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East Coast rock lobster management changes Page 4

Shellfish Futures 0

Redmap sightings: Top 10 species and other trends Page 26Vo

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fishing todayT a s m a n i a n s e a f o o d i n d u s T r y n e w s

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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).

Baily Marine 19 Denny Mechanical 21Guy Cotten 2 King Towbars and Trailers 13Oceanpower Marine Brokers 14

RASS Marine Pty Ltd 18Sunderland Marine BCTasports 17Tassie Lobster P/L 5TMD Marine IFC

Advertising Index

Advertising deadline for the next issue: 14 January 2015

For advertising in Fishing Today contact Mary Brewer at TSIC on 03 6224 2332

Photographic acknowledgments: Tourism Tasmania© All rights reserved. Mary Brewer, Sam Ibbott, Hugh Pederson, Fiona EwingFront cover: Alice GrayProduction by Artemis Publishing Consultants P: 03 6231 6122 E: [email protected]

I n t h I s I s s u eTASMANIAN SEAFOOD INDUSTRY COUNCIL (TSIC)ABN 61 009 555 604

PO Box 878, Sandy Bay 7006P 03 6224 2332 F 03 6224 2321 E [email protected] W www.tsic.org.au

TSIC DIRECTORS

Lindsay Newman – President P 0418 368 708James Ashmore – Vice President P 0414 184 774Phil Lamb – Treasurer P 0412 386 111Bryan Denny P 0417 502 195Rodney Herweynen P 0418 130 193Jon Poke P 0419 522 262Paul Richardson P 0427 377 803Peter Stegmann P 0427 278 863David Whyte P 0438 590 570

DEpARTMENT OF pRIMARY INDUSTRIES, pARkS, WATER AND ENvIRONMENT (DpIpWE)

GPO Box 44, Hobart, 7001 P 1300 368 550

John Whittington, Secretary P 03 6165 3056

Robert Gott, A/General Manager Water and Marine Resources Division P 03 6165 3043

Grant Pullen, Manager, Wild Fisheries P 03 6165 3032

INSTITUTE FOR MARINE AND ANTARCTIC STUDIES (IMAS)Prof Chris Carter Director Fisheries, Aquaculture and Coasts Centre Private Bag 49, Hobart 7001

TSIC STAFFNeil Stump, Chief Executive [email protected] P 0417 394 009

Julian Harrington, Project Manager [email protected] P 0407 242 933

Julie Martin, Office Manager [email protected]

Mary Brewer, Administrative Officer [email protected]

fishing todayT A s m A n i A n s e A f o o d i n d u s T r y n e w s

From the President 2

TSIC Election Notice 3

East Coast rock lobster management changes 4

Chief Executive’s Report 6

TSIC News What’s happening at TSIC? 7

The truth about seafood labelling in Australia 8

Shellfish Futures 10

Another successful Working on Water Program 12

DPIPWE NewsPerceived risks to the abalone fishery 14

Convictions 14

Industry wide 15

Profile: Adam Saddler 18

Port Phillip Bay sea urchin divers welcome new licence 19

By Catch 20

WINSC 2014 Conference and AGM 22

Dunalley bushfires impetus for new business 23

MAST NewsMAST Facilities 24

Tasports: Strahan retaining wall remediation 25

IMAS NewsRedmap Sightings: Top 10 species and other trends 26

Graeme Ewing IMAS profile 27

Australian coastal communities plan for a climate future 28

Expressions of interest for rock lobster research charter 29

Final Annual Tag Lottery Draw 29

Tasmanian aquaculture rocks with new lobster

research funding 30

Seafood Training Tasmania 31

Bureau of Meteorology: Geostrophic wind 32

Directory IBC

The significance of the visit by the Chinese President Xi Jinping in November will have a major impact on our Tasmanian economy. This event has been achieved through bi-partisan support from both the Liberal Government and the previous Labor Government. In securing this visit to Tasmania, the opportunities that will be generated will be massive.

Our wild capture fisheries, particularly the abalone and rock lobster industry, heavily rely on access to the Chinese market. With a Free Trade Agreement on the table, it is paramount that we take advantage of these opportunities to discuss how we can advance a long lasting collaboration.

Further to this, Rob Pennicott’s latest award winning kudos, including the coveted Gold Medal for “Best New Tourism Development” for his “Tasmanian Seafood Seduction” experience - underlines the importance of the Asian market.

These types of innovations, which allow sectorial cooperation between several

fisheries to advance such projects, show why our fishing industry is held in such high regard throughout the world. Not only do we have world class scientific support, and sustainable fisheries, we have an island state of intrigue and mystery that is slowly but surely being given world wide exposure, which can only augur well for our future.

The importance of working cooperatively (which at times creates robust debate) is healthy, and underpins the reasons why our seafood industry remains a major contributor to the Tasmanian economy.

There have been some subtle changes in how we engage stakeholders in getting our message to you in a timely manner. We believe that the latest initiative of bi-monthly reports from TSIC, as well as our bi monthly Fishing Today magazine is informative. Your feedback to TSIC staff on the effectiveness of these changes would be appreciated.

The news that Huon Aquaculture is the latest Tasmanian Company to be listed on the Stock Exchange, is indeed positive for our fishing industry and the Tasmanian economy. Well done to Peter and Frances Bender on this progressive step for their company.

As this is the last issue of Fishing Today for 2014, it is timely to remind you all of the pending Australian Wooden Boat Festival, which will occur over the 6 – 9 February 2015, before we have our next printed edition. For any information on this event, please contact any of our office staff at TSIC and they will be happy to assist and direct you. More information about TSIC’s involvement in the Festival can be found in What’s happening at TSIC on page 7 of this issue.

In closing I wish to mention that for the most part, we have had a very positive year.

On behalf of the TSIC Board and our Staff, we would all like to pass on our very best wishes for a safe and happy Christmas, and may 2015 provide more opportunities and benefits to you all.

Lindsay Newman TSIC president

Lindsay Newman

2 FISHING TODAY DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015

From the PresIdent

AdvertFishingToday14out.indd 1 16/09/14 3:07 PM

FISHING TODAY DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015 3

Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council

2015 e le c t ion o f 5 D i re c tors

The Tasmanian Electoral Commission (TEC) has been asked to conduct the 2015 election of 5 Directors to the Board of the Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council (TSIC). Eamon Gilligan of the TEC has been appointed as Returning Officer. Under the new TSIC Constitution (adopted on 7 May 2013), 5 of the current 9 directors will have their terms conclude at the conclusion of the 2015 AGM. This election will be held for 5 directors, each to serve a four-year term of office.

N o m i n a t i o n s i n v i t e d Nominations are invited from Council members and must be received before 12 noon on

Thursday 12 March 2015 by the Returning Officer at the Tasmanian Electoral Commission (address below). A nomination form has been inserted in this issue of Fishing Today. The form is also available from the Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council, 117 Sandy Bay Road (PO Box 878), Sandy Bay, 7005, Phone 6224 2332, or the Tasmanian Electoral Commission.

E l i g i b l e M e m b e r s A member of the Council must hold a Tasmanian issued:

• Fishing licence (personal); or • Processing licence; or • Marine Farming licence.

The TSIC has advised that the current Constitution will be amended to provide that each member of the Council shall be entitled to one vote per TSIC levy paid (as has been the case at previous elections under the old Articles of Association). Financial members may vote, may be nominated as a candidate, or nominate a candidate in this election. If a member is a company or partnership, the authorised representative, as officially notified to the Secretary, may vote on behalf of the member and will be eligible for nomination as a candidate, or to nominate a candidate for election.

E l e c t i o n T i m e t a b l e

Electoral roll of Council members provided to TEC ....................... as at Saturday 28 February 2015 Nominations close ....................................................................... 12 noon Thursday 12 March 2015 Ballot material posted (if ballot required) ............................................ from Thursday 19 March 2015 Close of postal ballot ......................................................................... 10 am Thursday 16 April 2015 Annual General Meeting ................................................................................ Monday 20 April 2015

Julian Type — ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER — 13 December 2014

Level 2 Telstra Centre 70 Collins Street (GPO Box 300) Hobart Tas 7001 Phone 6233 2000 or 1800 801 701 Fax 6224 0217 www.tec.tas.gov.au [email protected]

FISHING TODAY DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 20154

New management measures were introduced earlier this year after continuing concerns over the number of Southern rock lobster being caught on the East Coast of Tasmania. The commercial sector East Coast catch cap was implemented in March 2104 and is a key measure of the East Coast Management Strategy, a 10 year strategy to rebuild East Coast rock lobster stocks to >20% of an unfished stock and in excess of the peak biomass levels of the mid 2000s, by limiting the amount of lobsters harvested each year from this region. When the catch taken from the catch cap area reaches the set limit (119 tonnes for 2014/15), the area will be closed to commercial fishing for the remainder of the quota year.

A number of new rules were also introduced into the management plan to support the monitoring and compliance issues associated with managing a catch cap. These included new telephone reports, single zone fishing and a prohibition on multiple night shots.

From the Department of Primary Industry’s perspective the implementation of the East Coast catch cap (ECCC) has so far gone smoothly. The Department received phone calls from a number of fishers wishing to clarify the new reporting and unloading requirements, and some fishers required a reminder for failing to adhere to the reporting requirements, but there were no major implementation issues.

There is real-time monitoring of the quantity of catch taken from the catch cap area via the quota dockets, which are entered into the Quota Monitoring Database. This information is reported monthly on the DPIPWE website for easy access by most fishers and processors. The website continued to be updated fortnightly/weekly after the fishery reopened in November 2014.

Hilary Revill reported that feedback from fishers at both the May and October Rock Lobster Port Meetings was ‘low key’ with no major problems highlighted, although obviously for a few fishers who have previously worked either side of the line (north or south) on a single trip, the single zone fishing requirement means that they have to plan their fishing trips differently now.

“Going forwards, I think that good communication with fishers as total catch from the cap area increases will be important, and obviously notifying fishers (who may be at sea) if/when there is a decision to close the area because the catch cap is about to be reached will be critical,” Hilary said.

“At this stage it’s too early for us to be able to analyse the effect of the East Coast changes, although our expectation is increase in biomass will accelerate soon,” Professor Caleb Gardner said. “The catch is constrained to very low levels compared to historical averages. Recruitment to the East Coast fishery was very low for several years, but there are signs that it’s returning to more average levels. The combination of more average levels of recruitment and tight controls on catch should result in stock rebuilding soon. There are hints of stock rebuilding in early catch rate data for the 2014/15 season, but this is very preliminary. We’re looking forward to seeing how catch rates appear when the fishery reopens after the closure.”

One fisher who works in the North East feels that the East Coast catch cap area start/close dates have had the greatest effect on him so far. While the North East is out of the ECCC, it still has the same restricted start/close dates as, if the ECCC is reached, then the North East area will close. Consequently, he says he has had to work in weather and swell he would not normally consider. An added danger is that potential breakdowns become more of a problem and take more time. So far the winter closure has forced him to fish out of the North East into the North West Coast, an area he doesn’t know very well.

Another fisherman is concerned that fishers will not know how much the catch cap will affect their operations until closer to the end of the quota season, when sometime in February the East Coast might close because the catch cap is reached. This closure extends outside the cap area to include the whole East Coast side of the fishery. He disagrees entirely that the rest of the East Coast should close when the catch cap is reached, whereas he would support a separate cap for the northern area of the East Coast known as Area Four.

“The idea of constraining the cray catch on the East Coast has merit, but it is ludicrous that when the professionals are told to stop

East Coast rock lobster management changes by Mary Brewer


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others who do not have operating certificates that are required, or do not have “survey Certificates” for their vessels to operate in that area. These people are left to either go without, or attempt to transfer their quota in a possibly short period of time and risk receiving less than they paid for it.”

“The ‘elephant in the room’ is the capacity for the recreational fishery to grow and increase its effort with little constraint. This will of course negate the strategy of rebuilding the stocks, and all that will be achieved is a transfer of the catch. The ten-year-plan is to rebuild current stocks that are at an all time low of 8% of virgin biomass in part of the East Coast to a sustainable fishery level of 20%. IMAS researchers have stated that the rebuild will occur if the current catches of both sectors are maintained. At present we have the commercial sector with a guaranteed reduced catch plus reduced season length and also winter closures. The recreational sector has a reduced bag limit that is rarely reached, and a shortened season. There is no management option available at this time to guarantee that recreational catches will not increase or the number of recreational fishers.”

At the moment the jury is still out on whether these measures will work and exactly what the impact on East Coast fishers will be, but a follow up article will be written next year.

For further information on the East Coast Management Strategy please contact DPIPWE or J Sansom TRLFA.

fishing because the cap has been reached, the recreational side of the fishery is still permitted to fish,” he said. “Mind you, we professionals have made suggestions to DPIPWE for many years about our concerns over the increase in numbers of recreational divers.”

He believes that the taking of rock lobster by amateur divers has been the biggest disaster to the inshore stocks of rock lobster, as the diver will take his fish from one area and keep returning until that area is wiped out. On the other hand the potter will move his pot around and try new areas every day. It is very hit and miss when using a craypot, whereas the diver is very efficient. Although he supports the idea of constraining catches he feels that it is only one sector of the fishery that is bearing the brunt of the decision makers.

What this fisherman would like to see is a separate catch cap for Area Four, so that when a cap is reached that area is closed to both the recreational and the commercial fisheries. He also believes that there should be a statewide ban on the taking of crays using compressed air, as well as a tagging system for the recreational sector to accurately account for their catch. “November first should be the opening date for the Rec sector and tenth of November for the professionals statewide,” he said.

