NEWS September 2020 CEO’s Report Minister Manison wasted no Over the past couple of time to touch base and meet months the impacts of the with the NTSC to express her Victorian lockdown due to enthusiasm to work with us to COVID-19 has been felt in aid NT seafood businesses the NT, with a decreasing growth and development. demand for some seafood There is much work to be products experienced. Which done to provide further makes pieces of research certainty within the seafood underway such as the wild industry and we look forward barramundi marketing project to working collaboratively with funded through FRDC even Government to enhance and more important. The results are in. NT voters attract further investment to have re-elected the Gunner grow the industry. Importantly Actually it was great to meet Government for a second we recognise that as part of with the FRDC Board this term. Whilst the results took this growth we also need to month via video conference almost two weeks to confirm make improvements. to discuss NT issues and a Labor 14 seat majority, the opportunities as well as hear Government was quick to A key area of focus will be about their new strategic announce a new ministry and the review and modernisation plan. The unexpected departmental changes. the Fisheries Act, to better silver lining to not being align with contemporary able to travel is the ability Which means we are fisheries management and to create opportunities for delighted to welcome resource sharing frameworks, discussion, without having and work with Deputy and remove unnecessary to get everyone face to Chief Minister, the Hon regulatory burden. face. Indeed the NTSC MLA Board has continued to who holds amongst her Whilst work is underway to effectively hold meetings portfolio - Agribusiness and develop Harvest Strategies using a combination of face Aquaculture. In addition to a and Management Plans for to face and video conference new ministry, the ministerial our fisheries, there are key technology. In addition, State/ portfolio’s have also been strategic pieces of work Territory and National bodies expanded from 23 to 40. That also underway including have also established a includes a ministerial portfolio the development a seafood video conference discussion for recreational fishing, which export strategy, scoping study to aid collaboration and is our former Minster, the Hon for a seafood processing understanding on a regular MLA. facility, understand supply basis, rather than ad-hoc an chains and developing a on the back of an interstate There is also a new sustainability strategy. national workshop or event. mega-department which brings tourism, industry and Just prior to the election the This combination for trade together under the NT Government and Northern increased flexiblity is also one banner. This means Land Council announced flowing into our Licensee the Department of Primary agreement on an Action Plan Committee meetings and Industry and Resources is no to progress Blue Mud Bay NTSC information sessions, more, and the NT Fisheries negotiations. We look forward even our Annual General Division is now within the to seeing this action plan Meeting. It is strange that it Department of Industry, process resume as quickly as has taken a pandemic for us Tourism and Trade (DITT). possible now that the election to look at how we do business is behind us. to support participation, Newsletter of the Seafood Council www.ntsc.com.au Located on Fisherman’s Wharf, Frances Bay, Darwin GPO Box 618 Darwin NT 0801 | Telephone 08 8981 5194 Facsimile 08 8981 5063 | Email [email protected] ABN 85 918 271 276 22 however a good reminder that Quick Read we can always make changes to improve. Board Communique Continuation of the business The NTSC Board meets hardship package I also recognise in addition to quarterly and the August The Package has been the business impacts the mental communique can be read on extended until 1 July 2021. health impacts COVID-19 has page 5. For more information go to had on people both within businessrecovery.nt.gov.au lockdown and/or the families Hear from the new Minister and friends that are unable to for Agribusiness and Keep up-to-date on Seafood see each other. At the same Aquaculture Industry Meetings time people have put their hands As Minister, I want to continue NTSC AGM, Licensee up to be trusted advocates for on our path of growing and Committee and Association the SIA Mental Health project. expanding the economic AGMs & GMs. Read more on The willingness to offer help potential. Read more on page 4. page 14. and support for a stronger and healthier industry during such Is your vessel EPIRB Post NT election testing times is a real testament requirement right and A key change relevant to the to the hard working and registered? seafood industry is the formation dedicated people within the NT AMSA strongly encourages of a mega department. Read seafood industry. those affected by the new laws more on page 7. to purchase and register their Katherine Winchester, float-free EPIRB to act now. COVID-19 Information NT Seafood Council Read more on page 10. You can keep your finger on the Chief Executive Officer pulse everything relevant to the Seismic testing on fisheries seafood industry by visiting our Key recommendations made to COVID-19 portal on www.ntsc. the inquiry by NTSC can be com.au read on page 12.

