the Fisheries Digital Transition Project please contact Project
Manager Daniel Gledhill at daniel.gledhill@dpipwe.tas.gov.au.
Fixed Fire Suppression
Smoke & Heat Detectors Marine Resources staff packing rock lobster docket books for distribution
VOLUME 29 APRIL/MAY 2021 15INSTITUTE
FOR MARINE
& ANTARCTIC
STUDIES
LEARNING FROM THE COVID-19
PANDEMIC TO FUTURE-PROOF
AUSTRALIA’S SEAFOOD INDUSTRY
Understanding how COVID-19 affected
Australia’s seafood industry and using this
knowledge to prepare the sector for future
shocks is the focus of a new IMAS report
released in March.
Funded by the Fisheries Research and
Development Corporation (FRDC), the study
found that the overall impacts of COVID-19
have been asymmetric. While sectors The COVID-19 crisis triggered huge changes, damage and opportunities in Tasmania’s fisheries
supplying domestic retail markets were and aquaculture sector (photos supplied by Emily Ogier)
mostly able to prosper, producers selling into
export markets and the domestic dine-in food
service sector were often brought to their
knees.
IMAS University of Tasmania Research It found that government support measures can be done differently in the future?”
Fellow and study leader, Dr Emily Ogier, assisted the seafood industry withstand some Dr Hone said.
said the research focused on the short-term of the negative impacts on profitability and
“The cost of being under-prepared is too
impacts on the Australian seafood industry business continuity.
great. The lesson from the previous SARS
during the early stage of the COVID-19
“The pandemic impacted the seafood Asian Pandemic was that these questions
pandemic, from January to June 2020.
industry both directly and indirectly, and were not asked and the data to improve future
“Our research specifically looked at the resultant disruptions were often amplified outcomes was not collected.
impacts of the pandemic, rather than any by other factors, such as bushfire or disease
“For the FRDC, this report will provide a
trade barrier affects that may have arisen recovery and stock conditions,” Dr Ogier said.
reference point for further impact analysis
during that time – and we examined those
“The report provides valuable clues as to to help us identify future research needed
impacts at a sector level, rather than at an
the vulnerabilities of Australia’s seafood to improve early warning systems and
individual business level,” Dr Ogier said.
industries to global shocks that affect our diagnostic capacity of our seafood industry,
“The industry at large showed resilience, seafood industry’s markets and supply chains should future shocks or disruptions occur.”
with sectors able to quickly adapt doing in different ways – and these clues will assist
The report is available on the FRDC website:
better. This highlighted the need for to build a more resilient industry.”
tinyurl.com/COVID-impact-report
continuity planning, including paying greater
FRDC Managing Director Dr Patrick
attention to supply chain risks, and fostering If you work in the seafood industry and the
Hone said that, while not comprehensively
relationships and capabilities to enable rapid COVID-19 pandemic is affecting your mental
surveying all sectors within the industry, this
reorientation in products and markets.” health, Seafood Industry Australia is running
initial study represents an important first step
Stay Afloat, a mental health support program
The report aimed to gain a broad to futureproofing.
specifically created for the seafood industry.
understanding of the immediate economic
“As the industry moves forward, it is
impacts to the industry from the early phases
important to ask what was learned from this
of the COVID-19 pandemic and provides
past year. What were the surprises and what
valuable insights that will help the industry
tackle future shocks.
16 TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS TSIC.ORG.AUOYSTERS
TASMANIA
SUE GRAU, CEO
BIOTOXIN REVIEW
Oysters Tasmania was excited to receive
expert advice recently, which will improve
our biotoxin monitoring program. The
review, undertaken in partnership between
industry and the Tasmanian State
Government focused on balancing risk and
value.
