FISHING TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS today

Volume 21 No 3 June/July 2008

INSIDE: >3 Bumper display at AGFEST > P3 New CSIRO project in Derwent > P7 Lobster releases underway > P16 We’ll give you the slip…

If you’re a boat owner or boat builder looking for scaffolding) and we won’t restrict your working hours. a slipway that provides total convenience, excellent In addition, you’ll find a marine equipment shop and an infrastructure and ample parking, we have exactly engineering workshop conveniently located within the what you are after. slip precinct. The Domain slip also provides 24 hours-a-day, seven What’s more at the Domain slipyard we can offer day-a-week access to a marine fuelling facility via a fuel competitive rates at Tasmania’s best located, most card and PIN number. convenient and first environmentally compliant slipyard. So if you’d like us to give you the slip, all you need The No. 1 Slipway is ideal for large fishing boats, to do is call 0418 127 586, fax 6234 1081 or email mega (super) yachts, navy patrol boats and other hobart@tasports.com.au and we’ll book it for you commercial craft. It handles vessels up to 1200 tonnes – no worries. and has multiple slipping potential. Numbers 2 and 3 slips cater for a maximum of 180 tonne and 25 tonne vessels respectively.

Our rates are very competitive.

We can help you with equipment hire (water and sandblasting equipment and industry-approved FISHING TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS President’s Report 2 Bumper fishing display a big hit at AGFEST 3 Future looks scary to young abalone divers 4 Commercial Dive Fishery re-opening of two zones for take of sea urchins 6 New CSIRO project in Derwent 7 TFIC Chief Executive’s Report 8 TFIC news today > What’s happening at TFIC 9 > Expansion to eligibility for fuel tax credits 11 > New ‘Caring for Our Country’ grants now open 12 Volume 21 No 3 June/July 2008 Innovation to be the theme for the Brisbane aquaculture conference 13 Quality Matters 14 TASMANIAN FISHING DEPARTMENT OF PRIMARY Tasmanian contingent kept busy at leadership workshop 15 INDUSTRY COUNCIL (TFIC) INDUSTRIES AND WATER Updated version of aquatray latest release PO Box 878, GPO Box 44, by innovative company 15 Sandy Bay 7006 Hobart, 7001 Lobster releases underway at sea urchin research site 16 Ph: 03 6224 2332 Ph: 03 6233 8011 Fax: 03 6224 2321 Kim Evans – Secretary Department news Email: [email protected] Ph: 03 6233 3037 > Working to protect Tasmania’s abalone industries Web: www.tfic.com.au Wes Ford – General Manager, from disease 17 ABN: 61 009 555 604 Primary Industries Division > Fishcare freelance: Fish identification stations Ph: 03 6233 6545 TFIC DIRECTORS provide tools for sustainable fishing 18 Robert Gott – Manager, Lindsay Newman – President > Rock lobster May port meetings 19 Marine Farming Ph: 0418 368 708 > Minister approves outcome of banded morwong Ph: 03 6233 3527 and calamari review 19 Neville Perryman Craig Midgley – Manager, – Vice President Licensing & Administration Profile: Marian Smith 20 Ph: 0419 878 086 Ph: 03 6233 6632 New look weather page for BoM 21 Michael Cameron – Treasurer Grant Pullen – Manager, By Catch 22 Ph: 0417 338 633 Wild Fisheries International News 23 Rodney Herweynen Ph: 03 6233 3157 Industry Wide 24 Ph: 0418 130 193 TASMANIAN AQUACULTURE The real meaning of fisheries research terms 27 Sam Ibbott & FISHERIES INSTITUTE Safety tips from MAST 28 Ph: 0400 697 175 Private Bag 49, Robert Milner Hobart 7001 TAFI news Ph: 0417 037 046 Professor Colin Buxton > 2006/07 Rock lobster fishery assessment 29 Peter Stegmann – Director > Launch of online, user-friendly guide to marine zooplankton 31 Ph: 0427 278 863 Ph: 03 6227 7256 > Report a lobster tag and win! 32 Amanda Way Fax: 03 6227 8035 Extreme allergy an issue for industry 33 Ph: 0419 393 836 Seafood Training Tasmania 35 Worldwide concern over surge in fuel prices 36 Biofuels, fish oil, hydrogen and everything 36 Seafood Selections 39 TFIC STAFF Directory 40 Neil Stump – Chief Executive Ph: 0417 394 009 [email protected] Emily Stoddart – Project Officer [email protected] Advertising index Julie Martin – Office Manager [email protected] Aqua Progear ______8 Purple Pig ______34 Mary Brewer – Administrative Officer [email protected] Australasia Aquaculture Conference 26 RASS Marine Broker ______19 Australian Maritime College _____ 27 Richey Fishing Company ______14 Photographic acknowledgments: Mary Brewer, Hugh Peterson, Davide Vezzaro Front cover photography: Sam Ibbott Baily Marine ______13 Seafood Training Tasmania ______38 BDO Kendalls ______12 Sunderland Marine ______BC Classified ______8 TasBulk ______39 Energy Power Systems ______IFC TasPorts ______IFC Production by Fletcher Pumps ______11 Taylor Marine ______40 Hand Ogilvie & Breheny ______3 The Fibreglass Shop ______2 Artemis Publishing Consultants Island Marine ______10 Tooltech Pty Ltd ______IBC Ph: 03 6231 6122 Kettering Marine ______2 William Adams ______IBC >3 email [email protected] For advertising in Fishing Today Advertising deadline for the next issue: 23 July 2008 contact Mary Brewer at TFIC on Ph: 03 6224 2332

Fishing Today is distributed free to the Tasmanian Seafood Industry. Editorial content is sourced from diverse interest groups within the industry who have provided material for contribution. The editor intends to present contributions in a fair manner in order to promote constructive debate in relation to issues important to the Tasmanian Seafood Industry. The editor only therefore accepts responsibility for editorial content over which he has had direct control. Contributions that are printed in full shall not be the responsibility of the editor. Any advertisement submitted for publication is done so on the basis that the advertiser or advertising agencies upon lodging material with the publisher for publication has complied with all relevant laws and regulations and therefore indemnifies the publisher its servants and agents in relation to defamation, slander of title, breach of copyright, infringement of trade marks or names of publication titles, unfair competition to trade practices, royalties or violation of rights or privacy and warrants that the advertisement in no way whatsoever is capable or being misleading or deceptive or otherwise in breach or part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cwth) (as amended from time to time). > President’s Report

New President takes the helm

The issues addressed in this report cover significant impact on our industry into areas that most fishers are aware of, the future. Our Minister has come out and will be of interest to many who ask, and supported our view on marine parks, ‘What’s going on in TFIC?’ and this has been well received by both commercial and recreational industry. Since I joined the Board in 2005 we have gone through substantial change At our April Board Meeting, the Minister, including the departure of two executive David Llewellyn, launched our much- officers and three project officers. awaited ‘Strategic Plan’. To this end, and hopefully moving forward in a positive The appointment of Neil to the position way, we have arranged for all sector of CE was a positive move in TFIC’s groups to have their input at a workshop reorganisation. We also lost our long- on how we can better serve our industry. serving secretary, Anne Gay, who retired, We have also initiated the provision of and whose role was filled very capably better access to Neil and Emily for fishers by Julie Martin. Julie is supported by our and, as a result, they will be out and Administrative Officer, Mary Brewer. about in the field more often. This will THE One of the first items we encountered enable people to voice their opinions and in 2005 was the strategic plan, and this seek information. FIBREGLASS project has, at long last reached fruition. A decrease in the membership of The time and effort in completing this SHOP TFIC forces us to be more efficient in plan put in by our three project officers managing our resource, and we embrace Ed Smith, Shane Fava, and more recently DO YOU HAVE RUST? the challenge. Emily Stoddart, will hold us in good stead well into the future. In closing, we thank our past President, POR-15 paint turns your rust Rodney Behrens, for his contribution to into a hard, ceramic-like finish The process has been laborious, but the industry and his interest in our future – so hard you can hammer it. when consideration is given to our other directions. high-profile issues, it is understandable. Ask people who have used These include marine parks and the pulp Lindsay Newman it – they swear by it! 8 years in mill, as well as other issues that will have President Australia, over 30 years in USA

1 “2 ⁄2 years around the world with POR-15 on my steel deck and MARINE it’s still good. The only paint that KETTERING SHIP CHANDLERY has lasted more than a year and it doesn’t even chip if you drop something on it” If we haven’t got it we will get it for you! Steel boats, fuel tanks, deck Storage cages for rent long or short term. fittings, engine mounts, bilges, engines, GRP hulls and many Washing facilities, fuel, gas, oils and fresh more uses. If it rusts or corrodes water available. we have a product to stop it.

Trading Hours 202 Argyle Street, Weekdays 8am to 4.30pm Saturday 8am to 12pm Hobart Closed Sunday and Public Holidays Phone Phone (03) 6267 4727 Fax (03) 6267 4395 After hours: Contact Wendy on 0437 465 423 6234 2689

SUPPORTING THE FISHING INDUSTRY 6234 2177

2 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > AGFEST

A young fisher finds out more about Tasmania’s fish species at the fish identification display.

Seafoods and the Australian Maritime College. It provided a great opportunity for people to learn more about the fish they eat, how to identify the fish they have caught and the rules and regulations for each species. Members of the public were particularly interested in some of the commercial fish species that they had only seen as fish fillets, such as pink ling and stargazer. Many had not realised the huge diversity of fish species available in Tasmania waters, and the range of different habitats and fish behaviours. Bumper fi shing display Fishcare Volunteers and DPIW staff also manned the kids’ fishing pool, which is designed to promote the sustainable a big hit at Agfest fishing message, ‘put the little ones back’. We were inundated with keen Sarah Caporn, Fisheries Communications Offi cer, DPIW young fishers wanting to catch the magnetic fish, identify and measure them on our new fish identification and The wild fisheries display jointly run by The bumper display featured a large measuring station and gently return the the Department of Primary Industries and sevengill shark and several smaller fish to the pool if it was undersized. One Water (DPIW), Wild Fisheries Management shark species; and tanks displaying rock of the keen young fishers really embraced Branch and the Tasmanian Aquaculture lobster, abalone, scallops and a range of the message that you can only take home and Fisheries Institute (TAFI) continued starfish, urchins and rock pool species legal-sized fish by going home with the to be as popular as ever with Agfest that kids could get hands-on with in a only legal-sized black bream in the pool! patrons. touch-tank. The entire display was one of the best TAFI and DPIW staff and Fishcare The frozen fish identification display yet and we look forward to continuing Volunteers were kept busy with strong included specimens of Tasmanian to educate the Tasmanian public about crowds and a steady stream of questions recreational and commercial fish species the importance of sustainable fishing to on fish identification, biology, ‘eatability’ that were very kindly donated by Kyeema ensure we have fish for the future. and rules and regulations. HAND OGILVIE & BREHENY LAWYERS FOR ALL YOUR LEGAL NEEDS Level 6 T: 03 6234 7622 Reserve Bank Building F: 03 6223 3852 111 Macquarie Street Hobart Tas 7000 GPO Box 3 Email: [email protected] Hobart TAS 7001

3 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 Future looks scary to young abalone divers by Julie Podmore

‘It’s a struggle, but I’m getting there which enables him to catch his quota Paul agrees with this sentiment. ‘There’s slowly – we’re just workers at the end of more easily and which makes him more no chance of getting into it unless you the day, and it takes a long time to get attractive to investors. ‘Having this know someone,’ Paul tells me. ‘If you set up with a boat, a 4-wheel drive to tow [equipment] has allowed me to build a want to get into the industry, and you it, dive gear and an entitlement,’ Paul le name for myself – to compete in a very do save up enough money to buy an Rossignol (23) tells me. ‘It looks good competitive environment.’ entitlement, there is no guarantee of an from the outside, but we have a lot of Both men see themselves as being lucky income. You have to know someone who expenses - set-up and maintenance costs, to get into the industry, having had some will lease some quota to you, or borrow the ever-increasing price of fuel, meeting help from their fathers. Paul started diving heavily to buy some. It’s not what you bureaucratic regulations, insurance and at the age of eighteen, and his father know, but who you know.’ He goes on deckhands’ wages all eat into our profits. helped him lease his first entitlement. A to tell me that he is trying to get around I’d love to buy a house, but I still live at few years later he bought an entitlement this by making a name for himself by home because I can’t afford one.’ with his father. When James was starting catching good fish. ‘But I’m also trying James Polonowski (26) also feels off, his dad gave him the entitlement and not to tread on anyone’s toes by making a it’s a bit of a struggle. Although he James caught the quota for free for him. direct approach to the quota holders and reckons that he is ‘earning well for He has now managed to buy up some undercutting the price,’ he continues. his age’, he confesses to ‘feeling like quota for himself. Paul is concerned about the increase we’ve missed the boat.’ ‘Being young, But they are pessimistic about the in the number of entitlements that are we missed the heydays of the late 80s chances of young people getting into diving now in use since he started five years and early 90s,’ he says. ‘Things have and making a success of it in the future. ago. ‘There’s more competition – and changed – Dad could buy quota in the “I don’t think things are going to get much getting harder and harder to get your late 80s for $30,000 a unit – it’s now better,’ says James. ‘A lot of people see quota to survive.’ According to Paul, this around $190,000, and has been up to the nice car and a boat and think that this competition has especially affected the $340,000!’ James has invested heavily looks good. They manage to get into it and East Coast fishery, where catch rates are in equipment – equipment that he says then struggle to make a living.’ now higher, so quotas are harder to find. perhaps he really doesn’t need, but James agrees. ‘There are too many dive entitlements for the amount of quota available. It’s “dog eat dog” out there,’ he says, and goes on to tell me about a terrible consequence of this situation – about a close friend of his who died last year - forced to cut corners and work in dangerous weather. James also believes that the decrease in the working number of owner/divers and the subsequent increase in the number of investors is a big contributor to the problems the fishermen are experiencing. ‘There are very few quota holder/divers left in the water,’ he tells me. ‘Most of the quota holders are investors who are very removed from the industry. There are some good ones [quota holders] who stay in touch, take into account today’s expenses and pay a fair price, but there are many others who don’t – for example Paul le Rossignol and his dive-boat a doctor in Sydney who may pay a diver

4 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > Profile: James Polonowski and Paul le Rossignol

