Afant News

AFANT Email InDepth #10 - COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT INTENTION TO ESTABLISH NO-FISHING ZONES OFF THE NT COAST

AFANT Email InDepth #10
27 October 2009

COMMONWEALTH GOVERNMENT INTENTION TO ESTABLISH NO-FISHING ZONES OFF THE NT COAST

We have been advising AFANT members for a number of years about the Commonwealth Government’s Marine Bioregional Planning process. Until now it has been very much a stop-start affair but it appears that Environment Minister Peter Garrettt now has his foot on the accelerator and is looking to have the process for Commonwealth waters off our coast finalised by the middle of next year. (Commonwealth waters are usually those outside three nautical miles from the coastline.)

I’ve copied an information sheet describing the process below and, on first glance, it looks reasonable but there is a very significant problem hidden away in the detail. That is the statement that – “While most of each new marine reserve will be zoned to allow many uses and activities to continue, highly protected zones will also be identified within each new marine reserve.” What this really means is that there will be zones in each new reserve where recreational fishing is prohibited.

No credible scientific evidence has been offered to show why no-fishing zones are necessary here and there has not even been any assessment to determine if recreational fishing poses a risk to marine biodiversity in our waters. The process completely ignores the success of NT recreational fishers and successive NT governments in implementing fisheries and environmental policies and legislation which has ensured that our fish stocks, marine habitats and marine biodiversity are near to pristine. Ironically, the biggest threats to marine habitats and biodiversity in our waters are oil and gas well blow outs and bottom trawling for prawns and both these activities are under the control of the Commonwealth Government — the same government that wants to lock us out of offshore fishing areas. Perhaps Minister Garrett should be concentrating on making a real difference with these issues which are clear and present threats rather than supporting an illogical lock out of recreational fishers.

Another point that those pushing the no-fishing zones won’t acknowledge is that, for every productive recreational fishing area that is locked away, there will be increased effort in remaining fishing areas with possible consequences for the fish stocks and environment in those areas. AFANT’s policy of maintaining access to the greatest possible area for recreational fishing is firmly based on the principle of minimising localised fishing impacts by spreading effort as widely as possible

In keeping with our long-standing policy on this issue, AFANT will be doing all it can to oppose the introduction of these no-fishing zones. We believe that such zones should not be established in waters that are actually accessed by recreational fishers unless it can be clearly demonstrated that the impact of fishers in that area is or will be damaging to particular elements of biodiversity and/or features or natural processes that are not represented in other marine areas and that lesser limitations on recreational fishing are unlikely to provide the required level of protection.

NT Fisheries Minister Kon Vatskalis has already publicly indicated that the NT Government is also opposed to the introduction of recreational no-fishing zones in Commonwealth waters and has given us a commitment that they will not be established in NT waters. We are grateful for the support of the Minister on this very important issue.

Another point to consider is that, once no-fishing zones are established, it is extremely unlikely that we will ever get the restrictions lifted. Areas locked up in this process will be lost forever! It is therefore very important that, when looking at areas that we need to ensure remain open to recreational fishing, we not only consider those places we fish now but that we also look at where we will be fishing in 10 years time, where our kids will be fishing in 20 years time and where our grandkids will be fishing in 50 years time

I’ve attached a map showing the general “areas for further assessment” in the North Region where the Commonwealth is considering establishing Marine Protected Areas and, subsequently, no-fishing zones. Please let me know the locations in these areas that you consider important to recreational fishing now and also those locations that you think will be significant in the future. I need as much detail as possible to try to ensure we don’t end up like recreational fishers in Queensland and NSW with many of their most productive fishing areas locked away. I will not use any information you give me other than for this purpose nor will I pass it to others.

The following is the information provided by the Commonwealth:

Marine Bioregional Planning
North Marine Region

What is marine bioregional planning?
Australia’s marine bioregional planning program is designed to provide a clearer focus on conservation and sustainable management of Australia’s marine environment. It is a process that is underpinned by the principles of ecologically sustainable development and it takes an ecosystem approach in managing Australia’s marine biodiversity and environment.
Marine bioregional planning is currently being implemented in five marine bioregional planning regions - the South-west, North-west, North, East and South-east Marine Regions (Map 1).
Map 1: Marine Bioregional Planning Regions

Where is the North marine region?
The North marine region covers more than 715,000 square kilometres of ocean covering the Gulf of Carpentaria, Arafura Sea and the Timor Sea as far west as the Northern Territory – Western Australian border.
The Region is characterised by very shallow-water tropical marine ecosystems with water depths generally less than 70 metres. From a global perspective, the region is part of a vast species-rich belt of waters stretching from the western Pacific to the East coast of Africa. Endemism is not particularly high by Australian standards, however like the North-west, the North marine region is home to globally significant populations of internationally threatened species.

