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Now that’s a good looking Trout, don’t you think? Although, It can’t be a Trout, they don’t grow that big do they? They sure do, especially in paradise. See our article on Page 25.

Hi to all Members,

This is our last Member Bulletin for 2012, although we will be back stronger than ever in 2013. There has been lots happening in, so you will find this Member Bulletin to be chockers with boating and fishing news. In this Member Bulletin, we welcome back the Port of Melbourne Corporation and we are pleased to see that they are very supportive of recreational boating and fishing. This will be evident in their article on Page 33. There is also an interesting case study of a boating incident on Page 31 provided by Transport Safety Victoria. We also thank the Minister for Ports Denis Napthine, for contributing a Minister’s Message on Page 3.

We hope that you find this Member Bulletin to be well worth taking the time to read.

We thank all who have contributed information that has enabled us to deliver this Member Bulletin to you

Best wishes from the team and we wish you all the very best for Christmas and a great New Year.

Member Bulletin From

Recreational Fishing and Trailer Boat Owners Advocacy and Support Group

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In This Member Bulletin:

Message From The Minister Page 3

$600,000 upgrade for Point Lonsdale Pier Page 3

Recreational Fishers’ Achievements Recognised Page 4

Victoria Seeks Assurance On Bluefin Tuna Page 5

New Management Protocols For Victoria’s Snapper Fishery Page 6

Trout Stocking Delivers Best Fishing In 30 Years Page 7

Cod Be Praised! Reintroduction Saves The Trout Cod Page 8

Springvale man arrested for illegally selling squid Page 8

$9,000 Fine For Grey Nurse Shark Offence Page 9

New Fish Possession Limits To Apply in South Australia Page 9

New Size Limits Proposed For Dusky Flathead Page 10

AFMA Enforcement Gets Tougher With New Fisheries Laws Page 11

Daughterless Carp Project To Go Ahead In NSW Page 11

Rehabilitating NSW Fish Habitat Page 12

Rehabilitating Port Phillip Bay Habitat Page 12

Green Light For Macquarie Perch Fishery At Lake Dartmouth Page 13

Range Extension Base Database Map Page 14

Mordialloc Creek Dredging Completed Page 14

Dutch Super Trawler Not So Super? Page 15

AFMA’s Eye In The Sky Picks Up Missing Boat ID’s Page 23

Authorities Apprehend Fishing Vessel Off Broome And Tiwi Islands Page 24

About Paradise Page 25

Another Great Fishing Paradise - Clearwater Island Lodge Page 29

Safety Message From Transport Safety Victoria Page 31

Expanding Melbourne’s Port Capacity Page 33

From Disused Oil Rigs To Living Reefs Page 34

News From Lowrance Page 38

Fishing For Dusky Flathead Page 44

Doug’s Column Page 47

Devilbend Reserve Open In Time For Summer Fun Page 52

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Message From The Minister

With the summer boating season almost upon us, I would like to take the opportunity to strongly encourage all boaters to be safe on the water throughout the holiday period. Recreational boating is a fantastic pastime and a great way to enjoy our natural environment whether it be on the coast or any of our magnificent inland waterways but it is important that we do so in a responsible manner. The Victorian Coalition Government recently introduced legislation for new marine drug and alcohol laws and these laws are set to take effect from December 1 this year. Illicit substances such as speed, ecstasy and cannabis have adverse effects on an individual’s ability to safely operate a boat or jet ski. While police have been able to test motorists for these substances for many years, they have not had the power to conduct preliminary drug tests on those operating vessels on our waterways. The new laws also require vessel operators under the age of 21 to have a 0.00 Blood Alcohol Content. The prescribed BAC for

recreational operators aged 21 or over is 0.05. Both of these changes bring Victoria’s marine drug and alcohol laws in line with our laws for motorists and in line with other states.

Victoria Police and Transport Safety Victoria will have an increased presence on the water and at boat ramps this summer to help inform boaters of these changes and to make sure the new laws are enforced. It is absolutely imperative for the safety and enjoyment of all waterway users that we behave responsibly when in charge of a vessel.

