Queensland SEAFOOD2021 NUMBER 1 - WE LOSE A LEGEND: DENIS O'CONNELL - Queensland Seafood ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Queensland
Registered by Australia Post: PP434810/0006
SEAFOOD
CELEBRATING THE
2021 NUMBER 1
PHOTO ART OF
FISHERMAN
RICHARD FREEMAN
WE LOSE A LEGEND: DENIS O’CONNELL
NEW RELEASE PRODUCTS
FROM GLOMEX
Super Fast Onboard Wi-Fi Hotspot
WeBBoat 4G Lite EVO
Single SIM 4G/Wi-Fi All in
one coastal internet system
Code: IT1104EVO/SA
Encrypted secure remote setup and service
VSAT/SAT internet auto switch mode
Single internal mini SIM
WeBBoat Link EXT
Single SIM 4G/Wi-Fi
Coastal & Ocean
internet System
Extended Range Kit
Code: IT1304PROEXT
Steady and stable internet
connection for secure hotspot
inside or on deck
Conveniently located at Rivergate Refit Complex
Rivergate Place, Murarrie, QLD, 4172 | Call us: 07 3640 5600
Email: tmq@tmq.com.au | Web: www.tmq.com.au
Queensland SEAFOOD
VOLUME 39, No. 1 2021
CHAIR ON THE LINE...................................................................................... 4
FROM THE CEO............................................................................................. 6
“GHOST QUOTA” CAUSES MANAGEMENT CONFUSION........................... 8
RESULTS OF QSIA QUESTIONNAIRE ON QUOTA IMPACTS.................... 11
CUTS FOR TROUT QUOTA FOR 2021–22................................................... 12
QSIA SUBMISSION TO SENATE HEARING ON QUOTA............................ 13
LEGAL MATTERS: OUR RIGHTS AS PRO FISHERMEN............................. 14
AGM elects new board. Page 5.
WHITE SPOT DISEASE OUT ON CONTROL IN S.E.Q................................ 18
AG MINISTER: “INQUIRY INTO MY OWN DEPARTMENT”......................... 20
PRAWN FARM SUES FED GOVT OVER WHITE SPOT............................... 20
WHITE SPOT DISEASE CLASS ACTION IS HAPPENING.......................... 21
LANDING RESTRICTIONS = BIG COSTS FOR FISHERMEN.................... 22
FEDERAL BUDGET EXTENDS ASSET WRITE-OFFS.................................. 24
NEW COMMONWEALTH MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY.......................... 25
FAREWELL TO DENIS O’CONNELL............................................................ 26
BOATS & GEAR............................................................................................ 28
THE GULL..................................................................................................... 30
Quota confusion. Page 8
In this issue quota allocation versus “Ghost Quota”.
On page 11, results are presented from
the QSIA questionnaire on the potential
QSIA Chair Allan Bobbermen is urging impacts of quota allocation on fishermen.
fishermen to put in an appeal to your And, on page 13, there is a summary of
proposed quota allocation regardless of the QSIA submission to a Senate inquiry
what you may think the outcome from examining the pros and cons of quota
Fisheries Queensland will be and then management.
proceed to QCAT if you do not receive
a favourable response from fisheries White spot disease has gone wild in
managers. south-eastern Queensland, literally, with
He says there are a lot of anomalies confirmation the disease is being carried
which are raising their ugly heads as this by prawns and other crustaceans, and
harvest strategy suitcase is being unpacked authorities apparently giving up hope of
that could have been addressed by Fisheries eradicating it. See pages 18-21 for more
Queensland but remain a problem for on this terrible story (including court action
industry. See page 4. against the Federal Government).
QSIA CEO Eric Perez addresses several As if the seafood industry needed yet
White spot in the wild. Page18.. more restrictions on its operations, an
issues in his column in this edition, including
continuing issues of concern thrown assessment of planned new restrictions
up by the “reform” process, including on where our catch can be landed is
Spanish mackerel filleting at sea, the calculated to cost individual fishermen tens
landing of catch, and interactions with the of thousands of dollars. Details on page 22.
Queensland Boating & Fisheries Patrol. And And, in this edition, we sadly farewell
he introduces the new QSIA Board. Turn to
one of our industry’s legends and finest
page 6.
ambassadors, Denis O’Connell, after a rich
Quota allocation is a major issue. On and full life as a fisherman, industry leader
page 8, Shane Snow discusses at length and local government representative. You
the confusing issues regarding quota and can read Denis’ story, in his own words, on
fisheries management, especially real-time pages 26-27.
Front cover: Spanner crab fisherman Richard Freeman with some of his catch in his
beloved 5.6-metre Shark Cat. Richard has also found time while working alone at sea to
shoot some stunning images that are as much art as they are photography. One example
Vale Denis O’Connell. Page 26. is on the outside back cover of this magazine and others are on pages 15-17.
Queensland Seafood is Mailing Address: Chief Executive Officer: Advertising:
the official journal of the PO Box 3856 Eric Perez E-mail: mobo2@live.com
Queensland Seafood Industry Victoria Point West Q 4165 Tel: 0417 631 353 Postal:
Association Inc, the peak eo@qsia.com.au PO Box 3856
body representing the State’s Mob: 0417 631 353 Victoria Point West Q 4165
seafood industry. E-mail: eo@qsia.com.au
Website: www.qsia.com.au
Queensland Seafood 2021 Number 1 — 3
Feedback from this has been good.
president on the Line 2. QSIA has put in a submission to the
Federal Government to support a
Be prepared to fight to protect WTO for the mullet fishery.
3. QSIA has put in a detailed submission
your business to the Senate inquiry into quota in
Australian fisheries and hopefully
HELLO all. I hope you all are managing Better Regulation and do a post-imple- this organisation will be able to
okay and are preparing to take on mentation analysis in two years’ time. speak when the inquiry moves to
the fight to protect your business and Queensland. QSIA would like to
assets. What a joke! You and I both know in thank those who contributed to this
two years’ time what a mess this indus- detailed submission.
No doubt you all would have seen try will be in. 4. QSIA has written to Fisheries
the release from Fisheries recently Queensland around issues with
outlining the schedule for rolling out Just look at what has unfolded with the reform process with little or
this reform nonsense. the same strategy used for the vessel no response One big-ticket issue is
monitoring system (VMS), which has the landing points for quota species.