What does marine bioregional planning involve?
The marine bioregional planning process focuses primarily on Commonwealth waters (the area of Australian jurisdiction that extends past state/Northern Territory waters from around 3 nautical miles to the outer limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone some 200 nautical miles from the shore).
Marine Bioregional Plans are being developed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and will fulfil the Australian Government’s commitment to establishing a National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas as agreed by all Australian governments in 1998.
There are two major parts to the marine bioregional planning process: regional assessment and implementation of Australia’s National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas.
Regional assessment involves identification of the conservation values of each Marine Region, analysis of the threats to those values, and identification of measures required to protect those values and facilitate decision-making under the EPBC Act.
Regional networks of new representative marine reserves will also be identified through the marine bioregional planning process. These regional networks will become part of Australia’s National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas (NRSMPA).
The marine bioregional planning process involves three key steps: preparation of a Bioregional Profile, development of a draft Marine Bioregional Plan, and completion of a final Marine Bioregional Plan.
The Bioregional Profiles describe the ecological and biophysical features and the conservation values of each Region and outline human activities that occur within each Region. The Goals and Principles that guide the identification of new marine reserves are also described. Bioregional Profiles have been released for the East, North, North-west and South-west Marine Regions.
Draft Marine Bioregional Plans are currently being developed for each Marine Region. Each draft Plan will outline a draft network of proposed marine reserves and identify regional priorities and conservation measures. A minimum 60 day consultation period will follow the public release of the draft Plans.
The final Marine Bioregional Plans will provide information on the conservation values and the current and emerging pressures within each region. The Plans will describe key conservation and heritage priorities and the range of legislative and administrative tools available to the Government to manage them. The proposed network of new marine reserves and their zoning arrangements will also be presented. All Marine Bioregional Plans are scheduled to be completed during 2010.

What is a marine reserve?
Marine reserves (sometimes also called marine protected areas or marine parks) are any area of the ocean which has been reserved by law or other effective means for the purposes of marine biodiversity protection.
Why are we developing new marine reserves?
Australia has national and international commitments to implement a National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas (NRSMPA) by 2012. The primary goal of the NRSMPA is to establish and manage a comprehensive, adequate and representative system of marine reserves to contribute to the long-term conservation of marine ecosystems and to protect marine biodiversity at all levels.

How are new marine reserves being identified?
In 1998 the Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council released the ’Guidelines for establishing the national representative system of marine protected areas’ (the Guidelines). The Guidelines provide for nationally consistent framework for identifying new marine reserves and they emphasise the strong role that science needs to play in the process. The Guidelines allow for each government in Australia to develop its own approach and policy for implementing them.
The Australian Government policy for implementing the Guidelines and identifying suitable areas for inclusion in the NRSMPA is the Goals and Principles for the Establishment of the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas in Commonwealth Waters (the Goals and Principles). The Australian Government is using these Goals and Principles to gather relevant information, including socio-economic data, and ensure that the identification of new marine reserves is based on systematic and comprehensive analysis of all relevant considerations.

What are Areas for Further Assessment?
Areas for Further Assessment are an important step in refining information on human uses and socio-economic values in the marine environment. They are large areas that encompass examples of the range of biodiversity and ecosystems within each Region and they are identified though assessment of information compiled using the Goals and Principles for the Establishment of the National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas in Commonwealth Waters.
Areas for Further Assessment are not the proposed boundaries for new marine reserves. Instead, they are intended to aid further analysis of information at a more detailed scale and assist in the design of new marine reserves.
Based on ecological information and information obtained from key stakeholders on human activities within the areas for further assessment, the location and zoning arrangements of a new network of marine reserves will be developed. This process aims to ensure that conservation outcomes are maximised while socio-economic costs associated with establishing marine reserves are minimised.
Where are the Areas for Further Assessment in the North Marine Region?
Areas for Further Assessment have been identified in the North Marine Region (Map 2). These areas have been identified on the basis of an analysis of marine species and ecosystems and an initial assessment of human activities in Commonwealth waters. Stakeholders will be consulted to improve information on human activities within these areas, focusing on developing a thorough understanding of the potential socio-economic impacts of new marine reserves that may be established.