Enjoy the upcoming season and as always, good luck with your next catch.

Denis Napthine Minister for Ports.

$600,000 Upgrade For Point Lonsdale Pier The popular Point Lonsdale Pier has been allocated $600,000 upgrade thanks to funding from Regional Development Victoria on behalf of the Victorian State Government. The Parks Victoria project will deliver works to strengthen piles, re-install bracing to the outer end piles and replace selected crossheads and beams. Member for Western Victoria, David Koch said that this project would also replace decking and handrails and renew the electrical lighting wiring. “This is great news for fishermen and visitors to the Bellarine,” said Mr Koch. “The new works complement the recently completed works at historic Queenscliff Pier, which included new beams and decking in the waiting shed.” The Point Lonsdale Pier was built in the late 1890s to assist in the retrieval of people from ships wrecked coming through the Rip. It provides great views over the Heads and Point Phillip Heads Marine National Park. It is also an extremely popular fishing platform.

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Recreational Fishers’ Achievements Recognised

Jim Allen honoured in Queens Birthday awards

Well known fly fisher and founder of the Compleat Angler stores, Jim Allen, was honoured in the Queens Birthday awards, with a medal (OAM) in the General Division 'for service to the sport of recreational fishing through a range of business, promotional and voluntary roles.'

Recreational fishing achievers were presented with awards at the national Recfish Australia conference held at Broadbeach, Queensland

Rob Loats Receives the Mal Ramsay Lifetime Achievement Presented by Hon Harry Woods, with RecFish Australia Chairman,

Russell Conway.

The “Mal Ramsay” lifetime achievement award was presented to well known VRFish Board Member, Rob Loats. This award recognises outstanding contribution by an individual Australian to the development and/or administration of recreational fishing over a substantial period of time. Recipients of the Award must have set excellent examples for others involved in recreational fishing administration and development. They will have demonstrated a high level of dedication and made a substantial contribution as did the namesake for this award. For this award, the awards committee decided to reward just such a devoted worker. The person presented with this award, Rob Loats, was the embodiment of a true recreational fishing evangelist. His dedication to recreational fishing comes through in his every action, from the many hours he devotes to his work on a wide range of Committees and working groups, to his enthusiastic coaching of future leaders.

Rob has had more than 30 years experience within fisheries management. He has been involved in a variety of challenges within the sector and been involved in Clubs, Associations, advisory councils and committees at local, state and federal government levels. He is also a keen recreational fisher who enjoys wetting a line when he has an opportunity. He is passionate about promoting the benefits of fishing and building participation. He is also committed to building capacity within the recreational fishing industry and planning for its future and has mentored many young people within the sector. Rob’s can-do attitude has been the driving force behind many an outstanding project, which he oversees from start to finish with an eye on perfection.

Well done Rob, you have worked extremely hard for recreational fishing in a voluntary, un-paid capacity and you deserve recognition for this.

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Victoria Seeks Assurance On Bluefin Tuna

The Victorian Coalition Government has sought assurance that the valuable southwest Victorian southern bluefin tuna angling sector will be guaranteed long term access to the fishery. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said Southern Bluefin Tuna was an important fishery for recreational anglers in Victoria who were entitled to an ongoing share along with the commercial sector. “The southern bluefin tuna fishery is a significant resource for recreational fishers, charter operators and tourism operators in southwest Victoria while also supporting an important commercial fishery based in Port Lincoln in South Australia,” Mr Walsh said. “We are seeking assurances from the Commonwealth Government that fair consideration will be given to both the recreational and commercial sectors in

