Amateur Fishermen s Association of the NT Inc. 216 Annual Report
The businesses listed here all have an interest in the recreational fishing industry in the Northern Territory and, as Corporate members, they support the work that AFANT does in promoting and furthering the development of our fishery. They add to AFANT s voice when we speak on behalf of our industry and they provide valuable input to our organisation. We urge all AFANT members to recognise the support of these businesses by choosing to use their products and services wherever possible. Corporate Membership of AFANT is open to all businesses with an interest in our industry. Membership is acknowledged on our website and we provide a link to the business s own website. Corporate members receive our newsletters and window signage identifying them as AFANT supporters. AFANT offers three levels of Corporate Membership; Gold $4, Silver $2 and General $1 for one year s membership (including GST). AFANT Thank our Major Sponsors and Gold Corporate Members 1
AFANT Thank our Silver Corporate Members 2
AFANT Thank all of our Corporate Members 3
AFANT s Corporate Members 1 AFANT s Elected Committee 5 President s Report 6 AFANT Activities 215 14 Represent and advocate for the interests of all recreational fishers in the NT 14 Protect and enhance the quality of the fishing experiences and resource that is available to Northern Territory and visiting anglers 17 Provide representation and advice to governments and others on recreational fishing issues 19 Maintain and where possible increase access to recreational fishing opportunities 2 Promote and be an advocate for ethical, sustainable, safe and legal fishing practices 22 Participate in the management of recreational and other fisheries 23 Liaise constructively with other organisations including commercial fishing organisations on matters of mutual interest 24 Support and participate in fisheries research 24 Promote and be an advocate for the protection of the environment when it has the potential to impact on recreational fishing 25 AFANT committee changes 28 Audited Financial Statements 215 29 (Cover Photograph courtesy Dennis Smart) 4
Warren de With President Rohan Short Ass Secretary/ Treasurer Geoff Bird Vice President Roxsean Edwards Treasurer Josie Short Committee Scott Mitchell Committee Megan Brown Committee Scott Simpson Committee Tristan Sloan Executive Officer 5 Phillip Clark Secretary Dennis Smart Committee Steve Thomas Committee Angela Richardson Office Manager
I would like to acknowledge the significant outcomes and improvements for recreational fishing in the Northern Territory that AFANT has helped to drive in 215 through our advocacy and representation. The past year has seen numerous challenges as well as several significant highlights for recreational anglers in the NT. AFANT has delivered strong representation and engagement with governments and other groups, on important issues like fisheries and resource management, land and water access, environmental impacts, northern development, national parks management, commonwealth marine areas and the regulation, enforcement and sustainable management of fisheries both in the Northern Territory and at the national level. Removal of the Mary River Seasonal Closure The removal of the Mary River seasonal closure has been a resounding success in 215 with many quality barramundi and threadfin salmon being caught by recreational fishermen. We believe that the current Mary River three barramundi possession limit and the inclusion of a maximum 9cm size limit on barramundi and threadfin will enable the sustainability and protection of the Mary River fishery. AFANT would similarly like to see the removal of the seasonal closure on the Daly River to help spread the fishing effort of recreational fishermen and enhance fishing and tourism opportunity in the Daly River region. At-Risk Reef Fish In 215 AFANT welcomed the government s announcement of new legislative measures and fisheries regulations to address the stock sustainability issues in the coastal reef fish populations. AFANT has taken a strong leadership position in ensuring the protection of the golden snapper and jewfish stocks. This issue is one of the biggest fishery sustainability challenges that the NT has experienced and while some recreational fishers may find some of the measures are unpalatable, it is essential that significant changes in harvest and angler behavior are made to protect the stocks for the future. AFANT has been actively involved in working with NT Fisheries on angler education programs on the issues of barotrauma, catch upgrading and the penalties for exceeding bag limits. AFANT will continue to monitor the potential impact of other industry sectors on the sustainability of the golden snapper, black jewfish and other at-risk reef fish stocks. 215 Recreational Fishing Awards This year on the 5th September AFANT delivered on behalf of the NT Government, the CLP election commitment for the establishment of the Biannual Northern Territory Recreational Fisheries Awards. These awards were to honor individuals and organisations for their contribution to the conservation, restoration and enhancement of the Territory s recreational fisheries and their habitat. Water police AFANT continues to have a constructive working relationship with the NT water police. This includes the sharing of information and complaints that are reported to AFANT by recreational fishermen. Effective compliance and enforcement is an essential component in the sustainable management of the NT fisheries resources. Due to the large distances, isolation and remote nature of the NT, effective enforcement and compliance of fisheries legislation will always be a difficult task. AFANT welcomed the implementation of the 212 election commitment to provide greater resources to the water police with the upgrade of new patrol vessels and the increase of two officers in the water police section. Increasing resources will 6