Another of the factors that contribute to Both men enjoy the lifestyle that diving the men’s malaise about the industry offers. ‘It allows me to do other things – is the situation with the West Coast I have seen lots of the world that others fishery. There has been an increase in haven’t,’ says James, who spends as the amount of fish being processed now much time as he can in Asia, following his for the live market, which prefers smaller surfing passion – especially in Indonesia, (and younger) fish, and a decrease in the where he has just opened a wetsuit amount of fish (larger and older) being business. canned. ‘We are told to take the “run of Paul appreciates the opportunity that the catch” by the Department, but we have fishing gives him to ‘go right round Tassie the processors telling us to bring them and check it out,’ and enjoys spending “small”. If you do the right thing and take time in the outdoors, camping and tuna the run of the catch, the processors are fishing. Indoors (in the pub) is not too bad very reluctant to take the bigger fish, you either. get a bad name in the industry and it gets harder to get quota. It’s a no-win situation,’ Being their own boss is another plus. ‘For says Paul. ‘We are now having a lot more someone my age, being my own boss is pressure put on us by the processors,’ quite special,’ says James. Paul agrees, He understands the rationale behind the but adds that he’s not his own boss all James Polonowski at work Department’s direction – and the long-term the time, as the owners of the quota impact on the fishery that the selective he catches sometimes dictate when he taking of young fish and the leaving of works – especially when the price is down - wanting him to hold off getting his quota $4 to $5 a kilo, when they get on average ageing, less vigorous fish would have, but until it goes up. $45 a kilo. It’s hardly fair!’ The men suggest he feels like the meat in the sandwich. that if quota had not been separated from And to add to uncertainty about their And they both enjoy the challenge that entitlement, more fairness would have future, there’s concern about the effects confronts them when they go diving. ‘I stayed in the system, but they concede of climate change and the danger to the always set a goal for myself, and I get a that the old system is unlikely to return. industry posed by the abalone virus. real buzz out of having a good catch for ‘Perhaps we should have a set rate per the day,’ says James. Paul too likes to be Despite this uncertainty, (‘I try to avoid kilo,’ suggests Paul, while James looks for out diving. ‘But it gets annoying at times, thinking about it,’ says James), both men a greater readiness by investors to keep in especially in winter, when I don’t have are doing what they always wanted to touch with what’s going on in the industry. enough quota to keep working.’ do, and enjoy their job. ‘I’ve always loved ‘I really hope that investors read this article the water – water-skiing, fishing, boats, And where do they see themselves in ten and try to understand where the divers are diving, snorkelling,’ says Paul. ‘There’s no years’ time? coming from these days,’ he says. way I was going to have a nine-to-five job Paul is feeling particularly uncertain about But for the investors to understand ‘where sitting in front of a desk.’ Paul reckoned the future, but ‘I’d still like to be in the the divers are coming from’, the divers need he might as well start on his chosen industry when I am older,’ he says. ‘But a voice, and according to James, herein path ‘sooner rather than later’, so he left everything is now cut to the bone, and the lies another problem. He has problems school at the end of Grade 10 and began quota owner is the only one who benefits. with the composition of TAC, the industry’s deckhanding with his father, who had So I would like to be able to buy some representative body. ‘The more quota you been a fisherman all his life, and who is quota – and while this has come down have, the more votes you get, so meetings still diving at the age of fifty-seven. in price a bit recently because of the are stacked with quota holders with votes. James lived across the road from an virus, the virus might also make it [buying Divers turn up, but they don’t have enough abalone diver at Lauderdale. ‘I remember quota] a bit risky.’ votes to achieve anything. And the younger being over at Mark’s house and playing fishermen are often inexperienced and James sees himself going ‘until I am with the boats from a very young age. I reluctant to get up and talk,’ he explains. as old as Dad – if my hip holds out (he always had this feeling that I was going to It doesn’t help that ‘these meetings are has already had one hip operation and go diving, so I was a bit lost at school’. a big show-off. They aren’t about solving is in line for another). You have to be fit Another influence was his father, who had problems, they’re more about one- for this job.’ But he can’t see himself always had a yen to dive too - giving up upmanship!’ doing anything else. ‘I’m not very well life as a plumber in the late 80s to buy educated,’ he explains. ‘I don’t have The combination of this feeling of an entitlement and some quota. ‘He was too high expectations. I just want to powerlessness at meetings, and the quite old to be starting diving and interest own enough quota to be able to live a competitiveness in the water, means that rates were high, so he was taking a big comfortable and healthy lifestyle’. the divers don’t talk to each other – a real risk. But he worked hard and things went problem according to James. well for him,’ says James.

5 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 The beach price paid to divers for sea urchins over the past few years has averaged around $35 -$45 per kilogram for ‘A’ quality roe. Another species of sea urchin, Centrostephanus rogersii, has been observed in increasing numbers on the East Coast and Bass Strait over the last few years. This species is currently viewed as a pest, with its feeding habits creating barrens in previously well- vegetated areas, which impinges on highly valued fisheries such as abalone and rock lobster. Unfortunately the roe of this long spined sea urchin is viewed Commercial Dive Fishery re-opening as being somewhat unpalatable by most markets with a reported bitter taste. However, if markets can be established of two zones for take of sea urchins for Centrostephanus roe then there is the potential of killing two birds with one by Greg Ryan stone by not only creating a new value species for the commercial dive fishery, but also by controlling a new invader that In February, the Central Eastern Zone and from areas where the roe is produced in threatens the environment and other South Eastern Zone of the Commercial sufficient volumes and of a high quality. fisheries. Holders of a commercial dive Dive Fishery were closed to the taking of The amount of roe per individual urchin fishing licence have the authority to take sea urchins (Heliocidaris). The closure can vary both temporally and spatially, Centrostephanus for which no TAC has was brought in to allow stocks time for and generally divers will not continue been applied. their roe quality and volume to recover fishing when recovery percentages fall It should be noted however that the following their key spawning period, which below 2% - 3% of whole weight. Central Eastern and South Eastern zones stretches over December and January. Studies of Tasmania’s commercial remain closed to the take of periwinkles On 1 June 2008, the two zones will once species of sea urchin (Heliocidaris until the commencement of the new again be open to commercial divers erythrogramma) were first carried out licensing period - September 2008. The for the take of sea urchins. From the in the 1970s and showed potential for recent increase in interest for periwinkles commencement of the new commercial a specialised small fishery. Since that has seen the shellfish reach their TAC in dive licensing year on 1 September 2007 time, the fishery has experienced initial the two developed zones only five months until the closure in February, 18 tons of substantial growth followed by decline into the new licensing year. sea urchins had been harvested, leaving resulting from overseas market pressures. a significant proportion of the Total The period of rapid development was Allowable Catch (TAC) still available to be experienced during the 1980s, reaching taken this licensing year as demonstrated a peak in 1988 with reported landings in the table below. of 358,633 kg live weight of sea urchin. Records since that time show a trend of Sea urchins are one of the principal target decline in catch, which has plateaued in species in the Tasmanian commercial dive recent years to catch figures in 2006 and fishery. For centuries sea urchins have 2007 in the vicinity of 20 - 30 tonnes been harvested for their roe in several annually. The industry is currently capped South American, European and Asian at 55 licensed fishers. countries. However, it is only in recent years that they have been commercially The market price for fresh, chilled sea harvested in Australia. Sea urchins urchin roe varies considerably depending are widespread throughout Tasmania, on colour and texture. The Japanese generally occurring in sheltered to market is the principal destination for moderately exposed waters off the south- exports where prices for roe vary between eastern, eastern and northern coasts. $20 and $500 per kilogram, depending on quality and supply from other sea Sea urchins are harvested for their urchin fisheries. gonads, and are normally only taken Heliocidaris erythrogramma

6 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > Commercial Dive Fishery

Sea urchins (Heliocidaris only) Centrostephanus Zone Catch as at 21 TAC (T) Weight Available If you have any questions on the May 2008 (T) 2007/2008 (T) commercial dive fishery, please Cent Eastern 0.3 39.0 38.7 contact Greg Ryan the Senior Fisheries Management Officer South Eastern 17.7 44.0 26.3 (Commercial Dive) on 6216 4227. Undeveloped 0 83.0 83.0 Total 18.0 166.0 148.0

Periwinkles

Zone Catch as at 21 May TAC (T) Weight Available 2008 (T) 2007/2008 (T)

Cent Eastern 17.6 17.6 0 South Eastern Undeveloped 9.0 17.6 8.6 Total 26.6 35.2 8.6 Periwinkle Centrostephanus photos courtesy of James Parkinson. New CSIRO project in Derwent by Dr Greg Timms

The CSIRO is developing a marine sensor changes in riverbed habitats and network in the coastal estuaries of warnings of phytoplankton blooms. southern Tasmania. The network is made At the moment, the CSIRO is preparing up of a series of ‘nodes’. Each node has for the deployment of its first cluster some sensors (e.g. temperature, salinity, A riverbed image obtained from Starbug during a of four sensor nodes at the mouth of turbidity or phytoplankton) and some mission near Cockle Creek the Derwent River. Initially they will be communication equipment (acoustic and/ monitoring salinity and temperature at or radio) for getting the data it collects these four locations, but are planning back to CSIRO at Battery Point. to add further sensors as the project The plan is for this network to support progresses (turbidity, fluorescence, management of the multiple uses of photosynthetically active radiation the waterways (land-based industries, (PAR), etc). recreational fishing and boating, salmon Along with the fixed sensor nodes, farming, abalone diving, shipping, there will be an autonomous underwater tourism) while minimising environmental vehicle (robotic submarine) that will be impact. When complete, the sensor used as a mobile node. It will also take network will deliver information about photographs of the benthic habitat and important marine issues, such as observe changes over time. CSIRO’s robotic submarine, Starbug, taken in Queensland

7 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 TFIC Chief Executive’s Report by Neil Stump

regarding industries’ needs. The From an industry perspective the members of the group are Bob Lister, immediate question is: why was this Rodney Treloggen, Melinda Mullen, facility, which is so heavily utilised, allowed James Calvert and myself. If you have to fall into such a state of disrepair that it any suggestions regarding what our had to be closed? Wharves and jetties do requirements should be, please contact not deteriorate overnight. any of the above. In a state the size of Tasmania surely The bad news there should be only one body with the In the 2007 April/May edition of Fishing responsibility for maintaining jetties and Today, the lack of coordination for the other marine infrastructure. TFIC is of the control and maintenance of public-access view that MAST should be that body. If marine infrastructure was highlighted. MAST is to assume responsibility for a The recent closure of the Triabunna town greater number of facilities, this needs It is with regret that TFIC President Rod wharf, the only all-weather wharf on the to be accompanied by an increase in the Behrens tendered his resignation at the East Coast, again demonstrates there budget allocation to MAST. April TFIC Board meeting. As members is a major gap in government policy are aware, Rod suffered a personal relating to the upkeep of these facilities. CLASSIFIED tragedy prior to Christmas with the Just to reiterate the point, there are a death of his son ‘Jacko’. On behalf of number of organisations responsible for WANTED TO BUY the TFIC staff, and I am sure the TFIC these facilities around Tasmania: MAST, Scalefi sh Class B membership, I wish Rod all the best TasPorts, the Parks and Wildlife Service, for the future. He will always remain Crown Land Services and various local Licence with TVL a member of our seafood industry councils. In the case of the Triabunna 0407 377 143 community. His role and support over town wharf, the controlling body is the the past two years have been greatly Glamorgan Spring Bay Council. 0418 822 391 appreciated by us all. We welcome well-known Board member Lindsay Newman as the new TFIC President.

SOME GOOD NEWS AND SOME SAFETY AND COMFORT FOR PEOPLE WORKING AT SEA BAD NEWS Lightweight, strong and supple with breathable qualities The good news for your safety and comfort in the foulest weather Two issues raised by TFIC last year in discussions relating to the State budget have been addressed by the X-TRAPPER ISOPRO X-TRAPPER Bib & Braces JACKET JACKET Government. The position of Director of with Magic Hood Marine Resources will be reinstated. The position was abolished when Wes Ford was promoted to the position of General Manager Primary Industries, much to the dismay of industry. Given the diversity of the issues facing the seafood industry, it is essential that there is someone in the driver’s seat to oversee the operations of the marine resources division. The decision to reinstate the position of Director is supported by TFIC. The second piece of good news is that the long awaited overhaul of the DPIW’s information systems has commenced. Fishers and licence holders have long been frustrated at glitches within the system. In redeveloping its information systems, the Department has formed www.aquaprogear.com a stakeholder group to provide advice Contact: 0416 157 877 - Email: [email protected]

8 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > TFIC News

What’s happening at TFIC by TFIC staff

FUTURE DIRECTIONS STRATEGIC of live seafood. TFIC is seeking export NRM SOUTH POINT SOURCE PLAN – ACTIONS AND WORK PLAN processors to be part of this survey. POLLUTION PROJECT Please contact Emily Stoddart at TFIC on TFIC is taking its Future Directions Margate Jetty fishers are at the stage of 6224 2332 for any information. Strategic Plan, launched by the Minister considering the options for development the Hon David Llewellyn on 14 April 2008, of on-site waste facilities. Meanwhile the out to commodity groups to gain input PORTS AND INFRASTRUCTURE Strategy for Management of Commercial into priority issues and outcomes for TFIC Fishing Waste at Ports, Jetties and Visits to ports and jetties to document to include in its targets and action plan Marinas is being drafted with assistance infrastructure issues have been taking for 2008-10. Targets and the action/work from Margate jetty fishermen via the audit place at Dover, Southport, Nubeena and plan will be available later in 2008. of their waste across February-April. Margate. Meetings with and submissions to MAST have been held. In order to Ruth Eriksen, a water quality consultant FOOD SAFETY coordinate TFIC’s resources and gain the scientist who is working with TFIC, Immediately following the launch of Future best outcomes for the seafood industry, is progressing with the draft of the Directions, David Llewellyn released the TFIC is developing a campaign to Framework for a Staged Approach to Food Safety Template for bivalve-molluscs. address marine infrastructure planning, Upgrading Commercial Slipway Facilities. Food Safety plans and systems are being management and development on a The purpose of the framework will be drafted and implemented with assistance statewide and strategic level. to assist slipway facility operators in from TFIC, not just for bivalve-molluscs, determining the most cost-effective techniques (changing practices as well but also for scalefish, scallop and some TRIABUNNA ‘TOWN WHARF’ commercial dive fisheries. as building basic infrastructure) they can As highlighted in the CE’s report, the implement to meet regulatory standards recent closure of the Triabunna town designed to minimise on-site marine TRAINING FOR SEAFOOD LEADERSHIP wharf is of concern to TFIC and our pollution. A series of two-day seafood leadership members. TFIC is lobbying Government at both a State and Federal level for funds and governance courses is proposed WAVERIDER BUOY for the second half of 2008 for to replace the wharf ASAP. industry members sitting on fisheries TFIC is spearheading a campaign to advisory committees (FACs) or in other SLIPWAYS have a second Waverider buoy installed representative roles. Work is underway to on the East Coast of Tasmania. We are Efforts are continuing to ensure that gain funding to subsidise the courses and liaising with other stakeholders who will the proposed regulatory framework to attract industry members who are not benefit from the installation of the buoy (potentially due in October/November) yet in representative roles but would like to develop a cooperative arrangement for for commercial slipways is realistic and training to enhance their capacity to do so. the maintenance of the buoy. based on the actual level of risk of point- source pollution of marine waters. TFIC SEAFOOD FREIGHT LOGISTICS is proposing that industry standards NATIONAL CLIMATE CHANGE AND As part of the Tasmanian Seafood are developed that are appropriate and FISHERIES ACTION PLAN Freight Logistics Working Group, TFIC is economically viable for small, as well TFIC Chief Executive Neil Stump attended working on a seafood freight logistics as large, slip facilities. The emphasis an industry consultation workshop in strategic plan. Currently the main focus for small-to-medium sized slip facilities Canberra on 7 May 2008, which was of TFIC’s work is a survey of air-freight should be on practices over and above organised to gain industry comment on capacity issues for export processors costly infrastructure upgrades.

