NEWS April 2020 - Northern Territory Seafood Council
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NEWS April 2020
CEO’s Report survival of his aquarium from Government have so
fishery based business and far been focused broadly to
the team around him. reach as many Territorian’s
as possible. NTSC has
Right now, the seafood been actively participating
industry in NT is facing a in agribusiness forums
major market readjustment in and providing advice
demand. The full magnitude to Government about
of that is not known. support measures and
Cumulative impacts are activities to benefit the NT
the closure of exports and seafood industry. We are
slowing of domestic markets continuing to work closely
There is no doubt the start with associated price drops, with Governments on the
of 2020 is a time we will all disruption to supply chains measures needed specifically
remember. Off the back of the and significant and prolonged for the seafood industry
ravaging 2019 bushfires that uncertainty. This is the most to both survive, adapt and
continued to burn into 2020, challenging circumstance the recover.
we were aware we would industry finds itself in living
each be making more mindful memory. We understand supermarkets
decisions to help support and retail outlets have been a
local. Little did we know that The need to pivot and welcome and important lifeline
another devastating blow make change to survive is for seafood producers. Whilst
was just around the corner something many members the loss of the hospitality
in the form of coronavirus have done. We have seen markets has impacted heavily
(COVID-19). people quickly adapt to on others. The health and
develop new procedures and resilience of the hospitality
For some in the seafood processes to ensure a new and tourism industry links
industry, such as rock level of hygiene to stop the directly back to the seafood
lobster fisheries, these spread of COVID-19. Also industry. We are engaged
impacts started in late the creation of new ways of with discussions with these
January 2020 and the doing business, whether it’s sectors to better understand
enormity of the disruption a pre-phone, online order how the Territory can best
for many businesses in or new delivery options. position itself to adapt and
Australia began. Within the However for some there has recover from COVID-19.
Territory’s seafood industry been no escape to reduce
the Aquarium Fishery was hours and positions as they Right now, more than ever,
one of the first and most navigate a survival plan. deciding where you shop
severely impacted due to the and what you buy can is
loss of essential air freight Importantly the NT important. You will see on
services which ensure live Government and Australian page 14 of this newsletter the
ornamentals make their way Government have also number of venues that have
to markets both overseas and moved quickly to develop continued to proudly support
within Australia. new legislation, regulations and promote NT seafood
and policy simultaneously. industry products through
Sadly this meant our Communications channels the sale of delicious local
Chairman, Mr Daniel have been streamlined seafood. And on page 6 a
Kimberley, needed to step and remain open between story of generosity to share
down from this NTSC role Ministers, heads of our delicious seafood to those
in mid March to fight for the Departments and NTSC. in need.
Support package approaches
Newsletter of the Northern Territory Seafood Council www.ntsc.com.au
Located on Fisherman’s Wharf, Frances Bay, Darwin
GPO Box 618 Darwin NT 0801 | Telephone 08 8981 5194
Facsimile 08 8981 5063 | Email ntsc@ntsc.com.au
ABN 85 918 271 276
22
Within the NTSC we have Quick Read
moved to remote working mode,
with the Board and Licensee Board Communique Our Member Centre
Committee’s to continue to The NTSC Board meets Members can manage
meet through the support of quarterly and the February their contact details, select
telephone / video conference. communique can be read on information interests and access
Anthony Ciconte has stepped page 5. member only information such
into the Chair (acting) role and as draft submissions and
Board Members, Licensee COVID-19 Stay Informed App industry working papers. Please
Committee Chairs and/or Download the official take the time to log in and
members are providing weekly government “Coronavirus have a look around.
updates to Donna and myself on Australia” app in the Apple App
both the impacts and initiatives Store or Google Play, or join Prefer a hardcopy of the FISH
underway. We are very grateful our WhatsApp channel on iOS publication?
for your time and patience as or Android. The Fisheries Research and
we navigate new systems and Development Corporation
approvals that didn’t exist in COVIDSafe App (FRDC) FISH magazine is
February. Download the “COVIDSafe” available online via the app,
app in the Apple App Store in Apple App Store, and on
We recognise there has been an or Google Play. The app is Google Play or by visiting FISH
information overload as things designed to help state and Media-and-Publications.
have been so fluid for the last 6 territory health officials to quickly
weeks. Which is why we have contact people who may have Stakeholder survey now open
made space on our webpage been exposed to COVID-19. It is vital that we understands
specifically for COVID-19 with how it is performing from a
relevant and key information for Export information stakeholder perspective. Link
the industry. On pages 8 and 9 Keep across seafood export can be found on page 4.