REST in peace

It is with much regret NTSC informs its members that former NTSC Chairman, Michael James Fraser (Mike) passed away peacefully with his family on 23 September 2020.

Mike was an active participant in the NT Commerical Fisherman’s Association throughout the 1980’s, before becoming NTSC Chairman in 1993-1995. In addition Mike participated in Barramundi, Coastal Line and Mud Crab committee levels and again gave his time as Board member of NTSC in 2009 and 2010. Buying freshly caught coastal reef fish from Mike and Pauline off their fishing vessel at the Hornibrooks wharf is something many Territorians enjoyed.

Our thoughts are with Mike’s family.

Michael James Fraser 25.09.1953 – 23.09.2020

Northern Territory Seafood Council (NTSC) Cover Photo: East Point @ Darwin, NT 2018 by Donna English

3 Minister for Agribusiness and Aquaculture The Hon. Nicole Manison MLA

I am thrilled to be appointed as the new Minister working with the Territory’s seafood industry and working with you to grow more opportunities.

I look forward to working closely with the Northern Territory Seafood Council over the coming years to continue the development of a sustainable, profitable, and healthy seafood industry here in the Territory.

It is an industry I have worked in before and it was a time in my career I absolutely loved. I had previously worked with the MG Kailis Group in Perth and gained valuable insights into prawns, pearls, crayfish, tuna, seafood exporting and marine engineering.

There is no doubt Territorians love to fish and love to eat seafood – we have some of the best seafood in the world.

Our fishing and seafood industry is a huge economic driver for the Territory. In 2017/18 the NT fishing, aquaculture and associated processing industries contributed over $130 million dollars to the NT economy and over 900 full time equivalent jobs.

As Minister, I want to continue on our path of growing and expanding the economic potential of the Territory, and I am committed to developing the NT seafood industry further through important work like:

• The development of a new NT Fisheries Act to ensure contemporary and effective regulation that will allow industries and businesses to develop to their full potential. • Working with the NTSC to scope the potential for a seafood processing facility in Darwin, which may be able to value add to Territory business. • The development of harvest strategies to ensure there are clear management objectives and established allocations that can provide the certainty necessary for industry to invest and develop markets. • Continued investment through the Darwin Aquaculture Centre to support aquaculture industry development, providing facilities and technical support, including research into new commercial opportunities.

Here in the Territory the world is truly our oyster, and our seafood industry has so much potential. There is plenty of work to do, and I look forward to getting stuck right into it and working closely with you all over the next few years.

Nicole.

Imagining the future of fishing and aquaculture

The FRDC’s new R&D Plan commenced on 1 July 2020. The 2020 – 2025 plan seeks to convey a shared vision for the future, the outcomes required to pursue that vision, and the enabling strategies to achieve them.

FRDC will invest to pursue the shared vision of Fish forever 2030 for a collaborative, vibrant fishing and aquaculture, creating diverse benefits from aquatic resources, and celebrated by the community. View the plan online http://rdplan.frdc.com.au/ 4 Communique August 2020

The Board of Northern Territory Seafood Council As part of internal process improvements, a revised Incorporated met on 26 August 2020 via Zoom video NTSC Nomination Policy was reviewed and changes conference. agreed for adoption to provide further clarity on the selection processes NTSC for industry wide This communique has been provided as a summary for appointments, and guidance to Licensee Committee’s/ members of the key items discussed. The agenda and Association for fishery specific appointments. focus of the Board was again deliberately set tightly to aid the efficiency of a video conference approach. This Build trust in our industry by our approach appears to be working well and I appreciate members, community and government the Board’s preparation which has aided the smooth Responses from the main political parties in relation running of the meeting. The Board noted the absence to the NTSC election commitment statement, with tri- of David Baumber. partisan support for modernisation of the Fisheries Act. With the agribusiness sector identified as a key Improve structures for an effective growth area for the Northern Territory, the support Northern Territory Seafood Council for the NTSC’s election commitments for areas such Looking ahead it is important that as a Board we are as modernisation, harvest strategy development and discussing the needs of the organisation with regards industry development plan is critical. to succession planning for the key roles within the organisation and what kind of skills and approaches It was noted that the Northern Land Council and NT are needed. Government reached agreement on an Action Plan just prior to the election. The Board agreed that further It is clear that licensing committees need to take on clarification of details surrounding the announcements more responsibilities and work diligently to remove is needed urgently to ensure NTSC members are not areas of perceived conflicts. Ultimately, this will be left with a sense of bewilderment or further uncertainty. most beneficial to the members themselves and will present unbiased positions regarding all fisheries dEmonstrate sustainability matters to the NTG. The Board noted the importance of strategic projects underway or recently completed as highlighted in the Immediate issues of importance NTSC’s submission to the Territory Economic Recovery Cost recovery policy and modernisation reform are Commission, including the NTSC Sustainability on the agenda, how we position NTSC to be both Strategy, Seafood Processing Facility Scoping Study, financially viable, resourced and with mechanisms that NT Seafood Export Strategy and infrastructure needs are effective are the immediate challenges ahead. study from 2019.