9 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > TFIC News

the Draft National Climate Change and ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE management arrangements for banded Fisheries Action Plan. How the impacts DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP - morwong and calamary. It was an ideal of climate change will affect our industry MELBOURNE opportunity for TFIC to hear the industry will require careful consideration over the views of the pros and cons of the FRDC convened an ESD workshop to next few years. proposed management measures. review Future Directions for Fisheries Management, where TFIC was represented TRLFA PORT MEETINGS by Neil Stump and Vice President Neville ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE – Perryman. Although we are yet to receive ROCK LOBSTER CASE STUDY TFIC Project Officer Emily Stoddart documentation relating to the discussions As part of its new focus on climate joined the annual TRLFA/DPIW roadshow and conclusions from the workshop, the change, the Commonwealth Department in May. This year’s Port Tour was the overall impression was that there was a of Climate Change is funding a six-month first opportunity for Emily, as the TFIC lack of consensus on a clear way forward investigation of the capacity of fisheries representative on the Crustacean FAC, for fisheries management. to adapt to climate change impacts. to meet rock lobster fishers from King Tasmania’s East Coast rock lobster Island to Dover and points in between. fishery will be used as the case study. Emily was able to hear first-hand their REVIEW OF MANAGEMENT TFIC has been working to ensure that views on a range of issues, not only ARRANGEMENTS FOR BANDED there is a genuine role for the TRLFA in relating to the rock lobster fishery, but MORWONG AND CALAMARY the project’s development. also other aspects of the Tasmanian TFIC staff and directors attended all the seafood industry. recent meetings convened by DPIW to discuss the proposed changes to the www.tfic.com.au Island Marine Suppliers Pty Ltd

1 Domain Slip Hobart PH 03 62343266 Email : [email protected] ABN 63 087 332 698 SPECIALS

SOUNDERS CHARTPLOTTERS CVS 833C Colour (1kW) $1814 + GST GTD 110 10.4” Colour $3360 +GST CVS 841 C Colour (1or 3kW $4598 +GST

RADAR / CHARTPLOTTERS SOUNDERS / CHARTPLOTTERS MDP 1241 10.4” Colour 36nm Radome 4kW $5360 + GST CVG 80 Colour (600W or 1kW) Includes GPS Aerial $2723 + GST WHILE STOCKS LAST CVG 200 Colour (600W or 1kW) Includes GPS Aerial $4746 + GST

All Sounder units in most cases can be connected to existing transducers Installations performed under licence number C01165

10 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > TFIC News

Expansion to eligibility for fuel tax credits

From 1 July this year, many people in the The table below explains what a business may be entitled to claim. fishing industry will be able to claim fuel tax credits for the first time, and many Activities Rates as at 1 July 2008 others will be able to claim additional fuel tax credits. In the past, businesses • fuel used in vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) 18.51 cents per litre* have only been able to claim a fuel tax greater than 4.5 tonne travelling on a public road. credit for fuel used in heavy vehicles, such as trucks, and for specific activities, such as primary production. Under the • fuel used in specified activities in agriculture, forestry, 38.143 cents per litre expansion, fuel tax credits can be claimed fishing, mining, marine transport, rail transport, nursing for the majority of fuel used in business and medical that have been eligible since 1 July 2006. – whether it’s used in outboard motors, • electricity generation. winches, hoists, pumps or compressors. • non-fuel use, such as burner applications and solvents. The exceptions are: • aviation fuel • fuel used in all other business activities, machinery, 19.0715 cents per litre ** plant and equipment, such as a wide range of • alternative fuels such as: liquefied construction, wholesale, retail, property management petroleum gas, compressed natural and landscaping activities. gas, liquefied natural gas, ethanol and biodiesel

• fuel used in lightweight vehicles *This rate will change on 1 January 2009. For more information on rates, visit: www.ato. travelling on public roads, such as gov.au/fuelschemes, or phone 13 28 66. cars or small vans. **The rate of 19.0715 cents per litre is 50% of the full rate of 38.143 cents per litre. How much a business claims depends on The full rate will apply to all these activities from 1 July 2012. how the fuel is used. If you’re registered for goods and services tax but not fuel tax credits, just phone 13 72 26 anytime (24 hours a day, seven days a week). Make sure you have your Australian business number and your tax file number handy when you call. Once registered, an additional label will be added to your business activity statement (BAS) and the Tax Office will send you information on how to claim. Simply keep any records that prove you For Sales & Service bought fuel and how it was used for your business. You can calculate your claim by 258 Argyle St Hobart 7000 visiting: www.ato.gov.au/businesses and Ph: 03 6231 5240 selecting ‘rates, calculators and tools’ on Fax: 03 6231 3814 ASM the left hand side. “WITH A COMBINED 50 YEARS EXPERIENCE” To find out if your business is eligible, or for further information go to: www.ato.gov.au/fuelschemes, or Contact: phone 13 28 66 between 8.00am Grant Fletcher – 0408 731 887 Tim Calvert – 0417 343 131 and 6.00pm, Monday to Friday.

11 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > TFIC News

New ‘Caring for Our Country’ grants now open

Caring for Our Country is the Labor • coastal environments and critical • The applications will be assessed by Government’s new natural resource aquatic habitats technical experts and assessment management initiative. It is designed panels. • sustainable farm practices to integrate the delivery of the • Projects of up to $50,000 are given Commonwealth Government’s existing • natural resource management in 18 months for completion, and natural resource management (NRM) remote and northern Australia larger projects of between $50,000 programs, National Heritage Trust (NHT), • community skills, knowledge and and $250,000 are given 2 years to National Action Plan for Salinity and engagement. complete. Water Quality, National Landcare Program, In relation to fisheries in Tasmania, this the Environmental Stewardship Program • Projects are expected to commence grant opportunity is open to incorporated and elements of the Working on Country from January 2009, once contracts industry groups. Possible projects indigenous land and environmental have been signed. could include education and control program. So, if you want to discuss this of marine pests (or feral species), opportunity, please call Fiona Ewing, The goal of ‘Caring for Our Country’ is educational materials, and planning at the TFIC office on 6224 2890. to have an environment that is healthy, and implementation of best practice better-protected, well-managed, resilient, sustainable coastal and marine resource Applicants without Internet access may and that provides essential ecosystem use. This may include some funding for request an application package from the services in a changed climate. The environmental management systems ‘Caring for our Country’ hotline on freecall program will focus on achieving strategic (EMS) or codes of best practice. 1800 552 008, otherwise an application results and invest in six national priority package is available at www.nrm.gov.au So, put your thinking caps on! areas: • Two levels of funding are available: • a national reserve system small grants of up to $50,000 and Fiona Ewing • biodiversity and natural icons larger grants of up to $250,000. Sea Net Officer

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03 6234 2499 www.bdo.com.au

12 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > Australasian Aquaculture Conference

Innovation to be the theme for Brisbane aquaculture conference

There is only a very short time left to Conference workshops: Seafood and Gold Coast Marine register for the Australasian Aquaculture • sustainability opportunity search Aquaculture. (AA) Conference being held at the workshop (to be held during the AA08 is sponsored by Skretting, the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition conference) FRDC and DAFF, and is hosted by the Centre in early August. Each of the three • technology workshop (before the National Aquaculture Council. days will begin with two plenary speakers conference on 2-3 August) on the in an effort to bring all parties together topic of reconditioning and re-using For more information please contact to explore the theme – ‘Innovation’. water in farming, conference organiser Sarah-Jane Day • education and training workshop. Day 1 (Monday 4 August): Innovations on 0437 152 234, or email Two technical day-tours are organised for in global marketing [email protected]. the days following the conference One of the plenary speakers will be Viggo An up-to-date conference session (7-8 August 2008) to showcase Halseth, from Skretting in Norway, who matrix and booking information Queensland’s aquaculture facilities, such will give a concise wrap-up of the global can be viewed at: as the Bribie Island Research facility, aquaculture market and where it is going. www.australian-aquacultureportal.com Ecofish, Ridley Agriproducts, Watermark Day 2 (Tuesday 5 August): Innovations in sustainability One of the plenary speakers will be Jason Clay from the World Wildlife Fund. Jason will give an update on the environmental challenges that lie ahead for the aquaculture industry. The WWF has taken a different perspective, engaging rather than confronting the aquaculture industry, an approach that is yielding benefits for all parties and is ahead of industry in other regions of the world. Day 3 (Wednesday 6 August): Sponsored by: Innovation in production Peter Bender is one of the plenary speakers. Peter and Frances Bender founded and run the Tasmanian salmon production company, Huon Aquaculture with its focus on R&D and water quality. The company is a vertically integrated Ph: 6264 1999 FAX: 6264 1441 operation producing 10,000 tonnes of 62 Main Road, Huonville salmon per year. Other sessions of the conference will AFTER HOURS: Robin Bond 6266 0208 explore such topics as: • Aluminium dinghies – new & used • open ocean aquaculture • Suppliers of CLARK aluminium boats • Australian native freshwater aquaculture • State distributor for: • organic farming • ornamental fish farming and aquaculture engineering • prawn farming. For a deal that won’t be beaten – call us now

13 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 Quality Matters by Tom Lewis

WHAT DO YOUR CUSTOMERS WANT? The third and fourth trends are towards That being said, customer priorities indulgence and towards healthy eating. It change, and can change rapidly. Hajipieris In the end, that’s the crux of the quality is particularly important in the health and went on to say that the likely number question. If you can consistently provide wellness sector to remember that health one issue on customer’s minds, once your customers with what they want, then products are those that are perceived as safety and freshness have been met, is chances are they will keep asking for more. being good for you – and that is a matter sustainability – including the amount and Yes, competition does come into the of individual viewpoint. type of energy used to catch, prepare and equation. If someone else can meet your In a March 2008 presentation by Peter deliver our products. customers’ needs at a better price, then Hajipieris, UK Policy Manager – Seafood And if customers say that sustainability is the result is a given. But, if your customer for Tesco (third largest supermarket in a quality issue, then game over – it is. knowledge is such that you know what they the world and UK market leader for fresh are really looking for - and why - chances Our job then – as an industry – is to work and frozen seafood), customer-purchasing are that price sensitivity will become less of together to provide our customers with the preferences for seafood were listed, in an issue. evidence and re-assurance they demand order, as being: - that the Tasmanian seafood industry is So, what DO customers want from the (sea) 1. ‘Best before’ date committed to sustainable production: in food industry? 2. Physical appearance terms of the ecosystems from which our According to research published to coincide 3. Freshness products are harvested and the energy with the 82nd International Fair for the used to bring our products to market. Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Bakery and 4. Price Confectionery Trades held in Hamburg in 5. Climate change/sustainability issues Tom Lewis manages the Seafood and March this year, customers are looking for 6. Packaging Food Manufacturing programs something between the opposite ideals of These priorities appear to be most relevant for Rural Development Services – more health and more indulgence. in the fresh categories and least relevant in www.ruraldevelopmentservices.com/ This research, aimed at the ever-increasing the canned sector, and more important to fishing - and can be contacted on out-of-home food sector, suggests there are female shoppers than male. 03 6231 9033. four mega-trends that run right through the food market: snacking, high convenience, indulgence, and healthy eating. The first is a trend towards consumption FOR SALE – FISH PUMP of smaller portions distributed throughout the day, and is increasing the demand for • Transvac model 20 4048 small, varied products for eating outside of • Rated suction lift 20 feet, discharge height 50 feet formal meals. There is a close relationship between this trend to more snacking and • Rated capacity 50t of herring per hour at 75% fi sh 25% water the decline of the traditional 3-meals-a-day • Driven by 40 hp electric motor, 63 amp three phase soft start pattern. • Pump and strainer mounted on a registered tandem trailer The second trend is towards even more • 10 metre lay fl at hose to strainer for remote use, 2 x 10 metre water return lines convenience. Modern, rapid, success- • Spare hoses, clamps, spare aluminium right angle bend for f’castle deck mounted guaranteed preparation of products is delivery system. indispensable in many areas of the food service market, as demand increases The pump can be operated as pump permanently mounted on a vessel with strainer and return for dependable quality coupled with high lines swung ashore to unload or as pump and strainer permanently mounted on trailer and convenience. That means, among other towed away after use. things, that food has to be appropriate both for eating on-the-go and for taking home or to the office. Price $28,000 ex Devonport Phone 0408 142 337

14 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > NSILP

Tasmanian contingent kept busy at leadership workshop by Fiona Ewing

In April, Terry Shea and I were the Tasmanian contingent for the National Seafood Industry Leadership Program The three days we spent in Lincoln As the program is about making a (NSILP). The NSILP is a leadership was jam-packed with course work in difference in the seafood industry, program funded by the FRDC on behalf subject areas such as communication, part of the course involves creating of the Australian Government and is team building, personalities, how to and completing a project within the sponsored by Sydney Fish Markets. run a meeting, networking and planning timeframe of the program. The results of Terry is a rock lobster fisher from and implementing projects, as well as that project will be presented to a group Bridport, and as you know (I hope!), a networking dinner in Port Lincoln. A of seafood industry and government I’m the SeaNet Officer from OceanWatch highlight of the trip was an early morning representatives in Canberra in September Australia Ltd (OWA). trip with Adventure Bay Tours in Port of this year. Our first residential session was held in Lincoln (yes, they have an Adventure I am being sponsored by OWA, and my Port Lincoln in April, and we attended Bay too, which was very confusing for project idea is to create a training module along with fifteen other participants from a while!) out to the tuna cages, where for fisheries observers to enable them to all over the country. About half of the some brave souls (including Terry) work onboard commercial vessels more participants are working fishermen, the jumped into the water with some tuna! effectively. rest are from the aquaculture industry Terry was the only swimmer to come out Terry is sponsored by TRLFA, and his and a mixture of public servants from with a scar though, as one of the fish project idea is to establish a network AFMA, FRDC and the Department of couldn’t tell where the pilchard finished of young fishermen in Tasmania. So, if Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and a and Terry’s finger began. We also got you are a young professional fisher (any sea ranger from the Northern Territory. to check out the kingfish and mulloway type of fishing, not just rock lobster) in Oh, and one very brave recreational cages, as well as a mussel farm. Tasmania, please get in touch with Terry fisher. on 0419 304 840. Updated version of aquatray latest release by innovative company

Readers of Fishing Today will have other than just folding and clipping Conference in Brisbane in August – see noticed the regular advertisements from together. The only accessory required is advertisement on page 26. While special Tooltech Pty Ltd, which has used a range whatever type of suspension device the design requirements can present a of commodity and engineering polymers grower would need in intertidal mode. challenge, it is one that Reg welcomes. since 1965. Tooltech first produced the It requires no accessories for subtidal Tooltech’s ability to make a scale Aquatray for shellfish growout in 1994. use. Tooltech is currently assisting in the model using 3D data for fused deposit Its versatility means it has been able to design of an exciting new type of unit for moulding, which saves considerable time be used in numerous intertidal and sub- a large-scale, deepwater scallop-farming and cost, helps meet any product design tidal farming situations. Two updated concept. They will later be tooling and task. moulding this product. versions have since been introduced after Tooltech welcome enquiries from anyone considerable consultation with industry. Reg Breakwell, the Marketing and interested in developing polymer made The result has been a unique one-piece Export Manager, will be a speaker and products. Reg can be contacted on: tray, the Mark VI, requiring no assembly exhibitor at the Australasia Aquaculture 0408 740 883

15 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > Sea urchin research

Lobster releases underway at sea urchin research site by Craig Sanderson, Craig Johnson, Caleb Gardner and Scott Ling.

Tasmania’s two most valuable fisheries, east, and a second with barrens at the As well as the fishing restrictions within black-lipped abalone (Haliotis rubra) and initial stages of forming in the south- the research area, it is an offence to be southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii), east, will be subject to experiments to in possession of these specially marked depend on rocky reefs and the associated investigate whether large rock lobsters research rock lobsters (see photos) community of seaweeds and other have the potential to be an effective either inside or outside the closed area. invertebrates. A significant threat to the predator of the long-spined sea urchin If caught outside the research area, integrity of the shallow rocky reef system in natural conditions. This part of the they must be returned to the water on the east coast of Tasmania is the project has started, and has relied on immediately. long spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus the assistance of lobster processors A second research area is likely to be rodgersii), which has only relatively and members of the rock lobster fishery declared in the vicinity of Fortescue Bay recently established in Tasmanian waters. co-ordinated by Rodney Treloggen of later in 2008. Based on experiences interstate, there the TRLFA. So far over 600 specially is the potential for C. rodgersii barrens marked large (>2 kg) lobsters have been Another option to be assessed as part to cover ~50% of nearshore reefs on introduced to a special research area at of the project is control of sea urchins the east coast of Tasmania. The only Elephant Rock near St Helens. The first at particular local sites by commercial predators of these urchins in Tasmania surveys are currently underway to monitor abalone divers while they go about their that have been identified by TAFI for changes to the barrens areas and to usual fishing activity. This component of scientists and students are large rock assess how many lobsters remain within the work will be initiated later this year. lobsters (>135 mm carapace length, or the research area. The project is headed by Craig Johnson, minimum size ~2 kg). To ensure the scientific validity of but also involves several other TAFI At a one-day workshop in December the research project, the temporary scientists (Caleb Gardner, Stewart 2005, there was unanimous agreement Elephant Rock Research Area is closed Frusher, Malcolm Haddon, Scott Ling and Craig Sanderson). among representatives of the rock lobster to commercial and recreational fishing and abalone fisheries, DPIW fisheries by diving for up to three years – as is Craig Sanderson is the Senior Technical managers, peak industry and community the use of rock lobster pots or rings. Officer who manages the day-to-day groups, and scientists, that management Recreational fishing for scalefish by rod running of the project (craig.sanderson@ responses to formation of C. rodgersii and line, long line, drop line and the use utas.edu.au, mobile 0407 522 5110). barrens in Tasmania should be evaluated. of nets is permitted in the research area The Steering Committee for the project Specific options discussed included: (see map). is chaired by Colin Buxton, and members • control of C.rodgersi populations at a The large rock lobsters being released comprise Rodney Treloggen, Dean Lisson, local scale through direct intervention into the research area are specially Mark Nikolai, Grant Pullen, Caleb Gardner by abalone divers (small scale marked with two separate holes that and Craig Johnson. control) are around 5 mm in diameter in the tail For more information, see also: fan, and two lines of blue and/or yellow • establishing spatial management in www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/ elastomer (coloured silicone-based dye) the rock lobster fishery in order to WebPages/SCAN-7DRVHC?open in the muscle tissue on the underside of build populations of large lobsters off the tail. the East Coast, using regional size limits, closed seasons or TACs. A research project funded by FRDC, NRM North and NRM South, with additional support from DPIW, the abalone and rock lobster fisheries, and recreational fishing sector, has been initiated to test these options. Two coastal reef sites, one with well- established urchin barrens in the north-