there is a summary of a range related issues such as the
of support services and phone China List and International Facebook
numbers. Freight Assistance Mechanism Find you’re not keeping up with
(IFAM) by subscribing directly the Territory seafood industry
Whilst social distancing and to receive bulletins from the news and issues? Daily stories,
isolation might be the tools to Seafood Trade Advisory shares and likes can be viewed
tackle COVID-19. Now is not the Group (STAG). by joining us on Facebook.
time to be alone. COVID-19 is
new, however financial support, The year that was Modernising the Mud Crab
professional guidance and Our 2019 annual report is now Fishery
mental health support are not. online and hard copies have Understanding electronic data
Please do not hesitate to reach been posted to members. Click collection and reporting options
out to the NTSC and we will do here to read the Year in Review is important. Read more on
our best to either connect you 2019. page 6.
to a service and/or importantly
listen. World Fisheries Congress Why getting your logbook
Postponed until September return in on time is important
Katherine Winchester, 2021 Importantly as of this year,
NT Seafood Council Abstracts submitted for warning letters for late returns
Chief Executive Officer WFC2020 remain valid for are no longer sent. Read more
next year’s congress. Further on page 12.
information is available at
WFC2020.
Northern Territory Seafood Council (NTSC)
Cover Photo: Inverell Bay @ Nhulunbuy, NT 2019 by Donna English
33
Stakeholder Survey What lens are you looking
NOW OPEN through?
The Seafood Council is conducting 2020 started with the Seafood Council Board focussed on
its second Stakeholder survey to increasing understanding of Indigenous Australians and
seek feedback on NTSC value and their cultures, with a specific focus on Aboriginal sea country
performance, which will aid in the in the NT and land rights.
evaluation of our organisation against
the NTSC Strategic Plan 2018-2023. Understanding the relationships between fisheries legislation,
sacred sites, sea country and land rights is necessary for a
It is vital that we understands how successful seafood industry.
it is performing from a stakeholder
perspective as well as learning from We as an industry need to understand the aspirations
stakeholders what they believe to be of the indigenous community in respect to ongoing
the key risks facing the NT seafood long-term association with the industry and how this can be
industry. accomplished for the benefit of all.
The 2020 survey has been emailed This is an exciting project to start building understanding
to stakeholders and will remain open and aid in building relationships that underpin the future of
until 5 June 2020. Click here to the NT seafood industry.
complete the survey.
To improve cross cultural awareness, the Board and
Thank you for your staff have completed two online modules, ‘Working with
input Cultural Difference’ and ‘Aboriginal History’ and one of four
yarning sessions. The first cross cultural yarning session
We conducted a NTSC Sustainability was facilitated by Jason Elsegood from Cross Cultural
Strategy Survey for eight weeks Consultants.
over February and March this year.
Importantly feedback from the Survey The Northern Territory is an incredibly diverse cultural space;
will help us better understand from a not only are there a multitude of international languages
range of stakeholder views the most spoken but the NT is home to over 50 Aboriginal languages
important problems facing the industry. made up of over 100 dialects.
This information will aid us to create
change and deliver a Sustainabity As an industry that operates within and around Aboriginal
Strategy for the NT seafood industry. communities, understanding the cultural context of the NT
is doubly important for NTSC members.
Key areas in the survey included
data collection, innovation, bycatch, By developing our cross cultural knowledge and skills
protected species interactions, climate we improve our ability to create a strong, sustainable
change impacts, resource access and development foundation for the growth of our industry in the
the challenges/benefits of operating in NT.
the North Marine Park Network. Over
200 people from within the industry, ‘Being cross culturally aware helps us to create spaces that
government, research, recreational are reflective and inclusive of cultural difference and improves
fishers, environmental sector and our ability to create positive engagement outcomes,’ said
general community provided their Jason Elsegood, Cross Cultural Consultants.
insights.
Resources are being developed for NTSC members.
This project titled Sustainability
Strategy: Building capability and The project titled Cultural Education and Representation
resilience for the Northern Territory received funding from the Australian Government.
seafood industry received grant funding
from the Australian Government.
