❓ A parliamentary question regarding the use of drift nets in the Joint Authority Northern Shark Fishery (JANSF) and its potential negative impacts on marine wildlife, particularly humpback whales. The Minister acknowledges the concerns and outlines measures to mitigate risks, including observer programs and potential fishery closure.
AnsweredQoN 1125Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
JOINT AUTHORITY NORTHERN SHARK FISHERY - USE OF DRIFT NETS
I refer to the proposal to introduce surface-set gill nets, or drift nets, into the joint authority northern shark fishery. (1) Is the minister aware of the negative impacts on marine wildlife that are frequently associated with this fishing method? (2) If yes to (1), what assessment has been made of the potential negative impacts in the area? (3) Is the minister aware that the calving areas of the western humpback whale population occur in the JANSF? (4) Does the minister intend to co-authorise the intensified use of the fishing method in the JANSF? (5) If yes to (4), when? Hon JON FORD
I refer to the proposal to introduce surface-set gill nets, or drift nets, into the joint authority northern shark fishery. (1) Is the minister aware of the negative impacts on marine wildlife that are frequently associated with this fishing method? (2) If yes to (1), what assessment has been made of the potential negative impacts in the area? (3) Is the minister aware that the calving areas of the western humpback whale population occur in the JANSF? (4) Does the minister intend to co-authorise the intensified use of the fishing method in the JANSF? (5) If yes to (4), when? Hon JON FORD
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. I have initiated a system of observers to monitor bycatch levels and I have personally told each licence holder that if the bycatch includes protected or endangered species, I will shut the fishery. I have been advised that there are currently three operators in the area. Between them they operate six boats. The joint fishery covers an area including Cape Leveque and extends 200 miles out to sea. (2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(1) Is the minister aware of the negative impacts on marine wildlife that are frequently associated with this fishing method? (2) If yes to (1), what assessment has been made of the potential negative impacts in the area? (3) Is the minister aware that the calving areas of the western humpback whale population occur in the JANSF? (4) Does the minister intend to co-authorise the intensified use of the fishing method in the JANSF? (5) If yes to (4), when? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. I have initiated a system of observers to monitor bycatch levels and I have personally told each licence holder that if the bycatch includes protected or endangered species, I will shut the fishery. I have been advised that there are currently three operators in the area. Between them they operate six boats. The joint fishery covers an area including Cape Leveque and extends 200 miles out to sea. (2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(2) If yes to (1), what assessment has been made of the potential negative impacts in the area? (3) Is the minister aware that the calving areas of the western humpback whale population occur in the JANSF? (4) Does the minister intend to co-authorise the intensified use of the fishing method in the JANSF? (5) If yes to (4), when? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. I have initiated a system of observers to monitor bycatch levels and I have personally told each licence holder that if the bycatch includes protected or endangered species, I will shut the fishery. I have been advised that there are currently three operators in the area. Between them they operate six boats. The joint fishery covers an area including Cape Leveque and extends 200 miles out to sea. (2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(3) Is the minister aware that the calving areas of the western humpback whale population occur in the JANSF? (4) Does the minister intend to co-authorise the intensified use of the fishing method in the JANSF? (5) If yes to (4), when? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. I have initiated a system of observers to monitor bycatch levels and I have personally told each licence holder that if the bycatch includes protected or endangered species, I will shut the fishery. I have been advised that there are currently three operators in the area. Between them they operate six boats. The joint fishery covers an area including Cape Leveque and extends 200 miles out to sea. (2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(4) Does the minister intend to co-authorise the intensified use of the fishing method in the JANSF? (5) If yes to (4), when? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. I have initiated a system of observers to monitor bycatch levels and I have personally told each licence holder that if the bycatch includes protected or endangered species, I will shut the fishery. I have been advised that there are currently three operators in the area. Between them they operate six boats. The joint fishery covers an area including Cape Leveque and extends 200 miles out to sea. (2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(5) If yes to (4), when? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. I have initiated a system of observers to monitor bycatch levels and I have personally told each licence holder that if the bycatch includes protected or endangered species, I will shut the fishery. I have been advised that there are currently three operators in the area. Between them they operate six boats. The joint fishery covers an area including Cape Leveque and extends 200 miles out to sea. (2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. I have initiated a system of observers to monitor bycatch levels and I have personally told each licence holder that if the bycatch includes protected or endangered species, I will shut the fishery. I have been advised that there are currently three operators in the area. Between them they operate six boats. The joint fishery covers an area including Cape Leveque and extends 200 miles out to sea. (2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. I have initiated a system of observers to monitor bycatch levels and I have personally told each licence holder that if the bycatch includes protected or endangered species, I will shut the fishery. I have been advised that there are currently three operators in the area. Between them they operate six boats. The joint fishery covers an area including Cape Leveque and extends 200 miles out to sea. (2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(1) Yes. I have initiated a system of observers to monitor bycatch levels and I have personally told each licence holder that if the bycatch includes protected or endangered species, I will shut the fishery. I have been advised that there are currently three operators in the area. Between them they operate six boats. The joint fishery covers an area including Cape Leveque and extends 200 miles out to sea. (2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(1) Is the minister aware of the negative impacts on marine wildlife that are frequently associated with this fishing method? (2) If yes to (1), what assessment has been made of the potential negative impacts in the area? (3) Is the minister aware that the calving areas of the western humpback whale population occur in the JANSF? (4) Does the minister intend to co-authorise the intensified use of the fishing method in the JANSF? (5) If yes to (4), when? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. I have initiated a system of observers to monitor bycatch levels and I have personally told each licence holder that if the bycatch includes protected or endangered species, I will shut the fishery. I have been advised that there are currently three operators in the area. Between them they operate six boats. The joint fishery covers an area including Cape Leveque and extends 200 miles out to sea. (2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(2) If yes to (1), what assessment has been made of the potential negative impacts in the area? (3) Is the minister aware that the calving areas of the western humpback whale population occur in the JANSF? (4) Does the minister intend to co-authorise the intensified use of the fishing method in the JANSF? (5) If yes to (4), when? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. I have initiated a system of observers to monitor bycatch levels and I have personally told each licence holder that if the bycatch includes protected or endangered species, I will shut the fishery. I have been advised that there are currently three operators in the area. Between them they operate six boats. The joint fishery covers an area including Cape Leveque and extends 200 miles out to sea. (2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(3) Is the minister aware that the calving areas of the western humpback whale population occur in the JANSF? (4) Does the minister intend to co-authorise the intensified use of the fishing method in the JANSF? (5) If yes to (4), when? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. I have initiated a system of observers to monitor bycatch levels and I have personally told each licence holder that if the bycatch includes protected or endangered species, I will shut the fishery. I have been advised that there are currently three operators in the area. Between them they operate six boats. The joint fishery covers an area including Cape Leveque and extends 200 miles out to sea. (2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(4) Does the minister intend to co-authorise the intensified use of the fishing method in the JANSF? (5) If yes to (4), when? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. I have initiated a system of observers to monitor bycatch levels and I have personally told each licence holder that if the bycatch includes protected or endangered species, I will shut the fishery. I have been advised that there are currently three operators in the area. Between them they operate six boats. The joint fishery covers an area including Cape Leveque and extends 200 miles out to sea. (2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(5) If yes to (4), when? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. I have initiated a system of observers to monitor bycatch levels and I have personally told each licence holder that if the bycatch includes protected or endangered species, I will shut the fishery. I have been advised that there are currently three operators in the area. Between them they operate six boats. The joint fishery covers an area including Cape Leveque and extends 200 miles out to sea. (2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. I have initiated a system of observers to monitor bycatch levels and I have personally told each licence holder that if the bycatch includes protected or endangered species, I will shut the fishery. I have been advised that there are currently three operators in the area. Between them they operate six boats. The joint fishery covers an area including Cape Leveque and extends 200 miles out to sea. (2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) Yes. I have initiated a system of observers to monitor bycatch levels and I have personally told each licence holder that if the bycatch includes protected or endangered species, I will shut the fishery. I have been advised that there are currently three operators in the area. Between them they operate six boats. The joint fishery covers an area including Cape Leveque and extends 200 miles out to sea. (2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(1) Yes. I have initiated a system of observers to monitor bycatch levels and I have personally told each licence holder that if the bycatch includes protected or endangered species, I will shut the fishery. I have been advised that there are currently three operators in the area. Between them they operate six boats. The joint fishery covers an area including Cape Leveque and extends 200 miles out to sea. (2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(2) It should be noted that this type of fishing gear has always been allowed in the fishery with negligible recorded or observed catch of protected or endangered species. The main change to the management plan from what has been the case in the past 15 to 20 years - as I understand it - is the removal of longline fishing that was used particularly to target large oceanic sharks, which were the ones most at risk from the impacts of illegal foreign fishing. The idea is to transfer the effort to a much more sustainable fishery of short-lived species, which is black-tipped shark. The other benefit of going for black-tipped shark is that its body meat is usable, whereas that is not the case with the larger oceanic sharks. (3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(3) Yes. (4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(4) I initiated the management system to ameliorate the environmental damage to the fishery by illegal foreign fishermen. As it comes under joint management, I am waiting on the co-authorisation of Hon Eric Abetz. (5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
(5) Not applicable. We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
We have to look at the context of the management change. The fishery is under some stress mainly because of illegal foreign fishing. The main concern I have about the net fishing of black-tipped shark is that, to ensure viability, fishing must be done at night because that is the most effective time to fish. However, it is also the most dangerous time for mammals such as whales and dolphins because their sonar is switched on during the day and switched off at night. I did not previously know that. They sleep like the rest of us. The fishing boats are also monitored so we know where the boats are. As I said, we have made it very clear that the taking of any protected species is too much and that if it happens, we will close the fishery. We will review the fishery within 12 months of Minister Abetz approving it. I understand that he will; I spoke to him last week. Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
Hon Norman Moore : I do not think that we need to know everything about this today! Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
Hon Ljiljanna Ravlich : I am really interested. Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
Hon JON FORD : I take the Leader of the Opposition’s point. I do try to keep my answers brief. My view is that those fishermen should be bought out. That is the case we pressed with the commonwealth, but it is not willing to consider that for at least six to 12 months until the study on the impact of foreign fishing is completed.
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