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 #6

Hi everyone

This newsletter is to provide you with brief details of some of the latest developments in recreational fishing in the Territory. There is plenty going on with boat ramps and other projects at the moment and there have been some developments around the closure of the Finniss River and Bynoe Harbour to commercial barramundi fishing.
You will probably also receive this issue of InDepth by mail as we are contacting all AFANT members to advise about changes to the way we issue our newsletters and to check contact details.
Don’t forget, if there are any issues you particularly want information on, give me a call on 8945 6455 and I’ll try to include it in these Email InDepths.

Regards
Chris Makepeace
Executive Officer

AFANT Email InDepth #6
20 April 2009

MINISTER USES EMERGENCY POWERS TO CLOSE FOG BAY TO COMMERCIAL BARRAMUNDI FISHING
For the past few weeks we have been receiving reports, photographs and video of a commercial barramundi fisher working in the Finniss and Little Finniss Rivers area of Fog Bay catching large numbers of juvenile sawfish in his gill nets. Photographs appeared to show that these fish were being killed by having their necks broken after they had been removed from the net. Further photographs showed dozens of dead sawfish on a mud bank at the mouth of the Little Finniss River.
There was media coverage of these incidents and AFANT indicated to the NT Government that steps had to be taken to protect these fish, particularly as we have been calling for there to be strict no take regulations for recreational fishers on all species of sawfish. Fisheries Minister Kon Vatskalis shared our concerns and, when it was evident last week that these fish were continuing to be killed, he used his powers to take fast and decisive action to implement a closure of the commercial barramundi fishery in Fog Bay inside a line from Point Blaze to Point Patterson.
The closure will be in place for 90 days and the Minister has indicated that a permanent closure fulfilling Government’s commitment to close the Finniss River/Bynoe Harbour area will be finalized during the closure period. AFANTs position is that the final closure should extend from Point Blaze to Charles Point running outside Dum In Mirri Island and the temporary closure line is close to that for the Fog Bay/Finniss end of this area.
The permanent closure is accompanied by the buy back of at least three commercial barramundi licences and that process is well underway.

EAST ARM BOAT RAMP NEARING COMPLETION
Although there were some delays due to wet season rain, the new boat ramp at East Arm is nearing completion and we expect it to be open in the near future. The ramp and pontoon are already in place and the car park has been sealed. Toilets and some other facilities are still under construction but the ramp may be made available for use while this work is concluded.
The two-lane ramp and pontoon look good and it will be interesting to see how effective they are in speeding up launch and retrieve operations.

WORK ON OTHER RAMPS AROUND THE TERRITORY
Late last year AFANT worked with the NT Government and engineering consultants GHD to conduct a review of all major public boat ramps in the NT. The review looked at repairs and maintenance issues as well as usage requirements. The review was very comprehensive and involved site inspections of a total of 38 ramps ranging from Gove in the north to King Ash Bay in the south and from Port Roper in the East to Big Horse Creek in the West. A range of repairs and maintenance needs were identified as well as new and upgrading work on some ramps.
The Recreational Fishing Access Working Group (RFAWG) is looking at what work is required and setting priorities for that work. We will be tackling the work in stages and the following tasks have been agreed for Stage 1 which will be done this year:
• Corroboree Billabong — repair the bottom of the ramp and seal the area at the head of the ramp.
• Saltwater Arm — replace the ramp surface on top of old ramp, raise ramp level at same time so it is not recessed into the bank, raise the apron at the head of the ramp, bring in some fill to create a better and bigger area for parking.
• King Ash Bay – extend the ramp to remove the drop off at the toe.
• Dinah Beach — redesign the car park to increase the number of parking spaces.
The RFAWG is currently considering projects that will be carried out in Stage 2 of this program and these will be finalised over the next few months.
In addition to the review, a number of other projects have or are being carried out under the umbrella of RFAWG. These include:
• Corroboree Billabong — toilets have now been installed.
• Adelaide River boat ramp — the car park is to be sealed, access to toilets is to be provided and water will be made available so people can wash mud etc. off before getting into their vehicles.
• Dinah Beach — the proposed pontoon has been redesigned and tenders will be let shortly.
• Palmerston boat ramp — the NT Government has committed $4 million to upgrade the ramp and associated facilities and a planning group is being established under RFAWG to plan and oversight this redevelopment.
It really looks as though we are now making real progress on what was previously a pretty poor situation with our boat ramps and we’ll continue to work with RFAWG and the NT Government to keep things moving.