What activities are allowed in marine reserves and how will they be managed?
The network of new marine reserves established through the marine bioregional planning process will be zoned to allow different uses to occur within them as long as those uses are consistent with the protection of biodiversity. While most of each new marine reserve will be zoned to allow many uses and activities to continue, highly protected zones will also be identified within each new marine reserve.
What will happen to existing activities that are not allowed within new marine reserves?
A process to develop a policy for managing activities that are impacted through the declaration of new marine reserves is underway. The policy will establish the objectives, principles and directions for addressing the management of impacts arising from the declaration of new reserves, including the displacement of activities.
An Australian Government Steering Group has been established to guide the development of this displaced activities policy. The Steering Group is supported by a Stakeholder Advisory Group which consists of representatives from indigenous communities and key sectors including commercial, charter and recreational fishing, petroleum, conservation, ports and shipping.
Recommendations on the displaced activities policy are intended to be available for Ministerial consideration by October 2009.

How can I get involved in the marine bioregional planning process?
The Australian Government welcomes any contribution that will assist in developing Marine Bioregional Plans. While information from marine resource users, researchers and managers will be identified throughout the process, the Marine Bioregional Planning Program also involves key steps during which the public is invited to provide input.
Consultation with stakeholders will focus on issues and activities relevant to each marine region and workshops will be held to provide updates on progress and to discuss and seek feedback on planning approaches. In addition to these workshops, targeted consultation will be undertaken on specific aspects of the planning process.
A formal public consultation period of at least 60 days will occur on the release of each draft Marine Bioregional Plan. During this public consultation period stakeholders will be contacted and public meetings will be held where needed to facilitate and discuss feedback on the draft Plan. Views expressed by stakeholders will be considered before the final Marine Bioregional Plan is completed for each Region.
After the Minister has adopted the final Marine Bioregional Plans, the proposed network of new marine reserves will be declared through a separate process. This declaration process involves additional public consultation and another formal 60 day feedback period.

Requests for additional information, or any questions and comments may be directed to:
mbp.north@environment.gov.au

Or mail to:
The Director
Tropical North Marine Conservation
Marine Division
Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts
GPO Box 787
Canberra 2601 ACT

InDepth #9

AFANT Email InDepth #9
7 September 2009

PALMERSTON BOAT RAMP REDEVELOPMENT CONCEPT PLAN RELEASED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
The NT Government has released the concept plan for the $4 million redevelopment of the Palmerston boat ramp. The fishing public has until Friday 2 October to comment on the plan.

AFANT and the Palmerston Game Fishing Club have both been involved in the planning process but the Concept Plan presented here is just that — an initial concept — and it’s important that potential users of the facility have their say on the final design. Details of the Concept Plan are on the NT Government website at www.nt.gov.au/construction/projects.

At this stage the plan includes a floating jetty (concrete this time so it should be suitably stable) down the centre of a widened two-lane boat ramp, additional car and trailer parking, security lighting, a security parking compound, a new toilet block and a loading platform near the ramp to improve boat access for people with disabilities.

A major addition to the facility is the proposed rock groin and fixed jetty for land-based fishos. This will provide a welcome and relatively safe alternative for people who currently fish from the Elizabeth River and Channel Island bridges. The jetty will get people out to deeper water and will have stepped down platforms at the end so fishers can get down closer to the water. A fish cleaning facility is proposed near the end of the fixed jetty.

One thing to note is that the proposed car/trailer parking area is about 250 metres from the actual ramp. We would have preferred to have parking much closer to the ramp but this couldn’t be done within the existing budget and we think it is preferable to have all parking in the one place including the monitored security compound. This may help with overall parking security.

We have also suggested that further consideration of the final locations of the groin and fixed jetty and the disabled access ramp may be necessary. We want to be sure that there is no danger from the overhead power lines that are close to the jetty’s current position. We also believe that the disabled ramp will fit in the middle of the ramp turn-around area allowing access on both sides without impairing access to the boat ramp itself.

Government wants comments to be in writing but email is fine. Email Constructionmarketing.DPI@nt.gov.au or post to Lyle Hebb, PO Box 61 Palmerston NT 0831.

InDepth #9

AFANT Email InDepth #9
6 August 2009

THERE ARE ONLY A COUPLE OF WEEKS LEFT FOR YOU TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE COMMERCIAL BARRA FISHING CLOSUE IN FOG BAY.

The formal 28 day public consultation period on the proposed closures of Bynoe Harbour and the Fog Bay area to commercial barramundi fishing closes on 17 August.
The NT Government is proposing a very effective closure line for Bynoe Harbour but many fishers are concerned that the proposed “box” closure covering the mouths of the Finniss and Little Finniss Rivers will not effectively transfer the barramundi resources in Fog Bay from the commercial to the recreational fishing sector. A considerable amount of commercial barramundi fishing takes place on the flats in Fog Bay outside the proposed closure box and this means that the current commercial licence buy-back program will not provide value for the considerable money being invested in it.