16 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > Department News

Working to protect Tasmania’s abalone industries from disease

The Department of Primary Industries and safety.’ The two key elements are industries’ concerns about the spread and Water (DPIW) recently appointed a to determine an appropriate level of of pests and disease, protection (ALOP) and create shared project officer to work exclusively on the The development of mitigation measures responsibilities between industry and the development of biosecurity mitigation and associated protocols will involve government on maintaining biosecurity measures aimed at reducing the extensive consultation with industry measures. While not based on a zero- risk threat of Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis to ensure agreement and adoption of approach, Tasmania’s ALOP is a high or (AVG) entering the Tasmanian marine biosecurity measures by industry. All very conservative level of protection aimed environment. The Abalone Biosecurity potential stakeholders, including the wild at reducing risk to very low levels. Project is a joint initiative between the catch sector, processors, marine farmers, Wild Fisheries and Animal Health and The development of the protocols takes other commercial and dive fisheries, Welfare Branches of DPIW, and includes into account risks identified in the the recreational sector and research and a team made up of Andrew Sharman ‘Risk Assessment of Abalone Fishing surveillance (Figure 1) will be consulted. (Principal Fisheries Management Officer), and Farming Activities Using Abalone Each protocol will set out some simple Dr Kevin Ellard (Senior Veterinary Officer) Viral Ganglioneuritis as a Case Study, procedures that will minimise or prevent and Dr Judi Marshall (Project Officer, November 2007’. This document the spread of pests and diseases Abalone Biosecurity). The project’s was developed through an industry (including Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis) in main objective is the development of a consultation process and reflects biosecurity strategy relating to abalone, with particular reference to abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG). What this means to industry is the development of mitigation measures to address the risks identified in the risk assessment released in November 2007. Since AVG was first detected in wild abalone close to Port Fairy in May 2006, the virus has continued to spread through the Victorian environment and has had a severe impact on the Victorian abalone fishery. The Tasmanian Abalone Biosecurity Project will continue to build on the significant amount of work already undertaken by DPIW following detection of AVG in Victoria. The project will ensure that it aligns with Tasmania’s biosecurity policy objective: ‘to protect and enhance Tasmania’s biosecurity status for the benefit of Tasmania’s industries, environment and public well-being, health, amenity, Figure 1: The framework in which the protocols will be developed for 6 sectors

17 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > DPIW News

the marine environment through activities A project reference group has been associated with abalone fishing. Key established with representatives from TFIC, areas targeted in each sector include the Tasmanian Abalone Council, Tasmanian equipment, personnel, wastewater, Abalone Growers Association and the animal waste and animal health (Figure Tasmanian Association of Recreational 2). The existing abalone AVG surveillance Fishers. The reference group will be involved program, as well as departmental in finalising work plans, determining priorities emergency response plans, will also for the project and communicating issues be integrated into the final program. with industry stakeholders. The overall objective is to document a All current draft protocols are displayed on biosecurity strategy that minimises the the website (www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/abalone). risk of introduction of disease into the Information on the Abalone Biosecurity Tasmanian environment, and to establish Project will be regularly updated on the DPIW agreed performance requirements in website, and we encourage all of industry the commercial wild harvest fishery, to utilise the web as the most effective recreational fishery and marine farming way to keep up-to-date with biosecurity sectors. This should provide high level developments and protocols. protection for abalone stocks to a disease outbreak and an emergency For further information disease response plan ‘at the ready’ contact Judi Marshall on: Figure 2. The biosecurity protocols occur across should a disease outbreak occur. [email protected] all sectors encompassing all risks identified in the or phone 6233 6888 2007 risk assessment. Fishcare freelance: Fish identifi cation stations provide tools for sustainable fi shing

The latest project by the Fishcare Tasmania’s marine scalefish species, Volunteers has just been released. Late as well as information on size and last month Minister Llewellyn unveiled possession limits and a ruler to allow Tasmania’s first fish identification and fishers to accurately measure their catch. measuring station at McGee’s Bridge, They also include information on marine Midway Point. All the coastal local councils have protected species; fishing licence types; supported the project by installing More than 40 people attended the launch local fishing area restrictions such the signs at popular fishing sites. ceremony, including the Marine Police, as shark refuges, marine reserves This has been a truly jointly funded MAST, TASPorts, RecFAC, representatives and research areas; how to handle project, with cash and in-kind funding from four local councils, the media, DPIW your catch; where to get more fishing from Commonwealth, State and local staff and of course Fishcare volunteers. information; and details of the Fishwatch governments, as well as from private It was a typical Tasmanian ‘champagne’ 24-hour hotline, where any illegal fishing enterprise, volunteers and the community. weather day and many of the guests activities can be reported. lingered over an orange juice and muffins Feedback from the fishers so far has In this first production run, 30 stations to watch the Mayor of the Sorell Council, been very positive, and councils have have been sent around the state. Mrs Carmel Torenius, get a free fishing reported that the stations have been put Expectations are that the second lesson from the Minister. to use within minutes of their installation. round of another 30 stations will be The stations, with their unmistakable fish- released toward the end of this year. For further information contact Avril shaped signposts, provide fishers and The stations have been designed and Brown on: [email protected] visitors to the state with the knowledge produced in Tasmania, with local artist and tools to fish sustainably. They include Peter Gouldthorpe producing all the fish or phone 6233 2033 full-colour illustrations to help identify illustrations.

18 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > DPIW News

Rock lobster May port Minister approves outcome of meetings banded morwong The Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fisherman’s • CFAC discussion paper on multiple and calamari Association (TRLFA), Wild Fisheries night shots / SW regional issues and Management Branch (DPIW) and Tasmanian questionnaire review Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute (TAFI) • new incentives for the deep-water trial have recently completed their annual series • the abalone virus and cleaning of port meetings around the state. protocols for rock lobster fishers On 19 May, the Minister for Primary The aim of the meetings was to give fishers • proposals to return legal-sized female Industries and Water, the Hon. and processors an opportunity to raise and rock lobster which are immature David Llewellyn MP, approved that discuss management, research and industry • young fishers initiatives the Department proceed with the amendments proposed for the banded issues. • new management options – morwong and calamari fisheries. Summary of topics discussed: discussions flagged for 2009. • update on latest developments re A number of local issues relevant to In doing so, the Minister approved Commonwealth Marine Protected areas specific ports were also discussed. that the amendments consulted with (MPAs) and State Marine Protected industry, be changed in two main The 10 meetings were well attended and areas (Bruny Bioregion) ways, namely that a bycatch of 10 this year included Dover. • draft proposals for revalidation of calamari be allowed in south-east skippers tickets The meetings were all conducted in a waters, and that rock lobster fishers positive and constructive atmosphere, be allowed to take and use marblefish • large lobster USA marketing initiative and I would like to thank all those people for bait. • issues in WA, SA and Vic lobster who took the time to attend the meetings. fisheries The process from this point is that the It is great to have the opportunity to amendments will be finalised by the • recruitment patterns and puerulus discuss issues face-to-face. settlement trends Office of Parliamentary Counsel for signature by the Minister. They will • centrostephanus research project For more information contat Hilary then be gazetted, on which date they • climate change effects around Tasmania Revill, Wild Fisheries Management become law, and the Department will • update on translocation Branch, phone (03) 6233 3053. begin implementation. At the same time, the amendments are provided to the Tasmanian Consultant/Broker for State and Commonwealth Parliament for consideration, in the first instance by the Subordinate commercial fishing licences Legislation Committee and then by Buying, selling and leasing all both houses. A member of parliament has 15 sitting days to give notice of licence types and vessels motion to disallow the amendments. Regarding implementation, a public Office closed notice will notify the changes to the Friday Fisheries (Scalefish) Rules 2004. As well, all licence holders will be notified of the changes in writing, and sent an application form regarding consideration for allocation of banded PO Box 109 morwong units or a calamari licence. South Hobart Tasmania, 7004 For further information, contact Ph (03) 6224 8299 Frances Seaborn on 03 6233 6717, Call Margaret Atkins Fax (03) 6224 0900 or by email to Confidentiality assured Mobile 0419 375 578 [email protected]

19 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > Marian Smith

turned into a disgusting clay slurry after rain. We had to go down this track in a horse and cart – and supplies came in on a tractor and trailer. But it was easier to get off the island– and we didn’t have to cope with a horrid haulage,’ says Marian. ‘When we first got to Bruny, there was no vehicular ferry, and we used to get to Kettering on a friend’s fishing boat. I learnt to row a dinghy there, and used to go out with some of the fishermen Tales from a lighthouse and help pull the pots.’ There aren’t such fond memories of by Julie Podmore Tasman Island, where she went much later with her husband, who was a relief keeper there. ‘A terrible place,’ she says ‘the lightening used to bounce along the ‘I’m a Titanic freak,’ Marian Smith tells was plenty of maintenance work to rivet heads on the railing. And it was me when I ask her about the screensaver do – maintaining the house and fences terrifying trying to get two little kids into she has on her computer in her unit in battered by the fierce winds, polishing the baskets of the flying fox – and getting Launceston. And indeed it seems that the prisms and cleaning the windows of up that hair-raising haulage. There was she is. It’s a small flat, and her bookcase the lighthouse, greasing the haulage, nothing there,’ she concludes. ‘We were is a memorial to the ship that went down and taking regular readings for the there for three or four months – and that on its maiden voyage in 1912. Marian weathermen. was enough!’ shows me books, documentaries, DVDs The keepers had seven adventurous The couple of stints on Swan Island, and half a dozen videos featuring the ill- children between them. ‘We had such however, were really memorable. ‘It was fated superliner – including two copies of fun,’ says Marian, and she tells me a lot warmer and there were beautiful Titanic – the hit movie starring Leonard di stories of scary trips up the haulage beaches – it was an absolutely lovely Caprio and Kate Winslet. system from boat landing to house, and island,’ Marian tells me. Apparently there Marian’s interest in boats began as a their old horse ‘Darkie’, who used to are others who think it is a beautiful child of 13, when her father, a truck driver be pulling on one end; of fishing trips; island and don’t want to leave. ‘I was in Queenstown, applied for a job as a of having to milk the ‘bitch of a cow’ washing dishes in the kitchen, when I saw light keeper, and, sailing down on the who used to inflict quite a few injuries out of the corner of my eye, a female form Flying Scud, went with his family to live on on her inexperienced milker; of playing in a long nightie go down the corridor,’ Maatsuyker Island (‘Maat’ to Marion) for croquet on the specially prepared lawn; of recounts Marian. ‘They reckon it was Eliza a year. ‘Boats were my major passion at ‘running in front of the jeep picking up the Baudinet a keeper’s wife who had died the time. I just loved fishing boats – any millions of mutton birds, chucking them in there in the 1880s.’ Marian also tells me boats,’ she tells me. And of course the the back and then having to pluck them about reports of inexplicable cold patches family was very dependent on boats – to and salt them down the next day.’ around houses in the same period; and get on and off the island; on the boat about a part of the island where ‘it could The kids were free to roam over the that bought in their supplies, and dropped be blowing a gale, and I would be walking island. ‘The scrub was a thick as the hair enough correspondence lessons to keep down the track and come across a place on a cat’s tail, and we used to cut it down the children occupied between somewhat as calm as anything.’ to make cubbies where we shouldn’t,’ irregular visits. she continues. ‘It was the best life As I stand up to leave, Marian gets down ‘Maat was my favourite – I absolutely anyone could ever have. One thing they some photos of the people she met on loved it,’ says Marian. ‘I loved the did wrong was to automate the lights and the islands. ‘They’re all dead now,’ she magnificent moonlit nights, the sea fogs, de-man them. I think that they should be says wistfully. But there is plenty of life the sunsets ….it was a beautiful, wild, manned – there needs to be someone left in Marian, despite the fact that she wild place,’ she tells me. At that stage there for seamen in trouble. Now it’s just ‘smokes a bit’, has had a heart attack (1953) there were 3 keepers on the maintained by “Works and Jerks”.’ or two, and enjoys a few ‘glasses of island who took it in shifts to look after giggle juice’ with her daughter. I ask her The family then transferred to keep the the light – which was not yet automated. about her family – ‘God, don’t mention Cape Bruny light, built by convicts in Marian used to watch the keepers lighting the grandchildren, there are too many 1838. ‘Bruny was nowhere near as wild the mantle, winding up the weights that to count!’ But when pressed, she did as Maat, but we still had pretty strong turned the light, and keeping an eye own up to 7 children, 26 grandchildren southwesterlies, and it rained! There was on the pressure. But this was not all and 15 great-grandchildren. ‘We’re good only a bush track to the lighthouse, and it the keepers had to attend to – there breeders,’ she says proudly.

20 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > Bureau of Meteorology

New look weather page for BoM by Malcolm Riley

The Bureau of Meteorology has a new look Marine Weather Page at: www.bom.gov.au/marine The site contains all the existing marine weather products Australia wide packaged together, as well as some new products that mariners should find very useful. For instance, if you select the ‘Tasmania’ tab, there are links to forecasts, warnings, weather and buoy observations, tide information and sunrise and sunset times, all on one page. One new feature is the computer- generated wind maps. These maps show the wind direction and wind speed for Australian coastlines every three hours out to two days. The prediction maps then extend out to seven days with six- hour time gaps. You can ‘zoom in’ on individual states, with Western Australia and Queensland divided into southern the models, they may compute different each day that you check it, then it’s a and northern zones due to their size. scenarios from each other. good forecast. Conversely, when you are looking at the future wind field and There are larger scale maps available One indicator of a good forecast from the pattern changes considerably on for coastal capital cities every three model data is, for example, if a wind progressive days, the forecast may not hours out to two days. These are ideal field for a day that is several days away be reliable. for planning long trips or looking at the remains more or less the same on weekend winds as early as Monday. Also, in some of the larger forecast areas they are helpful in ‘localising’ wind speeds and directions. To access the wind maps, select the colorful map and choose your state or local forecasting area from the drop down menus. For coastal capitals there is a local waters forecast every three hours that extends out for two days. It is very important that mariners do not replace checking the official written forecasts and warnings with these forecast maps. The computer models that produce these maps have their own characteristics for various areas. One characteristic is that the model can sometimes underestimate the wind strength a little if it is over fifteen knots. The Bureau uses several different computer models to guide their forecasts. Sometimes, due to the different information that goes into the models and the way that information is used by