Clarifying the roles and responsibility between The next Board meeting is scheduled for 18 November government services and industry costs is needed. 2020. In the time between meetings, there is much We have important work ahead to develop Cost work to be done and I encourage members to continue Recovery policy/framework and it was acknowledged engaging with their sector’s Board representative to that this is a complicated and important area to get highlight opportunities and feedback. Members can the policy direction right. In addition, out of session send their suggestions for Board agenda items through discussions will occur to aid the Board’s clarity on the to Northern Territory Seafood Council Secretary, Mr types of changes needed to the NTSC constitution to Chris Calogeras via email to ensure the NTSC is also modernised, with the view [email protected] to present the intended changes for discussion at the Annual General Meeting in November 2020. ANTHONY CICONTE Chairman (ACTING)

55 Blue Mud Bay Implementation Action Plan

On Wednesday 29 July 2020 the Northern Land Council (the NLC) and the Northern Territory Government (the NTG) signed the Blue Mud Bay Implementation Action Plan (the Action Plan).

In July 2008 the High Court of Australia, in the Blue Mud Bay case, found that Traditional Aboriginal Owners have the right to control access to waters overlying ‘Aboriginal Land’ including the intertidal zone. That means that Traditional Owners control access to around 85 per cent of the NT coastline.

On 26 June 2019 at Nitmiluk the NTG, the NLC, the NT Seafood Council, the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the NT and the NT Guided Fishing Industry Association signed a Heads of Agreement document (the Nitmiluk Heads of Agreement).

The Action Plan implements the Nitmiluk Heads of Agreement with specific commitments up to the end of December 2022.

Under the agreed Action Plan, the Northern Territory Government will:

• Provide funding to support the establishment of an Aboriginal fishing entity to facilitate participation of Traditional Owners in fishing, aquaculture and other opportunities associated with fishing activities in the Northern Territory; • Provide seed funding to assist this entity to support participation of Traditional Owners in fishing and aquaculture opportunities, job growth and associated enterprise development; • Work collaboratively with the parties to the Nitmiluk Heads of Agreement, Traditional Owners and other key stakeholders in the drafting and introduction of a Fisheries Act amendment Bill; • Expand Aboriginal Coastal Licences to increase commercial catch across all managed fisheries, including enabling greater incubation of small-scale commercial fishing in communities, potentially supported by the new Aboriginal fishing entity; and • Maintain commitments to Aboriginal Capacity Building Programs, such as ranger fisheries compliance training, fisheries inspector appointments, and the training and mentoring associated with Aboriginal Coastal Licences.

The Northern Land Council will:

• Consult Traditional Owners on extending the permit free interim arrangements for fishing access in Blue Mud Bay tidal waters to 31 December 2022; and • Subject to there being satisfactory progress under the Action Plan, consult Traditional Owners on long term permanent access arrangements post 31 December 2022.

Also under the Action Plan, the NTG and NLC commit to ongoing collaboration with the other parties to the Heads of Agreement and key stakeholders to implement the other elements of the Nitmuluk Heads of Agreement. The timeframe to complete these discussions and actions will be the end of 2022.

66 What is new post NT election 2020?

After a couple of weeks counting after the 22 August 2020 election, the results were in which saw the Gunner Government re-appointed and a new Ministry.

Changes were made with a focus on growing the Territory economy and bringing together related functions from a number of agencies to foster a greater level of agility, flexibility and quicker decision making across government.

A key change relevant to the seafood industry is the formation of a new super department called the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade (DITT), which Mr Shaun Drabsch (former CEO of the Department of Trade, Business and Innovation) will lead.

