AFTA TACKLE Show 2024

The AFTA Tackle Show and the Public Day both achieved remarkable success. We welcomed numerous first-time exhibitors; the event rejuvenated the energy on the floor for retailers and featured the unveiling of the latest global fishing equipment.

Our Tackle Show has always been backed by the solid and consistent participation of major brands who exhibit yearly.

Thanks to the sponsorship from the Qld Government ($35k) and a launch by Minister Mark Furner, the Public Day saw a 33% increase in registrations. Among the 6,574 registered attendees, 4,853 were adults; notably, for our industry’s sustainability, 1,721 were children under 15.

In addition, the Tackle Show served as a platform to sponsor and welcome State Peak Bodies, enhancing recognition of the diverse roles played by AFTA and these organisations.

Representatives from all existing Peak Bodies, including TARFISH, Recfishwest, AFANT, VRFish, RecfishSA, and ARFF, were present. Following Minister Furner’s initial discussions regarding their formation, we anticipate that next year’s Show might also host RecfishNSW and potentially RecfishQLD.

The state peak bodies are not in competition with AFTA; we complement each other. AFTA represents the business side of recreational fishing through its membership, and the peak bodies directly represent recreational fishers.

The AFTA AGM saw good attendance, with no need for ballots for positions since the two available roles were secured without opposition. We congratulate Steve Morgan (Media) and Jarrod Day (Retail) for their re-election and ongoing dedication to AFTA. AFTA Members can access the AGM minutes through the Member Resources page on our website.

Northern Territory

The election on August 24th concluded with the Country Liberal Party (CLP) achieving a decisive win. Congratulations to new Chief Minister, Lia Finocchiaro, and Deputy Leader & Recfishing Minister, Gerard Maley.

Gerard, an avid fisherman, supported the campaign to remove the 14 commercial gill nets in the Territory from its launch in February this year.

With newly elected officials, portfolio assignments are pending. AFTA extends gratitude to outgoing Minister Joel Bowden for his support in agreeing to remove the gill nets. This bipartisan effort allowed voters to focus on other critical issues during the election.

AFTA looks forward to collaborating with the Finocchiaro Government and NT Peak Body, AFANT.  We will continue to emphasise the importance of the barramundi and threadfin salmon fisheries, which contribute over $270 million to the local economy and support more than 2,500 jobs.

In the Northern Territory, 33% of adults engage in recreational fishing, well above the national average of 21.4%. Participation rates are notably higher among women (33% vs. 17.8% nationally) and young adults under 35 (43.2% vs. 23.2% nationally). (Source: https://www.frdc.com.au/sites/default/files/2023-07/northern_territory_rec_fishing_survey_-_web.pdf) This is vital for our industry’s sustainable future.

The NT recreational fishing trade includes 22 tackle stores, 2 BCF stores, 2 Anaconda stores, one major manufacturer, four wholesalers, various service stations, holiday parks, 4 KMART, 2 Big W outlets, and 55 charter operators.

AFTA thanks all our members for driving positive outcomes for our industry.

Queensland

Qld Election

With the Queensland election approaching on October 26, AFTA has actively put forward issues of interest that concern our members by making a formal Queensland Recreational Fishing Policy Submission to Minister Mark Furner (ALP) and Shadow Minister Tony Perrett (LNP), as well as through individual meetings.

The fact that both Ministers, Mark Furner and Tony Perrett, took the time to attend the tackle show, engaging with wholesalers, retailers, and the public, did not go unnoticed and was greatly appreciated.

As previously mentioned, Minister Mark Furner is open to the idea of creating a Queensland Peak Body – potentially named RecfishQLD – to facilitate ongoing dialogue with the state’s recreational fishers, a move that AFTA supports, as we have done so with the establishment of the NSW Peak Body.