always be welcome to effectively cover and patrol the Northern Territory... AFANT has also been directly involved in a range of projects and positive activities over the past year to improve recreational fishing and the environment. Durack Lakes Fish Stocking In 215 AFANT welcomed to NT government s commitment to stock the Durack community lakes with barramundi. In total 9 barramundi fingerlings will be stocked into lakes 5, 6 and 1 at the end of the wet season in 216. At a length of 15-2mm these barramundi should reach legal size within three years. AFANT believe this stocking project will provide considerable benefits to the local community with opportunities provided for education of school and university students, junior angler education clinics and fisheries research. Darwin Harbour clean-up day AFANT is a proud partner in the NTSC annual Darwin Harbour clean-up day. This event saw around 14 people from various partner organisations working across eight sites on land and seven on the water, with 17 boats working around the Harbour. This year a total of 1.6 tons of rubbish was collected. Situated on the doorstep of the Northern Territory s capital city Darwin harbour is an important location for recreational fishermen and AFANT take a strong interest in protecting this asset. Water Safety Advisory Council AFANT is an active member on the NT Water Safety Advisory Council. We work closely with the Department of Transport Marine Safety branch and the NT Water Police on issues of water and boating safety, including ensuring the implementation of efficient regulations and enforcement of boating rules. The past year has seen the Water Safety Advisory Council provide input and feedback into the new Marine Infringement Notices. This allows Water Police and other Boating Inspectors the ability to issue Marine Infringement Notices for failure to comply with the Marine (General) Regulations. Tagging and research AFANT is working with the NT Department of Fisheries on improving the functionality and accessibility of the NT fish tagging programs run by the NT government and AFANT. This includes the amalgamation of all the tagging databases making them more user friendly and accessible for research. AFANT is also looking at alternative technology and databases to improve the efficiency of AFANT s volunteer taggers as well as providing better data and information for research and community information. AFANT has barramundi tagging programs in the following systems: Mary River (fresh and salt) and Chambers and Finke Bays Daly River Darwin Harbour including Bynoe Harbour and Shoal Bay Roper River Victoria River Tagging of Golden Snapper is being conducted in shallow water in the greater Darwin area (in waters less than 1 meters) and other heavily fished coastal waters. This tagging program has the ability to contribute research and information to inform future management decisions on these highly pressured species. As a result of the removal of the seasonal closure AFANT has expanded our tagging program into the Mary River system to ensure quality data is available to the NT Fisheries Department to monitor barramundi stocks after commercial fishing was removed to create the recreational only 7
barramundi fishery in Chambers and Finke Bays. AFANT is actively recruiting volunteer anglers to participate in all tagging programs and catch and effort data collection. This research is an important part of ensuring we have the information to manage our fisheries sustainably. If you are interested in getting involved in the AFANT tagging program, please contact us at research@afant.com.au... AFANT maintains an active role in providing strong representation to government and other organisations to protect and advocate the interests of recreational anglers. AFANT is involved with numerous management or advisory committees representing the interests of the recreational fishing sector. In 215 these were: Barramundi Fishery Management Advisory Committee Offshore Net and Line (Shark) Fishery Management Advisory Committee NT Spanish Mackerel Fishery Management Advisory Committee (SMFMAC) NT Offshore Snapper Advisory Group (OSAG) NT Coastal Line Fishery Management Advisory Committee NT Mud Crab Fishery Management Advisory Committee NT Fisheries Research Advisory Board NT Resource Sharing Framework Advisory Group Small Pelagic Fish and Squid Advisory Group Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area Committee Anindilyakwa Indigenous Protected Area planning NT Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee The NT Water Safety Advisory Council Mt Todd Reference Group Kakadu Tourism Consultative Committee RecFish Australia Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF).. AFANT provides detailed submissions on a range of projects plans or policy changes. Over the past year AFANT has provided comments on: Toms Gully EIS AFANT is concerned with the health of downstream aquatic ecosystems in Mount Bundy Creek and Mary River National Park as a result of the Tom s Gully Underground Project (TGUP) as these areas include the iconic fishing locations of Hardies Billabong, Corroboree Billabong, Shady Camp and the Mary River system. Our main concerns revolve around the discharge of water into Mount Bundy Creek, separation of clean water and dirty water through the mine site, sedimentation and surface water run-off and the storage of tailings to minimize downstream contamination risks and the potential acidification of groundwater through AMD. History has shown that past Northern Territory governments have been willing to circumvent best practice environmental management and bend the regulatory process in order to get mines up and running or keep struggling mines operating. We have an extremely strong interest in ensuring that the proposed mining operations and post closure rehabilitation of the site can be conducted in a manner that removes any current and future water and pollution risks at the TGUP site. Port Melville The Tiwi Islands and surrounding coastal waters are a popular and iconic location for the recreational fishermen of the Northern Territory. The substantial amounts of fuel to be stored so close to the coastline, in an area highly prone to cyclonic activity and the potential for the port to be used as a major gas and fuel supply hub elevates the need for proper and transparent assessment and risk minimization. 8
