Northern Territory

With the upcoming election on August 24th, AFTA is pleased to have influenced major policy changes for recreational fishing, delivering on the triple bottom line benefit of environmental, economic, and social impact through the acquisition of 14 commercial barramundi gillnet licenses during the next term of Government.

Our members were in unison in opposition to the continued indiscriminate nature of gill nets where dugongs, turtles, dolphins, sawfish, and other non-targeted fish are killed. This practice is detrimental to the health and sustainability of the magnificent waterways of the Northern Territory and is environmentally irresponsible.

The NT’s own 2020/21 Barramundi Fishery Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) identified there was a severe risk to dolphins, sawfish, and turtles and a high risk to Dugong.

The barramundi & threadfin salmon are iconic fisheries in the Territory, with recreational fishing tourism bringing over $270m to the Territory’s economy, supporting over 2,500 full-time jobs.

In the Northern Territory, 33% of adults participate in recreational fishing, much higher than the Australian average of 21.4%. It is worth noting that participation in fishing was remarkably higher than average amongst women (33.0% in the NT compared to 17.8% nationally) and younger adults (43.2% of those aged under 35, compared to 23.2% nationally).   This is critical for the sustainable future of our industry. Source: https://www.frdc.com.au/sites/default/files/2023-07/northern_territory_rec_fishing_survey_-_web.pdf

The Northern Territory recreational fishing trade comprises 22 independent tackle stores, 2 BCF stores, 2 Anaconda Stores, 1 major manufacturer, 4 wholesalers, agency representatives, the many service station outlets, holiday parks selling bait and tackle, plus the 4 KMART and 2 Big W retail outlets and the 55 Fishing Charter/Guide operators.

AFTA thanks Recreational Fishing Minister Joel Bowden and Opposition Spokesperson on Recreational Fishing Gerard Maley for their support. In the next term, AFTA will seek similar action on Gulf gillnet licenses, following the recent example set by the Qld Government.

AFTA endorses the AFANT election manifesto and will refer to the AFANT assessment of past performance and future policy actions of all the parties contesting the election. AFTA will publish the information when it becomes available on the AFTA.net.au website.

L to R: Murray Watt (QLD Senator & Federal Minister for Fisheries), Former AFTA Director Mitch Birt, QLD Director Kord Luckus, Mark Furner MP (QLD Minister for Fisheries), President Michael Starkey and AFTA Immediate Past President Col Tannahill (Shimano). 

Queensland

Qld Election

As the Queensland election approaches on October 26th, AFTA has proactively presented our issues of interest in a formal Qld Recreational Fishing Policy Submission to Minister Mark Furner (ALP) & Shadow Minister Tony Perrett (LNP) for their review.

AFTA values the personal engagement and support of Minister Mark Furner, who is always open to policy discussions and has personally supported our Annual Trade Show.

Shadow Minister Tony Perret recently visited Graeme Wilson at Wilson Tackle, Tingalpa, to see that some tackle is still being made in Australia, creating local jobs and economic benefits.

Graeme Wilson & Tony Perrett

The Queensland recreational fishing trade consists of 394 independent tackle stores, 42 BCF stores, 20 Anaconda Stores, 2 major manufacturers, 44 wholesalers, agency representatives, the many service station outlets, holiday parks selling bait and tackle, plus the 69 KMART and 51 Big W retail outlets and the 179 Fishing Charter operators.

In Queensland, 26% of adults engage in recreational fishing, which is higher than the Australian average of 21.4%. The recreational fishing industry in Queensland contributes an estimated $2.52 billion to the state economy and 23,602 full-time equivalent jobs. This includes $1.04 billion and 9,025 jobs in Greater Brisbane and $1.48 billion and 14,577 jobs in regional Queensland. The Queensland recreational fishing industry directly employs 10,142 jobs in charter fishing, fishing equipment, tackle & bait sales, and accommodation and retail businesses used by recreational fishers.

It would be politically unwise for any political party to ignore our industry’s concerns. AFTA will keep you updated on the outcomes.

Knife Legislation

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:

South Australia

The South Australian Government announced on July 5th that snapper fishing had no changes in store.

Daily bag, boat, and size limits remain unchanged:

• Bag limit: 2
• Boat limit: 6 – applies when 3 or more people are fishing on board
• Size limit: 38cm

Member should note that fishing for Snapper in the West Coast, Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent/ Kangaroo Island Fishing Zones remains closed until June 30th 2026. 

Mandatory reporting of snapper catches is now in place and can be made via the SA Fishing App or Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522.

Gone Fishing Day

The Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF) is driving “Gone Fishing Day” to be held on October 13th 2024, across the nation, an excellent opportunity for AFTA members to engage and grow their base.

This year’s Gone Fishing Day theme will be ‘Fish for balance, get back to nature.’

The industry is encouraging nationwide anglers to spend time on the water and soak up fishing for good health and wellness.