future decision making about access to the southern bluefin tuna resource.” Mr Walsh said the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) was in discussions with the Commonwealth over future resource sharing arrangements for southern bluefin tuna which the Victorian Coalition Government expected to result in guaranteed long term access for the recreational sector. Tourism charter boat operators have invested significantly in building the recreational angling experience and that financial commitment needs to be respected and given security. In order to quantify the importance of recreational southern bluefin tuna fishing, the Coalition Government, in conjunction with Glenelg Shire, has recently commissioned Deloitte Access Economics to undertake a study into the contribution it made to Portland and the broader southwest Victorian economy. “We know recreational southern bluefin tuna fishing provides significant economic benefits to the region and this study will quantify just how important that contribution is,” Mr Walsh said. The study follows a survey released by DPI today that estimated last year’s recreational harvest of southern bluefin tuna by anglers fishing from trailer boats off the southwest Victorian coast to be around 19,700 fish, equivalent to 240 tonnes, with a further 6,900 fish caught and released. Fisheries Victoria Executive Director Anthony Hurst said the 240 tonne harvest was equivalent to 6 per cent of Australia’s commercial catch allocation in 2011. Some additional survey work shows that the total recreational catch of southern bluefin tuna is likely to be considerably higher, with at least another 594 tuna caught by anglers operating from boats that return to moorings in Portland Harbour. The survey was funded by recreational fishing licence fees and is the first study of its kind to quantify the recreational southern bluefin tuna catch. It involved interviewing more than 1,900 anglers at Apollo Bay, Warrnambool, Port Fairy and Portland boat ramps. It found recreational anglers undertook more than 6,200 trailer boat trips in Victorian waters in pursuit of southern bluefin tuna, with 83 per cent of those from Portland. Mr Hurst said the study provided vital information for state and federal fisheries agencies involved in the management of southern bluefin tuna stocks throughout Australia and internationally.

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New Management Protocols For Victoria’s Snapper Fishery

Fisheries Victoria has advised of its attention to implement a new Fisheries Notice to substantially change the manner in which Victoria’s Snapper Fishery is managed. In recent correspondence to some recreational Fishing Stakeholders, they have indicated their intention to better sustain and share the Victorian Snapper Fishery

There are a number of reasons behind the decision to implement the proposed management changes (that are set out below), being:

Very poor Snapper spawning success since 2006 leaves stocks vulnerable to depletion until strong stock recruitment events occur again at some time in the future.

A sharp increase in Snapper catches by the Victorian Inshore Trawl Fishery from about two tonnes to more than 34 tonnes during the last quarter of 2011. This change in commercial fishing activity, the high fishing power of this form of trawling and the large number of inactive licences, that could become active, has the potential to put current Snapper stocks under serious threat.

Summary of Proposed Management Arrangements The proposed management arrangements for limiting snapper harvest in the Victorian inshore trawl fishery (VIT) and additional reporting requirements for the Western Port/ Port Phillip Bay (WPPPB) fishery will be implemented using a Fisheries Notice. The following provides a summary of key proposed management actions (reference may be made to the draft Fisheries Notice for specific requirements, prohibitions and exemptions): Proposed management arrangements for the Victorian inshore trawl fishery

Establish an annual 35 tonne total catch limit on snapper taken west of the Wilson Promontory Lighthouse (the western zone) and an annual 10 tonne total catch limit east of the Wilson Promontory Lighthouse (the eastern zone).

Establish a 50 kilogram trip limit for landing snapper from a zone once the total catch limit for that zone is reached.

Require VIT fishers who land snapper to report their intention to land, the estimated weight of landed fish, landing location, estimated time and vessel details, report the amount they landed, land snapper within one hour of arriving at a port or mooring and weigh snapper within two hours of landing.

Require VIT fishers who land snapper to report the total amount of snapper for each zone, even if nil, caught, between 1 October 2012 and the commencement of the proposed Fisheries Notice.

Prohibit fishing in more than one zone in a day, transporting snapper between moorings and ports unless in a tender vessel and transferring catch between vessels.

The reporting required under this Fisheries Notice is in addition to that required under the Fisheries Act 1995. Proposed reporting arrangements for the Western Port/ Port Phillip Bay fishery

WPPPB fishers must report their weekly snapper catch between Sunday at 12.00 AM and ends the following Saturday at 11.59 PM when it exceeds 100 kilograms for that week.