AFANT has strong concerns about the proposal to operate Port Melville as a marine supply base on Melville Island in the Northern Territory and believes it should be subject to the highest level of environmental assessment through undertaking a full Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the current facility and the proposed operation as a marine supply base. Our Water Future: A Conversation with Territorians AFANT s submission on the Discussion Paper Our Water Future: A Conversation with Territorians highlighted our concerns regarding the water allocation processes of the NT government. AFANT believes that the draft water allocation plans abandoned in 212 must be resurrected and greater transparency and community consultation must be undertaken We believe that a scientific approach, featuring balanced and considered communication with both community and industry and following best practice water management and the National Water Initiative (NWI) is the only way to ensure the spectacular recreational fishing and environment of the Northern Territory is protected for future generations. NOPSEMA -Proposed Changes to the Offshore Petroleum industry AFANT s submission on NOPSEMA s proposed changes to policy and guidance relating to the offshore petroleum industry highlighted our strong concerns with a number of near shore oil and gas development and exploration applications. To date the majority of stakeholder consultation with AFANT by seismic exploration companies seeking approved Environmental Plans (EP) by NOPSEMA has been woefully inadequate. The Northern Territory recreational fishing industry is extremely varied and complex depending on season, environmental factors and location. As such in order to provide real and meaningful information to these companies, AFANT requires sufficiently detailed and timely information on proposed seismic surveys. This has been sadly lacking and as such makes it extremely difficult for AFANT to raise any specific objections or concerns and consequently prevents NOPSEMA from effectively assessing the level of stakeholder consultation for any Environmental Plans sought. We believe that in order to best protect the environment and the recreational fishing industry it is essential that considerable effort be undertaken to improve the stakeholder consultation, transparency of process and environmental performance of the offshore petroleum industry. Northern Territory Draft Biosecurity Strategy 215-225 AFANT is strongly of the view that Northern Australia must learn from the mistakes of the more populated southern areas of Australia in regards to biosecurity and our waterways principally in regards to the introduction of invasive foreign pest species of fish, plants and reptiles. The major threats to waterways across southern Australia in regards to biosecurity have by and large been as a result of the introduction of foreign aquarium plants, reptiles and fish to local waterways. The cost of restoring rivers and water ways that have been impacted by invasive pest species amounts to millions of taxpayers dollars on individual river systems just to return these rivers and waterways back to some lower level of environmental health. AFANT believes stronger measures for education, of the public and the aquarium industry, in both the wholesale and retail sectors, needs to be prioritised as one of the most effective tools in maintaining biosecurity and protecting our top end waterways... Recreational fishing faces a number of real challenges; Blue Mud Bay AFANT has continued to take an active interest in advocacy and direct involvement in land and water access through providing recreational fishing perspective directly to government on Blue Mud Bay issues and where appropriate through developing and maintaining communication and positive working relationships with traditional owners. 9
The past year outcomes and progress on Blue Mud Bay agreements has been particularly slow to be almost nonexistent. After more than eight years of negotiations, AFANT has real concerns at some of the developments in negotiations with the NT Government signing up on the lock out of anglers from most of the productive waters on the northern and western parts of the Tiwis, including water that is arguably not covered by the Blue Mud Bay ruling. The NT government has effectively ceased negotiating with the traditional owners on the upper Finniss River. However AFANT is continuing to negotiate with traditional owners through the NLC for a permit system for AFANT members. AFANT is also still involved in a number of outstanding bed and bank intertidal waters claims with the Aboriginal Land Commissioner in the Supreme Court. Our aim in this process is to ensure that there is no detriment to recreational fishers as part of any future native title grants. Pastoral land access AFANT has formally taken up the process under Section 79 of the Pastoral Land Act with both the minister and the pastoral land board on developing a formal process of accessing waterways under the act. Boat ramps AFANT has proactively engaged with government over the last year to ensure the interests of recreational anglers are given priority in the planning of boat ramp access and infrastructure. We have also worked with multiple government agencies on issues like improving reopening of access to areas like the Daly River after road and ramp closures due to floodwater. The NT Government has committed to undertaking a study on metropolitan boat ramps. This study will be vital if the East Arm boat ramp is removed through the approval of the East Arm Marine Industry Park outlined in the Land Development Corporation Notice of Intent. AFANT has worked on the implementation of the CLP Governments election commitments on boat ramps at Dundee Beach and Shady Camp. Engineering and environmental assessment reports have been completed for both the Dundee Beach and the Shady Camp boat ramps; these reports have provided a clear position on the required funding, environmental difficulties and engineering assessments of the preferred sites. AFANT s priority project is the construction of the self-launch Dundee boat ramp. The initial funding allocated through election commitment to this project was insufficient to complete all stages of the original design. The Dundee Beach boat ramp will be put out to public tender in late February 216 with the construction contract to be awarded in late April 216. AFANT has expressed concerns over the time frame of this construction and we have lobbied government to ensure that additional funds required for completing the project need to be made available. AFANT strongly supports the funding provided for the upgrade of the Shady Camp boat ramp and have requested that government provide additional funding to this project so improved tidal access can be made available to the lower Mary River system. This will ensure the maximum benefit can be gained from the recreational only barramundi fishery in Chambers and Finke Bays. Commonwealth MPA review This year AFANT engaged in the review panel process for the Commonwealth Marine Protected Areas (CMPA) following the setting aside of the management plans that were scheduled to come into effect in July 214. Under the original CMPA we recognised and welcomed the fact that the current network includes only one area off the Northern Territory coast where recreational fishing will be excluded, the Marine National Park zone in the Wessel Commonwealth Marine Reserve, and thus 1