Another fisherman is a strong supporter of this particular model to change the effort of fishers on the East Coast. “Over the last four to five years, I have found our catch rate has reduced and now flatted out,” he said.

“There was one year in the middle where the East Coast was closed due to the algal bloom. I found that due to the closure, when we returned to work the fishing was very good; in fact for a short period I would say that my catch rate was nearly double.”

“This showed me that if it was possible to reduce effort over a period of time the stock levels would increase quickly. The obvious problem is how can you achieve less effort without sending operators broke. This is why I fully support a catch cap with closures as the most effective method and would hope that the Minister runs with this model for three to four years and the effect on stock is monitored. Having said that, there will be a season shortly where catch rates will be high due to the high puerulus count of a couple of years ago, when those fish become legal size.”

“There are always operators that do not see any reason to change, but change they must. This current season has seen a higher beach price, which has made some inefficient operators wish we went back to being open all the time. I would conclude by saying that I feel it will not take long before we see some positive results from the implementation of the catch cap area on stock levels.”

Another perspective, again from an experienced fisherman, is that this closure is fine for the proposed rebuilding of the biomass, but causes significant problems for fishers who are based and fish in the area. “Firstly those fishers who don’t have suitable vessels cannot transfer their effort to the West Coast,” he said. “There are also

> E A S T C O A S T R O C K LO B S T E R M A N A G E M E N T C H A N G E S


C H I E F

Executive’sReport

Visit by the Chinese President

By the time this edition of Fishing Today rolls off the press, the first ever visit by a Chinese President, Xi Jinping and the Chinese First Lady, Peng Liyuan, to Tasmania will have concluded. The visit will have provided Tasmania as a state, as well as key Tasmanian industries, with unprecedented exposure to our largest market. I know the State Government will have worked with key stakeholders to ensure that those elements of the visit over which we have control will showcase the best of Tasmania and its produce. And I also know that all the produce served at the private lunch held for the President and the First Lady will be Tasmanian, including Tasmanian seafood. This is a once in a generation opportunity for our state. The key to maximising the flow on benefits from the visit is to make sure we are ready to take advantage of whatever opportunities arise in the short to medium term.

MED 3 Training Package

TSIC has been approached by a member who recently had to up-grade his engineering certificate of competency to a MED 3. To say the member had concerns with parts of the training package is an understatement. After listening to his

concerns I must say I believe his concerns are valid. Diesel engines of the 21st century, although still basically the same in structure as earlier diesel engines, are far more technologically advanced. When a major breakdown occurs at sea the first and only option is to radio the nearest vessel and request a tow back to port. So why then do we require an in depth knowledge of all the internal workings of a diesel motor including how to set the valves?

On the other hand, one set of skills and knowledge missing from the current package relates to “how to get your boat home” when for example a water pump fails or you have a fuel blockage and need to bleed the fuel system. Surely these are the skills that operators of fishing vessels need to have and skills which are in danger of being lost. TSIC will be contacting the Transport Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC) to see how we can have input into revising the training package.

Seafood Dinner at Parliament House

The bi-annual seafood dinner at Parliament House was held on 23 September. As with the two previous dinners, the staff at Parliament House, headed by the dining room manager Mandie Elms and new head chef John Glinatsis, ensured the variety of premium Tasmanian seafood on the menu was presented in a way that allowed the freshness and unique flavours of the produce to come to the fore.

The dinner was well attended by industry and parliamentarians from both houses. It was pleasing to see five government ministers in attendance, the Minister for Primary Industries Jeremy Rockliff, the Minister for Infrastructure, Police and Emergency Management Rene Hidding, the Minister for State Growth Matthew Groom, The Minister for Resources Paul Harriss and the Attorney General Vanessa Goodwin. It was also good to see the chief advisors to a number of the Ministers also in attendance.

Thanks are extended to Greg Hall MLA President of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and Elise Archer Speaker of the House of Assembly for hosting the dinner. Thanks also to all the producers who supplied product for the dinner.

Christmas greetings

As 2014 draws to a close and we enter the Christmas period on behalf of the TSIC staff and Board, I would like to wish all our members and their families a safe Christmas and a prosperous New Year. In 2015 TSIC will be focusing on working with all stakeholders to ensure our industry continues to be recognised as a key part of the Tasmanian economy and as a key contributor to the wider Tasmania community.

CHrisTmAs CLosinG

TSIC office will close on Christmas Eve and re open on Monday 5 January 2015.

2015 Australian Wooden Boat Festival

The 2015 Australian Wooden Boat Festival (AWBF) will be held over the 6 – 9 February 2015 at the Hobart waterfront.

The theme for the seafood industry display at the Festival will be:

The Tasmanian seafood industry…Proud past - Exciting future

To be housed within a 10m x 15m marquee, the seafood display offers a unique opportunity to promote all aspects of our industry to the approximate 200,000 people expected to attend the four day event. The display is being facilitated by TSIC, with considerable input, direction and organisation coming from an industry planning committee. This committee is represented by the majority of the key industry stakeholder sector groups within the Tasmanian fishery.

There will be three distinct components of the display: 1) a static historical display 2) a static modern seafood industry display and 3) an interactive display. The interactive component of the display will rely on significant industry participation. The aim is to have fishers, marine farmers and even processors on site to talk to people about what they do. Stories could include discussion around what a typical day catching crayfish consists of, how you farm oysters, how salmon pens are maintained, or what an abalone diver might do during a typical trip to sea. We would like stories and discussion to be personal and relate to what we do. We also hope to have some interactive display items on site, which will add another exciting dimension to the display.

Another concept to make the display more inviting is to provide the opportunity to taste some Tasmanian seafood product. Under council food safety regulations, this will require the preparation of cold food offsite, for giveaway within the display area. We are also toying with the concept of providing some simple seafood preparation and cooking displays, however, it is unlikely that we could give this hot food away (again, strict council regulations around food safety).

The four days promise some exciting opportunities to promote the Tasmanian

seafood industry, but we will be relying on sector group and individual support from our members. So if you would like to get involved in the organisation and/or participate in the event, please contact the TSIC Project Manager Julian Harrington on 03 6224 2332.

New Oyster EO

TSIC welcomes the new Oysters Tasmania Executive Officer, Adam Saddler. Adam is based within the TSIC office space. The TSIC staff look forward to a close working relationship with Adam and the Tasmanian oyster industry.

Shellfish Futures

TSIC would like to congratulate the Circular Head Oyster Growers Association for delivering an outstanding Shellfish Futures 2014 conference in Smithton. In particular, a huge round of applause must go to Cassie Plaza and Jon Poke for the huge effort they put into organising and running the event.

As part of the Conference proceedings there was also the judging of Tasmania’s best oyster. Congratulations to Hayden and Jane Dyke from Oyster Bay Oysters for taking out the Gold Medal for Tasmania’s best oyster. Further congratulations to Tony Byrne (Greenfields Oysters) for taking out the Silver Medal, as well as the best shucked dozen and People’s Choice Award; and Ben Cameron (Cameron of Tasmania) for taking out the Bronze Medal in Tasmania’s best oyster award.

Scalefish Code of Practice

The Scalefish Fishery Code of Practice is now in its final stages of preparation, with preliminary and secondary consultation now finished. Final editing and some ‘prettying up’ of the document will occur over the following weeks. Once completed, the document will be sent to the Tasmanian Scalefish Fishermen’s Association for their endorsement. Once finalised, copies will be sent to all scalefish licence holders and will also be made available on the TSIC webpage.

TSIC NewsWhat’s happening at tsIC? Tasmanian Seafood Awards June 2015

TSIC will once again be hosting the Tasmanian Seafood Awards at the Hobart Function and Conference Centre on Saturday 27 June 2015. The date is a major highlight on the seafood industry calendar, and all who attend the event have an enjoyable night. So keep the 27 June 2015 free in your calendar.

Organisation for the Awards is well underway, however, there are still several Award sponsorship opportunities available. If you are interested in sponsoring an Award, please contact the TSIC Project Manager Julian Harrington on 03 6224 2332.

And as a reminder, the 2015 Award categories will be:

• Industry Ambassador Award

• Young Achiever Award

• Seafood Primary Producer Award

• Seafood Business Award for a Large Business

• Seafood Business Award for a Small Business

• Research Development and Extension Award

• Environmental Stewardship Award

• People Development Award

• Promotion Award

• Seafood Fine Dining Award

• Seafood Casual Dining Award

• Fish and Chips Award

Nomination information, including selection criteria and entry forms, will be provided in the next issue of Fishing Today. So get your thinking caps turning and when the time comes, nominate someone for an Award.

Seafood Training Tasmania in running for National Award

TSIC would like to extend their congratulations to Seafood Training Tasmania (STT) for being selected as a top three finalist in the National Training Awards in the Small Training Provider category.

Winners will be announced in Adelaide on November 21.

7FISHING TODAY DECEMBER 2014/JANUARY 2015


> S E A F O O D L A B E L L I N G

the truth about seafood labelling in Australia by Mary Brewer

The Australian seafood industry is a highly regulated major primary industry and a significant employer, particularly in regional Australia. In 2010-11, the value of fisheries production was $2.26 billion (wild-harvest $1.31 billion and aquaculture $0.948 billion), with a total harvest of 234,000 tonnes. The value of exports totalled $1.2 billion and imports $1.5 billion. Australian commercial fishers and seafood farmers are proud to produce world-class seafood in a sustainable manner, which meets Australia’s strict health and safety standards.

However, there has been a considerable media push lately to re-examine how seafood is labelled in Australia. From “celebrity” chefs to environmental non government organisations, there are claims being made that consumers want to know exactly where their seafood comes from.

In 2006, with the support of the seafood industry, the Federal Government amended the Australian New Zealand Food Standards Code to require all seafood to be labelled by Country of Origin to the point of sale. The food service industry (restaurants, cafes and hotels, etc.) is exempt from country of origin labelling requirements.

Prior to 2006, consumer choice studies recognised a strong need for consumer confidence in accurate labelling by fish species. This led to the formation of the Fish Names Committee, the development of the Australian Fish Names Standard (ASO SSA 5300) and the implementation of a Fish Names Brand Scheme to enable businesses to demonstrate fish names compliance. Imported fish of the same species must therefore be labelled the same as domestically produced fish. For example Lates calcarifer is generally marketed in Asia as Asian Sea Bass, but when it enters Australia it must be labelled as barramundi in line with the Australian Fish Names Standard. This allows the

in the use of imported product provided by seafood wholesale suppliers to fish retailers. There was also a degree of confusion as to what the labelling laws involved, and a general lack of awareness that the legislation was in place.

There is currently a Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Senate Committee Inquiry into ‘Current requirements for labelling of seafood and seafood products’ to which the National Seafood Industry Alliance Incorporated (NSIA) have supported the following view:

“The seafood industry hopes the push to extend Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) legislation throughout the supply chain for seafood will ensure that consumers at all purchase points within the supply chain will be provided with clear information to allow them to make an informed decision and will also support Australian commercial fishers and aquaculturists.”

Interestingly, submissions from environmental groups have echoed this viewpoint, so one has to ask why? Their submissions were more concerned that labelling requirements involve sustainability. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) stated: “There is presently no requirement for seafood traders selling in the Australian market to label their products with any information relating to sustainability or the quality of fisheries management. There is also no consensus amongst industry stakeholders on the basis for making judgements about seafood sustainability.”

WWF believes that any seafood product (i.e. products that are made from or contain marine animals) sold by fishmongers, wholesalers or retailers in Australia should be accompanied by clear, easily understandable and readable labelling that includes the following information:

specific common and scientific name of each wild caught seafood species contained in the product, country of origin or catch area [as defined by the Food and Agriculture

consumer to be confident about the seafood species they are buying.

Research from Roy Morgan Research, the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and the Seafood Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) has shown that country of origin is second only to freshness in guiding consumer choices. This survey also revealed the following information: • consumers cannot readily identify where

the seafood they buy is sourced

• consumers are under the impression that they are consuming Australian seafood, when in fact they may be consuming imported product

• consumers want to buy Australian, with 90% more likely to buy food products labelled “made in Australia”

• there is significant (and growing) consumer and retailer support for locally grown/harvested produce with 72% agreeing with the statement “I prefer Australian seafood to imported product”.

With over 70% of Australia’s seafood being imported and domestic product dominating fresh fish sales for home consumption, it appears the food service trade is dominated by imported seafood. The labelling exemption creates a large gap in informing the consumer and limits consumer choice as well as undermining Australia’s industry if a cheaper product dominates as the higher value end of the market cannot compete.

In 2008, the Northern Territory enacted legislation for all imported seafood prepared for immediate human consumption to be labelled as imported. A follow up survey (FRDC Project 2009/216) showed a high level of consumer support. It also highlighted supply chain challenges and opportunities for the seafood industry and food service sector, as well as a number of impacts the labelling laws had on the food service sector and consumers. While the source of seafood has not changed dramatically as a result of the labelling laws, there has been a drop


> S E A F O O D L A B E L L I N G

Charter, which commits us to work with WWF to help safeguard valuable marine eco-systems, ensuring the long-term viability of seafood supplies.”

In 2010 Coles removed orange roughy from the shelf because of concerns that many of the Australian stocks of this species are being overfished however, a recent AFMA stock survey show that this is no longer the case.

http://www.afma.gov.au/2012/08/research-expedition-shows-orange-roughy-bouncing-back/

It would be important for industry to ensure that the WWF are not being selective with their science and that fish stock status is kept up to date to ensure Australia’s fisheries do not miss out on marketing opportunities.