Fishers must report this information to DPI before 5:00 PM of the next day (Sunday).

WPPPB fishers must report this information to DPI until 31 March 2013.

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WPPPB fishers who land snapper must report the total amount of snapper, even if nil, caught between 1 October 2012 and the commencement of the proposed Fisheries Notice.

The reporting required under this Fisheries Notice is in addition to that required under the Fisheries Act.

Our view on the abovementioned proposed management changes is one of cautious support. It would be difficult to argue against the concept of a TAC catch tonnage for the two different management zones. Whether the limits set are too high or too low will remain to be seen. As we have pointed out previously, assessing the recreational catch is problematic. Having regard to the significant increase in activity of the Victorian Inshore Trawl Fishery, something definitely needed to be done and the proposed processes seem to be a reasonable starting point.

Trout Stocking Delivers Best Fishing In 30 Years

Victorian recreational fishers are enjoying the best trout fishing in 30 years thanks to extensive fish stocking programs and the end of the drought. Drought recovery trout stockings are now delivering outstanding results, with young trout released two years ago now providing some fantastic opportunities for the state’s anglers. As a result of more than a decade of drought, many lakes with high quality trout fisheries in central and south west Victoria dried up, but when rains arrived in the spring of 2010, many of them filled rapidly and came back to life.

Fisheries Victoria together with recreational fishers moved quickly to rapidly stock an extra 187,000 trout into 14 formerly drought-affected lakes and reservoirs. Since then the conditions have been ideal for those fish and their growth rates have been exceptional. As a result, trout fishing in some Victorian lakes and reservoirs is now as good you will find in the iconic trout fishing destinations of Tasmania and New Zealand.

There are reports of 75 gram trout released into Lake Bolac in late 2010 being caught 12 months later weighing three kilograms. That is a phenomenal growth rate that is also being reported at a number of other lakes where young trout were released, including Lake Burrumbeet where 2 kg trout are caught regularly. Since 2010, 25,000 rainbow trout have been stocked into Lake Burrumbeet. A further 5000 brown trout will be released into the lake in August.

The $231,000 drought recovery trout stocking program was funded from revenue from the sale of recreational fishing licences. The program has provided valuable economic stimulus to drought-affected regions thanks to its effectiveness in attracting an increasing numbers of recreational anglers to those areas.

For a full list of lakes and reservoirs stocked under the program, go to www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fish-stocking-reporting

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Cod Be Praised! Reintroduction Saves The Trout Cod New research has found that a re-stocking program has successfully re-established the Trout Cod (Maccullochella macquariensis) in the Ovens River, turning around its localised extinction and giving hope for the future of the species. A research paper on 10 years of re-stocking, written by the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s (DSE) Arthur Rylah Institute (ARI), has just been published in the CSIRO journal "Marine and Freshwater Research" and is available at http://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/MF12034.htm ARI Fish Ecologist Jarod Lyon said: “This research shows that, thanks to the re-stocking program, the Trout Cod has come back from the verge of extinction in the late 1980's to now having a naturally reproducing, self sustaining population in the Ovens River as well as at other sites within its former range. The success of this re-introduction into the Ovens River is extraordinary, considering that the main factors that had contributed to the Trout Cod’s decline were still present in the river while the restocking was carried out,” Mr Lyon said. “Trout Cod fingerlings have also had to contend with a drought, sedimentation, man-made barriers to migration and introduced fish like carp and redfin. A significant factor in the recovery of the species has been that while the re-stocking was undertaken, there has also been a concerted effort to reduce the impact of those problems on the fish, and this has been supported by the local community that have become increasingly aware of the importance of a healthy river, and the benefits that it can provide.” “In the Ovens catchment, a large proportion of such work has been delivered by the North East Catchment Management Authority (NECMA) under the Victorian River Health Strategy. The net result of these management actions has been that the condition of the Ovens River has improved, and hence provided the environmental conditions suited to Trout Cod recovery. The research has found that the re-introduction of the Trout Cod in the Ovens River has been a great result for the species within the targeted area, although the species is still in trouble across other parts of its range.” The Trout Cod is listed as a Threatened species in Victoria under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee (FFG) Act, and cannot be taken from the water by anglers. The Victorian Government has a responsibility under the Wildlife Act 1975 and the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 to protect threatened species. These animals and plants contribute significantly to the biodiversity of their ecosystems. The knowledge we acquire about these species helps us to then take the on-ground steps needed to ensure their survival.