DITT will encompass the following:

• The Department of Primary Industry and Resources (DPIR); • Tourism from the Department of Tourism, Sport and Culture (DTSC); • Licensing NT from the Department of the Attorney General and Justice (DAGJ); and • Most of the existing Department Trade, Business and Innovation (DTBI) functions (except the Commercial Facilitation team from Investment Territory which will transfer to Department of Chief Minister (DCM)).

DITT will be made up of the following Ministers and portfolios:

Nicole Manison: : Minister for Mining and Industry Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Minister for Northern Australia and Trade Minister for Major Events Minister for Defence Industries Minister for Racing, Gaming and Licensing Minister for Agribusiness and Aquaculture Minister for Alcohol Policy Minister for International Education

Paul Kirby: : Minister for Small Business Minister for Renewables and Energy Minister for Jobs and Training Minister for Recreational Fishing Minister for Veterans Affairs

Bringing these key functions together are intended to help achieve the government’s goal to create a $40 billion economy by 2030.

Bringing the Licensing functions to this new department also will support Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission’s (TERC) target of having the most efficient approval processes in Australia for all Territory business licensing and approvals to start and grow a business.

The transfer of the Commercial Facilitation team to DCM, will enable the Chief Minister to directly support the fast tracking of private investment. The Chief Minister has committed to delivering on the TERC recommendation to establish a Major Project Commissioner over the coming months - the Commercial Facilitation team will help establish the role and deliver the work of the Major Project Commissioner.

7 Getting to know Fisheries staff

Jonathan (Jono) McPhail Jono has the primary responsibility for managing the Barramundi Fishery and the review of its management plan. Jono completed an Honours degree in environmental management in 2006 and has undertaken numerous other courses to support his fisheries management skills.

Jono recently started with NT Fisheries, moving here from South Australia Fisheries where he filled various roles as a Fisheries Manager for eleven years. He has worked on a number of fisheries across the State including: managing the Charter Boat Fishery; the commercial River, Lake Eyre Basin and Lakes and Coorong fisheries; as well as managing recreational fishing in inland waters of SA. Prior to commencing at NT Fisheries he was the Marine Scalefish Fishery (MSF) Manager, which is SA’s largest commercial fishery with over 300 licences, 26 different gear types and more than 60 different species of fish can be taken and most of these species are shared with the recreational and Aboriginal Traditional sectors.

Jono sees the challenges and opportunities here in the NT Barramundi Fishery as being similar to his former role managing fisheries with multi sector interests in SA.

Jono was born in Alice Springs before his family moved to Adelaide where he spent most of his life. He did spend 3 years in Darwin from 1989-1991 and jumped at the opportunity to move back and work here in fisheries. Cricket is his favourite sport and he is an AFL Adelaide Crows supporter. Jono also loves recreational fishing and has spent numerous years fishing the Lakes and Coorong Fishery and looks forward to the fishing experience the NT has to offer.

Amongst the “weird and wonderful places” on the planet he visited Jono counts himself fortunate to have spent time travelling, seeing and experiencing the Galapagos Islands amazing wildlife including numerous different types of fish, eels, crayfish, stingrays, turtles, birds (including the pink flamingo) and iguanas.

New Threatened, Endangered and Protected Species guide

A new Threatened, Endangered and Protected Species (TEPS) guide has been developed specifically for the Northern Territory as a reference tool fishers can use to assist with species identification.

With fishing operations occurring in areas shared with TEPS, interactions with fishing vessels or fishing gear are, unfortunately, something that can occur from time to time. Accurate reporting of interactions helps inform management, and for a number of our commercial fisheries supports their export approval.

In addition to the new TEPS guide booklet, three new identification sheets have also been developed for Sawfish, Hammerhead Sharks and Turtles. The identification sheets plus a copy of the guide will be distributed to all licence holders and approved operators by NT Fisheries. An electronic copy will also be available on the NT Government website in the near future. For further information contact Eliza Kimlin at NT Fisheries [email protected]

8 Harvest Strategy – your next Catch data – new important step recording method for fishers A harvest strategy brings together all of the key scientific- monitoring, assessment and management components used to make decisions about the intensity of fishing activity to be applied, or catch to be removed from, a fish stock or fishery.

When all of these components are brought together to form an integrated package, they create a formal harvest strategy.