Addressing AFTA’s concerns regarding Spanish Mackerel restrictions, Minister Furner conveyed to AFTA that the assessment for Spanish Mackerel, initially scheduled for next year, will take place later this year, with a decision expected in the early part of the following year. He acknowledged his preference for an earlier review but noted the department’s significant workload due to the gill net removal program in GBR, Gulf, and GSS.

AFTA insists that science should determine the following:

1. What exactly initiates the spawning aggregation of Spanish Mackerel—is it related to the lunar cycle, like coral spawning?
2. The precise timing of spawning events.
3. The specific locations where Spanish Mackerel aggregations occur for spawning.

With this knowledge, a more refined and effective sustainability model for fishing can be implemented.

It was notable that Shadow Minister Tony Perrot confirmed to multiple members during the Trade Show that there would be no alterations to the current gill net removal scheme and that he intends to re-evaluate the limitations placed on the Spanish Mackerel fishery. AFTA wants to secure this pledge in writing.

As each political party releases its policies, AFTA will publish them entirely and, once all are obtained, assess which policy benefits our industry the most.

AFTA also seized the moment to remind both Minister Furner and Shadow Minister Parrott that Queensland’s recreational fishing sector includes 394 independent tackle shops, 42 BCF stores, 20 Anaconda Stores, two major manufacturers, 44 wholesalers, representatives, various service stations, holiday parks that offer bait and tackle, as well as 69 KMART and 51 Big W retail outlets, and 179 Fishing Charter operators.

Notably, 26% of Queensland adults participate in recreational fishing, surpassing the national average of 21.4%. The recreational fishing industry contributes roughly $2.52 billion to the state’s economy and generates 23,602 full-time jobs. This encompasses $1.04 billion and 9,025 jobs in Greater Brisbane, plus $1.48 billion and 14,577 jobs in regional parts of the state. The industry provides direct employment to 10,142 individuals through charter fishing, sales of fishing gear, tackle, bait, and businesses such as accommodation and retail outlets catered to anglers.

It is politically imprudent to overlook the issues raised by our sector. AFTA will continue to provide updates on the policy developments.

From September 1st 2024, the Qld law will ban selling knives to under-18s. This includes different categories of knives and how to control them.

There are 8 steps for sellers:

• Review your stock for affected items.
• Decide if you need to sell these items.
• Do not sell to minors.
• Put up signs about age limits.
• Train your staff and keep records.
• Do not advertise items illegally.
• Store some controlled items securely.
• Follow rules for restricted items and weapons.

Please note: AFTA does not give legal advice; members must independently check that they follow the Qld law. The Government have provided a detailed info pack:

New South Wales

The formation of the NSW Recreational Fishing Peak Body is progressing, with the working group headed by Dr James Findlay having created a fully-funded structural proposal for Minister Tara Moriarty’s review. AFTA’s involvement in the working group includes contributions from members Col Tannahill (Shimano), Tom Slater (Daiwa), Jo Starling (River & Sea) along with Audi Croft, Karl Mathers, Stan Konstantaras, Craig Copeland,

The Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) has expressed its support for unveiling a new $2 million small infrastructure grant program specifically for recreational fishing in conjunction with the most extensive survey of NSW recreational fishing licence holders.

This initiative is a crucial component of the NSW Government’s strategy to reinvest a significant portion of the funds from recreational fishing licences into minor infrastructural developments that enhance the fishing experience by making it more accessible, safer, and more user-friendly.

Furthermore, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) plans to conduct a comprehensive state-wide poll inviting feedback from the fishing community. This aims to inform decisions on the future allocations made by the Recreational Fishing Trusts, the custodians of the licence fee revenues.

As the Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty pointed out: “The survey represents a critical tool for the Government to gauge recreational fishers’ preferences regarding the expenditure of the licence fees.”

Gone Fishing Day

The Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF) is championing “Gone Fishing Day,” set for October 13, 2024, a prime occasion for AFTA members to connect with the community and expand their audience.