4
Communique
February 2020
The Board of Northern Territory Seafood Council Build trust in our industry by
Incorporated met 12 February 2020 at Northern our members, community and
Territory Seafood Council offices, Fishermen’s government
Wharf. Consideration of whether Northern Territory
Seafood Identifying priority areas where funding
This communique has been provided as and resources are needed is another strategic
a summary for members of the key items direction the Board has recognised we need to
discussed. We welcomed Cam Druitt, Mark perform better. Licensee Committee’s will be
Webster and Michael O’Brien to the Board, asked to identify their priority issues/areas by mid
who were nominated by the respective Coastal 2020, so that the Board can better identify how
Line, Trepang and Demersal Fishery licensee we as an industry organisation develop prioritised
committee/associations. industry. Importantly the Board recognised the
need for NTSC to better communicate industry
needs into organisations that can aid in providing
Improve structures for an solutions such as researchers and other support
effective Northern Territory programs.
Seafood Council
A key focus area of discussion was the revision of Immediately following the Board meeting, Board
the existing NTSC constitution and the changes and NTSC staff training was undertaken in cross
required to shift the NTSC from a “representative” cultural awareness. The session was relatable
board appointment mindset to a smaller and easy to understand, I personally learnt a lot and
appropriately skilled/experience based Board. recognised the importance of this understanding
when interacting with not only Indigenous
With the overarching purpose of aiding the Australians but with people from different cultural
development and improving awareness of both backgrounds overseas. I am glad we have more
the wild harvest and aquaculture sectors getting sessions in the future to help tie this learning
the structures and processes in place to aid together into something practical we can use in
the Board’s focus at the industry wide level and our future interactions.
organisation level is important. Equally important
for the NTSC is to ensure that fishery specific
groups such as our Licensee Committee’s have The next Board meeting is scheduled for 27 May
the appropriate support from NTSC to guide 2020, which will be chaired by Anthony Ciconte
fishery level decisions, strategy and direction. in my absence for this particular meeting.
Member’s suggestions for Board agenda items
It is important as an organisation we are clear are encouraged to be forwarded to Northern
on where we are trying to get to and what kind Territory Seafood Council Secretary, Mr Chris
of skills/experience is needed at the Board level Calogeras via email to admin@ntsc.com.au
so that the right proposed changes can be put
forward for the members consideration. Daniel Kimberley
Chairman
For the 2020/21 licensing year the Board
determined to request from the Minister for
Primary Industry and Resources no change to
the NTSC Levy amount.
Image: Inverell Bay @ Nhulunbuy, NT 2019 by Donna English
55
Modernising the Mud Bringing joy over Easter to
Crab fishery those in need
During the development of the NT Coastal Line Fishermen’s Association (CFLA) members
Mud Crab Harvest Strategy it was were greeted with smiles that went from one ear to the
identified that language and workload other, when they arrived at three Darwin organisations just
barriers are impacting on the quality days before the Easter long week to delivering an 80kg
of data recorded and submitted. donation of Black Jewfish fillets.
Through project titled Adoption of ‘Professional fishers have worked together to donate round
new purpose designed data capture 400 serves of Black Jewfish to a part of the community that
tool to improve knowledge and needs support. Every single one of us have a sense of the
stewardship of the NT Mud Crab ‘good feeling inside’ knowing the fish is helping out both the
Fishery, NTSC is working to get 10 organisations and the people they support,’ said Coastal
iPads in waterproof cases with the Line Fishermen’s Association, Vice Chairman, Mr Jon Hay.
DeckHand App installed, distributed
amongst volunteer fishers within the Mr Kevin Wrigley, Community and Fundraising Manager NT,
Mud Crab Fishery. The Salvation Army, said ‘We were so delighted to hear from
the Fishery about their donation and it’s not often that local
Key trial areas include Maningrida, seafood is on our menu.’
Mini Mini/Murgenella, Bynoe Harbour,
Wearyan River and the Roper River. ‘Members of the CLFA had been exploring donation options
in recent months with the view to bring some Easter joy to
The trial will test and better understand the community,’ said Northern Territory Seafood Council,
any issues of cellular connectivity, Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Katherine Winchester.
app user friendliness and durability of
iPads in exposed tropical conditions.
The Mud Crab Licensee Committee
also recently discussed the testing of
a CLS mud crab app which can be
used in conjunction with the Triton
CLS vessel monitoring system.
Satellite data through the VMS can
be used to transmit app data as an
electronic logbook.
Understanding electronic data
collection and reporting options is
important for efficient management
of the fishery as well as opening up
new opportunities and efficiencies for
business decisions.