the Commonwealth Marine Reserve has limited impacts on recreational fishing access on a Northern Territory wide basis. AFANT has strongly advocated for the North Commonwealth Marine Protected Area to remain unchanged in this review process. Artificial Reefs The NT artificial reef program did not receive any funding in 215 and the NT Government has not installed any new artificial reefs. AFANT believes that significant opportunities exist to further enhance the artificial reef system. We are strongly of the view that the greatest gains are not in the enhancement of the existing reef system but the creation of new, purpose built reef systems. AFANT believes artificial reefs should be a part of a package of measures designed to rebuild at-risk reef fish populations and provide recreational fishing options in lieu of reefs lost through the ban on fishing in the new Reef Fish Protection Areas. AFANT will continue to work with the NT Government and to encourage the enhancement of the artificial reef network including partnerships with private enterprise. AFANT Involvement at a National Level AFANT takes a strong interest in recreational fishing at the national level. AFANT is a member of Recfish Australia and the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF). AFANT is actively involved with national recreational fishing policy development and advocacy including such issues as Commonwealth Marine Reserves, promoting the National Gone Fishing Day (Oct 16th) and seeking recognition for recreational fishing in Commonwealth fisheries legislation. AFANT also prepared a submission for the Senate enquiry into Supertrawlers operating in Australia s marine jurisdiction. AFANT has serious concerns over the current research and scientific knowledge on small pelagic fish species targeted by large capacity fishing vessels both in the Northern Territory and throughout Australia. There is significant international experience in the collapse of fish stocks through the use of large capacity fishing vessels and AFANT believes the introduction of such vessels into Northern Territory waters would have dire consequences for recreational fishing. We will continually oppose any measures to introduce such as vessel. In addition, on a national level AFANT also presented a submission at the Senate enquiry into Northern Aquaculture Development. AFANT believes that aquaculture can play an important role in food production and economic development in the Northern Territory providing that any potential impacts on wild fisheries and the environment are adequately addressed. AFANT has serious concerns that the government s desire to reduce red-green tape in order to promote and foster aquaculture development may result in hastily approved aquaculture facilities. This approach of reducing regulatory settings to create incentives for business to invest, innovate and employ is fraught with risk. AFANT has also continually advocated at a national level that the White Paper for Developing the North is an impractical solution in terms of large scale irrigation projects and damming of our iconic top end rivers. It is essential that any development in Northern Australia recognises the limitations of the natural environment, landscape and the climate of the Northern Territory. We must learn from past mistakes in off stream storage and irrigation development not just in southern Australia but in a number of areas in northern Australia like the Burdekin and Ord where real impacts have occurred to the rivers and fish populations downstream. AFANT will continually advocate for the protection of our iconic top end rivers and recreational fishing in the Northern Territory. Mining Activities AFANT s advocacy for environmental protection has included site visits to the McArthur River Mine in order to gauge the 11
effectiveness of their environmental monitoring program. Due to concerns from recreational fishermen over heavy metal concentrations in Barneys and Surprise Creeks in the McArthur River, AFANT travelled to the McArthur River Mine site to meet with environmental scientists and discuss the mines environmental issues and monitoring programs. AFANT is comfortable that MRM is taking the necessary steps to remediate any problems that have been identified and they are actively working with local fishermen to collect fish samples for monitoring. To get involved in the monitoring program please contact Rebecca Gentle on (8) 8975 8216 The Vista Gold Mt Todd mine site has moved into a care and maintenance phase while waiting on more favorable economic conditions for gold mining. Treated water has been released from the mine site over the 215 wet season. AFANT has kept a close involvement and working arrangement with both government and Vista Gold to ensure that our views and concerns around river and environmental health downstream are clearly understood and addressed. AFANT will continue to be actively involved in ensuring that the Government, regulators and Vista Gold manage the Mt Todd site to ensure that the water health and quality of the Edith and Daly Rivers including the important recreational fisheries downstream are protected. Security at boat ramps This year the government has commenced the implementation of its election commitment on the use of security cameras at boat ramps with the installation of security cameras at the Elizabeth River boat ramp. This is a positive step and AFANT believes this or similar technology has significant potential to improve the security of vehicles at all NT boat ramps. AFANT has also supported the commitment of $79, by the NT Government in the 215 Budget to ensure Buffalo Creek boat ramp is safer and more secure for recreational fishermen. The planned upgrades will include the expansion of the free parking space, increased lighting and CCTV cameras along with the provision of the secured compound and caretaker at Buffalo Creek for anglers... AFANT is proud of the role we have in supporting NT fishing clubs particularly when this relates to assist them to provide clinics and awareness programs for juniors. In 215 the grants to Palmerston Game Fishing Club and the Groote Eylandt Club were used for this purpose. This year AFANT is also pleased to acknowledge the receipt of a Grassroots Grant from the Department of Sport and Recreation to purchase thirty fishing outfits to be used for junior angler education clinics with our affiliated clubs and other community organisations. The social, recreational and lifestyle importance of fishing in the NT has meant that AFANT has continued to maintain an active and positive public profile in the media in 215. Issues included the reef fish regulation changes, potential boat licensing and registration, the new boating safety regulations, water licenses and allocations, crocodile safety, the Million Dollar Fish tourism campaign and a range of mining related issues. AFANT was involved in some 5 news related TV and radio interviews during 215. AFANT President Warren de With has continued his weekly fishing report segment on the ABC radio program Tales from the Tinny and Executive Officer Tristan Sloan has promoted AFANT on fortnightly appearances on MIX 14.9. AFANT has significantly increased our presence and influence on social media platforms and our website. This has ensured that appropriate information is disseminated to as wide an audience as possible in order to promote AFANT and recreational fishing 12