While one TV personality has been quoted as saying "I want to know where my fish is from so if I think one fishery is better managed than another, I can choose to buy from a fishery that I think is better managed," one local fish restaurateur, retailer and wholesaler has already gone a step further. Mures is about to change its menus to declare the origin of all it’s seafood so that customers are given a choice between Australian seafood and the cheaper product from overseas.

However, it is equally important that the Australian public are given an unbiased education to make that choice, which should not always be sourced from the websites of those with a vested interest in destroying Australia's fisheries.

With a recent Seafood CRC survey revealing that only 44% of consumers believe eating fish is safe, another issue to be wary of is that constant campaigning against the seafood industry turns consumers off from wanting to eat any seafood at all, not just unsustainable or imported products.

It is appropriate that Dr Nick Rayns, AFMA’s Executive Manager Fisheries has the last word: “Ensuring a healthy supply of Australian seafood for current and future generations is a priority for AFMA. Australia is a world leader in fisheries management and our catch limits are set based on the best available science.”

(SFP), a non-government organisation, to carry out the scientific assessment of the sustainability of their seafood products and provide advice on the management of specific issues.

Choice magazine investigated its claims in 2011 and found only 15 of its 74 tinned and frozen seafood products have been approved by the MSC. http://www.choice.com.au/reviews-and-tests/food-and-health/labelling-and-advertising/sustainability/sustainable-seafood.aspx#ixzz3FQHaZxJB

Woolworths spokesperson Siobhan Quinn said, “We’ve found that information such as production and catch methods, fisheries, jurisdiction and scientific species names is good for supply chain managers and decision-makers, but not as helpful to the average customer wanting to make a sustainable choice”.

Woolworths also stated: “We recognise that certification takes time and resources and we will work with our suppliers to achieve this goal. Where appropriate, we will co-invest under our Fresh Food Future program for sustainability improvements and certification of fisheries supplying our products. In support of our suppliers we have provided: $25,000 grant to Northern Prawn Fishery for MSC certification; $10,000 to CSIRO and South East Trawl Fishery Industry Association (SETFIA) for research on status of orange roughy; $80,000 invested in research with Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery to improve the sustainability of the catch methods for the popular gummy shark (flake) and jointly funded a Nuffield scholarship with FRDC for a fisheries professional.

Coles signed a charter with the WWF in March 2014 to develop a sustainable seafood improvement plan working with the MSC and ASC to ensure that all Coles seafood will be responsibly sourced by 2015. They said: “In 2011 we asked the WWF to review all of our wild-caught fresh seafood. As a result of their findings you will see more responsibly sourced seafood options become available as we work with WWF and our suppliers. Coles is the only supermarket in Australia to become a signatory to the WWF Global Seafood

Organization of the United Nations (FAO)] in words, and the name of the fisheries stock from which each species contained in the product derives, as well as gear type and exact fishing method used for each seafood species contained in the product.

For aquaculture, information about the farming/ranching method, name and location and/or identification number (ID) of the farm/ranch where each seafood species was produced should be mandated. WWF believes that, when combined with independent certification schemes such as Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), it will significantly enhance the ability of consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing seafood.

Inevitably WWF has not disclosed their close association with MSC and they give no credence to the rigorous fisheries management processes already mandated in Australia. MSC was created as a conservation tool in 1997 by the WWF and Unilever to “provide the best environmental choice in seafood to consumers and to create positive incentives that would improve the status and management of fisheries”. MSC has an annual budget of close to US$20 million and has attached its logo to more than 170 fisheries. These certifications have not occurred without protest, particularly by some conservation organisations, which ironically consider the MSC certification process to be too lenient.

Greenpeace also addressed the Senate inquiry and said while it supports labelling of Australian versus imported seafood, it’s not enough to say all Australian seafood is good and all imported seafood is bad. NSIA also noted that the seafood industry in no way wishes to limit the import of seafood. However, the absence of effective labelling requirements compromises consumer choice and undermines the Australian industry.

So how far has this labelling push gone in the large supermarket chains? Woolworths, Coles and Aldi have their own labelling policies for in-house brands. On its website, Woolworths states its aim is to have all its seafood come from sustainable sources and so have partnered with the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership


SHELLFISH FUTURES by Adam Saddler

Arguably the highlight of the two day event was the shellfish industry dinner and awards night.

Opened by the Hon Jeremy Rockliff, Deputy Premier and Minister for Primary Industries and Water, the Minister also presented the 2014 Shellfish Industry Awards. The evening saw the judging and presentation of Tasmania’s best oysters and this year there were three categories: people’s choice, best split dozen and Tassie’s Top Oyster (which had gold, silver and bronze winners). There were entries for all categories from all over the State, judged by a panel of South Australian, New South Wales and Tasmanian judges. Hayden and Jane Dyke of Oyster Bay Oysters in Little Swanport on the East Coast were awarded the gold medal for “Tassie’s Top Oyster” for their “Gold-Band” pacific oyster. Tony Byrne of Greenfield Oysters was awarded silver and Ben Cameron of Cameron of Tasmania took out the bronze. Tony Byrne also won people’s choice and best split dozen.

It would not be possible to undertake Shellfish Futures without the support of sponsors. Shellfish Futures 2014 was proudly supported by over 20 sponsors and Oysters Tasmania would like to thank all this year’s sponsors. It must be noted that Shellfish Futures would not have been as successful without the support of its major sponsors Shellfish Culture Ltd, Cameron of Tasmania and the ANZ Bank. It must also be noted and acknowledged that the event would not have been a success if it wasn’t for the tireless efforts of Cassie Plaza and Jon Poke, who led the organisation of the Shellfish Futures 2014. Well done and thanks to Cassie and Jon.

In other industry news, Adam Saddler was appointed as the Executive Officer for Oysters Tasmania and started in October 2014. While new to the industry, Adam has significant experience in industry development, governance and advocacy having worked with Australian, Tasmanian and local governments, most recently as principal in his own economic development consultancy. See page 18 for full profile.

The Tasmanian oyster industry held its annual conference and trade show “Shellfish Futures” in Smithton over the 17th and 18th of October 2014, which also celebrated the Tasmanian “oyster of the year”. The conference was attended by over 150 delegates representing growers from across the State, hatchery owners and operators, national and state speakers, and exhibitors and suppliers to the industry.

Shellfish Futures allows the industry from all the growing regions of the State to come together both professionally and socially with leading scientists, researchers, suppliers, government officials, business advisers, national and mainland state industry representatives and industry educators to discuss, learn and address the many issues and challenges that effect our industry.

Day one allowed for registration of conference attendees and was also the day on which the Annual General Meetings for both the Tasmanian Oysters Research Council and the Tasmanian Shellfish Executive Council were held. The AGMs were followed by the ever popular “Beer and Bivalves” evening function, a BBQ dinner and social gathering. Hosted by the Circular Head Oyster Growers Association, the evening featured the Oyster Olympics, a series of oyster related challenges that brought out the competitive edge in all contestants.

The AGMs for the Tasmanian Oyster Research Council and the Tasmanian Shellfish Executive Council resulted in a significant announcement that these two entities have amalgamated under the banner of Oysters Tasmania. This amalgamation has been 18 months in the planning and is now imbedded in the industry. Jon Poke was elected as the Chairman of Oysters Tasmania, supported by a board of directors comprising Ben Cameron, Ian Duthie, Mike Webb, and Dan Roden. The main focus areas for Oysters Tasmania are research and development, advocacy and the promotion and development of the industry on behalf of its members.

Day two of Shellfish Futures was dedicated to the conference and culminated in the industry dinner and industry awards. The theme for the conference was “Surviving in risky times” and was headlined by leading Australian researcher into the Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome (POMS), Professor Richard Whittington from the University of Sydney. POMS is widespread in France and other European areas and has devastating impacts on oyster farming, with nearly a 100% death rate in areas where the disease is prevalent. POMS has been found in NSW waters, with the same devastating impact on oyster farms there and it was Professor Whittington’s opinion that it is just a matter of time before it spreads to other Australian waters such as Tasmania. Professor Whittington highlighted the need for the industry to be as ready as it can be to mitigate the effects of the devastating POMS.

Professor Whittington was supported by a variety of speakers on food safety, risk management, workplace safety, oyster breeding, quality assurance programs, environmental testing regimes, training and financial risk management. All these areas and more are paramount to the industry’s sustainability and survival. Increasing the capacity of the industry to manage risks of all kinds can only benefit the industry as a whole.

2014


Best Tasmanian Oyster Gold Medal winners Jane and Hayden Dyke (centre) with Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff (left) and new Oysters Tasmania Chair and Shellfish Futures organiser, Jon Poke.

Tony Byrne took out the Silver medal for the Best Tasmanian oyster as well as the judges and peoples choice Awards for best split dozen.

> S H E L L F I S H F U T U R E S

Sponsors

The winners of each Award category received a trophy as well as a bundle of other goodies, including cash!

The Gold Medal best oysters in Tasmania, fresh from Oyster Bay Oysters.

Dave Jarvis and Robert Green (DPIPWE), Bryan Denny (Ocean Blue Diving), Will Mure (Mures), Matt Jones, Ben Tucker and James Garde (Seafood Training Tasmania); Craig Crawford (Tasmania Police) and last but by no means least, Bobby Young (Tassal Salmon Shop).

Just as importantly, the program would not be possible without the financial contribution (cash, product donation/cost price supply of product and use of facilities) of a number of industry partners (see logos below).

And finally, as part of the 2014 Working on Water program, Tassal, Huon Aquaculture and Cameron of Tasmania all generously offered one week of work experience to WoW participants. Also, Seafood Training Tasmania were offering training opportunities through the Keith Cripps Scholarship and Southern Tasmanian Divers were offering cost price open water dive tickets. Thanks to all for this generous contribution.

On the afternoon of Sunday 26 October, I checked the weather forecast for about the third time that day. ‘Dammit’ there was even more wind and rain forecast for Tuesday. ‘Oh well, it could still improve’ I thought to myself. Why was I so concerned about the weather? Well, the next morning I expected 54 year 9 and 10 students from 16 different schools to turn up for the start of the three day TSIC Working on Water (WoW) Career pathway program, and excessive wind and rain would certainly put a dampener on the entire event. For those of you not familiar with it, the three day WoW program allows participants to see, hear, taste and touch the diverse array of jobs and career opportunities available in, on and around the Tasmanian marine environment. With a hands on approach to the program, we were scheduled to spend considerable time outdoors, including on the water.

Monday morning arrived, and there was some patchy rain around. Luckily, the majority of the day’s program was indoors, with a focus on marine research and tertiary study opportunities. So a day of presentations at UTas Sandy Bay campus, IMAS Taroona and the Australian Antarctic Division was certainly a relief.

As a very successful day one came to an end, I checked the weather forecast yet again. ‘Oh no’, 40+ knot winds and rain had led the Bureau of Meteorology to issue a Severe Weather Alert for most of Tasmania. With half the WoW participants scheduled to visit Get Shucked oyster farm and Tassal’s Roberts Point salmon farm, both of which are within very exposed regions of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and the other half walking around the Hobart docks, it was certainly time to put a contingency plan together for Tuesday’s program.

After several phone calls and discussions with a multitude of people, I had a contingency plan in place by 7.30pm Monday evening. My biggest concern was the on-water group in the D’Entrecausteaux Channel. How comfortable would it be on a boat? Will they be OK on the more sheltered western (mainland Tasmanian) side of the channel? How much rain will there be? The best case contingency was to have an on-water visit to Tassal’s more sheltered Sheppard’s Point salmon farm. This would be followed by a visit to the Woodbridge Marine Discovery Centre (thanks to Claire Blichfeldt and a late cancellation) and a return boat trip to Kettering. As for the group visiting the Hobart docks, we would potentially have some ‘outdoor’ presentations moved indoors. Fortunately, the weather was to improve immensely for the repeat Wednesday program, so no need for a contingency there.

Despite some adverse weather at times, both the Tuesday and Wednesday programs ran exceptionally smoothly. In fact, the worst of the rain and wind somehow held off until participants were on buses or indoors, a level of planning I cannot take any credit for!

Some highlights of the three day program included tasting oysters fresh out of the water, hearing about farming salmon whilst watching fish jumping around the fish pens and tasting the diverse selection of salmon products available within Tasmania.

So despite the inclement weather, the 2014 WoW program was highly successful.

Some thank you’s

The three day WoW program would not be possible without the generous participation and support of a number of individuals, businesses and organisations. A huge thank you must go out to (in order of the program agenda):

Steve Harrison (Huon Valley Trade Training Centre); Cassandra Price (IMAS); Jeannie-Marie Leroi (UTas); Laura Smith (Marine Solutions); Graeme Ewing, Ivan Hinojosa, Felipe Briceño, Toni Cooper and Caleb Gardner (IMAS Taroona); Dane Jones (Southern Tasmanian Divers), Rob King and Emma Woodcock (Australian Antarctic Division); Robert Pennicott (Pennicott Wilderness Journeys); Joe Bennett (Get Shucked Oysters); Fiona Ewing and Peter Gysen (Tassal); Claire Blichfeldt (Woodbridge Marine Discovery Centre); Alison Stebbing (Huon Aquaculture); John Ramsden (Ralph’s Tasmanian Seafood); Ben Arthur (IMAS Waterfront);

Another successful WorkIng on Water Programby Julian Harrington



> I N D U S T R Y W I D E

Long time Working on Water supporter and commercial fisher Bryan Denny talking to participants about abalone and commercial diving at Constitution Dock.

Robert Pennicott provided transport out to Joe Bennett’s Get Shucked oyster least in Great Bay. Participants were able to taste the world’s freshest oysters, straight from the water.

Pulling up alongside the Tassal Roberts Point salmon pens.