This project received funding from
the Australian Government.
Delivering fish for Easter – (from left) Sunrise Centre centre manager Lorraine Butler,
Coastal Line Fishermen’s Association vice chairman Jon Hay, professional fishersman
Shannon Johnston and Sunrise Centre chef Sue Hoddinott at the centre in Berrimah,
Darwin.
66
Seafood labelling help locals Big step for NT’s
identify and support local Aquarium Fishery
businesses
The Aquarium Fishery Management
In late 2019, the findings of NT Seafood Council’s fourth Advisory Committee (AFMAC) held its
‘have your say on NT seafood’ survey report were released. first meeting in Darwin on Wednesday
The overwhelming message from respondents was labelling 22 January 2020.
laws in the Northern Territory are a success and that
consumers have a preference to buy Northern Territory The primary role of the AFMAC is to
seafood. develop a management framework
that incorporates a contemporary
It was reported that 95% of Territorians would select NT Harvest strategy, and the inaugural
labelled seafood over seafood from elsewhere in Australia. meeting was an opportunity for
The survey also showed that 93.9% of people agree labelling members to get to know one another,
on menus which clearly shows the identity of seafood origin outline the role of the Committee
is a compelling driver in the purchasing decision. and gain an understanding of the
governance requirements for the
NTSC recognise right now is an exceptionally difficult time Committee.
for the hospitality sector due to the COVID-19. And as we all
are keen to buy local and support locals it is more important AFMAC members also learnt about
than ever to include the origin of seafood on the menu. the consultation process for Fishery
Management Advisory Committees
Interestingly, NT seafood consumers believe they are eating in the NT, and consider the forward
more seafood and over 33% of the respondents are willing agenda.
to pay a premium of more than 20% to plate up NT labelled
seafood. AFMAC provided advice and
discussed the draft long term
Northern Territory continues to be the envy across Australia management objectives for the
for our seafood labelling laws that came into place in 2008 fishery; the risk of a shrinking domestic
which require dining outlets to identify the origin of seafood ornamental market; and concerns
if it is not Australian. about collection of Western Clown
Anemonefish (Amphiprion ocellaris)
Since then, many NT businesses have embraced clear and of Giant Carpet anemone
labelling on the origin of seafood dishes and some venues (Stichodactyla gigentea) within the
have expanded their menus to include local seafood options Darwin region.
or only NT or Australian options. Download the full survey
report here. Establishment of the AFMAC is an
important step in the development of
a Harvest Strategy and Management
Framework for the Aquarium fishery.
The next meeting is scheduled for
August 2020.
77
border control Keeping across key issue and
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
In response to the COVID-19
outbreak, the Australian Government Whilst the NTSC is continuing to provide members with
confirmed that Australia’s food regular COVID-19 communication updates, useful links to
production and supply chain will not up to date information are available at:
be affected by COVID-19 shutdowns,
deeming food production and supply • NT Government’s Coronavirus website
as an essential service. As of 3 www.coronavirus.gov.au
April 2020, states and territories • Australian Government www.australia.gov.au/
except New South Wales, Victoria
and the Australian Capital Territory It is important to download current forms (i.e. exemption
have imposed strict border control application forms) direct from the websites due to how fluid
restrictions. the situation is which can result in changes.
Agriculture and primary industries,
which include commercial fishing,
are considered essential services
and as such those working in these
businesses are classified as essential
travellers. Despite this classification
some jurisdictions, including the NT
require workers and/or employees
to apply for an application for
exemption from 14 days quarantine
when entering.
States and territories apply their
own restrictions and interpretations,
including management of movement
across state borders which
can be found by visiting www.
interstatequarantine.org.au/state-
and-territory-border-closures/
Wellbeing and
Support Information
• Lifeline (Mental health and
wellbeing) - phone 13 11 14
reminder to employers on
• Beyondblue (Mental health and workplace safety during COVID-19
wellbeing) - phone 1300 224 636
Managing the risks in the workplace and business as
• Headspace (Youth mental exposure to COVID-19 is a potential hazard for workers
health and wellbeing) - phone and other people at workplaces.
1800 650 890
A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs)
must have measures in place to protect worker health
and safety and manage these risks. To learn more about
employers and employee responsibilities visit Safework
Australia or the Australian Government Department of
Health.
8
Support for NT seafood Businesses
Program/Initiative Description
Independent Advice Access 4hrs of free independent advise to directly help business. Contact Business Enterprise Centre
NT on 08 8923 6133 or Chamber of Commerce NT hotline on 08 8982 8188.