I would urge you all to put in an ap- resulted in the State Ombudsman get- Fisheries Queensland seems to
peal to your proposed quota allocation ting on their case. be reluctant to engage in serious
regardless of what you may think the conversation around this issue.
outcome from Fisheries Queensland Historically, this seems to be the Membership
will be and then proceed to QCAT if strategy Fisheries Queensland roll
you do not receive a favourable re- with: introduce a regulation and fix the It is encouraging to see we are still
sponse from fisheries managers. mess up on the fly. Consequently, this gaining members and our members
is why we have the many regulation have been engaging with question-
Bottom line here is there are a lot of amendments in the Fisheries Act. naires Eric has put out.
anomalies which are raising their ugly
heads as this harvest strategy suitcase What are we doing? If you have any concerns which may
is being unpacked. affect your operation that have not yet
You have no doubt read the updates been identified, please let Eric know so
Eric has been putting out. The four QSIA can act on your concern. Your in-
These could have been addressed points below cover just some of the
properly if the Department had gone put is valuable to achieve outcomes for
important issues. our industry.
down the road of normal regulation
change and done a regulatory impact 1. Podcasts with Chis Thompson
statement (RIS). Conclusion
around questions raised with issues
with the Queensland Boating & Industry is not in a good place at
However, they convinced Treasury Fisheries Patrol (QBFP). Thanks, the moment with rollout of this har-
that they will follow the guidelines for Chris, for your time and effort. vest strategy pending. This mess could
The QSIA annual general meeting at Urangan was well attended.
4 — Queensland Seafood 2021 Number 1
be better described as a Social Exper-
iment which a blind man with a cork Fishermen Queensland commercial fishers
are sensing they are being singled
in his eye can see is going to go pear-
shaped.
report disturbing out and being victimised to sow fear
across industry. In some cases, QBFP
To most, this painful exercise of drip-
behaviour by QBFP officers that do not fully understand
the regulations are being paid to
feeding information out to industry is I HAVE recently written to Minister for enforce or wilfully misinterpreting
hamstringing business decisions. Agriculture & Fisheries Mark Furner fisheries legislation and this is totally
about fishermen’s reports of behaviour unacceptable.
In the meantime, we need to roll by Queensland Boating & Fisheries
our sleeves up and be prepared for the Patrol (QBFP) officers. What follows is The QSIA office has had numerous
fight, being mindful that some of this the text of that letter. calls from fishers who have phoned
nonsense may be yet to be tested in Fisheries Queensland managers asking
the courts. The office of the Queensland for an interpretation of regulations and
Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) we seem to be getting the same generic
We need to keep networking, as it has been receiving disturbing calls response: “We will have to get back to
is one of the most valuable tools in this from fishers regarding interactions you”’. I am afraid to tell you that we are
fight. with Queensland Boating and Fisheries still waiting for a return phone call.
Patrol (QBFP).
Well-attended AGM Furthermore, industry asked for
The office has also received a fact sheet to be put out around the
The COVID-delayed QSIA 2020 feedback from industry operators grey areas of the legislation back in
annual general meeting in Urangan outlining incidents involving the 2020.
earlier this year was well attended and misinterpretations of fisheries
mapped out a program for the year legislation by QBFP officers. In A memo was put out by the Director-
ahead. addition, petty nit-picking has resulted General saying the Department is
in unreasonable fines and cautions. working on a fact sheet to clarify issues
Board members elected at the in question. We are still waiting for that
AGM included Shane Snow, Tony to be provided to industry.
Commercial fishermen have
Reisenwebber and Kevin Reibel (in
photo below). challenged the infringements and
cautions, which has resulted in dismissal Industry has also petitioned
of claims. (In industry lingo, these are managers to have the fishers in their
CEO Eric Perez has more details in “shit pinches”.) regional areas call port meetings to
his column on page 6. clarify issues in contention but, yet
You must appreciate that taking again, this seems to have fallen on deaf
Good fishing and stay safe. ears (an all too common scenario from
time out to contest loosely interpreted
Allan Bobbermen regulations is wasting our valuable Fisheries Queensland).
QSIA President fishing time.
The bottom line here is that
the actions of community-minded,
responsible commercial fishers clearly
demonstrate their level of willingness
to comply with the regulations.
We all are aware that regulations
and their enforcement are the base line
for a sustainable fishery when carried
out for their intended purpose. I am
afraid, at this point in time, this is not
happening.
What needs to happen from here is
that fishery managers need to get their
house in order and issue instructions to
field staff to have a change of attitude
and refrain from issuing questionable
fines until such time as there is a clearer
understanding of the regulations they
are trying to enforce.
My industry are not criminals and
deserve due process with respect and
procedural fairness, something that
sadly appears to be overlooked.
It appears that your Department is
leaving industry with little choice but to
document every interaction with any
QBFP officer.
Re-elected QSIA Board members include (from left) Shane Snow, Tony Reisenwebber and Kevin Allan Bobbermen
Reibel. QSIA President
Queensland Seafood 2021 Number 1 — 5
From the CEO Government to gag
fishermen at
The Queensland Government – industry meeting
Delivering nothing of value to industry A FISHERMEN recently sent me
a letter that had been distributed
IT appears 2021 is no different in This lack of consultation is typical of
to commercial net fishers in North
terms of the so-called fisheries reform the lacklustre consultation approach
process and its potential impacts for Queensland.
adopted by Fisheries Queensland.
Queensland commercial fishers.
Commercial net fishers outside the Check out the photograph of the
1. So-Called Reform Process Ocean Beach Fishery are also selective letter on the opposite page.
The reform process continues to with their gear, which historically has
proven to be efficient with minimal en- At first glance, the letter is just
throw up issues of concern. The As- another request to meet commercial
sociation has sought updates / summa- vironmental footprint.
fishers but, taking some time to unpack
ries providing explanation of changes
to fisheries regulation and we are still 4. Communication with Members the meeting request, you get to see the
waiting for a response from Fisheries level of incompetence and disdain for
Information is a key commodity and industry driving Fisheries Queensland.