Holmes Shed from the Beach
There has been an intensive biotoxin
monitoring program run in the state over the
past seven years in response to harmful algae recommendations has the potential to save equipment needed to manage excess oyster
blooms at a cost of over $500,000 each year the oyster industry in the region of $300,000 inventories and heightened biosecurity risks.
to the oyster industry. The data gathered over each year in management costs. Along with price pressure the report found
this time has been provided to independent that there was an increase in market quality
world leading experts for recommendations INDUSTRY UPDATE FOR 2020 expectations with little to no acceptance of
on the future of oyster biotoxin management Second quarter figures were around 50% oysters not in A-grade condition.
in Tasmania to ensure effective and down compared to the same time last year. We still have a way to go to get back to (and
appropriate risk controls are in place. surpass) pre-POMS sales figures. 2020 had
A strong fourth quarter meant 2020
Having this rich, detailed data set has Tasmanian oyster sales are on their way back been the year our growers were expecting
allowed the authors to analyse the risk profile up. Unfortunately, this was accompanied by to achieve this, so hopefully 2021 will be
of biotoxins in Tasmanian shellfish and significant downward price pressure and smoother sailing.
recommend a risk management approach increased costs to manage growing stock that
that covers known and potential emerging would usually have been sold.
risks. By considering seasonal patterns and
A recent FRDC report estimated that there
bloom dynamics in the various growing areas
was around a 15% increase in labour cost for
changes to the management strategy have
oyster farms due to COVID-19, driven by
been recommended. Pending acceptance of
increased safety requirements, the space and
this report by state regulators, adoption of the
CONSULTANT/BROKER FOR STATE AND
COMMONWEALTH COMMERCIAL FISHING LICENCES
BUYING, SELLING AND LEASING ALL LICENCE TYPES
AND VESSELS
Call Margaret Atkins PO Box 109 South Hobart TAS 7004
Confidentiality assured Phone (03) 6224 8299
Mobile 0419 375 578
Email mat97870@bigpond.net.au
VOLUME 29 APRIL/MAY 2021 17DIRECTORY
WILD FISHERIES DPIPWE Marine Resources
Tasmanian Abalone Council Ltd Scallops, Giant Crab, or Rock Lobster Inquiries
262 Argyle Street, Hobart TAS 7000 James Parkinson 03 6165 3045
TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY President: Joey McKibben 0428 992 300 Hilary Revill 03 6165 3036
COUNCIL (TSIC) Chief Executive: Allison Anderson 0409 334 223 Abalone or Marine Plant Inquiries
Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council ceo@tasabalone.com.au Matt Bradshaw 03 6165 3033
ABN 61 009 555 604 Administration Manager: Jillian Freeman Commercial Dive or Inshore Clams Inquiries
PO Box 878, Sandy Bay TAS 7006 03 6169 2050 Greg Ryan 03 6165 3028
117 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay TAS 7005 admin@tasabalone.com.au Scalefish or Octopus Inquiries
Chief Executive: Julian Harrington 0407 242 933 Tasmanian Commercial Divers Association Frances Seaborn 03 6165 3044
Project Manager: Emma Woodcock 0437 441 575 PO Box 878, Sandy Bay TAS 7006 Recreational Fishing Inquiries
03 6224 2332 President: Renison Bell Rod Pearn 03 6165 3034
tsic@tsic.org.au 0428 474 822 Licensing and Fisheries Monitoring Inquiries
facebook.com/TasSeafoodIndustry
Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishermen’s 03 6165 3000
tsic.org.au
Association Marine Farming Policy & Planning
PO Box 109, South Hobart TAS 7004 John Adams 03 6165 3121
TSIC DIRECTORS President: Karl Krause 0428 573 076 Marine Farming Manager
Lindsay Newman / President 0418 368 708 president@trlfa.com
Graham Woods 03 6165 3124
Bryan Denny / Vice President 0417 502 195 CEO: Rene Hidding
Special Permits
Rod Shelley / Treasurer 0408 243 359 ceo@trlfa.com
Grant Pullen 03 6165 3032
Rodney Herweynen 0418 130 193 Secretary/Treasurer: Margaret Atkins
0438 373 177 Marine Farming Compliance & Data Management
Tim Hess 0418 140 630
secretary@trlfa.com Eric Brain 03 6165 3120
Chris Parker 0428 430 863
www.tasrocklobster.com
Paul Richardson 0427 377 803 GOVERNMENT
Robert Rattray 0428 120 814 Tasmanian Scalefish Fishermen’s Association
Australian Fisheries Management Authority
