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Which milestone did former
Fishery overhaul
July marks beginning of new era for fishing industry
South Australia’s muchanticipated $24.5 million reform of the marine scalefish fishery officially came into effect this month to strengthen the long-term financial and ecological sustainability of the industry.
The changes include the establishment of four fishing zones across the state, the adoption of a quota system for the priority species of snapper, King George whiting, southern garfish and southern calamari and a suite of measures to cut red tape.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the State Government’s $24.5 million marine scalefish fishery reform was vital for the future of the industry.
“From today (July 1) the marine scalefish fishery has transitioned from a ‘nanny state’ regulation of how and when commercial fishers can ply their trade to a modern output-based fishery with annual catch limits set to ensure the sustainability of fish species for future years,” Minister Basham said.
“Through our historic $24.5 million reform we have introduced new measures to protect sustainability of species such as setting sustainable annual catch limits and allocated tradable quota units so fishers can better plan their operations to maximise returns.
“These changes mean much intrusive red tape historically imposed can be cut and we will continue to work with the industry to explore further options to reduce regulatory burdens.
“The marine scalefish fishery is iconic in South Australia and the popular species caught for seafood consumers include King George whiting, garfish, squid, snapper, tommy ruff, octopus, Australian salmon and snook.
“Reform can be challenging for the fishers and their communities, but this was requested by fishers and is required to ensure South Australia remains the ‘Seafood State’ with profitable seafood businesses into the future, supported by sustainable fish populations.
“Before our reform process there was simply too many fishers and not enough fish. The first part of our reform was a voluntary licence surrender program and to have 96 licences surrendered was a strong result.
“We now have a smaller but more profitable marine scale fishing fleet across South Australia.”
The Marine Scalefish Quota Trading system – available via the myPIRSA portal is now available. The system enables licence holders to advertise, buy and sell quota for permanent transfers and will be available until June 30 next year. For more information visit https:// www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishingreform Key reform changes • Establishment of four fishing zones – West Coast, Spencer Gulf, Gulf St Vincent & Kangaroo Island, and South East. • Establishment of individual transferable quota (ITQ) management systems for King George whiting, snapper, southern garfish and southern calamari for the Marine Scalefish Fishery and the Rock Lobster Fisheries, managed by a total allowable commercial catch. • Separation of the commercial taking of vongole and sardine from the Marine Scalefish Fishery and the constitution of the new fisheries under their own regulations. Red tape reduction measures • Allowing licence holders in the West Coast fishing zone to take up to 150 razorfish (for bait) over a three-day period. • Adding a new commercial fishing gear type, a ‘lift net’. • Removal of the need to attend longlines. • Allowing nets and lines to be carried on board a fishing vessel and used at the same time. • The removal of seasonal closures for snapper (in the South East) and southern garfish now that these stocks are managed under TACC and quota. • The addition of several permitted species to the fishery, including: Conger Eel, Sergeant Baker, Silver Drummer, Weedy Whiting, Knifejaw, Rock and Spider Crab (West of 135 degrees East). • Changes to the conditions of Fish Processors who are also Marine Scalefish Fishery licence holders to sell their catch to any type of business, instead of just restaurants, pubs and clubs. Marine Scalefish Fishery licence holders will still need to apply to become a fish processor under these conditions and will be exempt from paying any fees for 12 months. • The removal of seven-day blocks for the use of general replacement master days.
Private conservation funding on the table
Revitalising Private Conservation in South Australia Grants of up to $10,000 are now open until August 2. With a pool of up to $350,000, providing funding for vital conservation work for owners or managers of private land with native vegetation under a Heritage Agreement, the grants are also available for aspiring Heritage Agreement land owners.
Biodiversity outcomes, controlling plant and animal pest species and remnant vegetation protection are the focus of this round which is part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s multi-million dollar commitment to expand funding for holders of Native Vegetation Heritage Agreements.
This exciting collaboration between the Department for Environment and Water and non-government primary industries and conservation sectors aims to expand the number, extent and quality of protected areas of native vegetation on private land in South Australia.
For more information – If you are a holder, or aspiring holder, of native vegetation with a Heritage Agreement, visit Nature Foundation website or Facebook page for grant guidelines, writing tips and ideas for your application.
You can also find out more by participating in one of the online information sessions, on Thursday, July 1, or Tuesday, July 6. Sessions are up to an hour in duration and consist of an overview and time for questions: Please visit Eventbrite to register.
Naracoorte Market Report SHEEP & LAMBS
Numbers eased as agents yarded 3057 lambs and 814 sheep to total 3871 head overall. There was a number of active restockers and a smaller field of trade and processor buyers with a regular missing last week. Quality was mixed at best this week with weight and condition falling over the pens. However, buyers competed strongly for supply resulting in a dearer lamb market while the sheep ranged from firm to dearer.
Light lambs to the trade made from $95 to $159 with the light weight trade score 2 and 3 selection ranging from $149 to $162/head.
Restockers sourced light Merinos from $60 and paid up to $188/head for a pen of first cross ewe lambs returning to the paddock. Trade weight score 3 lambs kicked $5 to $10, making from $166 to $194/head to range from mainly 820c to 850c/ kg cwt.
Heavy lambs received a similar rise as they ranged from $192 to $217 while the extra heavy pens made from $220 to the market high of $258/head.
Hoggets returned from $164 to $192 with light sheep making from $78 to $123/head. Medium weight sheep made from $138 to $165 with the heavy pens making from $176 to a high of $236/head. Wethers sold to $180 with rams ranging from $80 to $150/head.
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