Queensland. we are doing all we can to provide as
much information to members as pos- Issues related to the so-called
Issues linked to the reform process sible while engaging with a poorly de-
that have been pursued by the Associ- reform process are at the heart of
signed and anti-industry reform pro-
ation include Spanish Mackerel filleting current industry concern and a source
cess.
at sea, the landing of catch, and interac- of significant stress.
tions with the Queensland Boating and
Fisheries Patrol. Communication channels we are us-
ing: Why attend this ridiculous meeting if
commercial fishers cannot raise issues
As we receive responses, we are • We are continually updating regarding the reform process?
sharing those with members or re- members through the “QSIA
sponding through social media. Members Updates” emails. The level of disregard for this
• QSIA website and in particular industry from Fisheries Queensland
2. Senate Inquiry Update and the Minister is plain to see and of
QSIA News: https://qsia.com.au/
The Association provided a detailed news/ course unacceptable.
submission to the Senate Standing • Facebook: https://www.facebook.
Committees on Rural & Regional Af- com/QLDSeafood Consider these serious issues.
fairs & Transport inquiry into the fish-
eries quota system. As at the time of • Queensland Catch: https://www. RRWhy attend a meeting that restricts
publishing this edition of the magazine, facebook.com/Queensland- what can be discussed?
the Committee had received 45 sub- Catch-711613002284891
RRWhy attend a meeting when the
missions. • QSIA Podcasts: https://qsia. topics are restricted to “current”
podbean.com/ fisheries issues? What could be more
You can access the Association’s sub-
Meet the QSIA Board critical than the potential impacts of
mission here: https://www.aph.gov.au/
Parliamentary_Business/Committees/ this so-called reform process?
As a result of the COVID-19 pan-
Senate/Rural_and_Regional_Affairs_ demic, the 2020 annual general meet- RRRestricting our ability to engage on
and_Transport/Fisheriesquota/Submis- ing was held in late January 2021 in issues we see as important restricts
sions Hervey Bay. our freedom to think and speak, as,
ultimately, we have to deal with the
3. Ocean Beach Fishery WTO A wide range of issues were dis- consequences of poor policy and
The Association provided a let- cussed and these, along with the an- legislation-making.
ter supporting the development of an nual report, have been covered in the If you have concerns regarding the
Ocean Beach Fishery wildlife trade op- QSIA website. letter below, please contact:
eration (WTO) certification to allow
for the export of mullet roe. There was a good attendance by RRCraig Bambling (QBFP – Townsville
members, some travelling considerable District Officer) on mobile 0417 788
The target species for the Ocean distances to attend. 692 or email craig.bambling@daf.
Beach Fishery is mullet, which consti- qld.gov.au; and
tutes approximately 80 to 90 per cent Members elected a new QSIA Board
of the retained product in the fishery. RRGraeme Bolton (Deputy Director-
of Directors. They are:
General, Fisheries & Forestry), on
The Association supports the need • QSIA President – Allan Bobbermen (07) 3087 8126 or Graeme.Bolton@
for a restart in the mullet fishery. • Vice President – Shane Snow daf.qld.gov.au.
• Treasurer – Kevin Reibel We have now reached the stage
Our net-fishing members are disap- that Fisheries Queensland is gagging us
pointed that other sectors of the net • Director – David Caracciolo
before we get to meetings.
fishery have not been considered or • Director – Tony Reisenwebber.
even consulted across the N1, N10 Eric Perez Eric Perez
and N11 fisheries under this WTO. CEO CEO
6 — Queensland Seafood 2021 Number 1
Important quota
allocation dates
THE allocation of quota and effort
units for the east coast inshore, east
coast trawl and crab fisheries will begin
soon. Here’s a reminder of some key
dates still ahead of us.
16 July 2021: Trawl nominations close
If relevant, you must nominate
allocation of your unused trawl effort
units by this date.
21 July 2021: “Sum of” date
This is the date at which a final figure
is calculated for the sum of eligible
reported catch data from the whole
fishery. This final figure will be used to
calculate individual quota allocations.
Week commencing 2 August 2021
You will receive:
RR.your individual transferable quota
(ITQ) allocation decision and an ITQ
certificate
RR.if relevant, a decision or outcome
regarding amended or substituted
catch
RR.advice regarding review of a decision
made by Fisheries Queensland.
Working Group Gulf of Carpentaria inshore
fishery working group
Trawl fishery working group
Andrew Redfearn
members Bruce Davey
Claudine Ward
Andrew Barr
Edward Woodham
appointed David Wren
David Lane
James Newman
THE Queensland Government is Jamie De Graaf
Geoffrey Diver Nick Schulz
reinstituting its fisheries working Shane Snow
Tony Hurley Kevin Reibel
groups.
Neil Mogensen
Reef line fishery working group Richard Taylor
Here are the industry
Chris Bolton Scott Hodgetts
representatives on the working groups
Jack Kingdon Scott McLay
selected by the Government.
Sean Stiff Steve Murphy
Susan Davenport Barry Ehrke
Crab fishery working group
Barry Dun
Anne Tooker Michael Wakeling Vessel tracking working group
Benjamin Day Mark Cook
Matthew Vickers Rocky reef fishery working Michelle Jensen
Peter Jackson group
Darren Brighton
Nicholas Burr Joey Meeuwsen Bruce Batch
Keith Harris Michael Thompson Jake Kingdon
Scott Butterworth James Forster
East coast inshore fishery Sean Stiff
working group Spanish mackerel fishery
working group Scott Butterworth
Allan Bobberman Michael Wood
Anthony Vass
Ben Gilliland Chris Hain Neil Mogensen
Benjamin Coyne Richard Gilmore Benjamin Day
Daniel Atherton Tony Lanzi Ross Casey
Nathan Rynn Gary Powis Geoffrey Diver
Matt Vujica Ryan Tully Eric Perez
Queensland Seafood 2021 Number 1 — 7
Some operators still have that in
QUOTA MANAGEMENT writing from FQ and there was never
any investment warning on the symbol
trading.
Confusing issues regarding quota
There are confusing issues regarding quota and fisheries management Years later, when it was brought
to the attention of the then Fisheries
in Queensland, especially real-time quota allocation versus “Ghost Minister, all of a sudden we had an
Quota”, as Shane Snow reports. investment warning come out about
symbol trading.