21 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 By Catch Australian Wooden Boat Festival simulators, so that new boat owners can by Mary Brewer The monthly newsletter of the learn about the hazards of the water. The Australian Wooden Boat Festival is now program designer, Dr Jeffrey Hawkins, available online from its website: www. says he is still refining the software, but Nuffield scholarships australianwoodenboatfestival.com.au hopes to have simulators on the market Nuffield Australia awards scholarships in three years. ‘In the end we’re going to As the next festival will be in February each year to farmers in Australia. have a simulator that is ideal for people 2009, the organisers are now looking for The objective is to increase practical in small boats, so they can learn the boat registrations and volunteers to help farming knowledge and management skills before they get out on the water. with the event. skills and techniques generally. The Marine and Safety Tasmania hopes to scholarships, only available to practising More information can be found on the one day use computer simulators to help farmers or farm managers, are valued website, or by phoning Rob McGuire on test for a boat licence. at $25,000 and are for travel in 2009. 03 6223 3375. They are offered in a range of categories, including an aquaculture or fish producer National Marine Safety Committee supported by the Fisheries Research and An impressive 910 public comments Development Corporation. Applications were submitted in response to the close on 30 June 2008. issues paper for NSCV Part D - Crew Competencies. No conclusions had been For more information go to: reached at the last meeting of the NMSC, www.nuffield.com.au however, it was agreed that any revision should not be unduly hurried, as it will New jellyfish species found in affect the safety, livelihoods and careers Townsville Aquarium of so many people in the future. Marine scientists in north Queensland have discovered a new species of jellyfish The NMSC is implementing the section right under their noses. Dr Lisa Gershwin of its National Standard for Commercial says the tiny creature, which has yet to Vessels pertaining to design and New invader for Tasmania be named, was found in a seahorse tank construction (NSCV) into legislation A Tasmanian marine biologist is calling at the Townsville Aquarium. ‘It’s up to nationally from 1 October 2008. While for tighter restrictions on ballast water about a centimetre long, it doesn’t swim, this standard will apply to new vessels, within and between states to help stop it glides along the bottom,’ she said. ‘It’s some marine safety agencies may also the spread of sea pests. University found on algae and seagrass and it’s require existing upgraded or modified of Tasmania, Marine Biologist, Neville just a real thin film, real ‘mucousy’, like a vessels to comply. Barrett says DNA tests have confirmed flatworm, but it’s got these two tentacles More information can be obtained from: another Japanese sea pest, the sea sticking out and it’s actually genetically a www.nmsc.gov.au weed Grateloupia turuturu, is invading jellyfish that looks like a flatworm.’ Tasmanian waters. ‘Tests have shown New code of responsible practice that it is certainly positively identified Petuna Seafoods wins prestigious for fishmeal from the Bicheno region, but our ongoing award The International Fishmeal and Fish Oil survey work indicates that the plants Two prestigious awards have been Organisation (IFFO), which represents the are certainly round the east coast of made to Tasmanian businesses, both fishmeal and fish oil industry worldwide, Tasmania from Bicheno down to the deriving from the fishing industry. The is developing a new Code of Responsible Tasman Peninsula,’ he said. Scientists First Generation category of the Family Practice (CORP). The code, says IFFO, will believe it was probably introduced Business of the Year Award was won by enable fishmeal and fish oil producers through ballast water from international Robert Pennicott’s Bruny Island Charter, to show that they are offering traceable, ships, before restrictions were and the Second Generation category was high quality marine products that are introduced. won by Petuna Seafoods. manufactured safely using fish from The awards were given to businesses responsibly managed fisheries. that demonstrated a commitment to family business best practice, with Small boat computer simulator entrants indicating their understanding Work is progressing in northern Tasmania of and commitment to creating an on a computer simulator that behaves effective and dynamic family business like a small boat. Pivot Marine at Legana environment. has received a $1 million Federal The invasive Japanese Government grant to produce boat seaweed, Grateloupia turuturu.

22 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 International news from industrialisation and urban growth. by Mary Brewer But, as an indicator of the increasing purity of the river’s water, seahorses are alive and well in the Thames estuary between EUROPEAN SEAFOOD EXPOSITION IN aid for losses, estimated at Essex on the north bank and Kent. BRUSSELS $290 million. The Zoological Society of London The annual European Seafood Exposition West Coast salmon populations have discovered the seahorse colony in 2006, (ESE) brings together seafood buyers and declined sharply in the last few years, with but it has been a closely guarded secret sellers from all over Europe and the world. experts citing a variety of reasons, including until legislation could be enacted to protect Held in Brussels in April 2008, and with climate change and hungry sea lions. It is it. However, environmentalists point out over 1600 exhibiting companies from 87 estimated that fewer than 60,000 salmon that the arrival of the seahorse is also a countries, ESE offered seafood business will make it back to the Sacramento River sign of ecological changes linked to global professionals access to a one-stop this year; about one-third the number warming. resource to reach global retail, food needed to sustain a healthy fish population. The short-snouted seahorses in the service and wholesale companies. Thames are commonly found around RUSSIAN POACHERS CAUGHT Stuehrk Delikatessen Import and Royal Africa and the Mediterranean and only Greenland were awarded the top prizes Also in May, Russian investigators accused occasionally near the southern coasts in the eighth annual Seafood Prix d’Elite an American, a Russian and a German of Britain. Their usual habitat is shallow new products competition. The winners citizen of poaching millions of dollars of coastal waters rich in weeds and plant were selected from a field of 40 finalists. king crab for export to U.S. markets. life, although they can be found as deep Stuehrk Delikatessen Import GmbH of Part of a company called Eastern Fish as 30m. Marne, Germany took the top award for Resources, they allegedly organised the best new retail product with its entry, Bear SCOTTISH SQUID Biter - a line of cold-smoked wild Alaska harvest and illegal export of nearly 25,350 salmon strips that are marinated in a tons of king crab in 2006 and 2007, A mysterious surge in the number of squid variety of innovative flavors. The product which was more than seven times the in north-eastern Scottish waters over the is packed in a modified atmosphere in a government quota allotted to it. past few years is puzzling scientists, but transparent retail pack and is certified as delighting local fishermen. The migration sustainable by the Marine Stewardship INTERNATIONAL MEASURES TO is hard to explain, but may be the key to Council. The judges particularly noted MANAGE SOUTH PACIFIC HIGH-SEAS revitalising the Scottish fishing industry, the quality of the salmon and the unique BOTTOM-TRAWLING which has been struggling since severe flavour offerings in this line. More than 112,000 square kilometres of quotas were imposed by the EU in 2003. In the food service category, the top previously fished areas in the South Pacific Squid fishing is bringing other advantages, prize was given to Royal Greenland of will be closed to New Zealand deep-sea both environmental and commercial. Aalborg, Denmark, for its product, Salmon fishermen under new regulations. Squid nets do not trap other species of Tournedos - Atlantic salmon portions But the New Zealand industry says seafood, which dramatically reduces the wrapped with Danish bacon. These are domestic fishermen will be left out in number of fish trapped and thrown away individually frozen and portion-controlled the cold unless all fishing countries in accordance with current quota rules. for an easy and fast-to-prepare, high- comply with the new interim international As the British develop a growing taste for quality menu offering. The judges felt measures to manage high-seas bottom- squid, sales are on the rise, up 49 per this product provided chefs with a trawling. The measures, introduced cent over the past year. premium restaurant item, with the added by the Ministry of Fisheries as part Scientists are still unsure why squid convenience of a consistent size and of negotiations to form the South have migrated northwards over the past weight. They also appreciated the flavor Pacific Regional Fisheries Management few years. Previously, they were found combination of bacon and salmon. Organisation, are designed to ensure in abundance in the Irish Sea and the In addition to the two grand prizes, the trawling does not increase. Atlantic. judges also gave five special awards. The new rules will require vessels to carry ‘It might be changes in ocean More information can be found on the fisheries observers, create a ‘move-on’ temperature,’ said Dr Martin Collins, a website: www.euroseafood.com area of more than 82,000sq km to protect marine ecologist from Cambridge. ‘But marine ecosystems, and limit fishing to it’s more likely an effect from the surface US WILD SALMON FISHERY CLOSED areas trawled between 2002 and 2006. current.’ As the food on which the squid In May, the U.S. government closed depends moves to other waters, they almost the entire ocean off its West THAMES ESTUARY SURPRISES RESIDENTS too have no choice but to move with the Coast to salmon fishing, clearing the way Fifty years ago, the Thames was declared current. for governors of states hard hit by years biologically dead, killed by the pollution of declining catches to seek federal relief

23 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 Industry Wide Tasmanian Rock Lobster Tasmanian Scallop Fishermen’s Association Fisherman’s Association An interesting way of doing things Grants for survey operators Tasmanian Commercial Whist attending the recent National Pre season scallop surveys are currently Divers Group Restaurant Association Convention in underway along the North-East and East Chicago USA, where Dawn Jordan and I coasts of Tasmania. Code of practice presented at AGM joined Matt Muggleton from Southern Rock The objective is to identify beds of quality Lobster on the Austrade stand, I met some The Tasmanian Commercial Divers Group scallops in commercial quantities so industry people from the Bahamas who had held its AGM on Monday 28 April 2008 that we can open the Tasmanian fishery interests in producing, processing, importing at the TFIC meeting room. Business this year. Initial reports are not terribly and exporting rock lobster. discussed at the meeting included the encouraging, but we currently have three name change to Tasmanian Commercial They used to have a trap fishery, but vessels working together over a wide area Divers Association, which will facilitate this has changed to a dive fishery with trying to identify mature beds. the move to become incorporated. a difference. Firstly they place many In line with recommendations agreed thousands of traps/large bricks with a hole The Commercial Divers’ Code of Practice at ScFAC on 28 April and at our TSFA in them on the bottom. They place them in (draft version) was distributed among the General Meeting in Campbell Town on grids and record their positions on GPS. eight members present at the meeting 2 May, industry members nominated and and was well received. Thanks must go Some time in the future they revisit the agreed that the vessels Alex Vanessa, to Fiona Ewing for the hard work that has sites, and lobsters have taken up residence Brid Venture, Brid Voyager and Edward J gone into the code so far. in many of the traps/bricks. They then Farlie would carry out the surveys. remove the lobsters and twist the tails from All listed species were discussed, with Serious concern was expressed at both them whilst still underwater. They discard everyone agreeing that there needs to be meetings about the increasing cost the bodies to be eaten by the lobsters they research undertaken to determine growth of conducting surveys and particularly leave behind and other predators. The tails rates and size at maturity for periwinkles the escalating cost of fuel so, after all are then processed on board the boat and and sea urchins. I will be in touch with options were considered, a financial taken to a factory for further processing. DPIW and TAFI to discuss some options. package for 3 or 4 survey vessels was Generally their fishery is all shallow, warm proposed at ScFAC and later accepted at Centrostephanus was discussed, and it water with very few management controls. the TSFA General Meeting. appears that there may be a market for It seems to be on a downward trend, with the roe. Although it is not an ‘A grade’ It was agreed that an initial 100 tonnes concerns over the taking of berried females. product, we will continue working with it, of research quota would be made and with other industry groups to try and At the time of writing, they had been advised available to be taken and retained and utilise this introduced species. by their managers that their government to be divided equally between the survey was holding talks with Marine Stewardship operators, with a request to DPIW that The election of office bearers also Certification bodies to see what their options this quantity be increased to a total of took place as part of the AGM, and for the future were regarding sustainability, 150 tonnes if required. the new President is Bryan Denny, the TACs and access rights. They still have open- Additionally, after approval from DPIW, Vice President is Jeremy Huddlestone, access licensing over there, and anyone can a grant of $10,000 for equal allocation and Nick Daft is the Treasurer. TFIC will come along and go fishing for lobsters. to the survey operators was agreed on. undertake secretarial duties. The people we spoke to were most With the TSFA also providing $5,000 on I would like to ask all holders of a Fishing interested and impressed with our Clean the same basis, the support contribution Licence (Commercial Dive) to contact the Green certification, and could not believe is a total of $15,000. This funding will TFIC office or myself on 0417 502 195 that industry could come up with such a help to offset the vessel operating costs, to upgrade your address details so that program to look after its members’ interests, and we are most grateful to the four you can receive notices of meetings in rather than waiting for governments to do it. vessel owners and skippers who willingly accepted responsibility for carrying out the future. I will be doing an in-depth report looking the surveys. Bryan Denny at the recent NRA Convention and the President Tasmanian Commercial opportunities arising from it in the next The results of the surveys will be Divers Group issue of Fishing Today. considered by TAFI and then at a ScFAC Rodney Treloggen meeting on 24 June, and if they are CEO, Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishermen’s positive, a decision on any opening of the Association scallop season will be made then. We would therefore not expect the season this year to open before early July.

24 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > Sector Groups

TSFA Annual General Meeting supply of scallops from each vessel and At this meeting held on 2 May, John to have a commitment to maintaining Hammond was re-elected as President, a system ensuring that the product Karl Krause was re-elected as Vice they produce always remains safe for President and Jill Hammond was human consumption. Annual audits re-elected as Secretary/Treasurer. will be initially conducted by DPIW for all vessels to ensure compliance in A new TSFA Executive Committee was meeting the regulatory requirements, in elected comprising John Hammond, Karl meeting customer expectations and in Krause, Peter Atkins, Allan Barnett, Des demonstrated safe food handling. Woodley and Stuart Richey. These are now the contact people should anyone Scallop Code of Practice choose to bring matters to the attention All industry members have considered of TSFA members. copies of draft number 4 of this document TSFA membership fees and, following appropriate changes, a final colour printed brochure will be circulated At the AGM, members also agreed that shortly. The code applies to all Tasmanian the membership fees for calendar year licence scallop fisherman and sets out 2009 would be $50 per scallop licence the standards required to operate in the owner, supervisor of a scallop licence, fishery in a responsible, sustainable and unit holder or scallop processor. profitable manner. also providing $30,000 per year. The It was considered that the current project covers the identification of scallop annual membership fee of $500 for Meeting with Federal Minister population linkages within the three scallop processors without a fishing or The Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries jurisdictions, the issue of recruitment unit entitlement was not encouraging and Forestry, Tony Burke, visited Lakes after different harvesting efforts and processor membership of the TSFA and Entrance on 21 May, and, along with scallop density and recruitment success. so it should be changed to the general Victorian based scallop fisherman, we rate as for other members. presented our constructive comments Unfortunately, the industry electronic and recommendations to him. management component of the Scallop food safety plan project, which would provide real time The latest draft has been mailed to all The main issue for discussion was the need to introduce a new buyback for information, was not funded, although fisherman, unit holders and processors, it has a high priority status from and a training course for implementation the Bass Strait Central Zone scallop fishery in order to reduce the fishing ScallopRAG, and alternative funding of the Food Safety System for the sources are now being investigated. Tasmanian Scallop Fishery was held at entitlements by at least half in this Campbell Town on 28 May. currently closed fishery. The previous AFMA Management Advisory buyback arrangement only resulted in The meeting was well attended by Committee Consolidation 14% of entitlements being accepted Under the recently circulated AFMA plan, scallop fisherman, DPIW food safety compared to 45 to 47% in the other three representatives and auditors, along with ScallopMAC would become a consultative target fisheries. A serious reduction in committee, with industry members James Garde from Seafood Training entitlements would also assist in a move Tasmania and facilitator Mike Oakley from required to pay their own costs to attend towards consolidation of jurisdictional meetings. Oakley Food Services. arrangements for the Victorian, This food safety system is our Tasmanian Tasmanian and Commonwealth scallop Following discussions at our recent TSFA scallop industry response to the fisheries. meeting however, we have responded to this AFMA proposal by strongly objectives of the National Seafood Other issues discussed included clear Standard. The training course provided recommending that industry members’ identification of foreign sourced scallop costs should be reimbursed out of attendees with a thorough explanation of imports, consumer issues and the the requirements, and of their obligations the fishery levy base. Moreover, until increasing cost of fuel, which has a jurisdiction for the BSCZSF is moved to meet new scallop handling standards serious impact on all scallop fisheries. from the start of this year’s scallop from AFMA and the fishery is viable and season. Following changes identified at The Tasmanian contingent confirmed our reopens, a nominal $500 per year per our meeting, those fishermen who were proposals to the Minister in writing and entitlement should apply. not able to attend the training session he promised to carefully consider these. Bob Lister will have a copy of the Scallop Food Scallop research project approved Tasmanian Scallop Fisherman’s Safety System mailed to them. FRDC have recently approved a three- Association All fishermen are now required to year TAFI scallop research project with document their catch, storage and a $450,000 grant with AFMA and DPIW

25 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 Skretting

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND TRADE SHOW ‘INNOVATION BRISBANE CONVENTION IN A GLOBAL & EXHIBITION CENTRE QUEENSLAND MARKET’ 03 - 06 AUGUST 2008

To Register or to obtain further information on Exhibiting and Sponsorship opportunities, please visit: www.australian-aquacultureportal.com

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FOR MORE Conference Coordinator: Sarah-Jane Day Tel: +61 402 047 830 | Fax: +61 2 4919 1044 | Email: [email protected] INFORMATION: 26Post: PO Box 370,TASMANIAN Nelson FISHING Bay NSW INDUSTRY 2315 Australia NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > In other words