Rural Financial Services Free confidential advice and professional support for businesses. Freecall 1800 836 211.
Business Growth Programs A range of strategic and tailor made solutions to support your business. Contact a Small Business
Champion to help identify the types of support your business can access via 08 8999 5479.
Start. Run. Grow Provision of strategic programs and activities.
Industry Buildskills Program Funding to upskill or reskill existing workers.
Worker and Wellbeing Fund If you have lost your job or your income has been reduced because of coronavirus (COVID-19) and you
are not already receiving financial and/or wellbeing support, including Centrelink benefits.
Immediate Works Grant Funds fully committed. Applications now closed. Repairs, renovations and upgrades to property and
$5 million facilities for not for profits/community organisations up to $100,000.
Business Improvement Grant Funds fully committed to purchase goods and services to make permanent physical improvements to
$20 million a business (land and/or building) to help operations and customer experience.
Payroll Tax Relief Abolish payroll tax for six months for eligible smaller and medium-sized businesses, and defer it for six
months for large businesses (NT Treasury payroll-tax-relief).
Electricity, Water & Sewage Electricity, Water & Sewage Power, water and sewerage bills by 50 per cent for eligible businesses for
six months (for regulated utility tariffs). Support effective for 6 months.
Territory Jobs Hub Online portal that will help Territory workers find a new job quickly. The portal will also help businesses
that need workers to connect with those looking for work, this includes casual and contract work. Read
more on the Territory Jobs Hub.
JobKeeper Payment Available to eligible employers, businesses including companies, partnerships, trusts and sole traders,
not-for-profits and charities. $1,500 per fortnight (before tax) per employee for up to 6 months.
JobSeeker Payment Available for people between 22yrs old and age pension age and looking for work. It also for when
you’re sick or injured and can’t do your usual work. You need to meet some rules.
Boosting Cash Flow for Employers Tax relief, you will get an initial cash boost which is 100% of the PAYG withheld. A second cash boost
will be given either monthly (25% or the initial boost) or quarterly (50% or the initial boost). Automatic
payment by the ATO will be made after you lodge your activity statement.
Working from home Tax return: claim 80 cents per hour and other expenses due to working from home.
Assistance to pay wages of Wage subsidy up to $21K and 50% of the apprentice’s or trainee’s wage paid during 9 months from 1
apprentices or trainees Jan to 30 Sep.
Increasing the instant asset write Under normal circumstances, individual assets less than $30,000 are eligible for the instant asset write
off off. The Government has lifted this threshold to $150,000 for assets that are either installed or ready
for first use by 30 June 2020.
Casual employees Casual employees may be eligible for income support.
Support the flow of credit The government will provide a guarantee of 50% to small and medium enterprises lenders for new
unsecured loans to be used for working capital.
Early access to superannuation Access up to $10,000 of their superannuation before 1 July 2020. They will also be able to access up
to a further $10,000 from 1 July 2020 for approximately three months.
Tax Support The Australian Tax Office (ATO) is providing relief for some tax obligations for businesses affected by
the outbreak, on a case-by-case basis. Contact the ATO’s Emergency Support Infoline for businesses
on 1800 806 218 for more information or to request this help.
Workplace Obligations and Help and advice for employers and employees with entitlements during this time. Fair Work Australia
Entitlements (www.fairwork.gov.au).
Further details on these support packages can be found via the following websites:
NT Government www.coronavirus.nt.gov.au/community-advice/business
Australian Government www.australia.gov.au/#_financial_support
Australian Tax Office www.ato.gov.au/General/COVID-19/
99
Your views are Fishery Profile to aid Oil, Gas
important – and Seismic Research
Workforce Strategy
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC)
The National Agriculture Labour for a three-year national seismic research coordination role.
Advisory Committee is preparing
a Workforce strategy that will Mannie Shea has been appointed as the principal investigator
be presented to the Australian for this project, which the position will provide ongoing
Government. support to protect commercial fishermen’s access rights
and will identify areas of seismic and commercial fishing
The National Agricultural Workforce environment gaps with the aim for these research gaps to
Strategy is seeking your assistance be addressed.
in helping shape the strategy and
develop a sustainable and skilled Mannie will also be involved with environment plan
agricultural workforce for the future. submissions and best practice information for environment
plans.