AS a commercial fisher person for all How much of the 770 tonnes to be
of my working life I find it difficult to allocated is actually unclaimable? It has become blatantly clear that
understand just how this “potential FQ have done a backflip on their own
draft allocation” of quota actually My reading of your correspondence policy, changing the goal posts to suit
works so I have coined the phrase to commercial mud crab and net fishers their own agenda, which will cost
“Ghost Quota” to address some of the is that, as of 22 April 2021. if you do licence owners millions of dollars. How
confusion and concerns that not only I not have a C1 or N endorsement on does this stack up in a legal case? Time
have but also a big percentage of other a licence with history it is deemed not will tell.
fishers have as well. claimable for quota. So, does unclaimed
quota go back into the pool? Another glaring example is in the fact
I will use the mud crab fishery as an of offshore boats working numerous
example but, more importantly, this We (QSIA) never got an answer to C1 endorsements on the one primary
also pertains to every fishery that is any of these very real questions that are licence to be able to work up to 150
being forced into individual transferable going to affect many fishing businesses. crab pots in the sand crab fishery under
quota (ITQ) by Fisheries Queensland a general fisheries permit.
(FQ). The only answer we got was this:
“There are a number of factors that I have absolutely no issue with those
We have been told that the total will determine the allocation of quota boats working extra pots; what I do
quota (ITQ) pool for the Mud Crab across the net and crab fisheries. It have an issue with is how FQ went
fishery is around 770 tonnes. would be best perhaps to arrange a about the process.
briefing session to explain the process.
To qualify to be able to claim the Let me know if you would like to do The original deal with FQ to allow
catch history share (on your primary that.” this to happen was that three primary
licence) of this quota pool, we must licences were used (all of which had to
have a C1 crab endorsement attached Well, isn’t that just magical. Here have sand crab history on them), two
to the primary fishing licence by April we are, approximately four years into of which went into limbo or “no boat”
22. this reform / quota process and the status, while the three C1 symbols
best FQ can do to answer business- went onto the one primary. The
Most of us know, as do FQ, that changing and life-changing questions is catch history was to be shared equally
there are nowhere near enough C1 to “meet for a briefing session”. between the three primary licences.
endorsements to allow every primary
licence with history to be able to claim If they have to meet to explain this However, it seems now that FQ have
their “potential allocation”. Put simply, to us now, then where has been the done yet another backflip there as well
a percentage of licences will miss out consultation with industry? The answer and left all the history-quota allocation
on ITQ crab allocation. is it has been virtually non-existent on the one primary licence that was
and where has been the education for being used, thus making the other two
industry as to what is about to change making the other two primaries that
Here is an example. The total ITQ went into “no boat” status worthless,
pool sits at 770 tonnes for Mud Crab. some of our businesses and lives for
ever? with zero history allocation.
If there is 170 tonne potential quota
allocation sitting on primary licences Is this fair or even legal in a court of
that will not have a C1 endorsement Something worth noting: we offered
the principal fisheries manager (name law? Time will tell.
on them by April 22, then the “Ghost
Quota” is 170 tonnes that cannot be withheld) that sent the reply email
the opportunity to speak with us on Another glaring example of fisheries
claimed, thus making the “real time” mismanagement is the extending of the
ITQ pool only 600 tonnes. a podcast (in a safe space) to address
these question and other questions vessel size in certain quota-managed
regarding this reform / quota. fisheries.
We (QSIA) posed the following
questions to a principal fisheries Boats that can and now do work any
manager (name withheld) on March This is an excellent opportunity to
speak to our members as well as the weather, never giving grounds a spell,
22: whereas when it was capped to a lot
wider industry To date, this offer has
not been accepted. Many questions smaller size vessel the resource got
From the total mud crab quota a chance to have a break when the
allocation pool of 770 tonnes as of remain unanswered by FQ.
weather was too rough to work.
today, how much of that pool can
be claimed by primaries with a C1 Symbol trading, history tracking
This quota-managed fishery is now
attached? Going back to when FQ started down below one third of the original
symbol-trading within industry, the quota holdings issued.
How many primary licences as assurance was given to licence owners
of today that have crab history by a well-known senior fisheries Rough weather in essence was a
attached but are not paired with C1 manager (name withheld) that the form of “natural closure”. It begs the
endorsement are able to claim that history would always be tracked on the question, is FQ genuinely wanting to
history? symbol. preserve and enhance our resource or
8 — Queensland Seafood 2021 Number 1
dillies are used daily and how many lifts
per day?”
When crabs are on the move
or feeding more frequently, some
crabbers will work the morning tides
and also the afternoon tides; that is,
working twice a day. The catch rate
obviously increases, so these crabbers
are being penalised in the form of
maximum “catch caps” on their
logbook history simply because they
have worked twice as hard as some
others. Is this fair or even legal: being
penalised for working hard?
I have talked to numerous crab
fishers (as well as being a crabber
myself) and some years, with the right
wet seasons, the catch rates are at
“Ghost Quota” can be seen in the mud crab proposals but applies across other quota fisheries. least double what the caps have been
set at. So, the caps in place do nothing
are they pandering to the whims of a decided to “cap” each licence’s to reflect the true catch history of good
few of the bigger players? You be the maximum quota allocation to combat years in the fishery.
judge. this problem.
As an example, with my crab catch
Logbook catch history Where did this advice come from? history, I worked on the Queensland
An even more concerning scenario The crab working group? If so, then, east coast for several years crabbing
is the fact that FQ have made the what is the actual expertise of people and then started working in the Gulf of
claim publicly that lies have been told on that working group? Carpentaria crabbing.
in logbook reporting of catch history,
which equates to an increase in Hard-working crab fishers have My catch history has therefore been
potential quota allocation. been penalised for the catch effort they spread over six years east coast and six
have put into their businesses. A simple years in the Gulf of Carpentaria, thus
FQ know this is a problem through example is this: in the logbooks for the calculating my total allocation over 12
their own admission, yet they have crab fishery, it asks “How many pots or years and not six because you can’t
Queensland Seafood 2021 Number 1 — 9
possibly crab two places at once. Again,
is this fair or even legal? Time will tell.
Fisheries Working Groups
Around 2012, and the formation of a
crab working group, the entry criteria
was that you had to be a working
commercial fisher, own a primary
licence and had to have been fishing for
a minimum of seven years.
Not all applicants qualified for the
entry criteria. There were applicants
that never qualified who did, however,
get accepted as an observer.
Now, as the crab working group
meetings advanced, FQ needed to
develop a framework that would
validate catch history which involved Seafood consumers have been ignored when it comes to membership of fisheries working
the volunteering of an observer. groups. Why?
