Hello to all NTGFIA members in 2009 I stood and said that the government moves as fast as a glacier now in 2010 I am pleased to report that things have changed. As the year passes I look back and I am proud to be part of a very dynamic diverse industry. We were at loggerheads with the previous fisheries management and staff. Changes to fisheries staff have allowed this industry to progress now that the personalities have been removed and issues are at the forefront. The NTGFIA has also had it to look at its personnel and change to meet the new challenges. Graeme Williams is our new executive officer and progress has accelerated with his positive relationships and at last we can see results. .For some of you the progress has been slow and does not seem to be happening but I can assure that we are making progress. There has been a dozen meeting following the first managed fisheries consultation at the Travelodge Mirambeena 2009
I will briefly outline in this report the development of the NTGFIA Managed Fishery. If you are not aware, the Government has appointed Ros Volcano as a conduit between Fishing Tour Operators and the Government. I am happy to say that a draft of the NTGFIA Management Plan will be submitted for consideration to the Minister.

The NTGFIA Managed Fishery will enable our industry to prosper into the 21st century. The following is expected:
1. A new survey standard for vessels used by Fishing Tour Operators and a time line for all operators to meet these new criteria. Boats less than 5 meters will need to meet the hire drive standard that do not meet survey
2. The federal government is reviewing a new Australia wide standard for all commercial road users and commercial boating so we will continue to be able to do business with minimum amount of disruption to our industry.
3. There have been rumblings of spatial closure in heavily fished areas and a trip limit endorsed by our industry. I have decided that until the release of the recreational fishing survey due out at the end of this year we remain undecided on this particular issue.
4. The fishing returns we have submitted over the past 14 years have shown an increase in fishing effort and a decline fish captures. This has prompted the Government to review their procedures and to act to support the bio mass of fish for future sustainability. This has been an aid to help bolster our argument for a sustainable managed fishery for the Northern Territory. Make sure that you report your capture as close to the actual fish caught and report the areas that you are fishing in to guarantee a true record of events.

5. Graeme and I have also requested a dollar value for our industry be developed. We expect this to be a benchmark and I am happy to inform you that is underway. Once again this will show NTGFIA should not be ignored as we have been in the past and the Fisheries Division should then show the respect that is due to the largest professional user group in the fisheries sector. Recent visits to the Fisheries HQ show a notable absence of any reference to the NTGFIA and a notable glut of other managed fisheries It is hoped that in the future Fisheries will provide our industry the same respect and value our industry should deserve.

Recently your Executive Officer, Graeme Williams and I met with the Impex representative Mr. Ian Larkin. His job is to convince our industry that the environmental impact will have no affect on our fishery. Impex want to blast a 14 metre channel through Walker Shoal and remove 50 Olympic size swimming pools. To do this they need to drill and blast 1500 shots over one year. From my experience after working on the North West Gas shelf in 1980, the effect of this will disrupt the equilibrium and bio mass for several months and maybe even years. This is what happened to the fisheries around Karatha, Western Australia. Graeme and I asked “What’s in this for us?” as this will affect several operators and the amateur fishing industry.

To help the rumor mongers in this industry I am going to clarify the developments involving myself and my business. I am at present winding down the harbour business and concentrating on extended charters and freelance guiding so you have not seen the end of me yet.

It saddens me to report on the death of one our colleagues Mark Hanlon.. My condolences go out to the family. The NTGFIA placed a Bereavement notice in the NT News on Tuesday 16/8/2010.

Official Newsletter
NT Guided Fishing Industry Association

The Association has sent all FTO’S our membership application, there is a stamped addressed envelope enclosed to return the Form and details on payment options

The NTGFIA Steering committee is now in its fourth month in preparing all issues raised in the 2009 White paper.
The implementation of these responses will be progressive, the NTGFIA presence on the steering committee is there to ensure that our position as Fishing tour Operators is not compromised, you need to be advised of these as and when they occur.

For this to happen you should take time to provide details on the membership form, if you are not a current member we urge you to fill out the Membership application ASAP.

Please ensure that your details are current and include phone numbers and email addresses, some issues will need canvassing, some issues raised for implementing will impact on your future business, therefore it is extremely important that you can be contacted.

