Northern Prawn Fishery

Northern Prawn Fishery Management Advisory Committee (NORMAC)

NORMAC 49 Chair's summary

28 November 2000

The main items on the agenda were consideration of an amendment to the NPF Management Plan to allow for a more flexible and cost effective mechanism for changing the total number of gear SFRs in the fishery, consideration of the banning of shark and shark products on NPF trawlers, proposed dates for the 2001 NPF fishing season, and reports on research, environment, compliance and closures.

Amendment to NPF Management Plan

NORMAC considered a discussion paper on amending the NPF management plan to provide for future changes to the total number of gear units in the fishery (either up or down) to be made by regulation or by the approach used in AFMA’s quota managed fisheries where the TAC is determined by AFMA following a statutory consultation process, rather than through amendments to the Plan.

NORMAC noted that the timetable required for amendments to the Plan to implement changes in the total number of gear units were both time consuming and expensive, and that the recommendation of NORMAC 48 to implement any further necessary reduction in gear units in 2002 could not be achieved if the current process was maintained.

NORMAC noted that either of the two options proposed would provide a more streamlined and cost effective method of implementing changes to gear units without compromising the consultative process required before any such changes could be made by AFMA.

NORMAC concluded that its preferred method for implementing future adjustments was by Regulation, rather than through Directions. NORMAC resolved that the discussion paper on amending the management plan to implement changes to gear units through regulations be circulated to SFR holders for comment, together with advice that NORMAC’s preferred approach is for future changes to be made though Regulations. All SFR holders should take the time to carefully read the discussion paper and provide your views to AFMA on the proposed approach when the paper is circulated.

NORMAC noted that under the new Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 any change to the Management Plan will trigger the need for a Strategic Assessment by Environment Australia and recommended that, subject to Board approval of the approach, AFMA commence the preparation of a draft Strategic Assessment for the fishery to allow the public comment process for the draft Strategic Assessment to occur simultaneously with the public comment on the draft amendment.

Ban on Retention of Shark and Shark Products on NPF Trawlers

NORMAC considered a discussion paper on the retention of shark bycatch on NPF trawlers, noting the world wide concerns about shark populations and the recent decision of Minister Truss to impose a ban on shark finning in the tuna longline fisheries.

NORMAC noted that the introduction of TEDs had greatly reduced the numbers of larger sharks captured in cod ends, and that whilst shark was a legitimate NPF bycatch, most sharks which did not escape through TEDs were likely to be juveniles.

NORMAC noted that both the NORMAC REC and AFMA Management were proposing a ban on the retention of shark bycatch in the fishery and agreed with the approach taken. It was noted that some NPF vessels had the right to retain sharks on board as a result of their Qld line licenses but that industry members of NORMAC had agreed to rescind their right to take shark through line fishing methods in the NPF provided it did not jeopardise the retention of their Qld line license. NORMAC requested AFMA Management to consult with Queensland Fisheries Service with a view to implementing complementary arrangements to ban the retention of shark bycatch in the NPF for those vessels with Qld line licenses.

NORMAC agreed that the decision to have nil retention of shark bycatch on NPF trawlers was an important and responsible initiative taken by NPF industry and NORMAC, and recommended that a targeted media campaign should be implemented to publicise the decision.

NPF Fishing Seasons 2001

NORMAC considered the dates for the 2001 fishing season, noting a proposal by AFMA Management that the 2000 fishing season dates be retained next year. NPFIO advised that industry could not reach consensus on the issue with some members proposing the current dates be retained and others proposing an increase in available fishing time in 2001.

NORMAC noted that the stock assessment for the 2000 season will not be available until June 2001 and that a timetable had been put in place to consider any changes to fishing effort at that time. NORMAC noted that the stock assessment at the end of 1999 reported that both tiger species stocks remained over-exploited and any rebuilding of spawning stocks required reduced effort levels along with average recruitment. It was noted that there was no new information available for consideration in setting the 2001 dates. Concerns were also expressed that increasing the length of the fishing seasons without a commensurate reduction in gear utilised may jeopardise the strategic assessment of the fishery.

The majority of NORMAC members resolved that, based on the current stock assessment and lack of new information, there was no justification for increasing fishing effort at this time and that the current fishing seasons should be retained for 2001. The AFMA Board has been asked to endorse the proposed 2001 fishing seasons being from 1^st April to 27th May and 4th August to 9th November 2001 at its meeting this week. SFR holders will be advised of the Board’s endorsement or otherwise of the proposed dates as soon as possible.

Compliance

NORMAC noted the compliance program and budget provided by AFMA Management. NORMAC recommended that AFMA Management implement the proposal to deploy surveillance officers on motherships when possible, and investigate more cost effective charter vessel options reporting to NORMAC 50 in Cairns in February 2001. NORMAC approved the continuation of the VMS banana prawn start as proposed. A proposal to conduct group briefings with NPF operations prior to the start of the season was approved by NORMAC on the basis that the process is reviewed in twelve months time. AFMA Management will advise operators of the timing and venues for the group briefings for the 2001 season.