The benefits of fishing extend far beyond the act itself, with survey results indicating that time spent outdoors fishing can positively impact your health, reducing stress and anxiety while promoting mindfulness and balance. Additionally, fishing promotes physical fitness and exercise, whether wading through streams, hiking to remote fishing spots, or simply reeling in a big catch.

Federal

Offshore Windfarms

Following up on Federal Energy Minister Chris Bowen’s media statement (June 20th 2024) that exclusion zones around Offshore windfarm structures could be as close as 50m, AFTA wrote seeking clarification and confirmation from the Minister on July 1st, to date we have had no acknowledgement or response to our letter from. Minister Bowen.

AFTA will inform you of any response as soon as it is received.

A Senate Inquiry has been launched into the Offshore wind industry consultation process, questioning the impact of the offshore wind industry on marine life and marine environments in Australian waters, including strategies for impact minimisation and management as well as the adequacy of community & industry engagement.

AFTA, the peak recreational fishing industry body, was never notified of the initial zone proposals.  AFTA will lodge a submission on behalf of members.

The closing date for submissions is August 30th 2024.

Shark Depredation

AFTA is working on a policy discussion paper on “The Economic, Social, and Environmental Effects of Shark Interactions on Recreational Fishing in Australia and the need for Government Action” to respond to the concerns of our members and present it to all governments.

Recreational fishing is a valuable activity in Australia, with evident economic, social, and environmental benefits. However, shark interaction challenges both the recreational and commercial industries. AFTA will produce a policy paper to analyse the economic, social, and environmental effects of shark interactions on recreational fishing and suggest actions the Government can take to reduce these effects.

The FRDC/Qld Government jointly prepared a Discussion paper for the Fisheries Research & Development Corporation National Workshop on Shark Interactions in Australian Fisheries, March 2022 by Dr Jonathan D. Mitchell, Queensland Government, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Animal Science.

In that report, Dr Mitchell states at 2.4. Shark behaviour and movement patterns that studies in 2020 revealed the following:

… “that sharks can quickly adapt to the repeated presence of a vessel and the availability of food in a fished area, with their arrival times decreasing significantly in just 6 days.

On the other hand, when the same provision of food was done in a no-take zone, sharks took much longer to arrive and did not feed, possibly because they had not learned to link the presence of vessels with food in this area (Mitchell et al., 2020).

This finding is supported by Heinrich et al. (2021), who showed that lemon sharks in The Bahamas learned to expect the provision of food in just 11 days, and this behaviour can be maintained for over 3 months.

These two studies therefore provide scientific evidence supporting the many anecdotal reports of sharks learning to follow fishing vessels and associate them with food.”

However, disappointingly, the report did not contain any recommendations for reducing interactions with fishers’ line catch.

AFTA is considering a proposal to relax government restrictions on the recreational take of sharks, not including protected species, and reviewing size & bag limits. It is possible that through the learned behaviour to stay away from boats; it may reduce the impact on line caught fish.

THE TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE:

ECONOMIC EFFECT

Shark interactions affect the economic viability of recreational fishing across the country. Sharks taking fish off fishers’ lines has increased the concerns about more interactions between sharks and fishers and the possible effect on wild fish stocks. This interaction decreases the number of fish available for recreational fishing, affecting the income generated from this activity.

SOCIAL EFFECT

The social aspect of recreational fishing is also affected by shark interactions. The fear and risk associated with shark interactions can deter individuals from participating in recreational fishing activities. This will lead to a decline in community participation and social bonding, which are often created through such collective activities.

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT

From an environmental perspective, shark interactions play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. However, the interaction between sharks and recreational fishing activities can have negative effects.

CONCLUSION

Shark interactions have significant economic, social, and environmental impacts on recreational fishing across Australia. While it presents challenges, it also highlights the complex balance of marine ecosystems. Government intervention through regulation, education, and research can help reduce these impacts, ensuring the sustainability of recreational fishing while preserving marine biodiversity.

AFTA will initiate discussions with the commonwealth, states, and territory governments to find common ground and potential solutions to reduce interactions.

Your experiences and photos would be helpful in preparing and developing this policy paper. AFTA would appreciate members’ direct input in developing a strategy policy sent to bobbaldwin@afta.net.au.

Elections:

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

NT

August 24th 24

Issues to be raised:

• Recreational angler access to Indigenous held lands
• Golden Snapper,
• Black Jewfish
• Shark Depredation

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.

It is critical for the future of the recreational fishing industry that you, as locals, contact your local members and raise local concerns. Please advise me of your concerns, and we will add it to the list. 

From my experience, not many politicians and even less Ministers fish, so to assume they understand what is happening out there that impacts our trade is a little unrealistic. 

Invite them to your facility so they can see and understand time is of the essence, as all future policies and budget considerations are made well ahead of the due date.

Tight Lines & Full Tills,
Cheers
Bob