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An uncertain future for the WoW Program

The Working on Water program has been operating as a partnership between the seafood/broader marine industries and the Department of Education since its inception in 2008. Since this time, an estimated 400 students have participated in the Working on Water program, with many taking on work experience, tertiary studies and in some cases employment within the marine world.

Since 2011, the Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council has been fully responsible for the organisation of the program agenda. The task of organising where we go, who we meet and what we see has been made relatively simple because of the financial and industry support of those organisations mentioned previously. However, having industry money and participation is only one side of the program.

Just as important is the internal school and participant organisation, which in recent years has been facilitated by staff within the Guaranteeing Futures (GF) South program, notably Blair Brownless and Lynne Hanlon. The GF program is also responsible for the Pathway Planners located within schools. Under the most recent State government budget, the entire GF program is set to be disbanded at the end of 2015, leaving the future of the Working on Water program very much up in the air.

Unless TSIC has a single point of contact within the Department of Education to organise the dissemination of information to schools, select program participants and organise supervision throughout the three day program, we will be forced to put an end to this highly successful and well supported industry driven program.

Let’s hope that the 2014 WoW program was not the last.


A respected academic has been appointed to examine issues and concerns raised by the Tasmanian Abalone Council Ltd in relation to perceived risks to the abalone fishery from the expansion of salmonid marine farming in south eastern Tasmania.

Both the salmonid marine farming and the wild harvest abalone industries are important to the State’s economy, enhancing Tasmania’s reputation as a producer of premium seafood products. Both sectors rely on our clean coastal waters to grow and harvest the relevant species and need to operate sustainably to ensure their long term future.

Over the past 17 years the salmonid industry has been subject to comprehensive monitoring programs which has resulted in the collection of substantial amounts of data. The industry has collaborated on extensive scientific research into salmonid marine farming interactions with the environment and monitoring programs are subject to continuous review and refinement. Independent scientific assessment of environmental indicators that have been monitored indicate that the industry is operating in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The Tasmanian Abalone Council has compiled its concerns in a document called Risks to the Tasmanian Abalone Fishery from the expansion of the Salmonid Industry. It is recognised that commercial abalone divers spend a considerable amount of time underwater observing abalone habitat and that these observations should be considered. However, any evidence to support causal

links also needs to hold appropriate rigour.

To examine these issues, the Minister for Primary Industries and Water has engaged the services of Adjunct Professor Colin Buxton as an eminent, independent scientist with experience in both the abalone and the salmonid marine farming industries to consider the merits of and provide advice regarding the concerns raised by the Tasmanian Abalone Council.

Professor Buxton will be well recognised as an expert scientist of significant standing who has recently retired from his position as Professor and Centre Director at the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies. He will provide an appropriately rigorous and independent assessment of the issues and concerns enunciated by the Tasmanian Abalone Council, and the management and monitoring regimes already in place for the salmonid industry.

It is anticipated that Adjunct Professor Buxton will complete his investigation and should submit a report to the Minister by the end of March 2014.

DpIpWE News CONVICTIONS

PerCeIved rIsks to the abalone fishery

Non Commercial Rock Lobster Fishermen Convicted

On 8 May 2014 Mr Matthew James Bester was convicted in the Hobart Magistrates Court of taking excess and undersized rock lobster and failing to mark the rock lobster (clip the tails) as required.

On 8 December 2013 Marine Police officers intercepted a vehicle being driven away from the boat ramp at Catamaran. Police located four rock lobster hidden in the vehicle, all rock lobster were found to be under the prescribed minimum legal size limit and did not have their tails marked as required. The female driver of the vehicle advised Police that they were not her rock lobster.

Mr Bester approached Police and admitted that he had caught the rock lobster earlier that morning at Recherche Bay.

Recherche Bay is within the area of State Waters defined as the Eastern Region and therefore, the daily catch limit is three rock lobster.

Mr Bester received fines and special penalties totalling $1950.

Steve Withers Manager – Fisheries Compliance and Licensing

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achieved with most of the scallop fleet electing to fish in Commonwealth waters.

Catch rates from the Circular Head open area continue at 400 kg per hour or better and, with an average 75 to 80 meats per kilogram, at good recovery rates from shells generally better than 85mm.

There have been no vessels harvesting at White Rock since the opening week commencing 1 July due to the then poor condition of the meats and roe.

Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery

The TAC for this fishery increased from 150 tonnes to 1000 tonnes effective from 8 August and a surveyed area approx. 24nm NNE of Flinders Island assessed at 2400 tonnes was closed for the season at the same time as per the harvest strategy requirement.

The scallop fleet moved to east of King Island and has continually harvested in this area ever since. The harvested scallops in this area are exceptionally good, with meats around 60 to 70 per kilogram from shells up to 120mm. Catch rates are also very good at up to a tonne an hour of clean scallops. It appears that there are a number of possibly joined beds in this area, all at a depth of just over 20 metres, so the opportunities look good for next year as well.

When the AFMA Commission approved the initial increase in the TAC from 150 tonnes to 1000 tonnes, they also agreed, consistent with the new Harvest Strategy, that should the Bass Strait catch exceed 800 tonnes then the TAC would be increased to 1500 tonnes.

Catch Disposal Record forms processed by AFMA Management showed that in excess of 800 tonnes had in fact been caught and as a result the Bass Strait Central Zone scallop TAC increased to 1500 tonnes effective from 17 October.

The new SFR conversion factor was 3.374578 kg per SFR unit.

Food safety test results

Throughout the Tasmanian and Commonwealth scallop seasons we have regularly submitted scallop samples to the

Public Health Laboratory in New Town, southern Tasmania for E.coli testing and Analytical Services Australia in Sydney for testing for paralytic, amnesic and diarrhetic shellfish toxins.

I am delighted to confirm that to date all food safety results have been negative, ie there were none of these nasties in our scallops. Not only do we produce the very best quality seafood but we can also prove that the scallops we produce are always safe for human consumption.

Other issues

As an industry we are continually on the front foot trying very hard to protect the best interests of our members. Here are just two examples of issues we are currently managing:

Negotiations are continuing with Tasports regarding their plan to dump dredge spoils 3.8 km north of Devonport at a location about 5 kms west of the known and developing scallop bed from Wrights Island east to Port Sorell Point — off shore from Devonport airport.

The concern we have is that the accumulative effect of 233 dredge cycles each of 1440 cubic metres over 32 days next year will result in sediment plumes that will cause damage to the known scallop resource. Seismic activity in Bass Strait is always of concern given the massive scallop deaths in 2010, so we are always keen to minimise any impact on known scallop beds.

ION Geophysical are planning a 2D seismic survey in Commonwealth Bass Strait waters early next year and following negotiations it appears that small changes to their seismic plans will mostly protect our interests. We can never be sure that seismic will not impact on larvae or growing juvenile beds but we can try to limit any obvious danger to the known scallop beds and we are still negotiating with ION to achieve that outcome.

Season greetings

So, that brings us once again close to the end of another scallop season with smiles all round from fishermen, processors and

Scallop Fishermen’s Association of Tasmania This has been a good season for scallop harvesting in both Tasmanian and Commonwealth waters.

After initial negotiations on management arrangements were finalised earlier in the year our fishermen got down to business and there has been consistently good catch rates of quality scallops.

Our processing capacity is always an issue and retail sales of meats can vary significantly given the unfortunate stop/start nature of the fishing seasons, but we are indeed very fortunate that our scallops are of top quality and are always in demand.

Overall fishermen and processors in both jurisdictions are happy that this has been one of the better seasons, and a chance to recover at least some of the high management cost expenses incurred over the last few years.

Tasmanian State Scallop Fishery

In September, the Minister for Primary Industries and Water received a number of representations from industry to the effect that smaller quota holders were unable to secure sufficient scallop quota units to enable them to continue fishing this season.

As a result, and after a period of negotiation, the Minister doubled the Tasmanian TAC from 620 tonnes (15% of participating units or 60 kg per unit) to 1240 tonnes representing 30% of participating units or 120 kg per unit. This increase was effective from 26 September and applies for all Tasmanian open scallop areas at Circular Head and White Rock.

This decision has enabled our iconic state scallop fishery to continue to the end of the season without the fear of stoppages or having to close down, and has secured many jobs and will maximise the economic benefits that flow from this fishery.

For the last month or more there has only been one vessel harvesting off Stanley, so it is likely that the TAC will not be fully

industry wide


Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishermen’s AssociationTRLFA general meeting/AGM

The TRLFA general meeting and AGM were held at Wrest Point on 28 October, when a wide range of subjects were discussed and voted upon. A presentation from IMAS researcher Bridget Green on understanding stock recruitment relationships was informative and invited a number of questions from the meeting. The project encompasses genetic studies of larvae, influences on dispersal and settlement and aims to provide the industry with accurate data for decisions on stock, egg production and importantly if we have a shared stock between the three states or if we are all self-recruiting. The answer to that may change completely the way we look at how the stock should be managed.

A short report from James Parkinson DPIPWE on the 60 pot trial and voluntary pot sampling was followed by the latest stock assessment report from IMAS presented by Klaas Hartman. The report concluded that the current TAC is on track to meet all target reference points and an adjustment is not necessary for the next quota year. Ross Hodge, the Executive Officer of SRL, reported on industry involvement with the Seafood Trade Advisory Group and its role in lobbying the Federal Government for seafood to be included in a Free Trade Agreement with China. He then gave an update on the Clean Green program that has just been expanded in the Northern Zone of South Australia.

The Minister for Primary Industry and Water, Jeremy Rockliff, addressed the meeting after the lunch break. He confirmed his government’s commitment to implement all the pre-election promises for the fishing industry. He congratulated the TRLFA for its representation on industry matters and committed to be a consultative Minister. He fully supported the industry and its approach to have seafood included in the China Free Trade Agreement. After his address the Minister agreed to take questions from the floor. The vast

majority of questions related to East Coast management and recreational impact. The unanimous feeling from the members was that without serious management tools being implemented to arrest inevitable increased catch by that sector, the policy of stock rebuilding would be a failure. The lowering of the commercial catch in the area guaranteed that sector’s serious commitment to the strategy and a similar commitment from the other extractive users of the resource is required. It is not good enough for one sector of a fishery to forego catch to rebuild stocks just to see that catch soaked up by another sector for no gain to the biomass. It is fair to say that the Minister was convinced of the seriousness of the issue to the industry.

During the meeting, an Extra Ordinary Meeting was opened to change the Articles of Association. There were two motions for the meeting to vote on. The first was a general upgrade to the articles that brought the Association up to modern day practises and was supported unanimously. The second motion was a proposal to alter the Board structure in line with the recommendations of the recent independent review of the TRLFA. The alteration allowed for a change from two representatives from each of the three geographical areas to one, with the other three representatives from the general membership. The motion was carried unanimously.

Two motions on notice were passed with large majorities at the recommencement of the General Meeting. The first was to ban the practise of “double night shooting” in the North West; the second was to alter the definition of a craypot in the Fishery (Rock Lobster) Rules to enable the carriage of two “unassembled” pots on board a fishing vessel able to be assembled should a fisher lose a pot.

Other decisions made at the meeting were:

• to agree to a staged closure of Stock Assessment Areas 4 and 1 should the East Coast Catch Cap be triggered

• to agree to the removal of the August closure of the Catch Cap Area

• to support that the opening of the rock lobster season be the same for commercial and recreational sectors

consumers. On behalf of the President of the SFAT John Hammond and the Executive Team we wish everyone involved in the scallop industry a very merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year. Rest up over the holiday period so we can do it all again in 2015.

Bob Lister Scallop Fishermen’s Association of Tasmania

Tasmanian Commercial Divers Association Incorporatedpresident’s Report 2013–2014

These past 12 months haven’t seen many changes or challenges in the commercial dive wild capture fishery.

The periwinkle project that was conducted by a great team of researchers at IMAS has now been completed, with the final report in the process of being drafted and then sent to FRDC for approval before it can be released to the general public through a variety of publications.

I would personally like to thank John Keane (IMAS), Cameron Mead and Ren Bell (divers) for their hard work, time, effort and knowledge that they put into the project, and to all other IMAS personnel for their time. Thanks also needs to be extended to FRDC for their contribution to the project.

It is great to see that catches of the three main species — periwinkles, short spine urchin and long spine urchin (centrostephanus) — from 1 September 2013 to 25 June 2014 were: • periwinkles: 18558 kg, only 2000 kg

short of last year with six weeks left till the end of the licensing year

• short spine urchin: 14410 kg to date, which is 30 t down on last season.

• long spine urchin: to date there has been 96645 kg harvested, which is an increase of 14 t on last year.

Thanks to all fishers who continue to work hard and help to implement the changes to the management plan for the future of the commercial dive fishery.

Thank you

Bryan Denny president



• not to support an appeal against the 5 kg per pot cut to the TAC introduced last year.

The meeting agreed to refer two subjects to the SPOC:

• a permit application to increase pot numbers on a vessel employing two entitlements

• investigate the increase of the 200 pot/quota limit.

The meeting was followed by the 2014 Annual General Meeting. The meeting received and approved the Financial Report and approved the Board Budget. Clive Perryman gave the President’s report and the election of office bearers followed. Election results were:

• President: Clive Perryman.