KEEP SKINS ON FILLETS UNTILL YOU GET HOME
Northern Territory Police Marine and Fisheries Enforcement officers are working to enforce the regulation that requires fishers to retain the skins on the trunks and fillets of all fish until they have reached their permanent place of residence. The rule is set out in NT Fisheries Regulations 46B(6) and it states “A person must not have possession of a trunked fish or a fillet unless the skin is retained on it.” This regulation has been in place for some time and it was included to allow easy identification of fish species when police are checking possession limits and other provisions.
The issue of skinning fish to eat while people are camping has been raised and there is a further regulation that allows for this. Regulation 46B(7) states “It is a defence to a charge of an offence against subregulation (6) if the defendant proves that the fish was processed for immediate consumption by the defendant or another person in the company of the defendant.” Assuming a meal is being prepared, it should be quite easy to use this defence.

KNOW YOUR REC FISHING RULES AND REGULATIONS
While we’re on the issue of recreational fishing regulations, there is a revised version of the NT Recreational Fishing Controls reference booklet that was produced by NT Fisheries last year. Be aware that the cover of the new edition looks very similar to earlier printings so check that you have one dated May 2008 on the Contents page. If you don’t have a copy of the current edition, you can pick one up from most tackle shops, the AFANT office or get one from NT Fisheries phone 08 8999 2144.

REVISED NATIONAL CODE OF PRACTICE FOR RECREATIONAL FISHING IN AUSTRALIA
Recfish Australia released the revised code of practice late last year. It updates the previous code of practice that was developed in 1995. A copy of the code is being posted with this newsletter. It is also available on the AFANT website at www.afant.com.au.

AFANT Email InDepth #5

AFANT Email InDepth #5
4 March 2009

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING CONTRIBUTION TO THE RED CROSS VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE APPEAL
We used the AGM to raise money for the bushfire appeal and with our raffle, collection and other funding we raised some $1681 for the appeal. A great effort from AFANT members and another great example of the generosity of our sponsors.

Very special thanks to:
Fishing & Outdoor World
Colin and Karen Burdon of Reidy’s Lures
Rod n Rifle Katherine
Steve Compain of Arafura Bluewater Charters and Top End Tackle
Kai Hansen of Goat Island Lodge Adelaide River
BCF
Alex Julius Fishing Media

BARRA LICENCE BUY BACK AND CLOSURE OF BYNOE HARBOUR AND THE FINNISS RIVER
Fisheries Minister Kon Vatskalis advised the AGM that one of the three licences to be bought in this round is now in Government hands and negotiations are continuing for two more. Members made it clear to the Minister that delays in the buy back and closure were resulting in unacceptable increased commercial effort, particularly in the Finniss, and that urgent action was needed. The Minister agreed that the closure should be brought forward if possible and is seeking legal advice on whether he can close Bynoe and the Finniss prior to completing the buy back.

The Minister was also informed that only a closure line which extends from Charles Point to Point Blaze and run seaward of the islands south of the mouth of Bynoe will deliver the full benefits of the closure and the $1.8 – 2 million of taxpayer funding that is being spent on the buy back.

Warren de With reminded the Minister that Government had agreed to also look towards the closure of these waters to the Coastal Net Fishery as a result of the buy back of nine licences in that fishery in 2007 and pointed out that it would be crazy to close them to commercial barra netting but still allow other gill netting to continue.

We believe that the Minister will be able to move on with the proposed closures soon and it will be important for fishers to ensure that there is strong public support for the closure lines to be based on the Charles Point to Point Blaze option.

REVISED RECREATIONAL POSESSION LIMITS
Fisheries Minister Kon Vatskalis announced to the AGM that Government would move to introduce the new possession limits that have been under discussion for some time. The proposed new limits include:
• a reduction of the current possession limit for black jewfish from five to two;
• a reduction of the current possession limit for Spanish mackerel from five to two;
• the introduction of a new possession limit of 30 cherabin and/or red claw yabbies;
• the introduction of a new possession limit of three sharks of any species, including a prohibition on the take of sawfish;
• turtle excluder rings in freshwater pots and a boat limit of ten freshwater pots per vessel when two or more people are on board;
• a prohibition on the recreational take of clams.

These changes will now be subject to formal period of four weeks for public comment and it is important that you let the Minister know if you support the changes. You can email your comments to fisheries@nt.gov.au and they must be received by 30 March.

RECREATIONAL FISHING IN NT MARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Minister Kon Vatskalis made a very significant announcement at the AGM concerning the future of recreational fishing in Marine Protected Areas that are planned for NT waters. Warren de With had the following to say:
“Another challenge which could threaten our access is the development of marine protected areas by both the Commonwealth and NT Governments.