If the ITQ is not caught in any given of recreational fishers are increasing
A grave concern I have is, did this year, does this affect, or how will this rapidly despite what flawed boat ramp
volunteering observer have access affect, the current quota holdings of surveys might suggest. The enormous
to private and confidential logbook fishers? impact that good wet seasons have on
history? (Information supplied by a
Mud Crab populations, environmental
long-term industry member who was Will fishers’ ITQ be “dialled down”
on the crab working group.) influences, etcetera.
over time, as we have seen with every
other ITQ fisheries? Case in point, All these factors, and there are
C u r r e n t l y, g o v e r n m e n t s a n d none has ever been lifted above the
departments talk about equality and original ITQ holdings, gradually eroding many more, confirm the validity of the
balance in the workplace. Why then the fisher’s ability to catch and making question: :Why the need to force us to
is there only a couple of women on their business less profitable over time ITQ?” This is our last chance to stand
the working groups? I know it’s not due to lost revenue. up to this absurd and ridiculous so-
because of lack of applicants. called fisheries management.
What happens to the catch history of
I know several women with long- licences that did not have the relevant How many of you fishermen out
term histories in industry that applied endorsement attached by April 22. there have been subjected to any or
for the working groups and never all of this BS coming from FQ? Stand
succeeded. Fisheries Queensland, Dismal failures up now, people, or be happy with
please explain.
As my personal point of view, many whatever crumbs FQ decide to throw
Why is the seafood consumer being of us have seen and experienced dismal at you.
ignored? After all, without the seafood failures in quota fisheries both here and
consumer, none of us has a market worldwide. I have my own theories, and some
for our product. The consumer has a might say I’m paranoid about so-called
right to have representatives on those I have studied quota fisheries fisheries management, but I’ll let you
working groups, but no provision has worldwide (far too many to count) be the judge. And, as I have said before,
been made for this. FQ, why not? and I can’t see this rollout being any in a court of law. Time will tell.
different to anywhere else. Many of the
I know of numerous crab fishers problems that exist in this framework Footnote: This article has used the
with far more generational expertise are the same problems worldwide. mud crab fishery as an example only.
that applied for the first round and also QSIA has not forgotten about all the
the latest round of crab working groups FQ has been warned by industry other fisheries and commercial fishers
and were never successful. FQ, why repeatedly about the glaring flaws in
were these people never accepted? that we have which are under the
ITQ but, as usual, our concerns are not
noted. To go to quota on Mud Crab same pressures from FQ. Most of us
I still have many unanswered is beyond belief when a huge range are only too familiar with the quota
questions on behalf of industry for FQ. of issues and questions from industry management in the reef line fishery and
Here are just a few. seem to have been ignored by the the failure of quota management in the
Department. Why are our concerns Spanner Crab fishery.
Does the unclaimable quota being ignored?
allocation get dived equally among the We are looking forward to pursuing
remaining quota holders? The harvest of a single-sex species, a FQ legally in a court of law and would
large part of the biomass is in undersize urge anyone with any information that
Why is there a reluctance by FQ to male and female Mud Crab, which is could help, any fishers that have been
answer formally by email the simple not being considered, the enormous treated unfairly in the past or present
questions posed to them? fecundity (breeding rate) of Mud Crabs. or any comments on any of this, to
contact our CEO, Eric Perez.
Does this “Ghost Quota” pertain The amount of Mud Crab photos
to all fisheries that are being forced to placed on social media by recreational Shane Snow
ITQ? (My guess is that, yes, it is.) fishers is staggering. The catch rates QSIA Vice President
10 — Queensland Seafood 2021 Number 1RRStress on marriage and potential for
fish MANAGEMENT divorce;
RRImpact on crew and their families;
Results of QSIA questionnaire RRIncreasing stress as it relates to
losing income; and
on quota impacts RRIncreasing stress as it relates to
leasing or buying quota.
DURING February and March 2021, RRsourcing quota to lease or buy; and
the QSIA sought industry feedback Other themes
RRunfair quota allocation process.
regarding quota management and RRUncertainty regarding implications
received a total of 101 responses. The Other themes of quota management;
the results of the questionnaire are RRundermining of multi-endorsed RRQuota will lead to corporate or
provided below. commercial fishers; investor control over commercial
RRunnecessary imitation of catch; fisheries; and
Q.1. Will the introduction of quota
management have economic impacts RRreduction of commercial fishers; and RRRetirement insecurity as individual
on your business? If “Yes”, please list RRhigher seafood retail costs. businesses come under threat
what you believe are the economic from the introduction of quota
impacts for your business? Q.2. Will the introduction of quota management.
management have social impacts
for you (e.g. on your family, on your Q.3(a). Do you fully understand
The Association received 99 the quota management system? If
responses to this questionnaire item. relationships)?
‘No’ – What are the issues you are
A majority (96% of respondents) encountering?
indicated that the introduction of quota Eight-six (95% of respondents)
will have a negative economic impact provided a response regarding the
social impacts resulting from the Ninety-nine commercial fishers
on their businesses. provided feedback regarding their
introduction of quota management.
understanding of the of quota
Response Data for Question 1 management system. Forty-one
Response Data for Question 2 percent of commercial fishers
Yes 96% (n = 95)
No 4% (n = 4) Yes 95% (n = 86) indicated they understood the quota
No Response - (n = 2) No 4% (n = 4) management system while 59%
Unsure 1% (n = 1) indicated that they did not understand
The second element of the question No Response - (n = 10) the quota management system.
requested feedback regarding the
types of economic impacts that Commercial fishers were asked for
Response Data for Question 3(a)
might arise from the introduction of feedback and their response were
quota management. Amongst the grouped below. Yes 41% (n = 41)
commercial fishers that responded, 89 No 59% (n = 58)
of the 95 responding “yes” provided Dominant themes No Response - (n = 2)
feedback. That feedback was grouped RRThe most cited response from
into themes which are detailed below. Commercial fishers were asked
commercial fishers to this for feedback. Forty-nine commercial
questionnaire item was stress; fishers provided feedback and their
Dominant themes
Specifically, commercial fishers response were grouped below.