In its simplest form a harvest strategy provides a framework to ensure that fishery managers, fishers and key stakeholder Commercial fishing logbooks are groups involved in fisheries management processes think now available in an electronic format about, and document, how they will respond to various (e-logs) to improve the timeliness and fishery conditions (desirable and undesirable) before they quality of data submission. Accurate occur, to provide for greater certainty and to avoid ad-hoc and timely provision of catch data decision making. is essential for effective fisheries management, and late or incomplete A harvest strategy includes the following key elements: logbooks impedes the monitoring of our fish stocks. • Defined operational objectives for the fishery; • Indicators of fishery performance related to the The uptake and use of e-logs by objectives; commercial fishers in the NT have • Reference points for performance indicators; already been shown to improve the • A statement defining acceptable levels of risk to meeting accuracy of logbook data and make it objectives; easier for fishers to submit logbooks • A monitoring strategy to collect relevant data to assess on time. For the past three years fishery performance; e-logs have been developed by • A process for conducting assessment of fishery CatchLog and they are now available performance relative to objectives; and for use in most commercial fisheries. • Decision rules that control the intensity of fishing activity and/or catch. You can also use an e-log platform of your choice if that better suits your Every NT fishery is different and requires all stakeholders fishing operation, but please confirm and licence holders to work with NT Fisheries to develop with Fisheries Licensing in advance their own unique and relevant harvest strategy. to ensure it will be compatible with the fisheries database. Once a fishery has successfully adopted this best-practice approach of developing a harvest strategy, it will assist in The Fisheries Division is aiming to an increased level of certainly and transparency to how have e-logs implemented across all future decision are made in the fisheries management. commercial fisheries by 1 July 2021, Also, having a harvest strategy will aid export accreditation with paper returns either phased out applications and renewals under the EPBC Act. completely or subject to a manual processing fee by this time. For further information: National Guidelines to Develop Fishery Harvest Strategies (Sloan et al. 2014). To learn more about e-logs and for assistance to install CatchLog on your vessel, please contact Blake Taylor at NT Fisheries on 08 8999 2119 or at [email protected].

99 Is your vessel EPIRB Wild-caught Aussie Barramundi requirement right sets sights on food service and registered? sector and back into consumer hearts New EPIRB requirements for some commercial vessels start on 1 Jan Australians love their Barramundi and it’s a popular fish 2021. After a two-year lead up to on many a menu. However, despite consistent and new EPIRB requirements coming into growing demand of this product, the prices to fishers hit an effect there is now only three months unexpected and all-time low in 2018. A loss of market share remaining for vessel owners to be is in part due to the highly competitive requirements the compliant. food service and hospitality industries seeks from premium products. Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) strongly encourages those In a project funded by the Fisheries R&D Corporation and affected by the new laws to purchase implemented by marketing and agribusiness specialists and register their float-free EPIRB to Honey and Fox Pty Ltd (in collaboration with Curtin act now. University and the University of the Sunshine Coast), the food service and hospitality sectors will be targeted with A number of brands are on the market the aim of identifying the best ways to get Australian wild and the GPS-enabled float-free Barramundi back on the plates and in the hearts and minds EPIRBs provide the most accurate of consumers. alerts to AMSA. GPS-enabled EPIRBs are accurate to within 120 The food service and hospitality industry is complex and metres, whereas non-GPS EPIRBs understanding what each segment needs from a wild caught are accurate to within five kilometres. Barramundi product is one of the challenges of the project. For example, this industry is diverse and includes fish Registering your EPIRB will also help and chip shops/takeaways, cafes/coffee shops, catering, AMSA to respond to your alert more functions and events, pubs and clubs, restaurants (low-cost, quickly. The details you provide when medium and premium), cruise ships/airlines and resorts. you register your EPIRB allows AMSA to initiate a response as soon as As such, the project team will work through a five-pronged possible. An unregistered beacon can approach of ‘Explore, Talk, Identify, Support and Strategise’ cause a delay in the response. to regenerate interest.

If you already own an EPIRB or any Explore other emergency beacon that isn’t The Explore component of the project will investigate the registered, AMSA strongly encourages anecdotal information available from chefs and other key you to do so. influencers who make purchasing decisions about the reasons why they are not buying wild-caught Barramundi If you are affected by the new laws and what would be the reasons they would change their from 1 Jan, don’t leave it to the last minds. Areas such as lack of development in packaging, minute to purchase your float-free presentation of product, inconsistent grading of product EPIRB. Contact your local supplier and portion sizes, lack of a brand, lack of promotion of to find out if they have them in stock. provenance, inconsistent supply and quality, price variations, Lead times may apply. product formats (e.g. fresh or frozen) and whether these are the factors that have impacted market share will be Find out more from www.beacons. explored. amsa.gov.au/ about the new float-free EPIRB requirements and whether In addition, existing consumer research will be reviewed they apply to you. to identify trends, preferences and attitudes towards wild-caught seafood. This will enable fishers to understand their customers and the end consumer better.