Our fishing colleagues in other states have been locked out of large areas of some of their best fishing locations often for no better reason than political pandering to green voters and the so-called conservation movement. The more radical of these groups will not be satisfied until they have virtually wiped out recreational fishing.

Their latest push is to have recreational fishing banned from the whole of the Coral Sea and to also have it banned or severely restricted in a new marine park that they want in NSW to run from Wollongong to Newcastle.
The current catch cry from these groups and the governments who are implementing their agendas is that we have to remove all human impacts in some areas in order to ensure biodiversity conversation — they will simply not ever accept that biodiversity conversation and properly regulated recreational fishing can happily coexist.

There is no reason why recreational fishing should be subject to this same type of action in the Northern Territory — our fisheries have so far been well managed, our fish stocks are healthy, our water quality is excellent, our marine biodiversity is not under threat and the vast majority of our recreational fishers are responsible in terms of their concerns for our fish and the environments they live in.

This could well emerge as a major issue in 2009 and we will all need to make our position very clear to government if it does.

We should not allow ourselves to be put in a position where unjustified access restrictions will be put in place by our own government — particularly as they gave us a further commitment to “boosting fishing infrastructure and access” in the 2008 election campaign.”

Minister Vatskalis responded as follows:
“I would like to say yes the government is prepared to close areas but the government is not prepared to have the same issues like in other states. If areas are to be closed, amateur fishermen will go fishing and I will go with them. So no marine protected areas closed off to amateur fishermen. The only intention is to close areas to the commercial sector and, for obvious reasons, for the protection of species.”

This was a very welcome response from the Minister and it is significant news. It means that we can now move on with the planning for Marine Protected Areas in the NT with some confidence.

AFANT Email InDepth #4 - 16 February 2009

AFANT Email InDepth #4
16 February 2009

AFANT 2009 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING TO HELP VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE APPEAL
We will be using the 2009 AFANT AGM to help raise money for the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal. We’ll have our usual raffle with plenty of great prizes. We’ll also take up a collection. All the money from both will go to the Appeal. Also, the AFANT Committee traditionally has a dinner the night before the AGM. This year we’ve put the dinner aside and the money we would have spent is being added to the collection.

Please make sure you are at the AGM and bring some cash so we can help the people affected by the fires in Victoria. The 2009 AGM will commence at 10:00 am on Sunday 1st March at the Aviation Institute, Charles Eaton Drive, Marrara.

AFANT SUBMISSION TO THE NT GOVERNMENT ON THE FUTURE OF THE DALY RIVER
There has been considerable discussion and comment on our submission on the Daly and some criticism as well. Some have been very critical that we provided the submission to Government before making it public. We have to accept that criticism although, under the circumstances, we believe we did the right thing by letting the Minister have time to consider it before we put it out. Would we do it that way again? Probably not in light of some of the comments we’ve had… but hindsight is a wonderful thing.
On the substance of the submission and the actual recommendations, there are a number of people who support it in full and many more who support particular elements of it. Interestingly, no one seems to want to just leave the situation on the Daly as it is.

There is very strong support for moving the commercial barramundi closure outside the Daly River to a line covering the whole of Anson Bay and Channel Point. Unless I’ve missed it somehow I don’t thing we have had one comment opposed to this.

Similarly, there is strong support for a reduction in the possession limit to two fish although I must acknowledge that we have had a few comments from people strongly opposed to this reduction.

Opinions seem to be a bit more divided on the issue of prohibiting the use of live bait below the Daly River Crossing and there seem to be very strong feelings on both side of this argument. There does however seem to be general agreement that something should be done to place restrictions on cherabin fishing in the river and the size of pots used to fish for them.

Opening up access to new fishing areas also has strong support although opinions are again divided on the issue of limiting engine and boat sizes in some parts of the river. We realized when we were putting the submission together that this would need further consideration and consultation and we will do that.

Finally, there seems to be general and strong support for our proposal to removes the current seasonal closure on recreational barramundi fishing in the Daly River below the entrance to Moon Billabong.

If you haven’t already done so, please drop us an email or give us a call so we know what you think. We are obviously dealing with an area that people are passionate about and, given the strong support for change, we need as much support as possible to get those changes we can agree on in place.

AFANT Email InDepth #3 - 6 February 2009

Hi everyone

2009 has started as a very busy year with plenty going on for AFANT. I’ve covered a few important matters below.
Don’t forget, if there are any issues you particularly want information on, give me a call on 8945 6455 and I’ll try to include it in these Email InDepths.