RRthe loss of and/or insecure income
noted the following:
RRincreased business costs; Dominant themes
RRu n k n o w n i m p a c t s o f q u o t a RRGeneral increase in stress and family RRAn awareness that Fisheries
management in the long-term; relationships; Queensland has not fully explained
RRshift of control from commercial RRAdditional stress as part of the the quota management system to
fishers to ‘quota barons’; reform process; industry;
Queensland Seafood 2021 Number 1 — 11RRPort visits were evaded on purpose, While 64 commercial fishers (66% of Q.4. Will zoning (regionalisation) af-
to avoid an open backlash from the respondents) do not fully understand fect your business?
majority of industry regarding the quota regulations.
reform process; The Association received 97
RRReporting obligations; Response Data for Question 3(b) responses with 65 commercial fishers
(67% of respondents) indicating
RRConcerns about the operation of Yes 34% (n = 33) zoning would affect their businesses.
quota expressed amongst crab, net No 66% (n = 64) While 32 commercial fishers (33% of
and trawl commercial fishers; and respondents) do not believe zoning
No Response - (n = 4)
RRC o n c e r n s r a i s e d r e g a r d i n g would affect their business.
discards under quota management Commercial fishers were asked
arrangements. for feedback. Forty-two commercial Response Data for Question 4
fishers provided feedback and their
Other themes Yes 67% (n = 65)
response were grouped into themes
RRIndustry has not been offered below. No 33% (n = 32)
compensation; No Response - (n = 4)
RRLack of quota to make a sustainable Dominant themes Commercial fishers were asked for
living; feedback. Sixty commercial fishers
RRLack of plain English explanations of provided feedback and their response
RRRole of department in quota leasing regulations; and
and cost; and were grouped below.
RRLack of proper consultation.
RRQuestions regarding how quota
Dominant themes
trading will operate. Other themes
RRLoss of mobility between zones;
Q.3(b). Do you fully understand RRThe impacts of the regulations on
quota lease price or purchase price RRLimited quota or access to quota on
the regulations that support the quota a zone-by-zone basis;
management system? If ‘No’ – What are unknown;
are the issues you are encountering? RRIncrease pressure on a zone-by-zone
RRLimited ability to ask questions; basis has not been explored; and
The Association received 97 RRIncreased red tape; and RRZoning will undermine multi-
responses with 33 commercial fishers RRLink between introducing quota endorsed commercial fishers by
(34% of respondents) indicating they management and protecting the limiting their mobility.
fully understood quota regulation. fishery is unclear.
Fisheries Queensland provided a and the impost on commercial fishers
REEF FISHING refresher on the stock assessment imposed by a reduction in the TACC, but
undertaken for common coral trout in recognised the importance of following
2020. The working group noted the stock
Trout quota to assessment estimated the spawning
the harvest strategy process. The working
group members supported adopting the
biomass for common coral trout in 2019
be cut by 17% to be 59% of unfished levels, resulting in
final recommended TACC of 963 tonnes
for the 2021-22 fishing season.
a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of 1,073
for ´21-22 year tonnes to rebuild the stock to 60%
spawning biomass. The working group When you read about working group
IT looks like professional line fishers decisions, it is worth noting that there
will take a hit of 200 tonnes in the total then discussed improvements to the
TAC’s calculation process, in particular are four commercial fishers (and two
allowable catch (TAC) of coral trout in marketers) on a working group of 16.
the transparent use and application of the
the 2021-22 fishing year. recommended biological catch limit from
the stock assessment, discount factors to Another change on the way is
My reading of the latest Fisheries account for uncertainty and the scaling the return of the obligatory pre-trip
Queensland communique following a factor to calculate an “all coral trout” notification before commercial fishers
meeting of the reef line fishery working TAC. Based on the 2020 coral trout stock
group in late April is that the TAC will head out. This was previously dropped
assessment, and applying the harvest when the vessel monitoring system
be cut from the current 1,163 tonnes strategy decision rules, a Total Allowable
to 963 tonnes, a reduction of just over Commercial Catch (TACC) of 858 (VMS) was introduced.
17 per cent. tonnes was recommended, a 305-tonne
reduction from the current TACC of The communique says: Fisheries
And it would have been cut by more 1,163. Fisheries Queensland advised that Queensland provided an update on
than a quarter – by 300 tonnes – if the harvest strategy provides a maximum the new standardised commercial
fisheries managers had their way but a change rule of 200 tonnes, resulting in a fishing reporting requirements that will
rule of “no more than a 200-tonne cut final recommended TACC of 963 tonnes commence on 1 September 2021. The
between seasons” saw the reduction for the 2021-22 fishing season. working group noted the primary change
kept to that latter figure. for the reef line fishery is the introduction
Industry members noted concerns of a pre-trip notice that is required before
But it is still a big hit for commercial that the reduction in the recommended commencing a fishing trip.
fishers and marketers. TACC comes from a new stock
assessment model which shows a lower Fewer fish, tighter restrictions:
biomass estimate than the previous
No change has been recommended model and had significant concerns fishing controls only ever seem to go in
to the take by recreational anglers and with the potential economic impact one direction.
charter operators. on quota lease price associated with Neil Green
large TACC changes. The working group
Here is the relevant passage from acknowledged the deterioration in (Neil is a net, crab and line fisherman
the communique. the economic conditions of the fishery and a former QSIA President.)
12 — Queensland Seafood 2021 Number 1SENATE HEARING ON QUOTA
QSIA makes submission to Senate inquiry into quota
The QSIA has submitted a detailed argument against the unnecessary introduction of quota to the Senate
Standing Committees on Rural & Regional Affairs & Transport inquiry into the fisheries quota system.
THE inquiry provided the Association RRQuota management is not the of species availability and price impacts
with an opportunity to make a case solution to the threats facing the are also unknown.
against the use of quota management, marine ecology in Queensland.
its significant limitations and the cost to RRSince 1990, active commercial This submission provided evidence
commercial fishers and community. fisher numbers have fallen by 51 per that quota is not the panacea for
cent to 1,364 operators working fisheries management issues in
This submission provided a rationale across the commercial crab, net, Queensland.
for re-thinking the use of quota man- line and trawl fisheries. After the
agement and did so by making the fol- full implementation of the so-called The introduction of quota
lowing arguments. Queensland fishing reforms, the management fits into the current
Association estimates an overall fisheries management narrative, that is:
RRU n d e r c u r r e n t f i s h e r i e s reduction of 67 per cent in active
management arrangements, commercial fishers. RRlimiting catch for the commercial
Queensland commercial fisheries sector based on zero scientific
The introduction of quota manage- evidence;
are sustainable. The current, so- ment is a solution to a problem that
called Queensland fisheries “reform” does not exist. RRredistribute the remaining catch
process has indicated that, with the amongst an almost unaccountable
introduction of quota management, and lightly regulated recreational
Queensland fisheries are in no fishing sector; and
the community will inherit more danger of collapse yet the Queensland
sustainable fisheries. This is a public Government has insisted its quota RRfisheries policy-making that reflects
policy lie. management approach will ensure the the desires of environmental activist
RRT h e i n c o m p e t e n t f i s h e r i e s longevity of the marine resource. groups like WWF Australia and the
management of the Queensland Australian Marine Conservation
Spanner Crab fishery led to a 48 per Alternatives to quota management Society.