Springvale Man Arrested For Illegally Selling Squid

A 45-year-old Melbourne man from Springvale man is to be charged on summons for taking his recreational catch of squid and then selling it to the general public from his residence. The man was interviewed at his home recently following a one week surveillance operation by Fisheries Officers in and around the Flinders area on the Mornington Peninsula. During that time Fisheries Officers observed the man fishing for squid and later saw members of the public entering his home in Springvale and leaving with fresh squid.

Officers intercepted four people who had purchased squid from the man for $15 a kilogram. The man will be charged on summons with taking fish for sale, which carries a maximum penalty of $14,000 and six months imprisonment.

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Acting Regional Fisheries Officer for Central, Chris Angwin, said a search of the man’s residence allegedly uncovered a number of nets deemed commercial fishing equipment.The nets along with the man’s boat, fishing equipment and other evidence were seized and will be held pending the court’s ruling. Possessing commercial fishing equipment is an offence which carries a maximum penalty of $5700.

“Anglers illegally selling their catch without a commercial licence threaten the sustainability o fisheries resource,” Officer Angwin said. “The public needs to be aware that buying seafood from unlicensed persons can impact negatively on the availability and price of seafood for customers as well as increasing consumer health risks.”

$9,000 Fine For Grey Nurse Shark Offence

A commercial fisher from Yamba has been fined $9,000 after being convicted for holding a critically endangered grey nurse shark on his fishing vessel. NSW DPI Director of Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton, said fisheries officers found a grey nurse shark carcass in a vessel off Joggley Point near Evans Head in October, 2010.

“Fisheries officers made the find when conducting a routine check of a commercial vessel trawling for prawns at night,” Mr Tritton said. “A 2.27 metre male grey nurse shark carcass was located in the stern of the vessel. It is an offence to harm or to be in possession of a threatened species. The offender pleaded guilty in Maclean Local Court and was fined $9,000 and $2,212 in professional costs. The penalty applied by the Magistrate certainly reflects the serious nature of the offence which can also carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 2 years.”

Mr Tritton said commercial fishers should be aware of the strict rules that apply when any threatened species is caught during a routine fishing activity. “Failure to take immediate steps to return the fish to its natural environment with the least possible injury may expose the fisher to severe penalties,” he said.

The NSW Government recently made a raft of changes to recreational fishing and scuba diving arrangements at Grey Nurse Shark critical habitat and other aggregation sites.

New Fish Possession Limits To Apply in South Australia

Restrictions will be placed on the amount of King George Whiting, Pipis and Razorfish that recreational fishers in South Australia can stock pile in a bid to protect species. Minister for Fisheries, Gail Gago said regulations will be amended and come into effect to put possession limits for these species in place. “Up until now there has been no limit on the number of fish recreational fishers can catch and keep in their possession,” Minister Gago said. “The move follows feedback from concerned fishers who took part in a consultation process last year that was aimed at protecting South Australia’s fish from exploitation, mainly from interstate fishers. What we are trying do is stop fishers, often in groups, visiting local South Australian fishing spots, over fishing and stock piling these popular species and depleting stocks in some fishing locations. Fisheries officers have seen this first hand and the message was clear that local recreational fishers who were doing the right thing had concerns. We have taken on board this feedback and developed a solution to address the main areas of concern.

