NEWS December 2020 CEO’S REPORT products is so important. of the NT seafood industry It was terrific to see NTSC needs attention. Further member, Jon Hay take the this information is critical to stage with NTSC’s Donna informed decision making, English last month at the be that an investment or a Territory Natural Resources resource sharing decision. Management’s annual conference. They spoke about What’s more the Territory the importance of sharing and Northern Australia are in stories. I dare say both Jon the spotlight to keep track of and Donna would have rather growth and development – so done a million other things it is important our industry’s If you are like most people, than step on a stage to talk true contributions are being you probably are ready to to a room of over 200 people. captured. The Territory call 2020 to an end and put However they did just that, to Economic Reconstruction the feet up. At the same time share why they got involved Committee released their as Christmas is one of the in the Outside 50km Feast final report this month and busiest times of year for the Mini-Series production. agriculture is a one of five key seafood industry – the chance areas of focus. Meanwhile the to relax hasn’t yet arrived. If you have not yet had NAIF are setting up an office the chance to watch the in Darwin and keen to invest With an increased appetite mini-series videos, check our into Territory infrastructure for online sales and renewed page 4 for the links. projects to aid innovation and vigour to support locals there growth in the North. Similarly are many who continue to be And it is not just important the CRC Northern Australia under the pump to provide that we tell the stories about has produced their first State NT seafood to consumers. the people or the product, of the North report and got a People are running on empty it is also important to find further seven years ahead for and are flat strap in these information quickly about their investment strategy. final days before Christmas. the industry. That includes economic data, management But it is also important In fact there probably wasn’t details and interactions to acknowledge despite a better time for the new tool with TEPS just to name these opportunities there “Fish Finder” as part of the a few things. Right now, remains uncertainty for our national seafood campaign despite improvements being industry which the Seafood rolled out by our national made across a range of Council is working hard to peak body, Seafood Industry organisations websites and minimise wherever possible. Australia. This along the tools, it is still a challenging For example, whilst we Great Australian Seafood task to find what you want don’t know what influence campaign will certainly (especially if you don’t know COVID may have in 2021, increase consumers to think where to look). we do know that there are of Aussie seafood and the opportunities for the Seafood Fish Finder tool helps connect So whilst we know that Council to aid our member’s them to providers. people are busy, and business resilience through businesses and production Government COVID recovery Connecting people to the in some areas of the industry plans and grant opportunities. seafood products, as well are growing – how we keep Take advantage of these as the stories behind the our fingers on the pulse to opportunities to strengthen production and use of those measure and monitor the or fast track your business contributions and growth plans. Newsletter of the Northern Territory Seafood Council www.ntsc.com.au Located on Fisherman’s Wharf, Frances Bay, Darwin GPO Box 618 Darwin NT 0801 | Telephone 08 8981 5194 | Email [email protected] ABN 85 918 271 276 22 Above all we understand that QUICK READ access to fishing grounds is the most important area our Blue Mud Bay Communique Review of Barramundi Fishery members seek certainty in. The Working Group met for the A review commenced in October Which is why we are pleased first time on 23 October 2020. 2020 and is being undertaken in that the Northern Land Council Read more on page 6. a staged approach Read more has committed to providing as on page 9. soon as possible, written support Native Title Update of its commitment to a process Although there hasn’t been a National Seafood Marketing that doesn’t disadvantage lot of action for NTSC around Campaign Launched anyone and clarity on the native title in the last 20 years, The #EasyAs advertisements outcomes of the December it looks like this situation will are designed to boost domestic NLC Full Council Meeting (with change . Read more on page 5. sales. Read more on page 10. respect to access arrangements over the coming two years). Switching of your VMS Keep up-to-date on Seafood To switch off your VMS