to the general public at both a Northern Territory and National level... I would also like to thank outgoing Committee members Rohan Short and Phil Clark, who have served since 26 & 25 respectively, for their invaluable knowledge and contributions during their time on the AFANT committee. Vale Tony Hare Good fishing in 216. In 215 the Northern Territory and AFANT lost a true gentlemen and a passionate fisherman with the passing of Tony Hare. Tony was a long time AFANT member before assuming a position on the committee in 1996. Tony served with distinction on the AFANT committee up until 214 occupying the position of Secretary between 23-28 and was awarded life membership in recognition of his services to AFANT in 29. Warren de With President The enviable position that recreational fishing is in in the Northern Territory today, was due in a large part to Tony s selfless work in the early days of lobbying government to remove commercial barramundi fishing from river systems. His passion, humor and vast knowledge of recreational fishing will be sorely missed amongst AFANT members, friends and family. Conclusion AFANT s strength lies in the support of Northern Territory recreational fishermen and it is essential that AFANT maintains and builds upon its membership numbers and relationships with its affiliated clubs. It is this support that enables us to influence and be an effective advocate for recreational fishing. I would like to thank the AFANT committee for their support over the past year, their active involvement in the committee process as well as their considered knowledge and insight of recreational fishing and the issues that affect anglers in the NT. I would like to thank Steve Thomas and Scott Simpson for their contribution to the committee. Both Steve and Scott resigned from the AFANT committee due to work and personal commitments in 215. 13
The AFANT committee has had a busy year working to ensure that all key areas of the AFANT strategic plan are delivered for recreational fishermen. The key areas of the strategic plan are to: Represent and advocate for the interests of all recreational fishers in the NT Protect and enhance the quality of the fishing experiences and resource that is available to Northern Territory and visiting anglers Provide representation and advice to governments and others on recreational fishing issues Maintain and where possible improve access to recreational fishing opportunities Promote and be an advocate for ethical, sustainable, safe and legal fishing practices Participate in the management of recreational and other fisheries Liaise constructively with other organisations including commercial fishing organisations on matters of mutual interest Support and participate in fisheries research Promote and be an advocate for the protection of the environment when it has the potential to impact on recreational fishing REPRESENT AND ADVOCATE FOR THE INTERESTS OF ALL RECREATIONAL FISHERS IN THE NT AFANT has delivered strong representation and engagement with government departments, indigenous land councils, NGO s and the commercial fishing industry as well as big businesses interests in mining and tourism. This representation includes advocacy on important issues such as fisheries resource management, land and water access, regulation and enforcement of fisheries legislation, maritime safety and environmental issues where they have the potential to affect recreational fishing. AFANT has continued to take a leadership role in advocating for appropriate behavior whilst recreational fishermen are on the water. AFANT is involved in issues and projects like: Darwin Harbour Clean Up Marine and boating safety Barotrauma and catch and release Think Before Release social media pilot Changes to reef fish regulations Social license and ethical recreational fishing behavior Your Eyes on the Water program reporting suspicious or illegal behavior Implementing recreational fishing Codes of Conduct Over the past 12 months AFANT has actively engaged with a wide range of organisations to promote and enhance recreational fishing opportunities in the NT. AFANT s strength is in its supporter base and we have actively worked to maintain and expand this membership base, including affiliated clubs, as it is this support that enables us to influence and be an effective advocate for recreational fishing. Through regular contact and engagement, AFANT has worked to ensure all recognised fishing clubs in the NT are engaged and aware of the work that AFANT does. We aim to ensure that all clubs are affiliated with AFANT and provide valuable input into our direction, activities and policy. Dealing with outcomes of the Blue Mud Bay ruling AFANT has an ongoing commitment to ensure there is no detrimental effect on recreational fishing through Blue Mud Bay negotiations. Progress on these negotiations this year has been particularly slow. After more than eight years of negotiations since 14
the 28 High Court ruling AFANT has serious concerns at the slow progress. The NT Government has informed AFANT that they will continue to work with indigenous land councils to resolve any access issues as a result of the Blue Mud Bay ruling. The NT Government has reached Blue Mud Bay access/fishing access agreements with traditional owners on the following claim areas: The Kenbi land claim (including Darwin and Bynoe Harbour) McArthur River, Borroloola and the Sir Edward Pellew group of islands Daly River Mini-Mini Murgenella Cobourg Nhulunbuy/Gove Tiwi Islands There are still a number of challenges in several iconic fishing locations to ensure permit free and reasonable access by recreational anglers in the NT. The upper tidal reaches of the Finniss are unfortunately still closed to recreational fishing. However AFANT is confident negotiations will recommence in the near future. This year AFANT has appeared and made representation at numerous call over s for outstanding bed and bank intertidal waters claims with the Aboriginal Land