10 Wild-caught Aussie Barramundi sets sights on food service sector and back into consumer hearts cont.

Talk The Talk step of the project will see the team undertaking interviews with Queensland and Northern Territory wild Barramundi fishers about their current supply chains to find out who they sell to and how, what they know about their markets and what they see as the main barriers and drivers for market development within the food service and hospitality sectors.

In-depth interviews with the food service industry and the two biggest players in food distribution in Australia will also be undertaken. This step will identify trends, barriers and opportunities that can be further explored with fishers.

Identify The Identify step will document the packaging, presentation and quality requirements that may improve market share via a review of packaging and formats used by competitor products. Here packaging options that match food service sector needs will be identified and the development of a draft market-driven quality standard and product handling Code of Practice will be created.

This step will also identify the issues that could be turned into marketing advantages. For example, there may be some food service sectors where wild-caught Barramundi can be promoted as a scarce and seasonal commodity with limited availability and supply. As such, when the product is available it can be promoted as being worthy of a premium price.

Support The Support step of the project will see the documentation of resources that can be used by fishers to trial and evaluate new product packaging formats, market differentiation ideas and provenance stories targeting the needs of the food service sectors and within their own supply chains. The research findings from the ‘Explore, Talk and Identify’ steps will also be developed into a benefit-cost model resource. This resource will allow fishers to assess the return on investment for developing new packaging and product formats and to understand what will be the potential payback period from making such changes.

Strategise Lastly, a strategy will be developed that will incorporate consumer education, product development and supply chain improvements, suggested market positioning and advantages over competitors. This will work to support the Australian wild Barramundi industry and individual businesses to capitalise on the opportunities and overcome the identified barriers. This will ultimately work towards creating a stable market share and giving Queensland and Northern Territory wild Barramundi fishers greater economic stability and greater customer confidence in their fish’s special product attributes.

For more information contact Project Leader Jayne Gallagher from Honey and Fox Pty Ltd at [email protected] or 0438 336 712. Article supplied by Honey and Fox Pty Ltd.

1111 Mud Crab App trial Impacts of Seismic testing update on fisheries and the marine environment Device demand has skyrocketed during 2020 as a result of COVID-19 An Australian Government inquiry into the impact of seismic which unfortunately has caused a testing on fisheries and the marine environment is back on delay to the roll out of iPads to the Mud track after a delay due to COVID-19. Crab Fishery to trial the DeckHand app to aid in real time data collection. Over eighty written submissions were lodged last year which was followed by hearings in February this year The mud crab app trial sets out before COVID-19 caused disruption. This month hearings to test what kind of connectivity is re-convened via video conference technologies with the available for the iPads within the Committee and witnesses. fishing grounds in remote parts of the Northern Territory (including Bynoe The Committee will produce a report on the effects of Harbour, Maningrida, Roper River seismic testing on fisheries and the marine environment and Borroloola) thanks to volunteers with reference to: fishers. • The body of science and research into the use of seismic In addition to connectivity, how well testing; the iPads in their weatherproof • The regulation of seismic testing in both Commonwealth casing cope in the hot, humid and and state waters; at sea conditions in the NT will be • The approach taken to seismic testing internationally; put to the test. Professional fishers and have volunteered to adopt an iPad • Any other related matters had heard there is little and provide feedback on the app’s scientific research into the effects it has on marine life usefulness and design. and commercial fisheries.

During the development of the NT The NT Seafood Council submission highlighted the reliance Mud Crab Harvest Strategy it was of the professional seafood industry on health fish stocks identified that language and workload and the concerns raised by its members with regards to the barriers are impacting on the quality impacts of seismic testing on marine fauna, including the of data recorded and submitted. food chain. Some of the key recommendations made by NTSC include: With trials hoping to commence now in October, the industry want to 1. Risk Assessment processes are reviewed and explore the use of suitable technology re-established to ensure integrity and standards are to simplify and improve their fishing maintained; records. 2. Sound modelling and risk assessments for proposed surveys be carried out independently; This project is supported through 3. An audit of sound modelling processes is required, and funding from the Australian standards adopted as a priority; Government’s National Landcare 4. An independent review is established for survey Program. approval processes; and 5. Improved acknowledgement that rights and ability to fish within seismic testing areas are impacted, and that impact is felt from an operational, economic and well-being perspective from fishers.