Gregory Quinn 0487 351 408 PO Box 332, Somerset TAS 7322
(AFMA)
President: Shane Bevis
www.afma.gov.au
03 6247 7634
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
vessseafood@hotmail.com
www.amsa.gov.au
TASMANIAN SEAFOOD Secretary: Michael Nowakowski
The Bureau of Meteorology
INDUSTRY NEWS Scallop Fishermen’s Association of Tasmania www.bom.gov.au/marine
286 Windermere Road, Windermere TAS 7252
VOLUME 29 APR/MAY 2021 President: John Hammond 0429 130 238
CSIRO – Marine and Atmospheric Research
Cover Image www.cmar.csiro.au
Secretary/Treasurer: (Mrs) Jill Hammond
Credit: Tasmanian Oyster Co. 03 6328 1478 Dept of Agriculture Fisheries (DAF)
www.daf.qld.gov.au
Advertising deadline for next issue Tasmanian Rock Lobster Processors
Dept of Environment and Water Resources
Monday 24 May 2021 Association
(DAWR)
Advertising bookings: 03 6224 2332 President: Michael Blake 0438 627 900
www.environment.gov.au
michael@salco.co
Design & Print Management Secretary: Ken Smith 0419 852 252 Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Gloo Advertising smithk@garthfish.com.au (FRDC)
www.frdc.com.au
glooadvertising.com.au
AQUACULTURE Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
Oysters Tasmania www.foodstandards.gov.au
Tasmanian Seafood Industry News is distributed free to the
Tasmanian Seafood Industry. Editorial content is sourced PO Box 878 Sandy Bay TAS 7006
from diverse interest groups within the industry who have Chairman: Andrew Gregson TRAINING
provided material for contribution.
chair@oysterstasmania.org Seafood and Maritime Training (SMT)
The editor intends to present contributions in a fair manner
in order to promote constructive debate in relation to issues EO: Sue Grau 0458 601 057 www.seafoodtrainingtas.com.au
important to the Tasmanian Seafood Industry. The editor sue@oysterstasmania.org
only therefore accepts responsibility for editorial content
over which he has had direct control. Contributions that are Tasmanian Salmon Growers Association STATE
printed in full shall not be the responsibility of the editor. 83 Salamanca Place, Battery Point TAS 7004 Department of Primary Industries, Parks,
Any advertisement submitted for publication is done so Chairman: Chris Dockray Water and Environment
on the basis that the advertiser or advertising agencies www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au
upon lodging material with the publisher for publication 03 6240 4828
has complied with all relevant laws and regulations and contact@tsga.com.au www.fishing.tas.gov.au
therefore indemnifies the publisher its servants and agents
www.tsga.com.au Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)
in relation to defamation, slander of title, breach of copyright,
infringement of trademarks or names of publication titles, www.imas.utas.edu.au
Tasmanian Abalone Growers Association
unfair competition to trade practices, royalties or violation of
PO Box 216 Beaconsfield TAS 7270 Marine and Safety Tasmania
rights or privacy and warrants that the advertisement in no
way whatsoever is capable or being misleading or deceptive Chairman: Nicholas Savva www.mast.tas.gov.au
or otherwise in breach or part V of the Trade Practices Act
03 6383 4115 Natural Resource Management South
1974 (Cwth) (as amended from time to time).
admin@abtas.com.au www.nrmsouth.org.au
18 TASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY NEWS TSIC.ORG.AUTASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY AWARDS
Nominations for these prestigious awards are now open. If you or someone you know deserves
� nomination, please visit www.tsic.org.au/awards
Applications close April 2021. Award ceremony late 2021.
1. EAT MORE SEAFOOD AWARD AWARD SPONSORS
Applications are also open for award
2. FISH & CHIPS AWARD sponsors. Award sponsors have their
3. LARGE BUSINESS AWARD logo printed on � trophy, present
the trophy on stage to the winner,
4. SMALL BUSINESS AWARD and are invited to participate
5. SAFETY AWARD in the judging process for their award
category. Contact TSIC for details.
6. RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT
& EXTENSION AWARD
7. PROMOTION AWARD
8. ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD
9. PEOPLE DEVELOPMENT AWARD
10. YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARD
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