Additional information about the government White Paper and membership forms can be downloaded from this web site

The committee has two new members Shaun Uden and Steve Compain they Join President Rob Marchant, Vice President Greg Trouchet and secretary Darren Nickels.

Cheers Graeme Williams
Executive Officer

There have been a numerous enquiries in recent months as to the interpretation of the measured length of vessels used by Fishing Tour Operators.

Recent discussions the Association has had with N T Police Marine Branch raised this issue and they have provided the following documents below

(1) Guidance notes in regards to survey exempt vessels below 6.2 metres which they would like to see all vessels carry or comply with.

(2) Measured Length USL code 2009.this details compliance dates requirements etc and we urge all those affected to read carefully.

Some issues that a number of guides are currently ignoring relate to Survey
Unfortunately not being aware of the guidelines is no defense if caught, again we urge all FTO’s to be aware of any restrictions for surveyed vessels under 7 metres and unsurveyed vessels especially in relation to distances from land.

To date it appears that some of these issues have not been actively enforced; this could also impact on your Insurances if there is a claim in one form or another.

The Marine and Fisheries Enforcement Unit wish to convey to all FTO”S that there primary concern is Safety for everyone and urge anyone who wishes to contact them, on any matter to call 08 89220810

http://www.nt.gov.au/transport/safety/marine/publications/documents/GN%2019%2095%20-%20Measured%20length%20-%20USL%20CODE2009.pdf

http://www.nt.gov.au/transport/safety/marine/publications/documents/gn6101-fishingvesselslessthan6.2mwithmothershipbeyond5nmofcoast.pdf

There have been a number of changes in the association’s makeup for 2010.

Lloyd Brown has stepped aside from his position as Executive Officer, Lloyd has been in the Executive role since the NTGFIA’s inception, he has played a pivotal role in determining its position in relation to the many and varied issues Guides are experiencing on a day by basis, Lloyd with his history in fisheries was responsible for the drafting of our Management goals for the future, some of these aims have been achieved, others are in the process of being implemented.

Lloyd has decided to pursue his Phd at Charles Darwin University, we wish him the very best in his endeavours, and sincerely thank him for his support.

There are a number of positions in the makeup of the committee that has changed, additionally we have new members that broaden the committee’s decision making across all aspects of FTO activities.
The new members are Michael Walsh, Shaun Uden, and Steve Compain.

The executive officer’s role has been taken by Graeme Williams in the interim, the committee has unanimously supported this, as Graeme’s experience as President for three years, his respect within the industry and his involvement with highly sensitive issues such as the Blue mud Bay working group and the Steering committee implementing the Governments white paper for FTO’S. Is seen as invaluable

Graeme has stepped down from the Presidents position and will continue in the executive officer’s role till the end of June 2010,the association will advertise and fill this position before the end of the financial year 2010.

In 2009 the association received a once only grant of $20,000 to continue negotiations with the Blue Mud Bay, this grant is primarily to fund additional costs i.e airfares etc in the process of negotiations, the government has announced an extension of the Status Quo to November 2010 in all NLC areas and to April 2010 for the Tiwi Islands.

The Association sees 2010 as a year of change, the steering committee overseeing the implementation of the Governments working paper on the future of FTO activities, the introduction of online returns, and the broadening of accessible areas are those that will change, issue’s such as Sector Management of fishing grounds, professional closures, license limitations, business license changes etc are all on the horizon.

The committee is acting on the advice of all respondents to the government’s survey, within the steering committee parameters

FTO’S should note that the general apathy within our industry to returning this questionnaire which has been the most significant document to our future operations was very dissapointing, only 19 completed documents were returned and the association has to work now with a less then broad number of responses to a wide raft of issues

A number of Guides have indicated that they never received this questionare, we have been diligent in advising all recipients by advertisement and email that this was pending, Fisheries have also guaranteed that every licensed operator as of August 2009 was forwarded the relevant document

FTO’s should at least know that the committee and its executive have a broad enough basis to agree or not agree to these issues, please note that position can be viewed on the web site under Hot topics

The Executive Officer’s Contact details are Mobile 0412481592.. 08 89456658

Finally the Committee wish everyone a great 2010.

Rob Marchant
Chairman NTGFIA