To read the submission in full, visit www.aph.gov.au/ Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/ Environment_and_Communications/SeismicTesting/ Submissions.

12 Native Title in Australia

In the 28 years since the High Court of Australia handed down its decision in Mabo v Queensland (No 2), the native title system has matured significantly. Native title is now a routine part of doing business in Australia. It covers a significant proportion of Australia, with 43.1% of Australia’s land mass subject to native title determinations as of July 2020. As part of a determination that recognises native title, the court may recognise native title rights to the sea. These rights are ‘non-exclusive’, which means that native title holders do not control access to any part of the sea, but are free to exercise their rights in accordance with traditional laws and customs.

There have been a range of developments in the area of native title in recent years.

One of these was the High Court’s decision in Northern Territory v Griffiths[2019] HCA 7 (the Timber Creek case) in March 2019. This was the first High Court consideration of native title compensation. The decision examined some of the legal issues regarding compensation for the extinguishment or impairment of native title rights and interests. Importantly, the Court provided guidance about how compensation under the Native Title Act 1993 should be calculated, and awarded the relevant native title holders compensation totalling $2.53 million, including $1.3 million for what the Court termed ’cultural loss’ - the cultural and spiritual loss occasioned by the loss or impairment of the native title rights.

While the High Court’s decision clarifies some of the legal principles governing native title compensation, it also leaves many questions unanswered. Given this, it is likely that the law around native title compensation will continue to develop over time.

As the native title system continues to develop, changes are sometimes needed to the Native Title Act. A Native Title Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 is currently before the House of Representatives. Development of the Bill was done through extensive stakeholder consultation and the Bill will amend the NTA and the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2016 to better support the resolution of native title claims and agreement-making, and the sustainable management of native title land post-determination.

For more information about the Bill, visit https://www.ag.gov.au/legal-system/consultations/ exposure-draftnative-title-reforms.

1313 AN UPDATE FROM SIA - National Mental Health Pilot PROGRAM

The Seafood Industry Australia Mental Health Pilot in progressing well thanks to the great support of Department of Health – Mental Health, Women in Seafood Australasia and NT Seafood Council.

1. Focus Communities and Trusted Advocates – Darwin is one of 3 Focus Communities and we are excited to advise that we have now appointed 2 of 3 Trusted Advocates. They will each undertake Mental Health First Aid training and be available from mid-late October to lend a listening ear and support to our Seafood Community. Both of our Darwin Trusted Advocates come with a long history and deep involvement in industry and a passion for supporting positive mental health and wellness. 2. We are working hard to provide education about our industry to medical practitioners and other mental health support providers. Wherever possible, doctors, counsellors and psychologists will understand the stressors and challenges of working in our sector in preparation for supporting any of us seeking their help. 3. Mental Health First Aid training. We will be launching a Seafood Industry Specific program in late 2020 for enrolments in early 2021. 4. Community is at the heart of our industry and the Mental Health Pilot will be inviting applications later this year for Community Resilience Grants. These $2,000 grants will be offered for activities and events that build community and raise awareness of mental health and wellness.

For more information on any of these, contact [email protected]

coming events Event Date Time Venue Aquarium Licensee Committee 7 October 2020 0900-1200 Video Conference General Meeting NTSC Conference Room Barramundi Licensee Committee 8 October 2020 0900-1430 Video Conference Annual General Meeting and NTSC Conference Room General Meeting Coastal Line Fishermens Association 4 November 2020 0900 Video Conference Annual General Meeting NTSC Conference Room Aquarium Licensee Committee 5 November 2020 0900 Video Conference Annual General Meeting NTSC Conference Room Timor Reef Licensee Committee 5 November 2020 1400 Video Conference Annual General Meeting NTSC Conference Room

Offshore Net and Line Licensee TBC November 2020 TBC Video Conference Committee Annual General Meeting NTSC Conference Room

NTSC Board Meeting 18 November 2020 0900 Video Conference NTSC Annual General Meeting 18 November 2020 1600 Territory Conference Room, Ground Level, Northern Australia Development Office, 76 The Esplanade Video Conference

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