NORMAC noted the commitment by the Senior Manager of Compliance to make arrangements for AFMA Management to commence dialogue with the NORMAC management costs committee regarding the internal AFMA review of the proposal to outsource the log book system as a matter of priority . NORMAC reiterated the necessity for any outsourced arrangements to include discussion with the REC and the FAG regarding the integrity of the data and its storage.

Research/Environment

The NORMAC Research Committee provided a report on its activities including the proposed work program for 2001 and a review of the committee’s terms of reference and relationship to the NPFAG. NORMAC noted that the committee may need to review both of those issues when the AFMA policy paper on RECs/FAGs is finalised.

NORMAC noted progress on the revision of the NPF Bycatch Action plan and the advice that the Plan would be circulated to NORMAC members in due course. NORMAC agreed that it should develop an Environmental Management Plan for the NPF and agreed to enlist the assistance of Seanet through the Green Chooser program during the process.

NORMAC approved a recommendation by the REC to continue the heavy metals monitoring program in the southern Gulf through the collection of prawn samples from the Pasminco roadstead and to seek agreement from Pasminco to fund the analysis of the samples. NORMAC has re-established a good communications network with Pasminco in recent months and has been involved in raising issues of concern to industry with mine representatives. We have a standing invitation to attend the bi-monthly meetings of the Karumba Community Consultative Forum established by Pasminco to discuss issues relating to the roadstead and Karumba facility. NPF operators are welcome to attend these meetings any time they are in Karumba when meetings are held. A newsletter of the September meeting is enclosed for your information. Further newsletters from the Forum will be distributed for your information next year.

NORMAC noted an update on the requirements for the fishing industry of the EPBC Act, Schedule 4 of the WPREI Act and the criteria being developed by the SCFA for reporting against ESD and reiterated its decision to proceed with strategic assessment as soon as possible.

NORMAC noted advice that the ESSS is reconsidering the nomination of trawling as a key threatening process and that AFMA Management is providing a submission against the listing.

Research Committee Member

NORMAC was advised the John Thomas had resigned from the NORMAC Research and Environment committee due to other commitments and that the committee was seeking a replacement industry member. Ideally the committee would like the new member to have current sea going experience in the fishery and the time to input to the committee. It would be appreciated if anyone interested in membership on the committee would provide a nomination to the NORMAC Executive Officer, Annie Jarrett by fax on 07-40342631 or by email to annie.jarrett@internetnorth.com.au outlining your experience in the fishery, your current commitments and your interest in being on the committee. The nominations will be provided to the NORMAC Research Committee for consideration. Please provide nominations by 31 January 2001.

Use of VMS Data for Research Purposes

NORMAC’s approval for AFMA Management to make VMS data available for use other than for compliance purposes was sought by the NORMAC REC. It was noted that AFMA did not have a policy on the use of VMS data other than by the Compliance section and that data from the NPF was required for two current research projects and may be required in the future. NORMAC agreed that VMS data could be released by AFMA on request provided it was aggregate data and released under the same confidentiality rules which currently apply to the release of log book data.

Other Issues

NORMAC considered a number of other issues including the need for a better communications system and agreed to address this through the establishment of a communications sub-committee for the fishery. This move is consistent with the outcome of the June workshop and will provide a mechanism for improving the information flow and highlighting the many positive management initiatives taken in the NPF.

February 2001 workshops/ Review of Commonwealth Fisheries Policy

SFR holders are reminded that NORMAC Strategic Planning and Stock Assessment Workshops are being held in Cairns on Tuesday and Wednesday 20^th & 21^st February 2001. The workshops will be held in conjunction with NPFIO and NORMAC as usual. The purpose of the workshops is to seek feedback from and endorsement by stakeholders of the new draft NPF Strategic Plan, and to conduct a stock assessment workshop on the stock assessment models and approaches which will be used in the NPF in the future. As you will recall, one of the main outcomes from the June 2000 workshop was the need for better industry understanding of the stock assessment process in the NPF and this workshop has been developed to meet that need.

In addition, you will be aware that Minister Truss has announced a review of Commonwealth fisheries policy. A steering committee comprising including representatives from the major Commonwealth fisheries is being appointed to assist AFFA undertake the review, and port visits to obtain input from Commonwealth fishermen will be held in the new year. It has been agreed that the Cairns port visit will take place in conjunction with the NORMAC workshops to provide the best opportunity for NPF operators to contribute to the review. All SFR holders are encouraged to attend these workshops as the outcomes will play an important part in determining the future direction of the fishery. Further information on the venue and program for the workshops will be forwarded to you when arrangements are finalised.

Page last updated 30 June, 2005