This year’s Gone Fishing Day carries the motto ‘fish for balance, get back to nature.’ The industry is collectively encouraging fishing enthusiasts around the nation to spend time on the water, embracing angling as a means to enhance health and well-being.

Fishing offers more than just the enjoyment it brings. Surveys have shown that outdoor activities contribute positively to one’s health by mitigating stress and anxiety, fostering mindfulness, and preserving mental equilibrium. Beyond its mental health advantages, fishing also encourages physical activity and exercise, whether through navigating streams, trekking to secluded spots, or the physical effort required to land a substantial catch.

Shark Depredation

Paralleling the cinematic return to shark-infested waters in Jaws, the Queensland Minister for Fisheries, Mark Furner, announced at AFTA a new study undertaken by QLD DAF & FRDC focused on addressing shark depredation issues affecting fishers. Further details can be found at: (https://afta.net.au/tackling-shark-depredation/).

The announcement builds on the work of Dr Jonathan D. Mitchell from the Queensland Government’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, particularly his Discussion paper for the Fisheries Research & Development Corporation National Workshop on Shark Interactions in Australian Fisheries from March 2022. Though well-researched and received, the paper did not provide solutions for reducing shark depredation—a concern that AFTA has been vocal about. The demand for this research aims to help lessen the burden on recreational and commercial fishers who face losses in their catch and damage to their equipment due to shark interactions, affecting them socio-economically.

To address this, an online national survey will invite input from stakeholders across Indigenous, commercial, recreational, and charter fishing sectors. This issue of shark depredation, noted by Crispian Ashby, FRDC General Manager of Research and Investment, is pressing in various Australian regions. Collaborative efforts in this project now include Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Northern Territory’s Department of Tourism, Industry and Trade, along with Bond University, James Cook University, and Flinders University.

AFTA’s earlier discussions with Dr. Ben Diggles have borne fruit, as indicated by his inclusion, alongside Dr. Jonathan Mitchell, in the said study, marking a significant step forward in tackling the challenges posed by shark depredation in the fishing industry.

As Minister Furner said: “We’ve listened to commercial, recreational and charter fishers who’ve nominated shark depredation as a major concern. Nobody likes their catch being taken by a shark, so developing effective mitigation methods to reduce shark depredation is a ‘win-win’ for all.”

Federal

Wind Farm Exclusion Zones

Finally, AFTA has received a response from Minister Bowen regarding concerns about exclusion zones. However, the suggestion of “possible” 50m exclusion zones that are subject to insurers’ and operators’ discretion is unacceptable for our industry. Recreational fishers and the businesses that support them require more precise arrangements. It is imperative to legislate or regulate the minimum exclusion zones for clarity.

Elections:

Over the next 12 months, there will be elections in:

QLD

October 26th 24

Issues to be raised:

• Removal of Gill Netting on Mary River
• Removal of Morton Bay Gill Nets
• Spanish Mackerel boat limits
• Snapper fishery bag limits
• Black Jewfish bag limits
• Crab Pot regulations.
• Shark Depredation

WA

March 8th 25

Issues to be raised:

• Demersal Bans
• Increase in marine park areas.
• The banning of ALL wire traces from shore between Mandurah and Two Rocks.
• State government support for Offshore Windfarms
• Shark Depredation

FEDERAL

May 2025

Issues to be raised:

• Offshore Windfarms
• Shark Depredation
• Importation of green prawns and white spot disease
• Actions to address microplastics in the ocean.
• Banning the importation of Crab Pots that don’t comply with Australia-wide state legislation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I sincerely thank everyone involved with the AFTA Tackle Show. This event is pivotal in demonstrating our sector’s significance to key stakeholders on multiple levels.

During the event, President Michael Starkey declared his intent to step down after this year’s tenure, and I must express my deep appreciation for his exceptional dedication. Filling his position will be challenging, yet renewal and regeneration processes are essential to survival and progress as with any change.

I look forward to working with and for you in the year ahead.

Tight Lines & Full Tills,

Cheers

Bob