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The new possession limits will be simple for the community and fishers visiting the State to understand and will ensure that we protect our valuable fish resources for future generations.” The penalty for breaching the regulation carries an on the spot fine of $315 and in certain circumstances can carry a fine of up to $20 000 if prosecuted before a court. The initial recreational fisher possession limits will affect the following species:

King George Whiting – Restricted to six times the bag limit or 7kg fillets (72 fish).

Pipi (Goolwa cockle) – Restricted to four times the recreational bag limit (400 for pipi located west of longitude 136°E, 1200 pipi in other areas).

Razorfish – Restricted to four times the bag limit (100 fish). Minister Gago said the introduction of possession limits would bring South Australia into line with other states where possession limits already exist, providing a tailored solution meeting the specific needs of the State’s fisheries. For more information visit www.pir.sa.gov.au/fisheries

New Size Limits Proposed For Dusky Flathead

The Department of Primary Industries is seeking feedback from recreational fishers on a proposal to introduce new size limits for dusky flathead to boost fishing opportunities and help safeguard the sustainability of this iconic fishery. Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, said the new limits had been proposed in response to the increasing popularity of dusky flathead fishing in the area. “The recreational fishing community has expressed support for action to provide more protection for large breeding dusky flathead, particularly females, in East Gippsland estuaries.

Fisheries research through boat ramp surveys and angler diary information collected in Mallacoota Inlet and Lake Tyers suggest catches of large females have declined since the 1990,” he said. “To boost big fish stocks, Fisheries Victoria has issued a draft Fisheries Notice to introduce a maximum size limit for dusky flathead of 55cm for recreational anglers and the new maximum size limit will provide a no-take refuge for large fish and help rebuild breeding stocks,” Mr Bull said.

“The notice will also increase the minimum size limit from 27cm to 30cm and the new minimum size limit reflects the views of recreational fishers that the current minimum size limit of 27cm does not provide a fish of suitable size to eat,” he said. Recreational fishers supported these proposals at forums in Lakes Entrance and Mallacoota. The Fisheries Notice will apply to recreational fishers in all Victorian waters. Mr Bull said, the implementation of this Fisheries Notice will not change the current daily bag limit of five dusky flathead per person. “The new slot size limit will not apply to commercial fishing activity to avoid the wasteful discard of large flathead.”

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AFMA Enforcement Gets Tougher With New Fisheries Laws

Stronger fisheries laws could see fishing licence holders responsible for their crew's actions: A recent case saw crew members prosecuted for shooting seabirds, with pictorial evidence used to prove the case. A Bill passed by the House of Representatives will, if it becomes law, strengthen the compliance powers of the Commonwealth Fisheries Regulator.

Amendments to the Fisheries Management Act 1991 strengthen the ability of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority to hold licence holders liable for the actions of their crew. The new legislation also includes amendments to support the use of electronic monitoring on fishing boats for data collection and compliance purposes.

Earlier this year an investigation by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) and the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities led to seven fishermen being convicted in the Port Lincoln Magistrate’s Court for crimes associated with the illegal fishing of Southern Bluefin Tuna and the shooting of protected seabirds and littering at sea. The fishermen were fined a total of $22,000.

AFMA General Manager Operations Peter Venslovas said that this was an example of the worst behaviour that AFMA has dealt with recently. “While AFMA does not suggest that the licence holder was at fault in this particular case, the case does highlight the importance of making crews aware of what the laws are”, Mr Venslovas said. “It is important that the law requires a high level of due diligence on the part of licence holders who employ people to fish, and that the law clearly states what AFMA expects of licence holders. The seabird shooting incident appeared to be isolated in an industry that is highly professional and well regarded – but all skippers and crews should be aware that illegal and cruel actions will be picked up through AFMA’s monitoring and will not be treated lightly.”

The Magistrate indicated that the matters were very serious and that deterring these actions is paramount for the ongoing preservation and sustainability of our fisheries. AFMA investigated the matters after the actions of crew members were detected on footage from video and other electronic recordings. The footage was seized by AFMA officers during at-sea inspections of fishing boats.