• Secretary/Treasurer: Margaret Atkins

• Vice Presidents: Darrell Grey, Brian Franklin, Ian Heathorn, Dawn Jordan, George Marris and Rob Rattray.

year from newly introduced levies on fishers, processors and dealers. They plan to use this money to engage a professional marketing company to employ the most effective tactics to promote Maine lobster internationally. The Canadians are following closely behind with a strategy to have a similar levy or fee system in legislation shortly. The Canadian industry is currently valued at a staggering C$1.7 billion. The strategy encompasses eco-labelling, generic “Brand Canada” marketing and collaboration through the whole supply chain. Quality control is the key with strict control of product quality allowed to be exported. The Lobster Council of Canada claims that the return on investment will be between $4 and $9 for each $1 invested. The plan is to take advantage of opportunities in Europe and Asia, with new trade agreements to grow the brand and value of their product. To quote the Executive Director of the Canadian Lobster Council, “It is time to build new bridges, to collaborate and to transcend the issues brought about by lack of organisation in the industry”. It will be interesting to see the results of the plan.

Fuel tax credit

The TRLFA and SRL are supporting other fishery organisations in the pursuit of maintaining the real value of the fuel rebate we currently operate with. The Federal Government is considering the introduction of a new fuel tariff (similar to the alcopops tariff) which would not have to pass the Senate. If the tariff is introduced outside the Fuel Tax Credit Scheme, the opportunity arises for the tariff to be reviewed twice yearly in line with inflation, while your rebate would remain the same with no provision for increase. This means that the value of your rebate is eroded over time. A joint meeting of fishery and farming sectors met recently in Canberra to form a joint response strategy to ensure that any tariff be included in the Fuel Tax Credit Scheme. We will be keeping a close eye on this issue.

Overseas

Our competitors in the marketplace from North America are getting serious about marketing and promotion. The Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative has $750,000 this


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Being thrown in the deep end doesn’t seem to faze the Executive Officer of Oysters Tasmania, Adam Saddler. Starting in the role on 6 October, one of his first missions was to attend the Shellfish Futures conference two weeks later, having barely got his feet wet. However, he tells me it was a great opportunity to meet and greet as many of the oyster community as possible — now he just has to remember all their names!

Adam’s journey into the oyster industry has certainly not been straightforward. Originally from rice farming country in the Riverina region of NSW, Adam started his working life as a farmhand, before becoming a linesman building power lines for a decade or so. After a stint working in the hospitality sector, he changed course completely and studied tourism for his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Canberra. Adam also has a graduate qualification in Public Sector Management and he is an Australian certified Economic Developer (AcED), one of only two in Tasmania.

development in remote East Arnhem Land and created local government capacity in the commercialisation of waste and its management in Sri Lanka.

In addition, Adam has provided executive support to several local government councils across Tasmania including as the General Manager of the Flinders and Tasman Councils.

Adam’s strong background in capacity-building and sustainable development focussed on delivering practical solutions through the development and implementation of strategic approaches for industry, coupled with business planning and development.

Adam is looking forward to meeting and learning from industry, and working with the industry to improve advocacy, communication and industry development. He has already taken on the activities, tasks and challenges of the new position and hopes to provide value for money to the oyster industry.

Apart from work, Adam enjoys being at home with Melissa and their children Emma and Tom, developing his small acreage outside of Hobart (or just keeping up with the maintenance!), travelling, cooking and a game of squash when he can.

From 1997, Adam worked for six years with the Australian International Development Agency in Canberra, delivering bilateral aid projects through the development, design, contracting and management of projects in China, Tibet, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Indonesia and PNG.

In another career and life change, he moved to Tasmania 12 years ago after meeting his now wife, Melissa. Since then, Adam has held several positions in economic and tourism development with the State Government before establishing a consultancy business in 2008.

Over the last six years, Adam has undertaken a wide variety of projects and activities as a development consultant for private clients and both Tasmanian state and local governments, ranging from the development of industry growth and capacity-building strategies, to a variety of funding proposals covering areas such as infrastructure development, affordable housing and business planning and development.

During this time, Adam provided executive services to several industry associations, including at a national level for Economic Development Australia as its National Coordinator for the Regional and Remote Area Training program. He completed development projects in indigenous business


> P R O F I L E : A D A M S A D D L E R

ProFILe: Adam Saddler by Mary Brewer

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Steps have recently been taken to grow the potential of Victoria’s sea urchin fishery by introducing a new licensing and quota system that provides urchin fishers with more secure access to the fishery, and business confidence to invest in their businesses and to develop local and overseas markets.

Sea urchin may now be harvested in eastern Victoria and Port Phillip Bay under the newly created Sea Urchin Fisheries Access Licence. There are a total of nine licences across Victoria; six in eastern Victoria and three in Port Phillip Bay. The sea urchin fishery had been operating since 1998 as a ‘developing fishery’ under permits, with the new regulatory arrangements coming into effect on 1 August 2014.

Bruce Cronin is the proud owner of one of three Port Phillip Bay licences. After diving for urchins for 20 years on a developing fishery permit, Bruce is ecstatic about the transition to a fully licensed fishery. “Fisheries Victoria has done a great job setting up this licensing system and ought to be congratulated,” he said.

Port PhILLIP bay sea urChIn dIvers welcome new licence

The sea urchin fishery in Port Phillip Bay is now a quota managed fishery, with quota units able to be traded among licence holders. Bruce is allowed up to three nominated divers on his licence, which provides flexibility and efficiency for harvesting.

Buyers of Port Phillip Bay sea urchin can be assured that the fishery is sustainable and conservatively managed. Sea urchin harvesting is a low impact, environmentally friendly activity. Urchins are harvested by hand, ensuring that there is no by-catch. When urchins are in large numbers, overgrazing can denude reefs of vegetation, causing a dramatic loss of biodiversity. Urchin harvesting can help manage urchin densities, thus maintaining healthy marine habitats that support an abundance of species.

“It’s like a dream,” Bruce said of his beloved Port Phillip Bay. With the shape of the Bay providing protection from most wind directions, fishing grounds a short distance from port, and a diving depth of 10–15 feet, it’s no wonder that Bruce considers himself very lucky.

Meanwhile, the delicious sweet-tasting roe of Port Phillip Bay sea urchin is rapidly gaining a reputation in the marketplace for its premium quality. The taste, colour and size of the roes are ideally suited to the sushi/sashimi trade.

Located on the doorstep of Australia’s fastest growing city, and within close proximity to Melbourne International Airport, the Port Phillip Bay sea urchin fishery is poised to take advantage of the current growth in domestic and overseas demand.

“Security of access and allocation rights means that fishermen can finally invest in capital equipment and pursue market opportunities with confidence,” Bruce said. “It’s been a long road, but the future for the Port Phillip Bay sea urchin fishery is very exciting.”

It seems the new sea urchin licences couldn’t have come at a better time.

Bruce Cronin

By CatchSmooth sailing ahead for Australian seafood

The world’s rapidly-growing appetite for seafood is good news for Australia, with the local industry set to ride the surging wave of global demand, according to a new industry report. The report, Smooth sailing for Australian seafood by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank, says global consumption of seafood has grown by 26% over the past 15 years, driven by increasing populations and the popularity of seafood in diets.

Seafood is the most consumed animal protein in the world – surpassing other meats including poultry, pork and beef – and consumption is expected to continue to surge, with forecasts suggesting the growth rate is not likely to slow down over the next 10 years.

“Rapid demand growth is outstripping supply, with an estimated 30 to 40 million tonnes of additional seafood required globally to meet consumer demand by 2030,” the report finds.

And Australia is in a ‘box seat’ to take advantage of this growing demand at the high-value premium end of the global market, the report says.

Black market ring busted in Victoria

In mid-October, a large scale fisheries enforcement operation took down an alleged seafood trafficking syndicate operating out of Melbourne. 14 people were arrested during the execution of 12 search warrants, with offences mainly relating to the illegal sale of abalone, rock lobster and other shellfish.

Under Victoria’s asset confiscation scheme, police seized 12 vehicles and a large quantity of cash and frozen assets associated with properties worth millions of dollars.

A full complement of fifty people attended the event and were treated to a fabulous range of Tasmanian seafood and beverages all donated generously by an array of companies – the who’s who of Tasmanian food and drink.

From the outset this was going to be all about the students and they left no stone unturned in their efforts to ensure that the catering was top notch (under the watchful eye of first class local chefs) and that the main event of making people aware of AwF and its activities ran like clockwork. Shannon Phillips and Stacey Tomkinson (Cert 1 Aqua students) spoke about AwF, its mission, projects and the significance of the most important period in anyone’s life, the 1000 days from time of conception until the time of their 2nd year birthday.

AwF Australia Director, DOS O’Sullivan, was representing the organisation at the event but he ensured that Jennifer Cobcroft (IMAS) did the majority of presenting on AwF as she had only just recently returned from working for AwF in Myanmar. Jennifer congratulated HVTTC Year 9 Cert 1 girls on being able to use equipment like photometers to test water quality and highlighted that university students in Myanmar had very limited opportunity to do that due to lack of resources. AwF are close to finishing a much needed aquaculture library at the Myanmar Fisheries Federation in Yangon, Myanmar hopefully opening this early in the New Year.

Steve Harrison, who had started plotting the event some months before, was excited to see that all the three major salmon companies (Tassal, Huon and Petuna) not only contributed to the food but also united at the event to support the dinner, along with representatives of the feed company Skretting. He, like AwF, was grateful to other seafood sponsors Dover Bay Mussels, Van Dieman Oysters, and Abtas and organisations Willie Smith’s Cider, Frank’s Cider, Pagan Cider, St Imre Vineyard, Home Hill Winery, Kermandie Hotel who had supported the event with beverages.

The stars of the night though were the students of the HVTTC who are enjoying the opportunity of starting off their careers in the aquaculture industry. Based on their efforts on behalf of AwF, a bright future lies ahead of them and Tasmanian aquaculture.

Review of Commonwealth harvest strategy, bycatch and overarching fisheries policies

In response to the recommendations of recently completed reviews relating to the Commonwealth Harvest Strategy Policy and Guidelines (2007) (harvest strategy policy), Commonwealth Policy on Fisheries Bycatch (2000) (bycatch policy) and a Review of Commonwealth Fisheries: Legislation, Policy and Management (Fisheries Management Review), the Department of Agriculture is currently in the process of developing a revised harvest strategy policy, bycatch policy and an overarching fisheries policy.

Once a draft document is completed, the Department will be providing stakeholders an opportunity to comment on the revised policies through a six week public consultation process in early 2015. This will ensure the revised policies meet community expectations, will be practical and cost effective to implement, help to ensure the sustainability of Commonwealth fisheries and minimise the impact of fishing on the marine environment.

An announcement on the commencement of the public consultation process will be made in early 2015.

Will insects be our future fish feed?

The Research Council of Norway is investing considerable funding over the next four years to investigate the potential of using insects as a safe healthy ingredient of future fish feeds. The aptly named Aquafly project will be looking at the use of insect meal as an ingredient of salmon feed, with the research to include environmental, social and economic perspectives, amongst more.

Aquaculture without Frontier’s

The evening of the 22 October will go down in Aquaculture without Frontier’s (AwF) history as the starting point of its Australian organisation thanks heavily to the students and staff at the Huon Valley Trade Training Centre (HVTTC), especially Steve Harrison.



> B Y C AT C H

They proudly raised $2900 for the cause and feedback indicated that many people were interested in finding out more about AwF.

Government push to end commercial fishing in Port Phillip Bay

Victorian commercial fishers have warned that local caught fish could disappear from seafood shops under a Victorian government push to ban commercial fishing nets from Port Phillip Bay and Corio Bay. In an ever occurring theme, the Victorian government will implement a licence buy-back scheme, with the promise of better catches for recreational fishers.

However, commercial fishers haven’t been consulted, and argue that the bays are not being overfished. Instead, the move will ruin the livelihood of local fishers and the retail businesses that rely on their catches.

Bloom diagnostic test to aid shellfish industry

A new project to develop a rapid shellfish toxin screen test is underway at the University of Tasmania. The test, using a similar platform to home pregnancy test kits, is one of the first steps in a $600,000 Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) project to improve the understanding of Tasmanian harmful algal blooms. The new test can reduce screening and analysis times from days to hours or less.

Project leader, Prof Gustaaf Hallegraeff, said research will lead to a quick turnaround with water and shellfish toxin sampling procedures able to identify the onset of any harmful blooms, which evolve with changing ocean and climatic conditions. “Ultimate adoption by the Australian shellfish industry of these improved diagnostic tests will provide an on - site tool for farmers to manage their seafood harvest. The outcome is to reduce blanket closures of fisheries, and reducing the risk of unsafe product reaching domestic and export markets,” Prof Hallegraeff said.

The broader FRDC project has four research objectives

• develop, test and calibrate screening techniques for rapid detection and evaluation of toxins;

• identify genetic population structure and biology (inshore or offshore origin) of toxic Alexandrium tamarense - group algae using state-of-the art molecular and biotoxin screening techniques

• integrate existing Tasmanian East Coast oceanographic modeling with field bloom biology data to enable risk zone prediction during biotoxin event development; and

• establish the relative risk of Tasmanian seafood species to accumulate marine biotoxins to underpin a state-wide approach to biotoxin risk management.

$6 million research facility to boost salmon research

Tenders have been called to build the most technologically advanced and extensive large fish experimental aquaculture facility in the Southern Hemisphere. The $6 million Experimental Aquaculture Facility will be built by the University of Tasmania at its Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies’ (IMAS) Taroona campus.

University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Paddy Nixon described the initiative as a significant boost for the aquaculture sector, demonstrating

confidence in the future of the industry. The facility, specialising in researching all aspects of Atlantic salmon production, is expected to be fully operational by mid-2015. It will include a series of new tanks, monitoring equipment, laboratory space, and associated building and earthworks.

Research at the centre would focus on fish health, more effective use of marine resources in fish feeds, climate change effects and food security. It would provide the ability to work on large salmon under controlled conditions up to harvest, which is unique in Australia. “This is another clear example where the University of Tasmania is building upon of the depth and wealth in our fisheries and aquaculture research capacity,” Professor Nixon said. “It continues a very proud track record at the university of working in partnership with Government and industry.