Commissioner in the Supreme Court with the aim to ensure no detriment to recreational fishers as part of future native title grants. AFANT has continued to participate in advocacy and direct involvement in land access matters through providing recreational fishing perspective directly to government on Blue Mud Bay issues and where appropriate through developing and maintaining communication and positive working relationships with indigenous land councils and traditional owners. Commonwealth Marine Protected Areas Recreational fishermen represent the most significant user group within the Commonwealth Marine Reserves. AFANT believes that continuous engagement with recreational fishermen is vital as they provide much needed information to authorities through our Eyes on the Water program. Recreational fishermen are often very aware of short and long term changes in fish diversity and abundance. In addition recreational fishermen often can provide real time spatial information that can aid management and enforcement on issues such as habitat damage, pollution, zoning violations and illegal fishing activities. This year AFANT engaged in the review panel process for the Commonwealth Marine Protected Areas (CMPA) following the setting aside of the management plans that were scheduled to come into effect in July 214. Under the original CMPA we recognised and welcomed the fact that the current network includes only one area off the Northern Territory coast where recreational fishing will be excluded; the Marine National Park zone in the Wessel Commonwealth Marine Reserve, and thus the Commonwealth Marine Reserve has limited impacts on recreational fishing access on a Northern Territory wide basis. AFANT has strongly advocated for the North Commonwealth Marine Protected Area to remain unchanged in this review process. Based on the unacceptable risk posed by a large scale incident from offshore mining, the lack of science regarding the impacts of seabed mining and the well-established ill effects of exploration methods used in the industry as well as the inconsistencies in allowing mining exploration and development in Special Purpose and Multiple Use zones, it is extremely difficult for AFANT to approve of these activities within the Commonwealth Marine Reserves and we have strongly insisted that the Director of National Parks removes seabed mining and exploration as permitted activities within Commonwealth Marine Reserves. As a whole recreational fishermen are often very keen to participate in citizen science projects to further the goals of the Commonwealth Marine Reserves such as catch/effort log books, fish tagging programs, DNA collection and partnerships with education or research institutes. AFANT 15
welcomes the Commonwealth Governments commitment to review these areas and believes the Commonwealth Government should provide a comprehensive engagement plan for management and inclusion of recreational fishermen within the Marine Reserves. Increasing participation of young people in recreational fishing This year AFANT was pleased to work with the NT Government and Palmerston Council on a community program to stock the residential lakes of Durack with 9 Barramundi fingerlings. This program is aimed at encouraging local children and community to be able to catch Barramundi in a safe and easily accessible environment. AFANT also received a Grassroots Grant from the Department of Sport and Recreation to purchase thirty fishing outfits to be used for junior angler education clinics with our affiliated clubs and other community organisations. AFANT continues to provide funding to NT fishing clubs through the Fishing Clubs Small Grants Program to assist them to provide clinics and awareness programs for juniors and inexperienced anglers. In 215 the grants to the NT Dolphins Club, Alligator Fishing Club, Darwin Game Fishing Club and the Nhulunbuy Regional Sport Fishing Club were used for this purpose. 215 Fishing Clubs Small Grants Program The NT Government provides AFANT with $1, plus GST each year for the Fishing Clubs Small Grants Program to be distributed to NT fishing clubs. In 215 a total of $15,331.61 in grants was requested and $1, was allocated. Funds were allocated in 215 as follows: Dundee Social & Recreation Fishing Club - $627 for a new pie warmer for club functions. Darwin Game Fishing Club $1,5 for a new computer. Groote Eylandt Game Fishing Club - $225.6 for a junior angler fishing clinic. King Ash Bay Fishing Club- $1,41.4 for digital scales and an EPIRB. Alligator Fishing Club $15 for a projector and a gazebo. Palmerston Game Fishing Club- $2757. for a junior angler fishing clinic. Pastoral land and water access AFANT has continued to advocate for a formal process to improve access to waterways on pastoral land for members under Section 79 of the Pastoral Land Act with both the Minister for Primary Industries and the Pastoral Land Board. Public recognition of recreational fishing The social, recreational and lifestyle importance of fishing in the NT has meant that AFANT has continued to maintain an active and positive public profile in the media in 215. Issues included the reef fish regulation changes, potential boat licensing and registration, the new boating safety regulations, water licenses and allocations, crocodile safety, the Million Dollar Fish tourism campaign and a range of mining related issues. AFANT was involved in some 5 news related TV and radio interviews during 215. AFANT President Warren de With has continued his weekly fishing report segment on the ABC radio program Tales from the Tinny and Executive Officer Tristan Sloan has promoted AFANT on fortnightly appearances on MIX 14.9. AFANT has significantly increased our presence and influence on social media platforms and our website. This has ensured that appropriate information is disseminated to as wide an audience as possible in order to promote AFANT and recreational fishing to the general public on both a Northern Territory and National level. 215 Recreational fishing awards event. AFANT delivered on behalf of the NT Government, the CLP election commitment for the establishment of the Biannual 16