unit(s), Industry Meetings As we sign off for 2020, we for any period, you must first NTSC AGM, Licensee want wish you a COVID-safe apply. Read more on page 9 Committee and Association Christmas a happy New AGMs & GMs. Read more on Year and hopefully a relaxing Is your vessel EPIRB page 14. monsoon break. requirement right and registered? Commitment ot Envirnoment Katherine Winchester, Those affected by the new laws Sciencey NT Seafood Council to float-free EPIRB are Morrison Government is backing Chief Executive Officer encouraged to act now. Read a new era of environmental more on page 12. science. Read more on page 8. FAREWELL NEVILLE SHIELDS (SNAPPER) 27.05.1950 – 28.11.2020 It was with sadness we advise the passing of Neville Shields (affectionately known to many as Snapper) on 28 November 2020. For decades Neville provided friendly service and formed friendships with many of the people in/around the Frances Bay Mooring Basin and Darwin’s wharves. A career that started in 1975 with the Northern Territory Government’s Northern Territory Port Authority team. Neville gained qualifications to become a Plant Operator and under the Darwin Port Authority in the mid 80’s went on to become a Leading Hand of a small team down at the Wharf. This occurred just prior to the 1987 official opening of Frances Bay Mooring Basin. In the mid 1990’s Neville moved roles and worked at the Darwin Port Incinerator but when this closed in 2005 moved back to work as a Port Service Worker down in the duckpond. In 2020 Neville achieved 45 years’ with Northern Territory Government. Dearly loved Father of Fonzie, Kirsty, Lauren, Hayley and Tennele and a loving Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Good Friend. Our thoughts are with Neville’s family and friends. 33 SHOWCASING NT PRODUCE ON THE BIG SCREEN Due to COVID-19 Australians were forced to cancel or postpone events. Businesses and organisations were facing increasing challenges with many having to think outside the ‘norm’ and out of this a brand new mini-series with a paddock to plate theme emerged. In 2019 the inaugural 50km Feast event was held to champion locally grown NT produce tastes as guests dine under the stars listening to stories from produce whilst enjoying a five-course banquet. Unable to host the dinner event due to COVID, instead a mini-series production which saw six episodes explore local Territory industries and businesses that grow, harvest and cook with ingredients produced in the Northern Territory. Two of the mini-series productions showcase some of our incredible seafood. This mini-series not only introduce viewers to the product, but importantly shares the passion CLOSURE OF NT of the people producing and using these products. FISHERIES OFFICE OVER THE CHRISTMAS To help promote awareness of this new series, professional PERIOD fisher Jon Hay and NTSC’s Donna English were invited to present at the 2020 Territory Natural Resources The Department of Industry, Tourism Management conference to share their story about the and Trade’s NT Fisheries Division value of getting involved in these types of initiatives. will be closed between Friday, 25 December 2020 and Monday, 4 Outside 50km Feast: January 2021. • Episode one: Mike Scott (Organic Ag) and Chef, Jimmy Shu (Hanuman) If your fishing operations will continue over the Christmas and the New • Episode two: Dan Richards (Humpty Doo Barramundi) Year period, please ensure any and Chef, Lynton Tapp returns, licensing applications or other documents required to keep • Episode three: Chris Nathaneal (Tropiculture operations compliant are submitted in Australia) and Chef, Chung Jae Lee (Little Miss advance of these closures dates. Korea) Importantly, any applications • Episode four: Julie-Ann Murphy & Alan Petersen received after 1pm Thursday (Rum Jungle Organics), and Chef, Bruce Shin (Eva’s 24 December 2020 will not be Botanical Gardens Café) processed until staff return on Monday 4 January 2021. • Episode five: Pete Cogill & Fiona McBean (Eva Valley Meats), and Justin Whitrow (Smokey J’s) • Episode six: Jon Hay (Monsoon Fishing) and Chef, James Fiske (Snapper Rocks) 4 4 NATIVE TITLE UPDATE NTSC BOARD MEMBERS AS OF 18 NOVEMBER Shelley Beard has been working with the Seafood Council 2020 in the role of Native Title Officer since late October 2020. Chairman: Anthony Ciconte During this time she has been working to help the NTSC in improving its knowledge of native title and the claims Vice Chairman: Chris Calogeras processes, and in preparing for upcoming Native Title Claims of interest to the NT seafood industry. Treasurer: Doug Neville Although there hasn’t been a lot of action for NTSC around Secretary: Chris Calogeras native title in the last 20 years, it does look like this situation will change in the near future.