“We do this in areas which create value for industry, but also contributes to the State and national economy through direct investment and industry growth. Initially this project offers construction jobs and, once operational, there will be on-going roles in research and technical support, funded through the increasingly valuable Atlantic salmon industry.”

A separate but related facility is being developed at the same time to assist the oyster industry.

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> W I N S C 2 0 1 4

A very successful Women’s Industry Network Seafood Community Conference and AGM were held in Canberra ACT from 26 to 28 September 2014 with the theme Women — A hidden force within the seafood industry.

After the welcome from outgoing President Mary Howard, John Williams from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) addressed the Conference with an update about its future directions, funding challenges and achievements over the past year. Each member then presented a little about herself and her journey of the past year. This is always a great way to break the ice and create a sense of unity of purpose.

The keynote speaker was Jayne Gallagher who is the Australian Seafood Cooperative Research Centre’s Program Manager for Research Program 2. She spoke about her

life’s journey and her uncertain future as the Seafood CRC winds down. She was the first Australian Government Director of Aquaculture and was responsible for facilitating seafood industry development. Jayne has been president of the International Association of Seafood Professionals since 2005.

Mary Brewer spoke about the WINSC attendance at the World Aquaculture Conference and Trade Show in June this year, discussing some of the topical issues raised there. Trixi Madon, former CEO of the Commonwealth Fisheries Association (CFA) who recently started her own consultancy, presented Making her vision a reality. Her presentation highlighted the ongoing under-representation of women in decision-making and leadership roles within the seafood industry and ideas that could address this situation.

OceanWatch’s Commonwealth funding future status was discussed by OceanWatch’s Executive Officer, Lowri Pryce. Originally from Wales in the UK,

Lowri has previously worked in the UK arts sector. After arriving in Australia she completed a Masters of Social Science in Melbourne in 2004 and has since worked in the marine environment field.

Other presenters included the winner of the 2014 WINSC/FRDC Scholarship, Justine Arnold, who gave a fascinating insight into how kingfish are ranched off the waters of Hawaii, which she visited as part of her scholarship. Barbara Konstas, Chief Executive Officer of the Melbourne Seafood Centre (MSC), explained how the sustainable wholesale seafood industry in Victoria operates and the dramas involved in the relocation of the MSC.

Dr Tanya King, Senior Lecturer in Anthropology at Deakin University, is interested in issues relating to natural resource management, rural and regional health, the environment, gender, national identity, public policy and mythical sea creatures. Her current research investigates how Australian fishermen access health information, and proposes practical and cost-effective strategies for enhancing and augmenting these avenues. She sent through a podcast report from Mexico where she was presenting her latest paper at the Second World Small Scale Fisheries Congress.

Meanwhile, WA Director Gaylene Newton has been working for some time on the WINSC Communication Strategy and along with Judith Ham presented a comprehensive review. Judith has been involved in the seafood industry for over 30 years developing communication plans, strategies and communication tools for seafood organisations. Judith’s commitment to the seafood industry is based on seafood community capacity building, industry promotion, education and best practice. In 1999–2001 she developed,

WInsC 2014 Conference and AGM by Mary Brewer

2014 WINSC Board: Mary Brewer, Maria Manias, Marianne St Clair, Karen Holder, Julii Tyson, Trixi Madon, Anne Whalley, Barbara Konstas, Leonie Noble, Gaylene Newton and Mary Howard

> W I N S C 2 0 1 4 > B A N G O R W I N E A N D O Y S T E R S H E D

produced and distributed the Seafood Community Communication and Resource Folder on behalf of WINSC and ASIC, funded by FRDC. She now owns and manages a small prawn trawler based out of Cairns with her husband Ted Loveday, who skippers the boat.

Leonie Noble is on the Seafood Directions 2015 committee and offered the Conference an update on its progress. Discussion of the WINSC Strategic Plan 2014–2018 was facilitated by Jenny Shaw, which enabled considerable input from all those attending.

One of the most significant sessions was on Mental Health Training by the Beyond Blue National Workplace Program, in which recognition of depression and anxiety in the workplace and how to deal with it in a sympathetic manner was discussed. With one in four people likely to experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetimes, and one in five women and one in eight men likely to experience depression, it is extremely important that workplaces develop strategies to offer staff professional help — otherwise the costs to business, community and the individual are enormous.

At the AGM, each of the following state directors were elected: Maria Manias for Victoria, Gaylene Newton for WA, Karen Holder for SA, Trixi Madon for the ACT, and Mary Brewer for Tasmania. Leonie Noble, Barbara Konstas and Julii Tyson were elected as Directors at Large. Eva Marinopoulos retired as a Director at Large and she was thanked for her considerable contribution to the Board. No election needed to be held for NT, QLD or NSW. Leonie Noble was appointed as President, Gaylene Newton as Vice-President, Anne Whalley as Treasurer and Karen Holder as Secretary. While Mary Howard and Mary Brewer continue as State Directors they did not renominate for positions and were thanked for their work, particularly Mary Howard whose many years as President have been very time consuming.

Many thanks go to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation for their sponsorship of the WINSC Conference. Anyone interested in discussing the role of WINSC or joining can contact them at [email protected] or www.winsc.org.au

Dunalley bushfires impetus for new business by Mary Brewer

Two years ago you can be sure that neither Tom or Alice Gray were thinking about a new business venture as they battled to survive the savagery of the bushfires that swept through the Tasman Peninsula in January 2013. The fire destroyed more than 100 homes and severely damaged nine businesses in Dunalley alone.

Both the Gray’s property, Fulham, and their neighbours Matt and Vanessa Dunbabin’s Bangor lost farm machinery, sheds, fences and livestock. While both families grazed sheep, they also held other strings to their bows — oyster farming and wine growing respectively. Tom Gray began growing oysters off the coast of his family’s Fulham property in 1998, and today these oysters can be found in some of the finest restaurants in Australia.

While the bushfires threatened to ruin many lives, they also inspired a new business partnership. Literally from the ashes of the historic Bangor shearing shed was born the concept of the Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed. The Dunbabin and Gray families are passionate about their farm produce, and together they have built a special place to share their wine and oysters with others. As the cellar door for Bangor wines and the farm gate shop for Fulham’s Lease 170 oysters, the Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed offers a unique food and wine experience.

“At our beautiful new building, visitors can sit by the fire in winter, or on the deck in summer, and enjoy a glass of wine, a platter of freshly shucked oysters, a bowl of mussels, a Bangor beef pie or a Tasmanian cheese or seafood platter,” Tom said. “They can also take wine and oysters home with them. The Shed sits beside the vineyard and overlooks the sea where the oysters are grown. Through our interpretive material, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of South East Tasmania, the Bangor property and the local wine and oyster industry.”

Located just 45 minutes’ drive from Hobart at Dunalley, Bangor Wine & Oyster Shed is open from 10am to 5pm, seven days a week. For more information go to www.bangorshed.com.au.

Tom Gray and Matt Dunbabin Photo credit: Alice Gray



Marine and Safety Tasmania is currently managing two major jetty replacement projects that will benefit the commercial fishing industry as well as the wider community.

Dover Jetty

Tas Marine Construction (TMC) commenced work onsite in August, driving piles for replacement of the outer section of the Dover Jetty and the new inner lower landing stage. A total of 38 steel piles were installed by the mid-November 2014 deadline, which was a condition on the planning permit to minimise impact on the seabed which has the potential to trigger algal blooms.

With all piling now complete, concrete headstocks are progressively being installed from the inner jetty outward, until the reach of a concrete pump is met. These headstocks will then be concreted in place with the pump before deck planks are progressively installed by crane. The remaining headstocks will then be installed and concreted in position with a concrete pump that will be positioned on the completed first stage.

Headstocks and decks are also being installed on the new inner lower landing in an effort to get this operational as soon as possible, providing another two loading berths, albeit with pedestrian access only.

MAST provided several berths on the inner jetty and existing finger as designated loading and unloading berths for the duration of the works, reducing the impact on the jetty users. This allowed bait and fuel to be loaded and fish to be offloaded when the rock lobster season commenced in mid-November 2014.

Above: Piling for the outer section of the Dover Jetty which is being constructed adjacent to the existing jetty

St Helens Wharf

BridgePro Engineering commenced works on site at St Helens in late-August 2014 to demolish and replace both the wharf and the attached finger jetty. Works are being undertaken in two stages consisting of the wharf structure as Stage 1 and the finger as Stage 2.

Stage 1 of the project is nearing completion with all piling, headstocks and deck planks installed as well as utility services. Fender panels have been manufactured offsite and timber fenders fastened to the panels in the workshop before they are delivered to site which will accelerate site installation.

Whilst the deck planks have been installed in Stage 1, concurrently piling has been taking place on Stage 2, the finger jetty. Once piling has been completed out at the end of the finger, then this section will be progressively demolished before concrete headstocks and decks are installed. Once completed, services will be connected on both sections and the fuel bowser returned to its original position on the end of the finger.

The wharf has been built with a reinforced section providing an increased deck load limit to cater for cranes that are required to work on the wharf. When complete, users wishing to use cranes on this section should contact MAST to determine what limitations may apply.

Above: Stage 1 of the St Helens Wharf nearing completion with Stage 2 pile driving occurring in the background.

Above: Stage 1 of the St Helens Wharf Replacement

MAST

mast Facilities

The main public waterfront areas at Strahan are in need of remediation to ensure that they are able to be utilised and enjoyed well into the future. The largest sections in need of remediation are the retaining wall and main wharf structure. The retaining wall will be the first project to be undertaken.

The Strahan retaining wall was constructed in the 1950’s as a loading/unloading wharf to facilitate hydroelectric dam projects in the vicinity. This structure was originally intended to be a temporary structure, and is still in place and in use some 60 years later.

The remediation project involves the construction of a new retaining wall in front of the existing retaining wall. The finished wharf level will be raised to provide a consistent wharf level with the adjoining main wharf.

A new hardstand will be constructed which will include a dedicated heavy lifting area, and improved surface drainage.

The retaining wall project has been fully scoped over the last six months and a contractor has now been appointed to undertake the work. Understandably this work will have some

impact upon access and use of the site, the work schedule has been developed to mitigate the impacts as much as possible.

Understanding that the retaining wall area is used to load and unload vessels, Tasports has scheduled the work in two phases, so that at all times an area will be allocated for this activity. In addition the ability to access fuel from the public bowser will be maintained throughout the project.

Some small scale site works have been completed in November, the more significant project aspects, such as the creation of site fencing and demolition of the phase one area, are expected to commence in early December and will run through to the end of March.

Given that only a single vessel will be able to access the retaining wall at a time, we ask that fishing vessels manage their loading and unloading as efficiently as possible to ensure minimum waiting times for all vessels.

We appreciate your patience during this period, should you have any questions please contact Tasports on 1300 366 742.

STRAHAN RETAINING WALL REMEDIATION DECEMBER 2014

E S P L A N A D E

P h a s e 1

P h a s e 2New fuel pump location

Existing fuel pump location

Vehicle AccessPhase 1

Vehicle AccessPhase 2



IMAS News

Divers, fishers and beachgoers have reported 1060+ sightings on Redmap, an app and website that invites Australians to log marine life not usually found in their local seas. The eastern rock lobster — venturing down Tasmania’s East Coast — was the most logged species on Redmap. Nearly a third of the confirmed sightings were considered uncommon where spotted, i.e. they were south of their known home ranges. And many of the other sightings submitted have been really valuable for improving our knowledge of their distributions. Here are the latest trends from Redmap’s community data ...

Eight of Redmap’s Top 10 sightings from around Australia, listed below, were logged in Tasmanian seas! Tasmanian fishers and divers considered these species uncommon in their local fishing and diving spots: eastern rock lobster, zebra fish, yellowtail kingfish, white-ear, herring cale, luderick, old wife and snapper. Redmap scientists confirmed that many of these sightings were indeed out-of-range, meaning, they were further south than their usual geographic range.

The Top 10 species most logged on Redmap Australia since 2009:

1. Eastern rock lobster (Sagmariasus verreauxi), Tasmania

2. Zebrafish (Girella zebra), Tasmania

3. Yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi), Tasmania

4. White-ear (Parma microlepis), Tasmania

5. Herring cale (Olisthops cyanomelas), Tasmania

6. Brokenline wrasse (Stethojulis interrupta), New South Wales

7. Luderick (Girella tricuspidata), Tasmania

8. Old wife (Enoplosus armatus), Tasmania

9. Moorish idol (Zanclus cornutus), New South Wales

10. Snapper (Pagrus auratus), Tasmania

Tasmania’s dominance within the Redmap data makes sense for two reasons. First, the project began in Tasmania in 2009 and only went national at the end of 2012. This allowed Tasmanian fishers and divers to collect more observations over a longer period. Second, Tasmania’s East Coast is a global warming hot spot with seas warming at three to four times the global average. The State is experiencing more obvious changes in the distribution of fish and other marine species, as some extend their range further south in search of their preferred climate. Tasmanians are more likely to encounter a species that’s “uncommon” in their local seas than say, in Queensland, where changes in water temperatures are not so marked.

How far from ‘’home” are Redmap sightings?

Redmap needs more observations of species over time to indicate if — and how far — a species has shifted its marine postcode south. To give you a rough idea, Table 1 shows some individual sightings logged on Redmap Tasmania and how far south they were spotted from their usual range.