cent devaluation of the fishery quota. were never fully explored by Fisheries Nothing in the so-called Queensland
RRMulti-endorsed commercial fishers Queensland. A decision by government fisheries reform process, particularly
will: (a) lose parts of their businesses has led to the bypassing of a regulatory quota management, will address
forcing a decision to seek finance impact statement (RIA). the impacts of coastal and port
and increase their debt or leave development, modification of
the industry; and (b) government The implications of reform catchments, pollution, the introduction
has not offered compensation for for the catch sector may only be of organisms from shipping, the
the resource reallocation that is known through the use of a post- modification of tributaries or the well
implementation assessment (PIA). documented ineffectiveness of fish
the Queensland fisheries reform
process. migration ladders in barrages and weir
This approach has minimal industry walls that greatly hinder the natural
RRThe outcomes of introducing quota- support and is viewed as a waste of migration of juvenile fish species back
managed fisheries in Canada and time and resources given the damage into fresh water (the natural process).
Iceland provide a warning to policy- to individual commercial fishers, their
makers that quota will lead to: (a) families and the undermining of the The introduction of quota
the consolidation of businesses in sector will not be addressed. management is a smokescreen for
the catch sector; (b) a consolidation unimaginative fisheries policy making
of quota-owners leading to greater The impacts of quota management on that, when filtered, is about the politics
control over commercial fishers; the post-harvest sector have received of fishing and not the availability of
and (c) negative impacts on local no attention under the so-called local seafood to the community, food
communities through the loss of fisheries reform process. Moreover, security or the viability of micro- and
employment and employers. the impact on the community in terms small commercial fishing operators.
Queensland Seafood 2021 Number 1 — 13Asked to attend …
LEGAL MATTERS If you are asked to attend a QBFP trawl news
office, QBFP officers can ask you for
Our rights as your name and address. It is an offence
not to comply, so give them your
Trawl assessment
commercial details if asked. by Fed Govt
fishermen If QBFP officers ask the fisher to for EPBC Act
produce documents – for example
HERE is a common question from licence card, logbook and sale dockets A MESSAGE has been received
commercial fishers: Can you legally – all must be produced immediately from the Federal Government’s
record conversations with Queensland unless you have a reasonable excuse.
Boating & Fisheries Patrol officers? Department of Agriculture, Water and
the Environment (DAWE) to say it is
For something like sales dockets that making an environmental assessment
The short answer is: yes, you can. would not be on the boat, you would of the Queensland East Coast Trawl
have to deliver them to their office Fishery (formerly the Queensland
In Queensland, it’s legal for you to within a reasonable time.
record a conversation that you are a East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery) under
party to (recording with your mobile the Environment Protection and
QBFP officers can ask the fisher
phone, for example). to give information about a potential Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act
offence. 1999.
So, what’s “being a party to a
conversation” mean? It means you are You have to comply unless you have Export approval for the fishery
either the person being spoken to or a reasonable excuse. (A reasonable expires on 31 August 2021. In April
you are there when another person is excuse can be that the information 2021, the Department of Agriculture,
being spoken to – and it is obvious you being sought might incriminate the Water and the Environment received
are there. fisher.) an application ‘Sustainable Fisheries
Strategy 2017-2027’ from the
You cannot, however, then publish QBFP officers can ask the fisher Queensland Department of Agriculture
or share that recording unless using for to stop or pull in gear or something. and Fisheries.
legal proceedings or if the other party You have to comply unless you have
agreed. a reasonable excuse. A reasonable The application has been prepared
excuse can be that there is a safety
So, do NOT post it on any social issue. The fisher would have to comply to address the Australian Government
media or start sharing it around to your with the direction at the most practical “Guidelines for the ecologically
mates by SMS. time after the direction was given. sustainable management of fisheries –
2nd edition”.
An example A QBFP officer can ask you to attend
their office to “chat about an alleged The application will be used to
Take this example. offence”. assess the operation of the fishery for
the purposes of Parts 13 and 13A of the
You are going about your business You are not obligated to attend at EPBC Act.
fishing. A QBFP Officer approaches to all. Just politely decline. QBFP officers
start talking to you (or someone else can ask the fisher to give information
on the boat while you are there) You DAWE has invited public comments
about a potential offence under the on the fishery. The application can be
are allowed to legally record the entire Act, however a reasonable excuse not
conversation (video or audio). found on the Department’s website
to comply can be that the information
being sought might incriminate the at: https://www.environment.gov.au/
You do not even have to tell them fisher. marine/fisheries/qld/east-coast-trawl
that you are doing it, but probably
better that you do tell them. It of So, if a QBFP officer is talking to you The call for public comments is open
course might be really obvious if you’re at the ramp or on your boat, be polite, from 11 May 2021 until 15 June 2021.
holding your phone in front of you. give them your name and address,
Remember, they are likely recording licence card, logbook, etcetera, let Please submit your comments to:
you too. them inspect the catch, nets and other
gear, but you do not have to give them The Director
You can use that recording later any further information.
if you disputed what QBFP said had Wildlife Trade Assessments Section
happened, for example. If that were the They will be recording the entire Department of Agriculture, Water,
case, you should consider contacting a interaction with you so, often, the less
lawyer. and the Environment
that comes out of your mouth, the
better, I recommend you remain calm GPO Box 858
Summary and polite as you do not want to be hit
with an Obstruction charge. CANBERRA ACT 2601
So, in summary: can you start
your mobile phone and record a Submissions may also be emailed
conversation with QBFP when they If you are asked to attend the QBFP to sustainablefisheries@awe.gov.au
are talking to you? Yes, you can. Just office, ask “Why?” and then you could
make sure you are a party to the consider getting legal advice before
you do it (or decline to do it). Trawl operators can contact me on
conversation. 0417 631 353
Chris Thompson
Can you post the recording on social Law Essentials Eric Perez
media? No, you can’t! 0409 517 587 CEO
14 — Queensland Seafood 2021 Number 1of their ways and given me the ability
LIFE AT SEA to predict their moves or flight paths,
which is an unbelievable advantage as a
Richard Freeman turns photography photographer.
into an art form Time and time again, I have been
able to predict to within a few seconds
Richard Freeman is a Sunshine Coast spanner crab fisherman who has just when that magnificent humpback
turned photography into an art form, capturing stunning images of life whale will burst out of the water to
at sea. Here he explains how he captures those photographs, and why. capture that incredible breach shot.
