Media response - Compo for fishing charter boat operators
Sorry I missed this release from last week.
Subject: Compo for fishing charter boat operators
Questions:
Can you please confirm how many charter boat licenses were issued for this season?
The charter operators feel they were not listened to when it came to imposing a ban. They suggested being able to fish two days per week, but was rejected by the minister. Is this true?
Would the minister consider an assistance package for these fishermen who have been put out of work for these two months? They are suggesting $2 million between them.
What other fish are the operators allowed to catch without restrictions?
Minister's response:
“Some of these questions, such as how many charter boat licences have been issued for this season and what fish charter boat operators are allowed to catch are of a technical and/or operational nature and better directed to the Department of Fisheries.
“The charter boat industry had extensive opportunity to respond to the proposed management changes to the recreational fishing laws and to present its preferred options.
“Changes had been flagged for some time and indeed the previous Labor Minister for Fisheries, Jon Ford, had a package proposing a four-month closure to fishing for high-risk demersal species.
“I was presented with a range of options to manage the recreational fishing sector in a responsible manner that would ensure the long-term sustainability and viability of the fishery.
“The bottom line is that all the research and expert advice I have received indicates that unless there is a 50 per cent reduction in the catch, the fishery is at risk of collapse.
“I have taken action to balance as many of the competing interests as I can while keeping my eye on the overall goal of achieving the 50 per cent catch reduction that is urgently required.
“During the consultation period, charter boat operators suggested many options, including fishing for two days a week.
“Fishing tour operators face some specific challenges and these are addressed in the boat limit for dhufish on charter vessels and the charter fishing licence. I do not intend to go down the path of compensation. Everyone needs to do their part to ensure the sustainability of our fish resources.
“These measures are aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of demersal scalefish while minimising the impact of the closed season on key holiday periods.
“I emphasise, the two-month closure only (ONLY) relates to fishing for specific demersal species. It does not prohibit fishing for other species or other activities carried out by charter boat operators.
Minister's office: 9422 3000
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catchalittle
Posts: 1875
Date Joined: 04/09/08
What a wanker how is the
What a wanker how is the charter bloke meant to feed his family not everyone wants to go for sambo's or pay $180 to go for squid,kg's,hopefully this minister is booted out after his term of office
Nathan
Adam Gallash
Posts: 15665
Date Joined: 29/11/05
mm
Vote them out and then you get 4-6 months of bans with Jon Ford, sure that will work for the charter operators.....
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daniel_hughes
Posts: 16
Date Joined: 19/08/09
I'm with you. If they want
I'm with you. If they want to reduce the no of pro boats fishing they buy them out so why not offer the same to the charter guys. I'm sure there are a few that would rather give up their licences in the metro area than deal with the red tape.