In these examples, not much can be inferred from the onespot puller seen off St Helens in August, photographed just

68 km south of its known range. But other sightings were clearly out-of-range, like a green moray in St Helens (195 km south of its known range), a white-ear in Freycinet (203 km south of its range) and an eastern king prawn in Hobart (273 km further south than usual) (see Table 1). As Redmap receives more sightings like these, the community data will indicate if a species is shifting or extending their distributions further along the Tasmanian coast.

Other sightings of note

A spate of common paper nautilus (Argonauta argo) sightings have been reported on Tasmania’s East Coast. Also known as an argonaut, this small octopus with a distinct white shell is uncommon south of NSW. But it has been washing up on Tassie beaches and recently ten sightings were logged on Redmap!

A juvenile mosaic leatherjacket (Eubalichthys mosaicus) was spotted off Maria Island by Redmap member Antonia Cooper in June this year. This is a

redmaP sIghtIngs: Top 10 Species and other Trends by Yvette Barry

Table 1: Examples of Redmap Tasmania sightings that were “out-of-range” – south of their usual distributions

The eastern rock lobster (Sagmariasus verreauxi): the most reported species on the Redmap website. This species is often sighted out of its usual range on Tasmania’s east coast (Photo: Danny Lee).

> I M A S N E W S

A common paper nautilus (Argonauta argo) photographed on Seven Mile Beach near Hobart Airport in May 2014, a long way from its usual home! (Photo: Dr Simon Grove).

graeme eWIng IMAS profileGraeme Ewing has worked as a senior technical officer at IMAS Taroona since prior to the inception of TAFI, and came to marine science from careers in industrial chemistry and environmental science. His tertiary qualifications include a Bachelor of Science,

an Honours degree in Environmental Science, and a Masters degree in Marine Science.

Graeme’s areas of expertise include field operations as a coxswain and commercial diver, laboratory operations for ageing fish and reproductive histology, data management and analysis, and preparation of technical and scientific manuscripts for publication. Recent IMAS projects that Graeme has worked on include stock assessments of the Tasmanian commercial banded morwong, striped trumpeter, garfish, small pelagics, and calamari fisheries; stock assessment of the Tasmanian recreational sand flathead fishery; designing and trialling fisher-deployed deep water puerulus collectors; assessment of the impacts of gillnet fishing in Tasmania; and research on the Maugean skate in Macquarie Harbour.

In recent years Graeme has also worked for the Australian Antarctic Division conducting fisheries research into the impacts of the toothfish fishery around sub-Antarctic Islands and the Antarctic continent.

One of the things Graeme loves about his job with IMAS is the diversity of duties undertaken by the technical team. An average week may involve sea-time collecting catch data on a commercial fishing vessel, sea-time in an IMAS dinghy fishing or diving to collect biological data or specimens, laboratory-time processing or analysing biological samples, desk-time analysing data or writing up results, and workshop-time designing or building sampling equipment.

Memorable moments in Graeme’s career with IMAS include lobster fishing off Maatsuyker on a rare mirror-calm day, dawn light while gillnetting on Macquarie Harbour, rearing redbait eggs in the spare shower recess of the mid-water trawler Ellidi, the camaraderie of remote fieldwork, working on the shelf-break off Paddy’s Head with humpback whales in every direction as far as the eye can see … Not so memorable moments include one too many times coming face-to-face with a large grumpy seal, and cold, cold fingers during winter fieldwork.

Graeme is passionate about science education and is active in Scientists in Schools, Working on Water, Science Week, and work experience programs in schools where students have the opportunity to experience fisheries science firsthand. Graeme has found the work experience programs particularly satisfying, with some secondary school students sufficiently inspired to study marine science at university as a result.

Graeme has lived in the Channel area for over 20 years and is a keen gardener, landscaper and renovator, an avid musician and surfer, and loves a party!


significant find, as this species normally isn’t found in southern Tasmania in mid-winter! Juveniles of potential range-extending species recorded in colder months are particularly important as they indicate the prospect of species being able to survive (and therefore reproduce) throughout the year – thereby increasing their likelihood of establishing a stable population.

Marine life such as tiger sharks, warty prowfish, giant cuttlefish, loggerhead turtles, wahoo, sea urchins, and dugongs – just to name a few – are common in many regions of Australia. But scientists have little information about their distribution and movements. So keep logging these valuable sightings too.

How you can help!

If you catch or see a fish that you find “unusual” in your local seas, share your sighting and photo on the Redmap app or redmap.org.au. The continued support of fishers and divers will, over time, allow Redmap to better understand and predict changes in the distributions of Australia’s marine life.

A juvenile mosaic leatherjacket (Eubalichthys mosaicus) was spotted off Maria Island by Redmap member Antonia Cooper in June this year.


> I M A S N E W S

The most advanced planning tools for coastal communities have been tested in a new climate adaptation analysis for coastal towns and cities in Tasmania, Western Australia and Queensland. Funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and the Federal Government, the online tool will help communities respond to the impacts and influences of climate change on marine industries and recreation.

The result is the website at http://coastalclimateblueprint.org.au/ which is intended to give communities a framework within which adaptation plans can be prepared to meet each community’s needs and resource and funding capabilities. Three coastal centres — St Helens in North East Tasmania (pop 3,000), Bowen in North Queensland (10,000), and Geraldton in Western Australia (30,000) — were studied during the $495,000 project.

The website was developed by the University of Tasmania’s Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, Murdoch University and CSIRO. The interactive assessment of community vulnerability to climate change allows community members or local governments to assess where their strengths and vulnerabilities may lie.

Project leader Assoc. Prof Stewart Frusher said the project was developed so that communities — households, firms, organisations and governments — could understand how they could deal with the effects of climate change in the marine environment.

“Even though there was considerable knowledge with respect to locally observed climate-related phenomena, knowledge and awareness of flow-on consequences and knock-on economic effects of marine climate pressures dependent sectors such as commercial and recreational fishing, marine tourism and aquaculture appeared to be lacking,” he said.

“Our surveys indicate a perception that pressures on the marine environment are coming from sources other than climate change such as fishing pressure. This means a certain level of inertia must be overcome with respect to convincing communities to undertake marine climate change adaptation planning.”

“We see this as a way forward for coastal communities to manage their climate future. The three centres chosen for the study reflected the situation of many Australian communities which often rely economically and socially on marine sectors.”

“Fishing is a relevant example and although not all fishing communities are the same, some general economic, social, cultural and geographic characteristics could make them vulnerable. Rather than re-invent the wheel each time for each community, we suggest adaptation options that may be applicable in areas confronted with the same or similar problems. Our assessment provides each community with a first-step indication of where specific adaptation may be needed to ensure they remain sustainable into the future,” he said.

Assoc. Prof Frusher said community organisations such as Coastcare, fishing associations and tourism authorities can investigate their own options at www.coastalclimateblueprint.org.au.

Background

Recognising the combined role of climate and non-climate change pressures in shaping marine sectors in small coastal communities is important to allow a holistic overview to be developed and thus avoid potential unintended adaptation consequences.

Impacts: • physical climate changes in temperature,

sea level and wind regimes impacting the timing of migrations, spawning, survival and reproduction of marine species

• varying implications for commercial, recreational and charter fishing by state such as rainfall changes halting Tasmanian oyster harvesting or rises in old ocean temperatures

• ocean acidity leading to a decline in the production of plankton and corals, which may affect entire food webs

• ocean temperature hotspots with gradual warming in south-east Australian leading to more than 30 sub-tropical fish species shifting to temperate waters.

Surveys were carried out in 2012 in the three centres (St Helens, Bowen and Geraldton) with businesses surveyed including commercial-recreational fishing, dive-charter tourism, tackle, retail, real estate, caravan parks, accommodation, restaurants, aquaculture education, local government and fish processors.

The science team putting together the coastal climate blueprint cited a range of examples of adaptation options. Some adaptations would be in response to positive impacts i.e. gains in employment, business in recreational and charter fishing etc. with a shift in species.

Others are negative, such as the arrival of a competing pest species. An interactive assessment of community vulnerability to climate change allows community members or local governments to assess where their strengths and vulnerabilities may lie. For example, one community may have very high education levels and financial capital but be lacking in the necessary coastal infrastructure to allow commercial fisheries and aquaculture development. This interactive assessment provides each community with a first-step indication of where specifically adaptation may be needed to ensure they remain sustainable into the future.

Examples:St Helens: Warmer ocean temperatures off North East Tasmania are impacting local commercial rock lobster fisheries but are a boon for invasive sea urchins. Urchin harvesting for export has increased substantially, providing an additional source of employment.

Bowen: Commercial fishing in Bowen was impacted by the closure of cyclone-damaged reefs to allow for stock regeneration around affected reefs, to ensure employment and local fish availability.

Geraldton: Decline in abundance of rock lobster puerulus expected to cause a decline in breeding stock in future. Climate change induced increase in ocean temperatures and greater southerly extent to the Leeuwin Current increase stress and causes higher mortality of ‘cook water’ aquaculture species but benefits aquaculture potential of warm water species.

Australian coastal communities plan for a climate future

> I M A S N E W S

Rock lobster fishers are invited to express an interest in chartering their vessels for 2015 rock lobster research surveys.

The Institute for Marine & Antarctic Studies (IMAS) seeks to charter commercial rock lobster vessels for tag and release catch sampling during February and March of 2015 at several sites around Tasmania.

Areas of operation will be the long-term research sampling sites located at: South West Coast (Maatsuyker Is., Port Davey, Low Rocky Point and Point Hibbs), East Coast (Maria Island area and Friars).

The catch sampling research for 2015 will take place over a number of separate cruises. IMAS may seek to use different vessels for different areas in order to gain maximum benefit from local operator experience and efficiency of travel times. Conditions under which vessels will be chartered include:

• Sampling sites and effort will be within the long-term study sites as stipulated by IMAS.

• Fishing gear will either be provided by the chartered vessel or be standard research square steel framed pots provided by IMAS. Vessels must have equipment to handle this gear and the capacity for at least 60 pots on deck.

• Bait, buoys and ropes to be either supplied or as specified by IMAS.

• The charter operation is to supply a skipper and crew.

• IMAS staff will be onboard to participate in tagging and measuring of catch, vessels must have capacity to accommodate one or two extra personnel (depending on site) plus a small amount of research equipment.

• Duration of cruises will range from 3 to 10 days, depending on sites included in the charter.

• Charter will be paid as a flat daily rate for trip duration agreed prior to work commencing, including working and steaming days.

• Fishing will take place under IMAS’s DPIPWE research permit. All catch (including legal sized) will be tagged and released so there will be no sale of product.

What to do

To express interest in IMAS chartering your vessel for this research work, or for more information, please contact Gary Carlos (Fisheries program, IMAS) phone (03) 6227 7240, fax (03) 6227 8035, email [email protected].

please provide details including your name, vessel name and contact phone number by 20 January 2015.

exPressIons oF Interest for rock lobster research charter


Final Annual Tag Lottery DrawAs the year draws to a close, we are pleased to announce our three lucky winners for the final annual tag lottery draw! Congratulations to all our winners this year, and thank you to everyone who has reported their tag details during 2014. A special mention must also go to all our fantastic sponsors this year, whose generosity continues to support IMAS rock lobster research.

Please report the size, sex, and location of your tagged rock lobster by one of the methods below.

phone: 03 6227 7280

post: private Bag 49, Hobart, Tas, 7001

Email: [email protected]

Congratulations to the winners of the final annual draw:

mr Kent way of Kingston – $400 cash proudly donated by Sunderland Marine Mutual Insurance Company, Melbourne.

mr Brendon Taylor of Gordon – $95 gift voucher proudly donated by Peter Johnston Ship Chandlers, Hobart and a brass boat clock and 2 boat buoys proudly donated by Tasmanian Marine Distributors, Kingston.

mr Gavin Harding of Beauty Point – $100 Mures meal voucher, proudly donated by Mures, Hobart, and 2 boat buoys proudly donated by Tasmanian Marine Distributors, Kingston.


> I M A S N E W S

World-leading rock lobster research is giving Australia front-running at the cutting edge of aquaculture.

Operated by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), the Taroona facility is the home of an internationally-recognised and funded project to mass produce lobster seed stock. This study has emerged from more than 15 years of research.

IMAS researchers have closed the life cycle of three species of rock lobster, successfully breeding from seed stock to a grow-out stage and eventual maturity and harvest.

The process has attracted a new $5m funding agreement from the Australian Research Council to establish the ARC Research Hub for Commercial Development of Rock Lobster Culture Systems. The Hub’s Director is Assoc Prof Stephen Battaglene.

The Research Hub was officially launched on 12 November 2014 by the Honourable Elise Archer MP, Dr Fiona Cameron from the Australian Research Council, Mr Bill Herzig from Darden and Prof Peter Rathjen, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Tasmania. Attendees at the launch event included representatives from industry, government and the Research Hub partner organisations.

“This presents outstanding commercial opportunities for Australian companies in an international, multi-million dollar aquaculture venture squarely aimed at sustainable seafood production,” said Prof Rathjen.

“The researchers have established the ability to produce a large-scale supply of seed for sea cage culture, and the process is being evaluated for the potential it offers wild stock enhancement in Australia”, Prof Rathjen said.

He said the initiative has attracted State and Federal Government funding and Australian and US business backing to engineer the necessary prototype facilities and fund research in broodstock management, larval rearing systems, metamorphosis systems and optimum aquatic animal health.

Tasmanian companies, Plastic Fabrications and JSA Engineers, are bridging the gap between R & D and commercialisation. IMAS is also partnering with Darden Aquasciences Sdn Bhd, the University of Auckland and the University of the Sunshine Coast.

“This research is attracting global business opportunities, as well as prospects for new aquaculture industries in Australia beyond rock lobsters and into application of novel aquaculture systems for abalone, mud crabs, prawns and marine fish,” Prof Rathjen said.