You can help to ensure an effective commercial netting closure in Fog Bay by letting the NT Government know what you think. Write or email and tell Government what you think. The postal address for comments is:
Executive Director, Fisheries
GPO Box 3000
Darwin NT 0801

You can also email comments to NT Fisheries (fisheries@nt.gov.au) and to Fisheries Minister Kon Vatskalis (minister.vatskalis@nt.gov.au).

All you have to say is:
1. that you support the proposed closure lines for Bynoe Harbour
2. that you do not support the closure lines in Fog Bay as proposed
3. that you believe the closure line for Fog Bay should extend from Point Blaze to Patterson Point (or another closure line if you prefer).
If you are emailing your response, please cc us at research@afant.com.au so we can keep track of responses. We have already received many responses but many more will be needed to get a proper closure in Fog Bay.
The maps below show Government’s proposed closure in Bynoe Harbour and Fog Bay and the closure line that we are proposing for the area.

If you want a real closure of Fog Bay, make sure you have your say before 17 August.

NT GUIDED FISHING INDUSTRY UNDER REVIEW.
The NT Government has released a discussion paper seeking views on the future operation of the guided fishing industry. The paper covers a range of issues including vessel seaworthiness and operator qualifications, special catch controls for fishing tour operators, licensing arrangements, limiting the number of licences and licence transfer arrangements.

You can find the discussion paper on the internet at www.nt.gov.au/d/Fisheries/fto

AFANT Email InDepth #8

AFANT Email InDepth #8
23 July 2009

IF YOU DON’T WANT THE COMMERCIAL BARRA FISHING CLOSUE IN FOG BAY TO ONLY COVER THE MOUTHS OF THE FINNISS AND LTLLE FINNISS YOU WILL HAVE TO LET GOVERNMENT KNOW NOW
The formal 28 day public consultation period on the proposed closures of Bynoe Harbour and the Fog Bay area to commercial barramundi fishing has commenced.
We believe that the proposed closure lines for Bynoe Harbour are appropriate but many fishers are telling us that the proposed “box” closure covering the moths of the Finniss and Little Finniss Rivers is totally inadequate and will do little to ensure the transfer of the barramundi resource in the area from the commercial to the recreational fishing sector which is the intent of the current licence buy-back program. The maps below show the proposed closure lines for Bynoe Harbour and for the box at the front of the Finniss and Little Finniss

Commercial fishing interests are pushing very hard to get Government to further reduce the proposed closed area in Fog Bay and we assume they will be making submissions on that basis.
We’ve got one shot at getting a proper closure for Fog Bay and that is if enough fishers take the time to write or email and tell Government what they think.

The postal address for comments is:
Executive Director, Fisheries
GPO Box 3000
Darwin NT 0801

You can also email comments to NT Fisheries (fisheries@nt.gov.au) and to Fisheries Minister Kon Vatskalis (minister.vatskalis@nt.gov.au).

All you have to say is:
1. that you support the proposed closure lines for Bynoe Harbour
2. that you do not support the closure lines in Fog Bay as proposed
3. that you believe the closure line for Fog Bay should extend from Point Blaze to Patterson Point (or another closure line if you prefer).

If you are emailing your response, please cc us at research@afant.com.au so we can keep track of responses.

There is a real chance for us to get a good result here if enough people take the time to let Government know what they want so please try to at least get an email off on this one. The result we should have is shown on the Preferred Closure Map below.

Please make sure you do something on this before the closing date for comments which is 17 August 2009.