The aim is to attract, retain and
upskill the domestic workforce. As The commercial fishing sector is by far the largest group of
well as identify where access to a potentially affected stakeholders for all offshore activities and
migrant workforce will be necessary in many instances, commercial fishers (and the commercial
to meet industry needs. fishing resource) are the only potentially affected parties.
The strategy will recommend Here in the NT we have seen multiple environment plan (EP)
potential actions to address the future consultation requests from oil, gas and seismic proponents
workforce needs of the agriculture, operating in or planning to operate in either territory or
fisheries and forestry industries; and commonwealth waters.
closely allied service and supply
chain industry sectors. Many EP consultation requests bear little or no relevance
to commercial fishing activities, with many fishers receiving
These actions will target school unnecessary and complex information of little or no relevance.
education, vocational education and When an activity does have relevance the proponents have
training, and higher education. not adequately addresses the potential issues, the project
will sees each state and territory managed fishery have a
A discussion paper is out for comment ‘Fishery Profile’ to aid oil, gas and seismic operators when
by either completing the online and where they need to consult.
survey or via a written submission.
All feedback must be summited by Mannie has commenced working on NT commercial fishery
5pm (AEST)1 June 2020. profiles on behalf of the NT Seafood Council, which will
see each fishery profile (totalling 12 fisheries) have its own
Learn more about the discussion detailed summary that will be used in conjunction with the
paper by downloading a PDF of the Oil and Gas Engagement Commercial Fishing Consultation
National Agricultural Workforce Guidance Framework.
Strategy Discussion Paper.
Fishery profiles have been developed for each NT Fishery.
Please email admin@ntsc.com.au or phone Mannie directly
on 0452 070 037 to arrange a copy or provide feedback to
help finalise these documents.
10Seafood Industry Safety Pipeline
Initiative Decommissioning
The Fisheries Research & Development Corporation The Bayu-Undan Gas Export Pipeline
(FRDC) Seafood Industry Safety Initiative (SISI) committee is forecast to reach the end of
members come together to continue discussions on a way economic production around 2021-22
forward to achieve positive changes in the safety space. and a large section of the pipeline will
not be required by ConocoPhillips for
They started 2020 with their first visit to Darwin as a use after that time and is planned to
committee. be decommissioned.
With regards to safety compliance and uptake of industry Legislation passed in 2019 from
developed tools and resources to assist the Australian ratification of the Maritime Boundaries
Seafood Industry SISI wish to achieve the following Treaty between the Australian
objectives: and Timor-Leste governments,
requires the section of pipeline to
• Moving towards zero fatalities and reduction in be decommissioned in Timor-Leste
workplace safety incidences; Offshore Waters to be removed
• Continuous cultural improvements in the use of to the satisfaction of Australia’s
workplace safety management systems; and National Offshore Petroleum Safety
• Increase in uptake of industry workplace safety and and Environmental Management
training programs and education tools. Authority (NOPSEMA), prior to
surrender of title. The first stage of
FRDC has taken the lead in developing a national strategy the environmental approval process
to address efforts and resources lacking in the workplace - Bayu-Undan Pipeline Production
health and safety space of the Australian seafood industry. Cessation Environment Plan (EP)
occurred in September 2019.
The seafood industry safety initiative developed as a
cross stakeholder partnership to address gaps and/or The second stage – of the 345km
inefficiencies in the workplace health and safety space of section to be decommissioned in
the Australian seafood industry. Australian Waters, 222km is located
within the Oceanic Shoals Marine
Learn more by visiting Workforce Health and Safety in Park, which is an authorised activity
Fisheries and Aquaculture. under Class Approval provisions
within the North Marine Parks Network
Management Plan. Download a PDF
of the Bayu-Undan Gas Export
Pipeline Production Cessation.
11
11Why getting your logbooks in on time is important
All professional fishers must keep logbooks reporting their location, harvest (target species,
by-product, bycatch), discards, and interactions with Threatened, Endangered and Protected Species
(TEPS) on a monthly basis. Some fisheries have even tighter controls, such as the Aquarium fishery,
which operators are required to submit their log returns every five days if they are harvesting species
under catch limits.
Logbook data is used for day to day management, Harvest Strategy triggers, stock assessments and
overarching reports.
For example, the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES)
use fisheries data to produce sustainability reports every three years. Just as the government relies
on data from the industry to paint an accurate picture of the fisheries, the industry relies on the
government’s fisheries management experts to determine the sustainability of fish stocks.