Northern Territory Recreational Fisheries Awards to honour individuals and organisations for their contribution to the conservation, restoration and enhancement of the Territory s recreational fisheries and their habitat. The first event was held on the 5 th September 215. The list of winners decided by the Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee, were: Individual Award Terrence Bomber Farrell Youth Award- Jordan Smart Fishing Tourism Operation Award- Cobourg Fishing Safaris Fishing Media Award- ABC Tales From The Tinny Fishing Competition Award- Barra Classic, Darwin Game Fishing Club Top Fishing Researcher Award- Warren de With Fishing Art Award- Marie Oliveira The Overall Award- The Mike Reed Award: ABC Tales from the Tinny AFANT Involvement at a national level AFANT takes a strong interest in recreational fishing at the national level. AFANT is a member of Recfish Australia and the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF). AFANT is actively involved with national recreational fishing policy development and advocacy including such issues as Commonwealth Marine Reserves, promoting the National Gone Fishing Day (Oct 16 th ) and seeking recognition for recreational fishing in Commonwealth fisheries legislation. AFANT prepared a submission for the Senate enquiry into Supertrawlers operating in Australia s marine jurisdiction. AFANT has serious concerns over the current research and scientific knowledge on small pelagic fish species targeted by large capacity fishing vessels both in the Northern Territory and throughout Australia. There is significant international experience in the collapse of fish stocks through the use of large capacity fishing vessels and AFANT believes the introduction of such vessels into Northern Territory waters would have dire consequences for recreational fishing. We will continually oppose any measures to introduce such as vessel. In addition on a national level AFANT also presented a submission at the Senate enquiry into Northern Aquaculture Development. AFANT believes that aquaculture can play an important role in food production and economic development in the Northern Territory providing that any potential impacts on wild fisheries and the environment are adequately addressed. AFANT has serious concerns that the government s desire to reduce red-green tape in order to promote and foster aquaculture development may result in hastily approved aquaculture facilities. This approach of reducing regulatory settings to create incentives for businesses to invest, innovate and employ is fraught with risk. AFANT has also continually advocated at a national level that the White Paper for Developing the North is an impractical solution in terms of large scale irrigation projects and damming of our iconic top end rivers. It is essential that any development in Northern Australia recognises the limitations of the natural environment, landscape and the climate of the Northern Territory. We must learn from past mistakes in off stream storage and irrigation development not just in southern Australia but in a number of areas in northern Australia like the Burdekin and Ord where real impacts have occurred to the rivers and fish populations downstream. AFANT will continually advocate for the protection of our iconic top end rivers and recreational fishing in the Northern Territory. PROTECT AND ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF THE FISHING EXPERIENCES AND RESOURCE THAT IS AVAILABLE TO NORTHERN TERRITORY AND VISITING ANGLERS AFANT takes an active role in promoting the excellent quality of the recreational fishing 17
available in the NT. We are active in advocating for both the improvement and protection of our fisheries in the Northern Territory. This includes continually demanding that recreational anglers receive their share of resource and infrastructure so that the quality of the fishing is enhanced and protected. Key outcomes over the past 12 months include: Securing a sustainable future for at-risk reef species AFANT has taken a strong leadership position in ensuring the protection of Golden Snapper and Black Jewfish stocks as part of the changes to the commercial coastal line fishery and the recreational fishing sector. These management changes also included other at-risk reef species such as snappers, emperors, cods and groupers. AFANT has been actively involved in providing advice to government on the reduced recreational bag limits and reef protection areas which were implemented in May 215. This included working with NT Fisheries on significant angler education programs on the issues of barotrauma, catch upgrading and penalties for exceeding bag limits for at-risk reef fish. This issue is one of the biggest fishery sustainability challenges that the NT has experienced and it is essential that significant change in both harvest and angler behavior are undertaken to protect the stocks for the future. We have made it clear that it is essential that any actions to address sustainability concerns in this fishery are implemented based on the best scientific information and across all industry sectors. Fisheries management activities AFANT continues to provide advice to government on the recreational fishing sectors concerns and issues through numerous management advisory committees and groups as well as direct communication at all levels of government involved directly or indirectly with recreational fishing interests. AFANT has directly provided detailed advice on a range of fisheries regulations, sustainability and resource issues to the NT Fisheries department as these issues have emerged. Water police Effective compliance and enforcement is an essential component in the sustainable management of the NT fisheries resources. AFANT continues to have a constructive working relationship with the NT water police. This includes the sharing of information and complaints that are reported to AFANT by recreational fishermen. AFANT welcomed the implementation of the 212 election commitment to provide greater resources to the water police with the upgrade of new patrol vessels and the increase of two officers in the water police section. Due to the large distances, isolation and remote nature of the NT effective enforcement and compliance of fisheries legislation will always be a difficult task. Increasing resources will always be welcome to effectively cover and patrol the Northern Territory. Increasing capacity through proper resources and man power are a welcome boost to the water police enforcement team. Boat ramps AFANT has proactively engaged with government over the last year to ensure the interests of recreational anglers are given priority in the planning of boat ramp access and infrastructure. We have also worked with multiple government agencies on issues like improving reopening of access to areas like the Daly River after road and ramp closures due to floodwater. The NT Government has committed to undertaking a study on metropolitan boat ramps. This study will be vital if the East Arm boat ramp is removed through the approval of the East Arm Marine Industry Park outlined in the Land Development Corporation Notice of Intent. 18
