❓ Hon Bruce Donaldson questions Hon Jon Ford, the Minister for Fisheries, regarding a media statement about reconsidering bi-catch from rock lobster pots after wetline licence withdrawals. The Minister denies authorising the statement and outlines his approach to managing bi-catch and recreational fishing entitlements.
AnsweredQoN 452Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
ROCK LOBSTER POTS - BI-CATCH
(1) Was a comment made in the media, reportedly by a spokesman from the minister’s office, to the effect that the minister was reconsidering the issue of the bi-catch from rock lobster pots, following the withdrawal of wetline licences from rock lobster vessels? (2) Was this information given with the minister’s authority? (3) If yes, will the minister inform the house when a decision on any changes to the bi-catch issue would be made and the rock lobster fishermen informed? Hon JON FORD
(1) Was a comment made in the media, reportedly by a spokesman from the minister’s office, to the effect that the minister was reconsidering the issue of the bi-catch from rock lobster pots, following the withdrawal of wetline licences from rock lobster vessels? (2) Was this information given with the minister’s authority? (3) If yes, will the minister inform the house when a decision on any changes to the bi-catch issue would be made and the rock lobster fishermen informed? Hon JON FORD
AnswerView source ↗
I did not quite catch the very first part of the question. Hon Bruce Donaldson : A media statement was released out of the minister’s office to the effect that he was reconsidering the bi-catch issue from rock lobster pots. Hon JON FORD : That was a media release issued today? Hon Bruce Donaldson : Yes. Hon JON FORD : I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
(2) Was this information given with the minister’s authority? (3) If yes, will the minister inform the house when a decision on any changes to the bi-catch issue would be made and the rock lobster fishermen informed? Hon JON FORD replied: I did not quite catch the very first part of the question. Hon Bruce Donaldson : A media statement was released out of the minister’s office to the effect that he was reconsidering the bi-catch issue from rock lobster pots. Hon JON FORD : That was a media release issued today? Hon Bruce Donaldson : Yes. Hon JON FORD : I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
(3) If yes, will the minister inform the house when a decision on any changes to the bi-catch issue would be made and the rock lobster fishermen informed? Hon JON FORD replied: I did not quite catch the very first part of the question. Hon Bruce Donaldson : A media statement was released out of the minister’s office to the effect that he was reconsidering the bi-catch issue from rock lobster pots. Hon JON FORD : That was a media release issued today? Hon Bruce Donaldson : Yes. Hon JON FORD : I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
Hon JON FORD replied: I did not quite catch the very first part of the question. Hon Bruce Donaldson : A media statement was released out of the minister’s office to the effect that he was reconsidering the bi-catch issue from rock lobster pots. Hon JON FORD : That was a media release issued today? Hon Bruce Donaldson : Yes. Hon JON FORD : I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
I did not quite catch the very first part of the question. Hon Bruce Donaldson : A media statement was released out of the minister’s office to the effect that he was reconsidering the bi-catch issue from rock lobster pots. Hon JON FORD : That was a media release issued today? Hon Bruce Donaldson : Yes. Hon JON FORD : I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
Hon Bruce Donaldson : A media statement was released out of the minister’s office to the effect that he was reconsidering the bi-catch issue from rock lobster pots. Hon JON FORD : That was a media release issued today? Hon Bruce Donaldson : Yes. Hon JON FORD : I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
Hon JON FORD : That was a media release issued today? Hon Bruce Donaldson : Yes. Hon JON FORD : I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
Hon Bruce Donaldson : Yes. Hon JON FORD : I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
Hon JON FORD : I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
(1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
(2) Was this information given with the minister’s authority? (3) If yes, will the minister inform the house when a decision on any changes to the bi-catch issue would be made and the rock lobster fishermen informed? Hon JON FORD replied: I did not quite catch the very first part of the question. Hon Bruce Donaldson : A media statement was released out of the minister’s office to the effect that he was reconsidering the bi-catch issue from rock lobster pots. Hon JON FORD : That was a media release issued today? Hon Bruce Donaldson : Yes. Hon JON FORD : I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
(3) If yes, will the minister inform the house when a decision on any changes to the bi-catch issue would be made and the rock lobster fishermen informed? Hon JON FORD replied: I did not quite catch the very first part of the question. Hon Bruce Donaldson : A media statement was released out of the minister’s office to the effect that he was reconsidering the bi-catch issue from rock lobster pots. Hon JON FORD : That was a media release issued today? Hon Bruce Donaldson : Yes. Hon JON FORD : I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
Hon JON FORD replied: I did not quite catch the very first part of the question. Hon Bruce Donaldson : A media statement was released out of the minister’s office to the effect that he was reconsidering the bi-catch issue from rock lobster pots. Hon JON FORD : That was a media release issued today? Hon Bruce Donaldson : Yes. Hon JON FORD : I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
I did not quite catch the very first part of the question. Hon Bruce Donaldson : A media statement was released out of the minister’s office to the effect that he was reconsidering the bi-catch issue from rock lobster pots. Hon JON FORD : That was a media release issued today? Hon Bruce Donaldson : Yes. Hon JON FORD : I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
Hon Bruce Donaldson : A media statement was released out of the minister’s office to the effect that he was reconsidering the bi-catch issue from rock lobster pots. Hon JON FORD : That was a media release issued today? Hon Bruce Donaldson : Yes. Hon JON FORD : I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
Hon JON FORD : That was a media release issued today? Hon Bruce Donaldson : Yes. Hon JON FORD : I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
Hon Bruce Donaldson : Yes. Hon JON FORD : I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
Hon JON FORD : I thank Hon Bruce Donaldson for the question. (1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
(1)-(3) No, when I read that today I asked who opened the gate in regard to the bi-catch issue because that is not authorised. I had a meeting with a number of fishermen today. The whole point of the wetline review is to bring that part of the fishery under management. I have some empathy with the people in the industry for the notion that they want to take a fish home and, to that end, I have allowed in my decision a full recreational entitlement subject to a number of rules. First, that they have no commercial gear on board their boat and, secondly, they have an arrangement with the local management. The detail of how that works can be determined between industry and me when we consider the regulations. This is an equity issue. It applies to not only the rock lobster fishermen, but also everybody within the industry and their ability to use those assets. The issue in regard to bi-catch is not definitive. Some of the catch is recorded and some is not. We are looking at those details. The sleds that we introduced - a sea line exclusive device - seem to exclude most finfish bi-catch. If we carry out further research and it is found to be as effective as it is with wobbegongs and other finfish, we would probably introduce that after negotiations with the industry. No, I did not authorise that media statement.
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