The real meaning of fi sheries research terms by Emily Stoddart (TFIC) and Dr Caleb Gardner (TAFI)

There is another language being spoken either not been considered or has not exploitable stock each year due to growth amongst fisheries research scientists been controlled for and/or migration into the fishing area or biologists that can sometimes sound In other words, fishermen with In other words, Tasmanian deckhands like impenetrable gibberish to the rest exceptionally high catch rates who do not getting offered $100,000 p.a. to work in of us. Many in the seafood industry fit TAFI’s catch rate model and cause the WA mines. have long suspected that fisheries researchers to mumble at FAC meetings. biologists are another species altogether. margin of error: the uncertainty or While attending meetings around the correlation: a relationship or association degree of accuracy of a measured state on the Tasmanian Rock Lobster between two variables quantity. The more precise the technique used for measurement, the smaller the Fishermen’s Association ‘Port Tour’, I Not even fisheries biologists are margin of error will be. asked Dr Caleb Gardner (Research Group really clear what this means, but it’s Leader, Crustaceans) of the Tasmanian still a really useful word to justify tax In other words, the allowance fisheries Aquaculture & Fisheries Institute (TAFI) to deductions claimed for snorkelling scientists make for their calculation explain a few of the words that fisheries holidays to coral reefs. mistakes due to too much or too little biologists like to bandy about. shiraz and/or coffee. increasing biomass: an increase age at maturity: the age or number of over time in the total or net mass of multi-generational time series: A years at which a fish reaches sexual or targeted species within a given unit of series of biological data collected over reproductive maturity environmental area (a fishery) extensive periods, typically decades, which enables issues to be tracked Really only a relevant concept on Perhaps best explained with real world across generations. Friday afternoon when TAFI researchers data: the increase observed over the generally prefer shiraz that’s been aged past 10 years of the waistlines of In other words, research projects or for at least three years. fishermen attending port meetings. issues that have been going on so long that no one can remember when they cohort: clusters or groupings of similar- in-kind support: contribution of unpaid aged fish (that is, fish in a stock born in started. This is best illustrated by the resources (labour, time, operating costs) the same year) following examples: use of compressed by affected stakeholders to a research air by recreational divers; tagging of In other words, grey-haired, bearded undertaking recreationally caught lobsters; stunted fishermen tend to congregate separately In other words, data collection by abalone stocks; striped trumpeter from younger clean-shaven deckhands. fishermen to prevent fisheries biologists culture; depleted lobster egg production confounding variable: a lurking variable getting wet and cold. in the north … is an extra variable in a statistical low recruitment: low numbers of new population model: a mathematical model or research model that affects the fish of a species entering into an that describes and predicts changes dependent variables in question but has

Throw the small jobs back.

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27 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > In other words

Translocation is an especially popular buzzword with lobster biologists at the moment, but fishers over time of the population of a target spatial management: matching have been using the process for years to recruit species in a given area. A population management to the biology of the fish to deckhands. model is able to translate changes in achieve higher profits fishing effort as well as environmental In other words, zones. This term is In other words, TAFI fisheries changes into changes in the number of especially valuable as it allows fisheries researcher’s tendency to wear polar individuals or population density within biologists to blather on non-stop about fleeces, socks and sandals. that area zones, hour after hour, without even trophic cascade: a chain-reaction within In other words, a number-crunching piece mentioning the word, thereby escaping food webs that results from the removal of software that takes fishers’ log book port meetings unscathed. Curiously, of a top predator, leading to dramatic data and converts it into something fishers are increasingly adopting the reductions in the abundance of species that’s completely confusing (note that term, suggesting some hybridisation has at lower trophic levels. this is perceived as a good thing by the occurred between the biologist and fisher biologist species). species. In other words, a series of events leading to an unforseen outcome on a different sample size for a survey: a proportion stock assessment: an assessment of species. For example, were TAFI’s coffee or segment of fishers or of a fish stock the status of a targeted fish stock for machine to break down, this would lead which is selected to be the target of a the purposes of determining the level at to the need to purchase a new one, study on the assumption that the sample which it may be sustainably harvested which would ultimately mean that licence selected is representative of the whole In other words, TAFI research scientists’ fees need to be lifted. In other words, the number of fishermen impressions of a fishery after one bottle Watch out for ‘ The real meaning of who actually answer their phone when of (matured) shiraz. fisheries management terms...’ in the TAFI research staff call. trend: a general tendency or direction in next issue. a fishery.

by Gwyn Alway Q Will a PLB be accepted as the primary Safety tips from MAST EPIRB aboard a commercial vessel? A No, a commercial vessel EPIRB must Get to know your EPIRB – and stay safe 406 MHz beacon owners by Search and meet AS/NZ 4280-1 Q What vessels are required by legislation Rescue authorities. The database includes Q Are inflatable coastal life rafts required to carry an EPIRB? phone numbers, next of kin details and to contain an EPIRB? sufficient vessel detail to enable the best A Yes, in accordance with the National A All commercial vessels operating more response in the event of an emergency. than 1 nautical mile from the shore Standard for Commercial Vessels Part outside sheltered waters. Q How do I register a 406MHz EPIRB or C7A PLB? Q When will CORPAS-SARSAT cease Q Are commercial vessels required to carry processing 121.5 MHz analogue signals, A You can register, free, by phoning 1800 an EPIRB if there is one in the life raft? 406 406; or you can use the registration and what frequency will replace 121.5 A Yes, in accordance with the National form provided with your EPIRB; or you can MHz?? Standard for Commercial Vessels Part register online: www.amsa.gov.au A From 1 February 2009, only 406MHz C7A Q What are the main differences between beacons will be detected by satellites. Q What are the advantages of 406MHz an EPIRB and a PLB? Q What do the abbreviations EPIRB and EPIRBs? A EPIRBs must operate for 48 hours, float PLB mean? A Depending on location, detection is upright and operate most effectively when possible within minutes, with accuracy to A EPIRB – Emergency Position Indicating deployed in the water. An EPIRB sold in within 10 nautical miles for base models Radio Beacon Australia and New Zealand must meet and 100 metres for GPS models. PLB – Personal Locator Beacon AS/NZ 4280-1 Q How do I adequately maintain an EPIRB? Q Why must I register a 406MHz EPIRB or PLBs must operate for at least 24 hours, PLB? and although required to float, need not A Ensure that the battery expiry date has A Registration is compulsory. Without float in a manner that consistently keeps not been reached registration a beacon is anonymous. the antenna above the water. A PLB sold Regularly check that there is no physical 406MHz Beacons transmit a unique in Australia and New Zealand must meet damage and marking is clear identity code that can be cross- AS/NZ 4280-2 Periodically perform a self test which will referenced with a database of registered confirm the unit’s operational status

28 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > TAFI News

2006/07 Rock lobster fi shery assessment by Malcolm Haddon and Caleb Gardner, TAFI Marine Research Laboratories

The rock lobster stock assessment Statewide egg production has declined in patterns in recruitment. One of the uses information from several sources, each of the last three years, but remains more substantial changes is that effort with the greatest reliance on logbook 17% higher than the lowest year (1993). has been declining in the NW and NE for data. A stock assessment model is Statewide egg production is very high the last 15 and 20 years respectively, fitted to catches, catch rates, and, relative to most crustacean fisheries at with a concurrent increase in effort in where available, length frequency of the around 53% of the unfished level, due to the SW. The effort in Area 4 (NE) is catch data. The combination of length regions of slower growing females in the now lower than at any time for which we frequency data and catch rate data south that receive high protection from have regional data (post 1970), more provides an insight into the underlying the size limit. than halving over this period. We would processes affecting the stocks in normally expect large increases in catch different regions. For example, increases MOVEMENTS OF THE FLEET rates with this level of effort reduction, in catch rates combined with large however, this has not occurred due to numbers of relatively small lobsters in The geographical distribution of both below average recruitment. A concern the catch indicate recent recruitment commercial pot-lifts and catch changes with this prolonged low recruitment in the and potential rebuilding (observed in the over time in response to regional north is that it may not be simply normal southern four assessment areas). In contrast, stable or declining catch rates combined with relatively few smaller lobsters in the catch indicate relatively lower recent recruitment and a decline in stock size (observed in the northern four assessment areas).

LONG-TERM TRENDS Statewide legal-sized biomass in 2006/07 was estimated at almost exactly double that of 1993/94 (199%), which has led to a 46% improvement in Catch rate (kg/pot-lift) catch rate (statewide average of 1.19 kg /potlift). This has improved the profitability of the fishery. The increase and biomass (tonnes) (1000’s) Pot-lifts in catch rates has driven a contraction of the fleet, with only 214 vessels reporting Figure 1. Historical trends in reported fishing effort (pot-lifts) estimated catch-rate (kg/pot-lift) and estimated catch in 2006/07, down from 344 in legal-sized biomass. Catch-rates after the 2nd world war and before the 1960s were much greater than those seen today. As fishing effort rose, catch rates fell. Legal-sized biomass can only be estimated for later years 1994/95. commencing from a time when the resource was already fished down. The trend in recent years is of a steady increase in legal biomass, with catch rates also recovering.

29 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > TAFI News

year-to-year fluctuation but a longer-term there has always been a goal of good egg pattern, perhaps a function of climate production in all regions. Egg production change or loss of habitat to urchin continues to be highly skewed towards barrens (in the NE). southern areas with all southern regions producing at well above the target of REGIONAL PATTERNS 25% of the unfished level. In contrast, areas 5 and 6 (NW) have egg production Declines in recruitment in some areas at around 15% of the unfished state and mean that lobsters are now being there are no signs of improvement. removed at a faster rate than they are being replaced by recruits. Consequently, legal biomass is no longer rising in RECREATIONAL CATCH all assessment areas, with significant No new estimate of recreational catch is declines in Areas 1 (SE) and 6 (WNW). available since the 2004/2005 estimate These were offset by increases in Areas of about 120t, but recreational licences 3, 5, and 7, although a reduction in have increased in numbers again this catches rather than a rise in recruitment year. A new estimate from a survey of drove the small rise in Area 5 (NW). the 2006/07 fishing season is nearing The rise in Area 7 (SW) continues to completion. reflect the strong recruitment pulse that occurred in 2000/2001. PUERULUS CATCHES Regional patterns in recruitment have Puerulus catches on the East coast been more extreme than at any other were exceptionally low from 2003/04 to time over the time series used for the 2005/06. This unusually low settlement Figure 2 - Regional catch and catch rates assessment. There has been prolonged may produce a gap in the recruitment below average recruitment in northern intensity that will only become apparent has not grown in any significant manner assessment areas 3, 4, and 5. On the in the fishery in a few years. In 2006/07 over the last 15 years, and has declined other hand, there have recently been puerulus catches were better in the far when corrected by CPI. spikes of recruitment in southern areas south (Recherche Bay). 1, 7, and 8, which are far stronger than On the other hand, quota unit capitalisation has seen a three-fold anything seen since 1970. The strong IMPLICATION FOR FUTURE HARVEST increase over the last decade despite recruitment in these southern areas STRATEGIES appears now to have fully recruited to the decline in real GVP, with a current Notwithstanding the above description fishery and its influence is declining. industry value of $390 million in June of puerulus settlement, the model 2007, excluding vessels and other Note that these regional patterns in projections provided here assume that tangible assets. This rapid rise in value recruitment are not likely to be a result historical recruitment patterns will remain has been driven by a reduction in costs of changes in egg production within the unchanged. In other words, we have associated with the increase in catch same region because of the wide larval not attempted to project a decline in rates. The number of vessel days used dispersal. Rather, changes in regional recruitment in the model. to take the 1523 tonne TACC is now recruitment are thought to be the State-wide legal biomass projections less than half of that required when the result of changes in oceanic circulation with this assumption suggest that with fishery commenced quota management patterns (availability of settling larvae), or TACCs between 1,475t and 1,600t in 1998. changes in the ability of larvae to settle (implying between 115.7t and 125.4t in particular areas (ecological change of recreational catch) rebuilding will affecting settlement). OVERALL CONCLUSIONS continue. With a TACC of 1,523t, legal The rock lobster fishery in Tasmania The wide dispersal of lobster larvae biomass has a >60% chance of increase appears to be healthy, judged against means that there is no direct link over the next five years in all assessment the observed rate of stock rebuilding between local egg production and areas except in Area 2 and Area 7. With at a state-wide level, the increase in recruitment, however there are still good a TACC of 1,600 tonnes, the probability catch rate and the increase in the value reasons for managing egg production. of stock rebuilding continuing becomes of quota units over the same period. The most important is that larvae less than 36% in Area 2 and less than However, signs of poor recruitment originating from one region of Tasmania 55% in Areas 3, 5, 6, and 7. may still settle within the state. Regional suggest that stock rebuilding may slow, or even reverse, in the next few years. egg production is of interest because of ECONOMIC TRENDS the changing pattern of ocean currents – areas that are especially important larval The gross value of product (GVP or sources may change from year to year, so revenue) was $51 million in the last year. Nominal beach price received by fishers www.tafi.org.au

30 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS DECEMBERJUNE/JULY 20082005/JANUARY 2006 > TAFI News

Launch of online, user-friendly guide to marine zooplankton by Anita Alexander and Kerrie Swadling

The waters around Tasmania teem with larval and juvenile fish, the dynamics of complex diagnostic key. Fact sheets can life, and although we are familiar with zooplankton populations have a strong be printed for reference purposes, or the large marine mammals and birds influence on recruitment to fish stocks. alternatively the guide is available on a that frequent our region, there are other, cd-rom. Identifying zooplankton can be both smaller creatures living in our waters challenging and daunting, as traditional Zooplankton present a strange and that most are not so familiar with - the keys have usually been designed for fascinating world. Although often plankton. These animals might only be users with a high level of expertise. overlooked by the casual observer, they millimetres long, but are extraordinarily The Guide to the Marine Zooplankton of are an important part of the aquatic complex in their appearance and South Eastern Australia is an interactive ecosystem. Recognition of their value has behaviour. Zooplankton are the animal tool providing a comprehensive, fully led to resurgence in their scientific study component of plankton, and constitute illustrated means of identification for in Australia, both in terms of changes in a fascinating, diverse and abundant the major zooplankton located in south- their distributions relative to increasing group of animals living in water bodies eastern Australia. This web-based sea temperatures, and their use as throughout the world. They play an key enables identification of over 50 bio-indicators in assessing the health important role in marine food webs by zooplankton taxa. Also included are fact of coastal and estuarine waters. This grazing the phytoplankton and shaping sheets covering taxonomic information, oceanic ecosystems. About 30,000 descriptions, photographs, diagrams, species of animals live in the plankton for distributional information and ecology. all or part of their life cycles. Zooplankton This online guide allows users to either provide an energy link between identify zooplankton specimens to phytoplankton and larger animals such as major group and species level rapidly fish, seabirds and whales. In particular, via an image-based key, or via a more due to their key role as a food source for The identification guide includes pop-up descriptions for more complex scientific terminology.

The image-based key allows for rapid Fact sheets provide detailed information on distinguishing characteristics, size, distribution and ecology. identification.

31 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > TAFI News

online identification guide was developed zooplankton are minute in size, and can when we recognized a lack of suitable be difficult to work with photographically, zooplankton identification material for zooplankton photography has historically Australian waters. The identification tools been somewhat neglected. With special in existence were primarily in diagram care to prevent distortion to their form and used complex diagnostic appearance or the destruction of their terminology that was not suitable for soft bodies, we developed a technique a wide variety of people. In addition, that allowed us to capture images of very few images of zooplankton existed live animals, highlighting their natural publicly at all, especially Australian appearance and colouration. As plankton zooplankton. research is becoming recognised as more Funding for this project was provided important, we hope to expand this guide by the Australian Biological Resource and provide a resource that can be used Study (ABRS), a program within the Parks by a range of people. Australia Division of the Department of Anatomy of a hyperiid amphipod the Environment and Water Resources. The online guide has been launched Logistic support for plankton sampling at www.tafi.org.au/zooplankton. and photography was provided by the Alternatively, please contact Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Kerrie Swadling at the Tasmanian Institute. Most of the zooplankton Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute for photographed for the guide were collected a free copy of the guide on cd-rom on throughout 2007 from a variety of coastal [email protected] , or on locations off eastern Tasmania. As (03) 6227 7218. A larval shrimp

Report a lobster tag and win!