Regards
Chris Makepeace
Executive Officer

AFANT Email InDepth #3
6 February 2009

AFANT SUBMISSION TO THE NT GOVERNMENT ON THE FUTURE OF THE DALY RIVER
Concerns about the future of recreational barramundi fishing on the Daly River continue to increase and AFANT has been making representations to the NT Government on the issue. We had been discussing a range of Daly matters with former Fisheries Minister Chris Natt but nothing had been finalised at the time of the NT elections last year. In October we met with Fisheries Minister Kon Vatskalis and raised the same issues with him. He requested that we prepare a detailed submission for him to consider actions that should be taken to secure the future of the fishery. We provided a wide ranging submission early in December and, as a courtesy to the Minister and to allow time for him to give us a preliminary response, we agreed we would not make it public until this month.

While a number of our suggestions in the submission cover new ground, some of the matters raised have been under discussion with Government for a long time and we had hoped that we might get an early positive response from the Minister on some of these before we released the submission to members and the wider fishing public. Unfortunately, that has not been the case and the Minister has indicated that the matters should be “…subject to widespread community awareness and discussion.” While we support the principle of open consultation for issues that have not been canvassed before, we are very concerned that the process proposed by the Minister will mean significant delays before any action is taken on matters such as excessive cherabin potting, live baiting and seasonal recreational closures that have been widely canvassed in the past. Remember that the widely-supported changes to possession limits on jewfish, mackerel, cherabin and so on were first put out for “public awareness and discussion” in 2006 and still nothing has been done. We will not willingly let consideration of the future of the Daly drag on in the same way.

The full submission is here for your consideration and comment. If you do nothing else, at least let us know what you think about each of the 11 recommendations we are suggesting. Whether you agree with our suggestions or not, your feedback is essential.

BARRA BUY BACK AND CLOSURE OF BYNOE HARBOUR AND THE FINNISS RIVER
Many people are asking what is happening with the buy back and closures. The following is a sneak preview from AFANT President Warren de With’s report for the AGM in March:
“The NT Government has increased funding in 2008/09 to meet its commitment to buy back the three commercial barramundi fishing licenses promised in 2005. In addition, $1.8 million will be provided over the next three years to buy a further three licences. This means there will be a total of six commercial licenses to be bought out in this term of Government.

On 10 December the Fisheries Minister announced that the Territory Government would close Bynoe Harbour and the Finniss River to commercial barra netting when it bought back the first three of these licences. Given that the Minister announced these closures in December you may have presumed that they would be in place before the start of the commercial barra season on 1 February but this wasn’t the case. All it has done is signal the Government’s intention to the commercial barra netters. If I was a commercial barra netter and learnt that I was going to be excluded from these areas in the near future, maybe I would hammer it as hard as I could while I still could.

AFANT has indicated to the Minister that the closure line for commercial barramundi fishing in this area should extend from Charles Point to Point Blaze and run seaward of the islands south of the mouth of Bynoe. Government must put the closure lines in to get the full benefits of shifting the resource to the recreational sector. Otherwise there will be continuing problems with the two sectors competing for the same stocks and no real gains for the large investment of taxpayer money made by the NT Government.

We have also reminded Minister Vatskalis that his predecessor had agreed to look towards the closure of these waters to the Coastal Net Fishery as a result of the buy back of nine licences in that fishery in 2007. It would be crazy to close them to commercial barra netting but still allow other gill netting to continue.”

Hopefully we will get some positive news from the Minister on this issue at the AGM because, at this stage, it is not looking as though the closures will be put in place anytime soon.

PROPOSED SETTLEMENT OF THE KENBI LAND CLAIM
I received a briefing from Government this week with details of the proposed settlement terms for the Kenbi Land Claim which covers Cox Peninsula and coastal waters in Darwin Harbour and around into Bynoe Harbour. I have to congratulate and thank the Northern Land Council, traditional owners and NT Government for the approach they have taken to ensure that the settlement does not unduly impact on recreational fishing. I don’t have details and maps to give you at this stage but I can say that there is no intention to close any waters to recreational fishing (or to require any permits for recreational fishing access — coastal land or water) with the exception of a small part of Ida Bay which is rarely fished and dries on low tides. There is also very little restriction on coastal land access. We are being asked to be respectful of a number of sacred sites and, in the case of Bare Sand Island, not to move beyond the beach area and not to light fires there. I think this is a small consideration in return for continued access.

The claim settlement will now be put to the Commonwealth Government for final approval. I will provide you with detailed information and maps when the Commonwealth has signed off on the proposal.

AFANT 2009 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The 2009 AGM will commence at 10:00 AM on Sunday 1st March at the Aviation Institute, Charles Eaton Drive, Marrara. Be there!