AFANT has worked on the implementation of the CLP Governments election commitments on boat ramps at Dundee Beach and Shady Camp. Engineering and environmental assessment reports have been completed for both the Dundee Beach and the Shady Camp boat ramps; these reports have provided a clear position on the required funding, environmental difficulties and engineering assessments of the preferred sites. AFANT s priority project is the construction of the self-launch Dundee boat ramp. The initial funding allocated through election commitment to this project was insufficient to complete all stages of the original design. The Dundee Beach boat ramp will be put out to public tender in late February 216 with the construction contract to be awarded in late April 216. AFANT has expressed concerns over the time frame of this construction and we have lobbied government to ensure that additional funds required for completing the project need to be made available. AFANT strongly supports the funding provided for the upgrade of the Shady Camp boat ramp and have requested that government provide additional funding to this project so improved tidal access can be made available to the lower Mary River system. This will ensure the maximum benefit can be gained from the recreational only barramundi fishery in Chambers and Finke Bays. Boat ramp security This year the government has commenced the implementation of its election commitment on the use of security cameras at boat ramps with the installation of security cameras at the Elizabeth River boat ramp. This is a positive step and AFANT believes this or similar technology has significant potential to improve the security of vehicles at all NT boat ramps. AFANT has also supported the commitment of $79, by the NT Government in the 215 Budget to ensure Buffalo Creek boat ramp is safer and more secure for recreational fishermen. The planned upgrades will include the expansion of the free parking space, increased lighting and CCTV cameras along with the provision of the secured compound and caretaker at Buffalo Creek for anglers. PROVIDE REPRESENTATION AND ADVICE TO GOVERNMENTS AND OTHERS ON RECREATIONAL FISHING ISSUES AFANT maintains an active role in providing strong representation and advocacy to the NT government and other organisations in order to protect and promote the interests of recreational anglers. The following are some of the organisations or committees that AFANT is involved with: Barramundi Fishery Management Advisory Committee Offshore Net and Line (Shark) Fishery Management Advisory Committee NT Spanish Mackerel Fishery Management Advisory Committee (SMFMAC) NT Offshore Snapper Advisory Group (OSAG) NT Coastal Line Fishery Management Advisory Committee NT Mud Crab Fishery Management Advisory Committee NT Fisheries Research Advisory Board NT Resource Sharing Framework Advisory Group Small Pelagic Fish and Squid Advisory Group Dhimurru Indigenous Protected Area Committee Anindilyakwa Indigenous Protected Area planning NT Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee The NT Water Safety Advisory Council Mt Todd Reference Group 19
Kakadu Tourism Consultative Committee RecFish Australia Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF) MAINTAIN AND WHERE POSSIBLE IMPROVE ACCESS TO RECREATIONAL FISHING OPPORTUNITIES The NT has had a significant growth in recreational fishing activity, particularly interstate recreational fishing visitors over the past decade and this combined with population growth and some unfortunate restrictions or closures has increased the pressure on a limited number of important recreational fishing access points. Fish Stocking AFANT has continually advocated for the stocking of Barramundi into public water resources, dams and lakes to increase opportunities for recreational fishing. AFANT welcomed to NT government s commitment to stock the Durack community lakes with barramundi and was pleased to announce that this project was approved by Palmerston Council in December 215. In total 9 barramundi fingerlings will be stocked into lakes 5, 6 and 1 at the end of the wet season in 216. At a length of 15-2mm these barramundi should reach legal size within three years. AFANT believe this stocking project will provide considerable social, recreational and lifestyle benefits to the local community with further opportunities provided for education of school children, university students from CDU, angler education clinics and fisheries research. AFANT s submission on the NT Governments Strong Society, Confident Culture Strategy AFANT welcomed the opportunity to comment on the draft Strong Society, Confident Culture Strategy which outlines the NT Government s commitments and strategies, providing a framework to build on our cultural and social strengths to connect Territorians. AFANT believes that sport and recreation activities should be available for all Territorians. This should be regardless of age, sex and socio-economic status. Unfortunately there are limited opportunities for Territorians who suffer from disabilities and low socio-economic backgrounds to participate in recreational fishing as the majority of fishing is done from boats due to the environmental conditions and risk of crocodile attack while fishing from the shore. This is primarily due to the limited number of locations in the cities of Darwin and Palmerston and especially rural areas that offer facilities for land based fishing in safe, easily accessible locations. AFANT would like the government to commit to numerous suitable fishing platforms for disabled and low socio-economic citizens similar to the easily accessible Peter Mahony platform located in Rapid Creek, Darwin. We believe easily accessible fishing infrastructure such as this would positively increase the availability of fishing as a recreational activity for all Territorians and through working with organisations such as AFANT and local fishing clubs all proposed infrastructure projects could be sited to ensure they provide maximum fishing opportunities for anglers. Mary River seasonal closure The Mary River seasonal closure was implemented to protect spawning aggregations after a significant collapse in the barramundi stocks in the 198 s, predominantly due to commercial fishing pressure and a number of poor wet seasons. AFANT believes with the removal of commercial barramundi fishing from the Chambers and Finke Bays, the capacity exists to shift a portion of the commercial barramundi catch that was historically extracted (approximately 14 tonne of barramundi and threadfin or around 35, fish) from the new recreational-only zone to the recreational sector. 2