The May bi-monthly TAFI rock lobster Note that our latest tags even have our Winners for the April draw were: tag lottery has been drawn, with our phone number printed on them to make sponsors again putting up some fantastic reporting easier. Shane Paul Green of Brighton – prizes. Thanks again for their valuable prize of $100 cash proudly donated Send your recapture information to: support. The winners are listed below. by Sunderland Marine Insurance, Lobster Tags, TAFI, Private Bag 49, Melbourne - congratulations! Make sure that you keep an eye out for Hobart 7000 or call Ruari at TAFI the three different colour T-bar tags that on 6227 7280 are used for marking. Yellow tags are used for our normal tagging while white Tony Jupp of East Launceston – and pink tags are used for translocated prize of a Boags Sports Pack, lobsters. donated by J Boag and Son Don’t forget that it’s OK to keep T-bar Brewing Ltd tagged animals if they are legal; however it is very important that information is passed on to us at TAFI. At a minimum, just providing the tag number is valuable, Ian Heathorn of Smithton – but ideally also record date, sex, colour, prize of 2 Bottles of Salisbury wine location, depth and size (if measured donated by Red and White, Hobart with calipers).

32 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > Asthma Foundation

Extreme allergy an issue for industry by Guy Dow-Sainter

As a member of the fishing and food Identifying the cause of anaphylaxis It is important to note that some methods industry, every day you are dealing with is important which claim to test for allergies, including products that have the potential to be Your doctor will normally ask a series vega testing, Alcat tests, kinesiology, deadly to some people. Along with nuts, of questions that may help to narrow pulse testing, provocation/neutralization eggs, milk, sesame and soy, the most down the list of likely causes such as testing, allergen elimination, pulse testing common foods that bring on allergic foods or medicines consumed that and Rinkel’s intradermal testing, are not reactions are fish and shellfish. day, or exposure to stinging insects. medically or scientifically proven methods to confirm allergy. The most severe allergic reaction is This approach will also help to exclude conditions that can sometimes be called anaphylaxis. Effective management of confused with anaphylaxis like fainting anaphylaxis saves lives Below is some invaluable information attacks or epileptic fits. If allergy is If you have a severe allergy and are at supplied by ASCIA (Australasian Society suspected, this may be followed by risk of anaphylaxis, you will require a of Clinical Immunology and Allergy) on allergy tests, usually by blood tests (CAP/ comprehensive management plan from this very serious subject. RAST) or skin prick tests, to help confirm your doctor, which should include: or exclude potential triggers. ANAPHYLAXIS – PATIENT INFORMATION Anaphylaxis is the most severe form BDUJPO!QMBO!GPS of allergic reaction and is potentially life-threatening. Anaphylaxis should be Bobqizmbyjt treated as a medical emergency, requiring immediate treatment. Ipx!up!hjwf!FqjQfo© !!NJME!UP!NPEFSBUF!BMMFSHJD!SFBDUJPO! ps!FqjQfo©!Ks UÊÃÜiˆ˜}ʜvʏˆ«Ã]Êv>Vi]ÊiÞià Anaphylaxis affects the entire body £ UÊ ˆÛiÃʜÀÊÜiÌà Anaphylaxis occurs after exposure to UÊ̈˜}ˆ˜}ʓœÕÌ ]Ê>L`œ“ˆ˜>Ê«>ˆ˜]Êۜ“ˆÌˆ˜} an allergen (foods like peanuts or tree !!BDUJPO nuts, insect stings or some medicines), UÊÃÌ>ÞÊÜˆÌ Ê«iÀܘÊ>˜`ÊV>ÊvœÀÊ i« to which a person is already extremely UʏœV>ÌiÊ «ˆ*i˜ÁÊ­œÀÊ «ˆ*i˜ÁÊÀʈvÊ>}i`Ê£‡xÊÞi>Àî œÀ“ÊvˆÃÌÊ>ÀœÕ˜`Ê «ˆ*i˜ÁÊ>˜` UÊVœ˜Ì>VÌÊv>“ˆÞÉV>ÀiÀ sensitive. It results in potentially life- *1Ê" }ÀiÞÊV>«° threatening symptoms, which include: Ó • Difficulty/noisy breathing 7>ÌV ÊvœÀÊ>˜Þʜ˜iʜvÊÌ iÊ • Swelling of tongue vœœÜˆ˜}ÊÈ}˜ÃʜvÊ
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, ՘̈Ê>ÊVˆVŽÊˆÃ £ ˆÛiÊ «ˆ*i˜ÁÊ­œÀÊ «ˆ*i˜Á ÀʈvÊ>}i`Ê£‡xÊÞi>Àî Symptoms can include: i>À`ʜÀÊviÌÊ>˜`Ê œ`ʈ˜Ê«>ViÊvœÀÊ £äÊÃiVœ˜`ð Ó >Ê>“LՏ>˜ViI‡ÊÌii« œ˜iÊäääÊ­
ÕîʜÀÊ£££Ê­ <® • Swelling of face, lips and eyes Î >ÞÊ«iÀܘÊv>ÌÊ>˜`ÊiiÛ>Ìiʏi}ðÊvÊLÀi>Ì ˆ˜}ʈà { `ˆvvˆVՏÌ]Ê>œÜÊ̜ÊÈÌÊLÕÌÊ`œÊ˜œÌÊÃÌ>˜` • Hives or welts on the skin { œ˜Ì>VÌÊv>“ˆÞÉV>ÀiÀ • Stomach pain, vomiting x ÕÀÌ iÀÊ «ˆ*i˜ÁÊ`œÃiÃʓ>ÞÊLiÊ}ˆÛi˜ÊˆvʘœÊÀi뜘Ãi >vÌiÀÊxʓˆ˜ÕÌià Several factors can influence the severity vʈ˜Ê`œÕLÌ]Ê}ˆÛiÊ «ˆ*i˜ÁʜÀÊ «ˆ*i˜ÁÊÀ «ˆ*i˜ÁÊÀʈÃÊ}i˜iÀ>ÞÊ«ÀiÃVÀˆLi`ÊvœÀÊV ˆ`Ài˜Ê>}i`Ê£‡x Þi>Àð of anaphylaxis, including exercise, heat, I i`ˆV>ÊœLÃiÀÛ>̈œ˜Êˆ˜Ê œÃ«ˆÌ>ÊvœÀÊ>Ìʏi>ÃÌÊ{Ê œÕÀÃʈÃÊÀiVœ““i˜`i`Ê>vÌiÀÊ>˜>« ޏ>݈ð ,i“œÛiÊ «ˆ*i˜Á >˜`ÊLiÊV>ÀivՏ alcohol and in food allergic people, the ˜œÌÊ̜Ê̜ÕV ÊÌ iʘii`i°Ê >ÃÃ>}i Ì iʈ˜iV̈œ˜ÊÈÌiÊvœÀÊ£äÊÃiVœ˜`ð amount eaten, how it is prepared and ^Ê
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33 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > Asthma Foundation

• Referral to an allergy specialist EpiPen is a pre-loaded auto-injecting the peak professional body of Clinical • Identification of the anaphylactic pen containing an exact dose Allergists and Immunologists in Australia trigger(s) of adrenaline. This works and New Zealand. This will include a comprehensive rapidly to reverse the effects Anaphylaxis Australia Inc medical history and clinical examination of anaphylaxis and should be (www.allergyfacts.org.au) is a followed by interpretation of allergy test considered “First Aid” for its national support organisation for results. treatment. An EpiPen should only be prescribed as part of those with life threatening allergy. • Education on the avoidance of trigger (s) Phone: 1300 728 000 . This is particularly important with food a comprehensive anaphylaxis anaphylaxis and may also involve advice management plan. Where ‘EpiPen’ is stated in this document it refers to EpiPen® or EpiPen Junior® from an experienced allergy dietitian. • Instructions on how to use the EpiPen which are distributed in Australia and New • Provision of an anaphylaxis action plan Zealand by CSL Pharmaceuticals. EpiPen Since episodes of anaphylaxis are • Ambulance contact details (to be is available by authority prescription on the often unpredictable, an Action Plan is called immediately after giving Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in Australia. EpiPen) essential (see Action Plans at Disclaimer:The content of this brochure www.allergy.org.au/content/ • Carer contact details (to be has been reviewed by ASCIA members, view/10/3/), which should document called after giving EpiPen) represents the available published literature the following; • Regular follow-up visits to an at the time of review, is not influenced by • Name allergy specialist its sponsors and is not intended to replace • Allergic triggers professional medical advice. Any questions Further information and support regarding a medical diagnosis or treatment • Symptoms and signs indicating For further information on allergy, asthma should be directed to a medical practitioner. when to use the EpiPen®* or immune diseases visit www.allergy.

org.au – the website of ASCIA which is FREE INTRODUCTION TO ANAPHYLAXIS COURSE AVAILABLE TO TASMANIAN INDUSTRY It might surprise you to know that the Asthma Foundation of Tasmania is heavily involved with anaphylaxis education in Tasmania. The reason for this is that of nearly every recorded death from anahylaxis, the victim has had a history of asthma. The Asthma Foundation of Tasmania offers short Introduction to Anaphylaxis courses for schools, child care facilities Oyster mesh Deck hose • • and industry. • Bait saver mesh • Deck mats The course consists of a brief overview of anaphylaxis and then, in an open Cable ties Anti-fatigue mats • • forum, discusses issues that particularly • Divers’ hose and couplings • Tube matting concern your industry sector. • Stainless steel clamps, • Moundings & extrusions Their educators are more than happy to come to your place of work to conduct valves and fittings • Gland packings and seals the course or have a general discussion with you regarding work place safety and Other branches: Head Office anaphylaxis. Please call 1300 645 130. Victoria: 180-184 McIntyre Road The Asthma Foundation of Tasmania Sunshine North Sunshine gratefully acknowledges the assistance of Bayswater Victoria 3020 its Principal Sponsor, Aurora Energy, as Stawell Ph: (03) 9366 7011 they work together for a cleaner, healthier NSW: Fax: (03) 9364 5052 Tasmania. Sydney

34 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 Seafood Training Tasmania by Rory Byrne Strong demand for courses – and for First Aid for Fossils?

Master 5 actors, directors and producers from Rosny The FarmBis funded project has just We have filled our courses for 2008. The College will be ready for lights, camera and made its final report, and achieved the best we can now offer is to provide a action any minute now. following outcomes: waiting list so that if someone drops out a Keith Cripps Scholarship for 2008 • formalisation of industry training space becomes available. This year, for the first time, we are offering pathways linking demand with training MED3 a Master 5 place as well as the Coxswain outcomes Like Master 5 demand for this qualification spot. • development of training partnerships has been very strong. These scholarships also include all MAST that can promote training and access Thanks to Skills Tasmania we were able to fees, so they are well worth winning. for the identified pathways offer an extra 15 places in 2008 making a Ring the office on 03 6233 6442 and ask • identification of suitable training total of 25 subsidized spots available. All for an application form. (Note the ad in this funding models that match industry spaces are now taken. edition of Fishing Today). Applications close requirements Elements of Shipboard Safety (ESS) on Friday 27 June. • development of training programs that There is a growing trend to book early. First Aid for Fossils match industry need. Spaces are very limited due to increased (pre-USL ticket holders) All this means is more responsive, demand so try and book at least a couple If MAST have notified you that you need cheaper, relevant and timely training. of months in advance to guarantee a spot a current First Aid Certificate to maintain A win for everyone! Coxswain program your Skippers’ ticket then this is for you. We have completed four Hobart courses We are about to schedule a maritime first and one Dover course - that’s 50 Coxswain aid course especially for those holders of /Coxswain Restricted trained to mid June old/pre USL tickets. ‘First Aid for Fossils’ 2008. A very good start to the year! will try to take into account that you don’t want to be there and haven’t been in a Traineeships classroom for decades. In other words, We are experiencing our busiest year since the delivery will be tailored to the reluctant 2001/02 in demand for the traineeship fisherman. Certificate III in the Seafood Industry If you are interested, call the office on Aquaculture. Both salmon and shellfish 6233 6442 and express interest in the Pre farms are giving strong support with over USL first aid course ASAP. 40 signed up so far. A significant number of fish farms now see the traineeship The TFIC/STT brokerage partnership as the best way to induct new staff ‘Matching training needs and opportunities and provide for all the licences. The in the seafood industry’ is a joint TFIC/STT Commonwealth incentives make the project, whose objective is to enable the decision even easier, with around $5,000 seafood industry to further explore training available to the aquaculture sector for each needs and identify/develop appropriate eligible trainee employed. training programs/packages. At the same Sea Safety DVD project time it should target current and evolving issues facing the seafood industry that First draft of the script is complete and have training requirements that are not the shooting starts in June. The budding being addressed by industry.

35 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > Alternative fuels

Worldwide concern over Biofuels, fi sh oil, surge in fuel prices

It was ironic that after the US Congress hydrogen and everything grilled oil chiefs to justify their record profits, the price of a barrel of crude by Dr Laurie Goldsworthy, Australian Maritime College oil hit USD138.54 on 6 June. Goldman Sachs oil analyst, Arjun Murti, has An FRDC funded project at the Australian Chris Owen of Benzaco Scientific Ltd predicted a super spike may soon push Maritime College is evaluating alternative assessed techniques for extraction of fish fuels for fishing vessels. Fuels under oil from fish waste, as well as techniques this above USD200. This is a six-fold investigation include biofuels, LPG and for conversion of fish waste, after oil increase since 2002, amid surging natural gas. extraction, to fuel. The options include demand from China, India and other methods for making gas that could be developing countries. There will be no single solution to the added to an engine through the air intake issues of fuel cost and future supply. Meanwhile the US House of and the use of fish waste to produce Alternative fuel availability and cost may Representatives approved legislation in steam for electricity, hot water, power vary significantly from place to place. Fuels May, allowing the Justice Department turbines, cooking or steam pumps. that may not be economically attractive at to sue OPEC members for limiting present may become more attractive as oil supplies and working together to conventional fuel sources become depleted ETHANOL set crude prices. All over the world and government subsidies change. Currently ethanol is being produced from concern is mounting over the price of grains and sugar for automotive fuel. fuel, particularly diesel. Fishermen in Biofuels inherently reduce greenhouse gas emissions by utilising atmospheric Ethanol produced in this way is typical France blockaded ports during May, of a first generation biofuel. Future while truckers from across Britain carbon instead of fossil carbon. As excise is progressively applied to biofuels such scenarios for ethanol (and other biofuels) converged on London in convoy, as biodiesel, they are likely to become involve the use of biomass such as wood closing a busy artery and causing more attractive in pricing for users who are waste (second generation biofuel). The traffic backlogs. Similar protests took excise-exempt. There may be opportunities price and availability of ethanol may make place in Wales, while in Queensland to use low-priced biofuels sourced locally it attractive, at least as a partial option truck drivers staged a similar move, from waste. for fuelling fishing-vessel engines. The driving around the Brisbane CBD most straightforward means of utilising sounding their horns in protest against ethanol is to add it to the air intake. rapidly rising fuel prices. FISH OIL The engine would still operate essentially Amid forecasts that the availability Fish oil is in use as a diesel engine fuel as a diesel engine, but with some of the diesel fuel replaced by ethanol. LPG of new sources of oil is severely in large generator engines in Alaska, and natural gas are used in the same limited (Russian oil output has where about 30 million litres of fish oil are way to substitute for a proportion of the gone into decline; Saudi Arabia has currently produced per annum from fish diesel fuel. Natural gas can be used to shelved plans to expand production waste. A well-funded project is developing substitute for up to 80% to 90% of the capacity; and advisers to the Nigerian a mobile facility to extract fish oil and convert it to biodiesel. diesel fuel energy supply, while maximum government predict its output will fall substitution rates for LPG and ethanol by 30 per cent by 2015), many users Dr Felicia Kow at AMC estimated that are less, perhaps up to 30%. are looking to alternative fuels in order there are about 3 million litres of fish oil to gain economic and environmental available annually from processing waste In the fishing vessel context, the control benefits, not just on shore but also at from wild caught and farmed fish. This systems required for ethanol addition sea. represents only about 1% of the estimated could be relatively simple because the total fishing fleet’s diesel fuel usage of engines run at steady loads for long Dr Laurie Goldsworthy, Lecturer in 270 million litres. Approximately half periods. The ethanol flash point is lower Marine Engineering at the Australian the fish oil is from salmon aquaculture than standard diesel fuel, so its usage Maritime College, has produced operations in Tasmania. Dr James Haddy would need to be specially approved by the following paper which examines at AMC estimated total bycatch mass at the relevant marine authorities. alternative fuels for fishing vessels 83,000 to 120,000 tonnes per annum, for the FRDC. which could yield about 8 million litres OTHER BIOFUELS of fish oil. The use of bycatch for fuel is The term biodiesel is generally potentially adverse to bycatch minimisation. used to refer to fuel produced by