AFANT Email InDepth #7

AFANT Email InDepth #7
10 July 2009

ACTION ON THE CLOSURE OF BYNOE HARBOUR AND THE FINNISS RIVER AREA
Fisheries Minister Kon Vatskalis has announced that next week will see the start of the formal 28 day public consultation period to implement the promised closures of Bynoe Harbour and the Finniss River area to commercial barramundi fishing. He also announced that he will be establishing a Barramundi Fishery Advisory Group to report back in 12 months on permanent commercial fishing closures, including the rest of Fog Bay. Attached to this Email InDepth is a Fishing Matters newsletter prepared by the Minister’s office which includes maps of the proposed closed areas.
The proposed closure lines for Bynoe Harbour will be a great result for recreational fishers if that is what comes out of the formal consultation process. Such a closure will properly reflect the transfer of barramundi resources in this area from the commercial to the recreational sector.”
AFANT still believe that the whole of Fog Bay should be closed but we welcome the closure area surrounding the Finniss and Little Finniss Rivers proposed by the Minister as a good interim measure while we work towards a wider closure through the Barramundi Fishery Advisory Group that the Minister will now establish.
On the downside, commercial barramundi fishing will recommence in Fog Bay on 15 July and we are disappointed that this is the case. You will recall that the Minister used his emergency powers to close Fog Bay to commercial barramundi netting for 90 days back in April in response to the publication of photos and video showing the deliberate killing of large numbers of juvenile sawfish by a commercial fisher. The Minister put the closure in place for 90 days and clearly stated that permanent arrangements would be implemented during that closure period.
In our view there is still not enough legislative power for the Minister to prevent a repeat of the sawfish incident but he has assured us that fishing in the area will be monitored and that he will not hesitate to put another emergency closure in place if anything similar happens.
We’re also urge all recreational fishers visiting the Fog Bay area to keep their eyes on the water and report any suspect activity as rapidly as possible.
Government and the NT Seafood Council now agree that voluntary codes of conduct may not be sufficient to ensure protection of bycatch species such as sawfish and dugong and a process has now commenced to put in place permanent arrangements including providing legislative powers for the codes of conduct..

NEW RECREATIONAL POSESSION LIMITS — 1 JANUARY 2010
The NT Government has announced that new recreational fishing possession limits and regulations will come into force in the Territory from 1 January 2010. The new limits will help to maintain the sustainability of some of the NT’s world-class recreational fisheries.
AFANT has been working with the NT Government on these new arrangements for some time now and we believe they will be well supported by the majority of recreational fishers who have had plenty of opportunities to have their say on the changes.
The new regulations will be:
• Personal possession limit of two Black Jewfish (reducing from five)
• Personal possession limit of two Spanish mackerel (reducing from five)
• Personal possession limit of 30 cherabin and/or red claw (currently no limit)
• Personal possession limit of 3 sharks of any species, including a prohibition on the taking of sawfish
• Requirement to use turtle excluder rings in freshwater pots
• Boat limit of 10 freshwater pots per vessel (when two or more people on board)
• A prohibition on the recreational taking of clams.
AFANT is particularly pleased at the reduction in the black jewfish possession limit from five fish to two as we believe that stocks, particularly in areas close to Darwin, are under pressure from a combination of recreational and commercial fishing. Changes to commercial fishing for jewfish in areas where they aggregate close to Darwin such as Charles Point, Chambers Bay and Channel Point should now also be considered.
The new possession limits and pot regulations for cherabin are also significant as they are heavily fished in some locations and we know little about the impact of this on important recreational fish such as barramundi.
Reducing recreational fishing impacts on sharks and banning the taking of all sawfish is another sound initiative and it is in line with national recognition of the need for more conservative approaches to various shark species.
At times the process of getting agreement to put these changes in place has been difficult and AFANT has congratulated Minister Vatskalis for seeing them through.

EAST ARM AND DYNAH BEACH PONTOONS
Work is now underway to install the pontoon at the Dynah Beach boat ramp. Half the ramp is closed while the work is underway but we understand that the contractors will try to maintain a single lane for launch and retrieve for as much of the time as possible. We have been told that the pontoon should be completed before the end of August.
Meanwhile, signs have now been placed near the pontoon at East Arm warning that it is dangerously unstable in windy conditions. There have been many users of the ramp who have advised AFANT of problems with the pontoon and we have asked that these be addressed as soon as possible by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure. Users are being warned as follows:
“This pontoon is only to be used for launching and retrieving boats during safe conditions. Wind and waves affect the stability of the pontoon and make it unsafe in adverse wind conditions. At these times only the ramp (and not the pontoon) should be used. Users of the pontoon should exercise special care for their own safety at all times. Use of the pontoon is at your own risk.”
There are also potential dangers if users place their hands or fingers inside the rails which guide the pontoon on its piles. These signs state:
Do not use as a hand rail. Movement of the pontoon can injure hands
We hope that these safety issues will be resolved in the near future but, if you are using East Arm ramp in the near future, please take extreme care around the pontoon.
At the moment the toilet is being installed at the ramp but electricity and water are still to be connected to the site.

ADELAIDE RIVER RAMP CAR PARK UPGRADE
Work on sealing the car park at the Adelaide River boat ramp is now underway and there is likely to be a fair bit of construction activity there over the next few weeks. A pump and tank system is also being installed next to the ramp so that ramp users can wash themselves before getting into boats or vehicles. The water will be pumped from the river so it will not be suitable for drinking.
Toilets are now available via the Adelaide River Queen kiosk. Please make sure you don’t track mud etc. into the kiosk.