The $5m ARC Hub investment will provide six PhD positions at the University of Tasmania, which Prof Rathjen says will deliver expertise in an area where there are very few trained researchers in Australia. Another 20 researchers and support staff are already engaged in the project.

Assoc Prof Battaglene said the rock lobster research program had begun in 1998 with the local southern rock lobster. In that time, researchers had selected broodstock, mastered reproduction control, developed larval-rearing technology and nutrition. The system has since been applied to three species of lobsters.

“The next research challenge for the Taroona team will be how to scale up from the ‘laboratory’ to commercial production and to reach the position where re-seeding of wild fisheries becomes a practical option,” he said.

Assoc Prof Battaglene said the progress made in the project has only been possible with the long-standing support of the State Government, the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and previous grants from the Australian Research Council.

tasmanIan aquaCuLture roCks with new lobster research funding

A late stage phyllosoma a critical larval development stage in producing cultured lobsters Photo Credit: Quinn Fitzgibbon

Project Director Assoc Prof Stephen Battaglene with cultured eastern rock lobsters Photo credit: Peter Mathew


Australian Training Awards 2014

We have been shortlisted for the Australian Small Training Provider of the Year Award. As one of three finalists, we are contenders for the Award to be presented in late November. It’s a credit to all our staff and trainers that we got this far, and recognition of how the seafood industry works with us to address their training needs.

Huon Aquaculture

As part of preparing for their expansion at Parramatta Creek, Huon Aquaculture has signed up to an intensive training program that puts selected staff through a Certificate III and IV Seafood Processing qualification.

Sixteen staff have just finished their Certificate III, with the remaining staff to complete in 2015. This will help with the induction of a huge recruitment required for the new facility opening in coming months.

Craig Mostyn

In response to a recent expansion of Craig Mostyn’s operations in Tasmania, we were approached by Searson Buck to develop a program for their Operations Managers. With a very short start-up time required, we managed to get the delivery underway within a month. Feedback to date is that the Certificate IV in Seafood Processing participants are an exceptional bunch and the program is a success.

Onsite availability

STT has recently run a number of onsite courses including First Aid, Finfish Husbandry, Chemical Handling, DMLA and Forklift for various companies around the state. If your company requires onsite training, please contact STT as we talk about delivery options.

Working On Water

STT recently hosted over 50 students from various schools around the state for the 2014 Working on Water program. The school-based program gives students a taster of various water-based occupations to assist with their career choices.

Shellfish Futures

James and Matt recently attended the Shellfish Futures conference held in Smithton. The presentation titled “Reducing

with the recent salmon farm expansions. STT will be running a Coxswain Deck, Diesel, Navigation, DMLA, and Forklift in 2015 in Strahan to ensure that clients in regional areas have suitable access to training. If you’re interested in enrolling in any of the courses for 2015, please contact STT ASAP.

School-based trainee Jayden Everett Hall and Scott Dennison go through the process of identifying the organs of a fish and appropriate methods for disease sampling during a training course in Strahan.

Christmas break

STT will close on Christmas Eve and open again on Monday 12 January 2015.

Minister’s visit

The Minister for Primary Industries & Water and Education & Training visited STT in November. Minister Rockliff met with STT staff and students to see the range of courses offered by STT to clients from a range of occupations, from aquaculture to marine tourism.

Minister Jeremy Rockliff discussing the new bridge simulator with Rory Byrne during a recent visit to STT.

2015 courses

Enrolments are now open. Please look at our web site for a list of offerings. Master<24m (NC) is starting its first intake earlier next year. If you want to enrol in the March intake get those forms in ASAP!

risk by training the next generation” was well-received by the growers present. Congratulations to Hayden Dyke, Tony Byrne and Ben Cameron for taking out the various awards on offer during the conference dinner.

Navigation simulator at STT

Just in time for our Master <35m (NC) class, we have installed three Bridge Simulator stations at STT. Purchased from the Australian Maritime College, they offer students opportunities to practice their navigation skills previously only available at the AMC.

Overall time savings to students were considerable, with one less week at the AMC saving travelling and accommodation expenses. The simulators will be used extensively for Master <24m (NC) and Master <35m in the future. We would like to acknowledge all those at the AMC who made this possible and shared their expertise with STT. The 11 students really appreciated the new equipment and all agreed the course was a success.

Students using the new Bridge Simulator at STT

Traineeships

STT recently ran a Certificate III Aquaculture course in Strahan for Finfish Husbandry. There has been a large increase in demand for training in Strahan

Scott Dennison of Huon dissecting out a kidney from a large rainbow trout during a training course in Strahan on Finfish Husbandry.

enrolling at sTTPhone us on 03 6233 6442,email [email protected] or go to www.seafoodtrainingtas.com.au for the latest course information or online enrolment.


geostrophic wind by Malcolm Riley

I was reminded of a blast from the past the other day when talking to a seasoned old fisherman down at the wharf. He told me that, “I don’t use the Bureau forecasts; I estimate the wind speed from the space between the isobars on the weather chart”. (The charts he referred to are available from the Bureau of Meteorology’s website and at sea via HF radio fax. The radio fax schedule is available at: www.bom.gov.au/marine/radio-sat/radio-fax-schedule.shtml.)

Now this was certainly a surprise to me, as I have not heard of this method being used for a long time — especially now that graphical maps via HF email can give indications of wind speeds days in advance. I was not even sure the fisherman actually knew what he was calculating, so I sat down and gave him an explanation.

In the days before computer models, the meteorologist would make an estimation of the wind speed from the spaces between the isobars. There is still is a nomogram (graph) to calculate wind speed on the charts that are drawn manually at the Bureau of Meteorology.

However, this wind speed is not a surface wind speed. In meteorological terms it is called the geostrophic wind. The geostrophic wind is a theoretical wind that approximates what is going on in the real world without the friction caused by wind over the sea and land.

For a wind to become geostrophic it needs to be (relatively) friction-free, which over the ocean occurs at around 3000 feet. There needs to be a balance amongst the forces that make up the wind: firstly the pressure gradient force, which is essentially the difference in pressure between low and high pressures systems, and secondly, the coriolis force that is brought about by the rotation of the earth. When these forces are in balance the wind travels more or less parallel to the isobars. For the geostrophic wind to be accurate the wind flow needs to be blowing more or less in a straight line for several hundred kilometres. If the flow curves, such as around a low pressure system, the wind is not geostrophic and cannot be estimated using the geostrophic wind scale.

Some synoptic charts (weather maps) have a separate scale for calculating the geostrophic wind and most weather charts available to the public do not come with such a scale. The graphs above right can be used to calculate the geostrophic wind for any scale chart if you follow

the method of calculation below. The isobar spacing needed for the wind scale graph above is 2 hectopascals (hPa).

To calculate the geostrophic wind at the middle of the circle (just west of Noumea): The isobars on this chart are 4 hPa apart. The distance between the two isobars is approximately 4 degree latitude which equates to 240 nautical miles. As an approximation for 2 hPa would be half that amount 120 nautical miles. On the nautical miles graph measure 120 nautical miles along latitude 23 degrees with a pair of dividers. Transfer that distance on the 23 degrees of the geostrophic wind graph and read off the wind speed which in this case is around 13 knots.

The wind speed graphs have an air pressure and temperature baseline of 1000 hPa and 17°C. Every 10 hPa pressure change from the 1000 changes the wind speed by 1%. Each 3°C change from 17°C changes the wind speed by 1 %. Higher than base figure reduces wind speed, lower than the base increases the wind speed.

So in the area in question in January, the temperature is likely to be around 29°C which is 12°C warmer than the base of 17°C, so a decrease of 4% applies. The air pressure is about 10hPa higher so a further reduction of 1%. This 5% reduction reduces the wind speed to around 12 knots. This is the geostrophic wind.

To make an approximation of the wind you may experience on the surface you need to estimate the effect of friction. The interaction between the air and the ocean surface causes friction and may reduce the wind speed by up to 25% (depending on the size of waves; the larger the waves the greater the friction). So the estimation of the mean wind speed at the ocean’s surface in the area in question would be around 9 knots.

With the range of information available, you are more likely to get accurate wind speed from the forecast wind speed charts on the Bureau’s than you are by trying to calculate your own from a geostrophic approximation.

Bureau of Meteorology

weBsiTe LinKs

australian Governmentaustralian fisheries management authority (afma) www.afma.gov.au

australian maritime safety authoritywww.amsa.gov.au

The Bureau of meteorologywww.bom.gov.au/marine

Csiro – marine and atmospheric researchwww.cmar.csiro.au

department of agriculture fisheries and forestry (daff) also includes:

australian Bureau of agricultural and resource

economics (aBare)

australian Quarantine and inspection

service (aQis)

Biosecurity australia (Ba)

Bureau of rural sciences (Brs)www.daff.gov.au

department of environment and water resources (dew)www.environment.gov.au

fisheries research and development Corporation (frdC)www.frdc.com.au

food standards australia new Zealand (fsanZ)www.foodstandards.gov.au

oceanwatchwww.oceanwatch.org.au

seafood Training australia (sTa)www.seafoodtraining.com.au

women’s industry network seafood Community (winsC)www.winsc.org.au

statedepartment of Primary industries, Parks, water and environmentwww.dpipwe.tas.gov.au and/or www.fishing.tas.gov.au

institute of marine and antarctic studies (imas) www.imas.utas.edu.au

marine and safety Tasmaniawww.mast.tas.gov.au/domino/mast/newweb.nsfnatural resource management (nrm)www.nrmtas.com.au Tasmanian seafood industry Council (TsiC)www.tsic.org.au

fisheries wholesalemaster fish merchants associationwww.mfma.com.au/

melbourne wholesale fish marketwww.chsmith.com.au/fish-prices/index.htm

sydney fish marketwww.sydneyfishmarket.com.au

Tasmanian seafood industry Council

PO Box 878, Sandy Bay 7006 117 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay 7005Chief Executive: Neil Stump 0417 394 009E [email protected] www.tsic.org.auP 03 6224 2332 F 03 6224 2321

wild fisheriesTasmanian abalone Council Ltd 262 Arglye Street Hobart 7000 President: Greg Woodham 0419 524 174 Chief Executive: Dean Lisson 0419 599 954 Administration Manager: Jillian Freeman P 03 6231 1955 F 03 6231 1966 E [email protected]

Tasmanian Commercial divers associationPO Box 878, Sandy Bay 7006 President: Bryan Denny 0417 502 195

Tasmanian rock Lobster fishermen’s association President: Clive Perryman EO: John Sansom P 03 6224 2890 0427 477 284 E [email protected] Secretary/Treasurer: Margaret Atkins PO Box 109, South Hobart 7004

Tasmanian scalefish fishermen’s association President: Shane Bevis P/F 03 6247 7634 E [email protected] Secretary: Colleen Osborne PO Box 332, Somerset 7322 E [email protected]

scallop fishermen’s association of Tasmania 286 Windermere Road, Windermere 7252 President: John Hammond 0429 130 238 Secretary/Treasurer: (Mrs) Jill Hammond P 03 6328 1478 F 03 6328 1421

Tasmanian shark fishermen’s association 64 Ormond Street, Bellerive 7018 President: Brian Bailey 0407 874 199 Secretary/Treasurer: (Mrs) Heather Bailey P 03 6244 2775 F 03 6244 6939

Tasmanian rock Lobster Processors’ association President: Peter James P 0419 414 967 [email protected] Secretary: Emily Osborne P 0400 996 559E [email protected]

aquacultureTasmanian aquaculture Council PO Box 878, Sandy Bay 7006117 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay 7005Chairman: Pheroze Jungalwalla TSIC: Neil Stump 0417 394 009E [email protected]

oysters TasmaniaPO Box 878 Sandy Bay 7006 Chairman: Jon Poke 0419 522 262 E [email protected]: Adam Saddler P 0458 601 057 E [email protected]

Tasmanian salmonid Growers association PO Box 321, Sandy Bay 7006 Chairman: Chris Dockray CEO: Adam Main P 03 6214 0555 E [email protected] www.tsga.com.au

Tasmanian abalone Growers association Chairman: Nicholas Savva PO Box 216 Beaconsfield 7270 P 03 6383 4115 F 03 6383 4117 E [email protected]

Bruny island shellfish Growers association President: Jeff Whayman P 0428 136 515

Tasmanian oyster research Council Chairman: Ian Duthie 0409 411 322 E [email protected]

dPiPwe marine resourcesscallops, Giant Crab, octopus, or rock Lobster inquiries James Parkinson P 03 6165 3045 or Hilary Revill P 03 6165 3036 orDavid Jarvis P 03 6165 3040

abalone or marine Plant inquiries Matt Bradshaw P 03 6165 3033

Commercial dive inquiries or inshore Clams Greg Ryan P 03 6165 3028

scalefish inquiries Frances Seaborn P 03 6165 3044

recreational fishing inquiries Rod Pearn P 03 6165 3034

Licensing and fisheries monitoring inquiries

P 03 6165 3000

marine farm Planning/operations inquiries Tony Thomas P 03 6165 3121

marine farm environment inquiries Graham Woods P 03 6165 3124

special Permits Grant Pullen P 03 6165 3032

Trainingseafood Training Tasmania 2a Gladstone Street, Battery Point 7004 Manager Rory Byrne P 03 6233 6442 F 03 6223 2780 E [email protected]

Commonwealth fisheries associationEO: Renee VajtauerPO Box 9022, Deakin, ACT 2600P 0404 102 140E [email protected]

D I R E C T O R Y

volume 27 no 6 december 2014/january 2015

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