36 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > Alternative fuels

transesterification of fats and oils. Synthetic 99.5% for nearly all of more than 50 by the primary fuel, with large energy diesel is a high quality diesel fuel produced engines tested. Diesel engines in good conversion losses. These systems directly from biomass (or coal or natural condition typically produce only very can only reduce fuel costs if the gas) using the Fischer Tropsch process. BP small quantities of hydrocarbon, carbon added hydrogen significantly improves has introduced a project to produce another monoxide and smoke emissions, and the engine efficiency by increasing form of diesel via the hydrogenation of so the combustion efficiency is high. combustion rates, as with LPG. There is tallow at their Bulwer Island refinery. It will However, there is the real possibility evidence that the quantities of hydrogen be added to the standard diesel product. that adding LPG can improve the rate of produced are not sufficient to do this, but Dimethyl Ether (DME) is a promising diesel combustion, which can lead to improved this does not rule out the possibility that fuel that can be produced from biomass, thermal efficiency. a well-designed system could achieve with physical properties similar to LPG. useful efficiency gains. Engine tests at AMC have explored Unlike LPG, it can be injected directly as the substitution rates of up to 30% using primary fuel. high quality LPG (propane). At higher NATURAL GAS Seafish and Regenatech are trialling the use substitution rates, knocking combustion Natural Gas is currently the only of straight vegetable oil on a fishing vessel. can occur, which can lead to engine alternative fuel that prima facie offers There has been an engine breakdown during damage. significant fuel cost savings. Diesel these trials due to a turbocharger failure, Future pricing may see LPG cost reduce engines can be readily operated in the possibly due to the use of vegetable oil at compared with diesel in general, as oil dual fuel mode using natural gas, with low loads. Wartsila advises that the key to imports become more expensive. In high rates of substitution of normal diesel successful engine operation on vegetable addition, the introduction of an excise on fuel, around 80% or more. Commercial oil is precise control of oil temperature LPG will see the price differential improve conversion systems are available. Such throughout the fuel system, including at the for off-road users. engines can revert immediately to point of injection. They successfully operate normal diesel mode if the gas supply medium speed diesel engines on a variety is interrupted. Natural gas is also of vegetable oils. Medium speed engines HYDROGEN intrinsically safe as it is lighter than air are generally more tolerant of variations in The cost of hydrogen is currently very and has a high ignition temperature. The fuel properties than the high-speed engines high, and the ability to store significant main drawbacks with natural gas are used in fishing vessels. quantities on-board is very limited. the cost and space required for storage Current research efforts may result in on-board. LPG hydrogen being produced renewably at a Natural gas usage in short-haul shipping reasonable cost. Hydrogen can be used LPG is a readily available fuel that can be is growing worldwide. Liquefied natural in a diesel engine by adding it to the stored as a liquid at moderate pressures. It gas (LNG) is the preferred storage mode engine intake air. is produced in Australia, and its use is being because it occupies much less space encouraged by the Australian Government by Systems are available to add small than compressed natural gas (CNG). provision of a subsidy to automotive users quantities of hydrogen to the engine Natural gas offers reduced emissions of for conversion. Moderate reductions in air, with the hydrogen being produced CO2, oxides of nitrogen and particulates greenhouse gas emissions are achievable. on-board by electrolysis. The engine (smoke). Diesel engines can be readily configured to alternator provides the electricity for LNG facilities are likely to become more run with LPG mixed into the air intake. the electrolysis. The energy required to widely available to fishing vessels as produce the hydrogen must be supplied Commercial electronic systems are available for diesel engine conversions. Substitution rates are typically of the order of 10%. LPG may be available at reduced price to bulk users who are near a standard LPG delivery route. Cost savings are marginal unless the addition of LPG improves the thermal efficiency of the engine. Small quantities of LPG might improve engine efficiency and thus save fuel costs. It is often claimed that addition of LPG (or hydrogen) in small quantities greatly increases combustion efficiency, by promoting more complete combustion. A paper published on Dieselnet demonstrated combustion efficiency (i.e. completeness of combustion) greater than

37 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > Alternative fuels

LNG infrastructure expands to meet the $878,000, and the total mass of the is needed to use natural gas, LPG or demand from the road transport industry. cylinders would be 13.4 tonnes. ethanol in an engine below decks, because their flashpoint is below 60°C. On-board storage has been assessed by Storage as LNG for the 6-day trip would The requirement for approval under NSCV Alan Muir on a 150 tonne, 24m vessel require 17,600 litres, or 34 standard is to demonstrate a solution of equivalent with a 425kW main engine, for a 6-day Nexgen HLNG-150 tanks costing safety to conventional fuelling. Approvals trip supplying 90% of its fuel energy $410,000 and weighing 9.5 tonnes empty. would be obtained through state-based requirements from natural gas. Such a Using larger purpose-built tanks would marine safety authorities, on a case-by- vessel might carry 20 tonnes of diesel reduce the cost of the tanks. An LNG tank case basis. The use of ventilated double- fuel normally, but only consume 8 to 9 manufacturer is currently designing and walled piping is normal practice. Various tonnes in a 6-day voyage. costing such tanks. Increasing liquid fuel safety systems are required, and the cost costs may make the capital investment For a 6-day voyage, the required volume and complexity are significant. feasible. Some operators might be able to of CNG is 40m3at 240-bar storage re-fuel more frequently. We are currently producing a design for pressure, which is difficult but not provisional approval by a state marine impossible to accommodate on a new authority. vessel. The weight of steel storage APPROVALS FOR USE OF cylinders would be prohibitive. The cost ALTERNATIVE FUELS ON VESSELS of 167 composite cylinders to fulfil this Special approval under the National ENGINE WARRANTY IMPLICATIONS task without excessive weight is around Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) WITH ALTERNATIVE FUELS Generally, warranties cannot be legally invalidated by engine makers just because the engines use a different fuelling strategy. Keith Cripps Scholarship Some conversion companies, say for conversions to dual fuel LPG or natural gas, can arrange their own warranty. Seafood Training Tasmania is inviting applications for the 2008 Keith Cripps Scholarships Electronically controlled dual fuel systems incorporate numerous features to protect The scholarships will provide training for the engine, such as sensors for exhaust temperature, exhaust oxygen content Certifi cate II in Transport & Distribution and inlet manifold pressure. When these exceed reasonable levels, the gas supply (Maritime Operations) is suspended. COXSWAIN CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY It is not recommended that biodiesel and be used unless it is certified to meet Certifi cate III in Transport & Distribution the Australian Standard. Engine (Maritime Operations) manufacturers have released policies MASTER 5 CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY on the use of biodiesel. Generally, 20% certified biodiesel in petroleum diesel is Applications are open to individuals working or intending to work in the accepted. Caterpillar specifically warns Tasmanian Fishing/Maritime Industry against the use of straight vegetable oil. This scholarship is awarded in memory of Keith Cripps who was Chairman of Seafood Training Tasmania & the Fishing Industry Training OTHER OPTIONS Board for over 10 years Further options for reduced fuel costs include optimisation of all on-board If you would like a copy of the selection criteria please call energy consumption, upgrading of Seafood Training Tasmania on (03)62336442 engines to modern electronically controlled common rail types and use of larger boats with medium speed diesel Applications close engines. Friday 27th June The full text of this article, and 2008 associated references, can be found on the TFIC website: www.tfic.com.au

38 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 by Julie Podmore

Cove Bar and Restaurant Ian’s Filipino beginnings show up in his Navarine of Seafood Soup cooking – with the use of wine, herbs, Ian tells me that this is ‘a pretty open 2 Ferry Boulevard George Town spices and especially sherry vinegar, which kind of soup’ – and you could use any www.yorkcove.com.au he uses to add a sour note to his dishes, selection of marinated seafood, and and he ‘loves cooking seafood best of all.’ I am supposed to be home putting out the any vegetables (Ian suggested spinach, On the menu the night I was there were pipe and slippers for hubby: instead I am in capsicum, peas, beans, spring onions, tapas at the bar that included calamari, George Town after a longer than expected potatoes and zucchini). prawn and chorizo salad and grilled octopus. chat with Jimmy Shea – and looking for Other seafood dishes that appealed were Prepare the vegetables and the seafood somewhere to eat. The lady at the pub a seafood pasta, Atlantic salmon in vine as in the Seafood Salad recipe above, directs me to a restaurant overlooking the leaves, sautéed squid and scallops, a fish and add the prepared base at the last marina on York Cove, an offshoot of the roulade, and battered flathead fillet, but I minute. This base (or sauce) is the most Tamar Estuary - and I’m delighted with settled for the Warm Seafood Salad (‘A important part of the dish. what I find. The complex, which opened sort of a stir fry,’ says Ian) - YUM! last December, includes a 130-seat Base for soup restaurant, an up-market hotel, and motel Warm Seafood Salad accommodation. Prepare some stock by gently frying Cook 1 flat tsp of chopped garlic and 1 onions, celery and carrot in some olive The head chef, Ian Amarille, is out fishing chopped red onion in 3 tbsp olive oil and 4 oil. Add liquid (half water, half wine), fish when I arrive, but his partner (who also tbsp clarified butter. Then turn up the heat, off-cuts, pepper and salt, and simmer for happened to be waitressing that night) and add a selection of seafood and sear 15 minutes. calls him in for a chat. Ian is a passionate (DO NOT OVERCOOK). fisherman, and is out fishing from the shore Strain and add (to your taste) star anise, whenever he can (‘But it’s just for fun – I Add a little wine, some baby spinach, roast cinnamon stick, bay leaves, a few cloves, throw whatever I get back,’ he says) – and capsicum and cherry tomatoes and cook chopped red onion, garlic, pineapple he tells me that he developed this passion just a few minutes. juice and a splash of wine vinegar for sourness. Simmer until reduced and in a small coastal town in the Philippines, Finish with a splash of sherry vinegar, slightly syrupy and add the seafood and where he grew up. He came to Australia a squeeze of lemon juice, salt and pepper, veggies. You can add the base as it is, to live with his aunt in Sydney 22 years and if you like a bit of a kick, some chili oil. ago, but was not too impressed with the or remove the herbs and spices and Top with some sliced bintje potatoes that fishing opportunities there. He came down whisk the sauce in the blender. have been par-boiled and then roasted with to Tassie for a look, liked what he saw – olive oil. including the fishing – and stayed!

39 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 > Directory

TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY COUNCIL Tasmanian Salmonid Growers Association Abalone or Marine Plant Inquiries PO Box 878, Sandy Bay 7006 PO Box 321, Sandy Bay 7006 Andrew Sharman Ph 03 6233 3512 117 Sandy Bay Rd, Sandy Bay 7005 Chairman: Chris Dockray Commercial Dive Inquiries or Inshore Clams Chief Executive: Neil Stump 0417 394 009 Executive Officer: Pheroze Jungalwalla Greg Ryan Ph 03 6216 4227 Ph 03 6214 0555 [email protected] www.tfic.com.au Scalefish Inquiries [email protected] www.tsga.com.au Ph 03 6224 2332 Fax 03 6224 2321 Matt Bradshaw Ph 03 6233 3018 Tasmanian Shellfish Executive Council WILD FISHERIES Recreational Fishing Inquiries PO Box 878 Sandy Bay 7006 Howel Williams Ph 03 6233 3523 Tasmanian Abalone Council Ltd Chairman – Tom Kennedy 0408 352 321 Macquarie Wharf No.1, Hunter St, [email protected] Licensing Inquires Hobart 7000 Acting Secretary: Tom Gray 0419 398 640 Ph 03 6233 2147 President: Greg Woodham Tasmanian Abalone Growers Association Quota Monitoring Inquiries 0419 524 174 Chairman: Mike Wing Ph 03 6233 3539 Chief Executive: Dean Lisson 0419 599 954 PO Box 11, Dunalley 7177 Administration Manager: Melinda Mullen Marine Farm Planning/Operations Inquiries Ph 03 6231 1955 Fax 03 6231 1966 Ph 03 6253 6007 Fax 03 6253 6009 Tony Thomas Ph 03 6233 6497 [email protected] Bruny Island Shellfish Growers Association Marine Environment Inquiries Tasmanian Commercial Divers Association President: Des Wolfe Colin Shepherd Ph 03 6233 3179 PO Box 2080, Lower Sandy Bay 7005 PO Box 878, Sandy Bay 7006 Special Permits Ph/Fax 03 6225 0321 President: Bryan Denny 0417 502 195 Sally Williams Ph 03 6233 3119 Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishermen’s DPIW MARINE RESOURCES Association TRAINING President: John Sansom 03 6247 7284 Scallops, Giant Crab, Octopus, Seafood Training Tasmania CEO: Rodney Treloggen or Rock Lobster Inquiries 2a Gladstone Street, Hobart 7000 Ph/Fax 03 6376 1805 0418 138 768 Rod Pearn Ph 03 6233 6380 or Manager Rory Byrne Ph 03 6233 6442 Secretary/Treasurer: Margaret Atkins Hilary Revill Ph 03 6233 6036 Fax 03 6223 2780 Financial Officer: Les Nielsen 0407 504 716 [email protected] Tasmanian Scalefish Fishermen’s Association President: Shane Bevis – Ph/Fax 03 6247 7634 Secretary: (Mrs) Colleen Osborne PO Box 332, Somerset 7322. Ph 03 6435 0068 Taylor Marine Tasmanian Scallop Fishermen’s Association 20 Derwent Park Road Derwent Park 286 Windermere Rd, Windermere 7252 President: John Hammond 0429 130 238 Ph 6272 0166 Fax 6272 0188 Secretary/Treasurer: (Mrs) Jill Hammond Ph 03 6328 1478 Fax 03 6328 1421 Peter’s Mobile 0418 943 017 Tasmanian Shark Fishermen’s Association 64 Ormond St, Bellerive 7018 Specialist suppliers of Furuno Electronic President: Brian Bailey 0407 874 199 Secretary/Treasurer: (Mrs) Heather Bailey Polyform buoys & fenders PWB chain Ph 03 6244 2775 Fax 03 6244 6939 • • Hi Man rope Anodes Tasmanian Sashimi Fishermen’s Association • • 14 Tabor Road, Acton Park 7170 • Wet weather gear • Zodiac liferafts President: Peter Green • Johnson pumps and impellers • Icom & GME radios Secretary: David Chaffey Ph 03 6248 1928 • Lanotec & Septone • Gloves & gumboots AQUACULTURE • Jotun & International marine • All safety equipment Tasmanian Aquaculture Council paints • Spaulding cray pots PO Box 878, Sandy Bay 7006 • Seaplast insulated ice boxes • Stainless nuts & bolts 117 Sandy Bay Rd, Sandy Bay 7005 Chairman: James Calvert 70–1500 litres Ph 0418 352 639 [email protected] TFIC: Neil Stump 0417 394 009 email [email protected] ZODIAC LIFERAFTS Tasmanian Marine Farmers Association PO Box 83, Triabunna 7190 Sales and servicing Ph 03 6257 7466 Secretary: Geoff Pickard 03 6225 1547 Now available

40 TASMANIAN FISHING INDUSTRY NEWS JUNE/JULY 2008 William Adams