NT Fisheries aims to undertake stock assessments every five to seven years in addition to conducting
annual reviews to ensure commercial harvest is at a sustainable level.
Given the importance of having information submitted in a timely manner, NT Fisheries have been
encouraging operators to stay on top of their reporting. Importantly as of this year, warning letters
for late returns are no longer sent and instead NT Fisheries have the ability to issue a Fisheries
Infringement Notices (FIN) of $628 fine + $40 victims levy for late returns.
NT Fisheries Wildstock Fisheries Managers contact list
Will Bowman Program Leader 08 8999 2181 will.bowman@nt.gov.au
0427 450 144
Blake Taylor Senior Wildstock Coastal Line Fishery 08 8999 2119 blake.taylor@nt.gov.au
Fishery Manager
Lianos Wildstock Fishery Mud Crab Fishery 08 8999 2284 lianos. iantafillos@nt.gov.au
Triantafillos Manager Barramundi Fishery
Rebecca Wildstock Fishery Demersal Fishery 08 8999 2302 rebecca.oliver@nt.gov.au
Oliver Manager Timor Reef Fishery
Brian Boyle Wildstock Fishery Aquarium Fishery 08 8999 2181 brian.boyle@nt.gov.au
Manager
Belinda Norris Wildstock Fishery Spanish Mackerel Fishery 08 9992127 belinda.norris@nt.gov.au
Manager Offshore Net and Line Fishery
12Roll-out of Electronic Native Title officer
logbooks continues
The Seafood Council has taken a
The roll-out of Electronic logbooks (E-log) in NT’s fisheries proactive approach and recently
continues under the guidance of Wildstock Fisheries received grant funding from the
Manager Dr Lianos (Li) Triantafillos. Commonwealth Government to
employ a Native Title Officer to work
Li understands the challenges of implementing systems on preparing the Seafood Council
changes for commercial fishers, from his days as an ex and its members prepare for future
professional squid fisherman in South Australia before he Native Title claims.
embarked on a research career studying squid.
It has been almost 20 years since
His cephalopod obsession led him across the world, where the Seafood Council was actively
he studied and worked in areas such as the Falkland involved in native title.
Islands and the South Atlantic for several years. And
eventually brought him to Darwin, where he is managing It is time to dust off the files, get
Fisheries as well as rolling out the E-Log program. familiar with any changes and
improve our understanding to ensure
‘I really enjoy going down to the Duck Pond and have been the NT seafood industry is ready to
really impressed with how Territory commercial fishers engage and effectively respond to
are embracing the new E-log system,’ said Dr Lianos Native Title applications.
Triantafillos.
Native title claims are made by
NT Fisheries are available to assist with E-log installations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
upgrades and any issues encountered for the remainder of groups to the Federal Court of
2020, so don’t miss out on getting your system set up with Australia. The National Native Title
assistance. Tribunal also plays a role in the
native title process.
All it takes is a quick call to Li on 08 8999 2284 or 0451 255
110 or email lianos.triantafillos@nt.gov.au or visit the NT As it has been many years between
commercial fishing logbooks. Native Title claims affecting the sea,
and we are aware that future claims,
such as the Groote Eylandt claim that
was flagged in late 2018, will likely be
lodged in the near future.
In the coming months through the
Native Title Officer role, NTSC will
seek to achieve a range of outcomes
including:
• Improved ability to engage NTSC
members with interests in Native
Title matters; and
• Improved understanding about
the Native Title process.
For more information regarding
native title please contact the NTSC
via ceo@ntsc.com.au
13
13Locals supporting locals
Now is the time to band together as a Territory. Businesses in Darwin and surrounding regions have
continued their support for the NT seafood industry. Many are providing Territorians the opportunity
to continue to enjoy their favourite seafood dishes by ordering online for delivery and/or
take-away services.
Support NT Caught venues where you will see NT seafood on the menu include:
Beachfront Hotel
Frying Nemo Fish & Chippery
Hanuman
La Beach Fish & Chips
Saffrron Restaurant
Snapper Rocks Bar & Kitchen
The Fannie Bay Cool Spot
The Foreshore Restaurant & Café
The Roma Bar
For more venues and retail outlets visit Where to buy?
coming events
Event Date Time Venue
NT Demersal Fishermen’s Association 7 May 2020 0900 Teleconference
NTSC Board Meeting 27 May 2020 0900-1100 Video Conferencing
14
14You can also read