STILL photography from a small boat I normally brace myself with one leg Once, when I was photographing
at sea can be near impossible. I heard against the gunwale and the other leg a giant petrel, taking advantage of the
a National Geographic photographer against my ice box. Everything moves lovely early morning light, he decided to
say “One of the most important rules the boat: large ocean swells, little wind paddle away from me and I quietly said:
of still photography is to keep the waves, as well as wind and current all “Where are you going? I’m not finished
camera still.” I guess that is why most combine to continuously move the shooting yet.” He turned around and
professional landscape photographers boat one way or another. paddled back to me. Moments like this
use tripods. are feel-good moments and leave me
The subject I am shooting is also very with a marvellous warm feeling inside.
None of this is possible from a small much on the move and in some cases,
boat, which on many a day is being like a breaching whale, cannot be seen Indeed, the most heart-warming
tossed around like a cork in a washing until it breaks the surface of the water.
In the time takes to turn and point the thing I find is that all these amazing
machine. creatures come to me. Sure, some
camera, pre-focus, and compose the
shot, then allow for a little shutter lag, hope to score fish scraps around fishing
Photography is difficult at sea even well, that breaching humpback is only a boats, but many, like whales, appear to
on the calmest of seas. Any breeze at all (big) splash. just enjoy the company.
will carry water and spray back over the
boat, not to mention the odd breaking For me, it really did take years Then there are the darling tiny storm
wave crashing over the gunwale, which of perseverance to capture my first petrels whose flight is quick and most
is why most days I need to wear my full whale-breaching shot. Then many erratic as they daintily dart and dance
length wet weather gear. more years to capture the quality shots while disappearing and reappearing
I have now. between the waves, providing a real
To combat all this movement, I challenge just to keeping them in the
always use the highest shutter speed I More than 30 years of working alone view finder.
can helped along with an ISO setting of at sea with these magnificent creatures
400. has enabled me to understand some Of all the creatures that visit me out
Richard Freeman heading to sea in his beloved 5.6-metre Shark Cat.
Queensland Seafood 2021 Number 1 — 15at sea, those spectacular humpback
whales have to be the grandest of all.
I have had such incredibly close
encounters, where whales will swim
past inches from my boat and may
even stay with me while I’m winching
a whole string of dillies.
Occasionally, a whole pod of whales
may befriend me, staying with me for
quite some time and repeatedly swim
close enough to gently scrap the boat,
turn around and make another leisurely
pass – in fact, so close that they will
pass their tail over my bow rail while
I’m working.
It is just heart thumping
breathtakingly awesome to be so close
to such a massive and magnificent
creature. Humpback whales appear
to be quite oblivious of the law which
states that we should stay at least 100 Weather
metres clear of each other! But, when
you are as big as a humpback whale,
who is going to argue with you?
Other encounters can be quite
tranquil and enchanting. Reminiscent
of the morning I had set my first shot,
the air had a little chill to it and I was
quietly sitting down enjoying a hot cup
of tea from my thermos and watching
a beautiful sunrise over a calm sea with
just ocean on the horizon all round,
when I realised that the tune I could
hear percolating through the bottom
of my boat was a nearby submerged
whale singing his song. A serene alone-
at-sea moment like this gives one great
joy and I am overwhelmed with a “Life
is good and I wouldn’t be dead for
quids” sensation.
Then again, a massive humpback the
size of a bus may unexpectedly burst
out of the water so close to completely
fill my field of vision and I stand there Gannet
dumbfounded, with eyes as wide as
saucers, and think “Wow!”
Occasionally, a whale will breach
very high and fully clear of the water.
Looking up skyward at a fully grown
30-tonne or more humpback whale
out of the water and up close is surely
one of the most breathtaking and
awesome sights on this planet.
Many a day I take gigabytes of shots
only to download them at home that
night to find that I have very few
keepers and no magic shots at all. But
it doesn’t matter if I have no keepers,
because I’m back out again next day
trying again for that magic shot all over
again.
Actually, those truly “magic” shots
are normally few and far apart. The
shots I have displayed on my website
are the result of thousands of work Dolphin
16 — Queensland Seafood 2021 Number 1days from sun up to sun down with the
camera always at my side.
My skills at panning, pre-focusing and
composing a shot have become better
over the years and I am truly amazed
at the success I have had. However
capturing that magic shot is still much
about just getting lucky and only a little
to do with skill.
In 2005, I entered my first
photography contest, the Sunshine
Coast Show. To my amazement, I not
only won the category I entered but
was awarded the outright “Champion
Print”. I found the time to enter this
show again the following year and was
a bit overwhelmed to be awarded
outright “Champion Print” again in
2006. I have won several other local
photo contests.
Humpback whale My images have been used by a
range of organisations, including the
Australian Defence Force to promote
recruitment, the federal Department
of Sustainability, Environment,
Water, Population & Communities to
promote marine protection areas, the
Queensland Department of Primary
Industries, the Queensland Museum
and the Queensland Boating & Fisheries
Patrol, as well as seafood processors to
promote seafood.
My current camera is a DSLR Pentax
K5 11, which I chose for all of its
weather-proofing seals.
I keep it beside me in a waterproof
Pelican case and can have it out of the
case, turned on and in my hands in only
a few seconds (which is still too slow
for many of the things I see).
My camera cops a real hiding while
Portuguese man of war at sea, I never have time to dry my
hands, because if I did I would probably
miss that shot.
After each shooting session, the
camera goes back into its case, salty-
wet, along with a bit of bait and a
couple of fish scales it has collected
from my hands. The Pelican case itself
is often awash with salt water as it rests
on the floor of my open Shark Cat.
When I have a few days at home, I
wipe the camera over and spray it with
silicone spray and clean the lens and it
goes back into the Pelican case looking
deceptively like new but, funny thing is,
it still has a fishy smell to it.
Note: To see more of Richard
Freeman’s photographs, go to his
website: http://aloneatseaphotography.
com.au/8229 (Richard no longer sells
prints but they are still there to enjoy
Yellow-nosed albatross on your screen.)
Queensland Seafood 2021 Number 1 — 17You can also read