Daughterless Carp Project To Go Ahead In NSW

The daughterless carp project which is developing a potential long-term control option into the battle against introduced carp has been saved by a recent injection of funds from the Lower Murray Darling Catchment Management Authority (LMD CMA).

For the last ten years, researchers have been developing genetic options for the control and possible eradication of carp in Australia. Daughterless technology" aims to alter carp such that they produce mainly male offspring, over the long term, driving the pest to extinction as females become increasingly rare in the population. Laboratory studies on zebra-fish (a small, short-lived relative of carp) show that daughterless technology is achievable, but a key question is whether the approach will work in carp.

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With the support of the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), in 2009 a collaborative project with the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre (IACRC), CSIRO and Auburn University (USA) was initiated to answer this question. However, funding was withdrawn earlier this year as part of research rationalisation. The LMD CMA has since stepped in and provided just under $60,000 in funding to the IACRC to continue this critical research into daughterless carp.

The first sets of carp produced as part of the research are just now maturing, and preliminary data from them strongly suggest that the daughterless constructs are working as planned. However, until the constructs are incorporated into the fish's genes and passed onto their offspring (which should be predominantly males) the success of the project will not be known. It will take several additional years to complete this analysis as carp take at least two years to reach sexual maturity. The LMD CMA Catchment Action Plan has targets relating to the health of the native fish population and carp have been identified as one of the most significant barriers toward achieving these targets. This has been particularly evident over the past 2-3 years with major increases in carp abundance observed during the LMD CMA annual fish monitoring program.

The potential of daughterless carp technology was recognised by the LMD CMA which has agreed to provide funding to the IACRC to continue daughterless carp research for a further 12 months. The LMD CMA funding will ensure that newly maturing carp will be able to breed and the next stage of the research on the second generation of carp can continue.

Rehabilitating NSW Fish Habitat

NSW DPI Fisheries has made more than half a million dollars available for individuals or groups committed to rehabilitating fish habitat across NSW. The grants are open to fishing clubs, Landcare, Rivercare and other community groups, individuals and local councils wanting to improve fish habitat in their local area. The grants are dedicated to looking after fish habitat and rehabilitating habitat that has been degraded. Such things as rehabilitating native fish habitats which provides native species to find food, take shelter, hide from predators, grow and, most importantly, to breed are open to funding.

Rehabilitating Port Phillip Bay Habitat

An initiative to improve marine habitat in Port Phillip Bay is being considered by Fisheries Victoria. It is well known that some of the Bay’s shellfish reefs have been degraded and, in some cases, completely obliterated over the last 30-40 years. In some cases, the reason for the damage to these marine ecosystems seems to be apparent, but in other cases, it is not well understood. Fisheries Victoria has deployed artificial reef modules in various parts of Port Phillip Bay with considerable success, but they have also developed the ability to re-grow shellfish reefs naturally. In cooperation with angling clubs, a meeting with a range of recreational and commercial fishermen with long Port Phillip Bay fishing experience was recently conducted. This resulted in identifying some key areas of the Bay that once supported healthy shellfish reef systems that are now seriously degraded or no longer exist. Consideration will now be given to which sites should be selected to endeavour to restore them to something like they were in the past. We certainly hope that the next phase of this project commences as soon as possible and hope also that it proves to be successful.

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Green Light For Macquarie Perch Fishery At Lake Dartmouth

Results of a recent study show the Macquarie perch fishery at Lake Dartmouth is being managed sustainably. Lake Dartmouth is home to the largest naturally self-sustaining population of Macquarie perch in Victoria and one of the few waters where they can be taken by recreational fishers.

Concerns had been expressed that the Macquarie perch population in Lake Dartmouth was in decline and a key part of the North East Fishery Management Plan was to assess its sustainability at Lake Dartmouth. The study compared angler catch data collected from the mid-1980s and 2000 to determine what changes had occurred to the population over this time. To determine if the current level of fishing is sustainable, a team of fisheries scientists developed a simple, age-structured model. The model analysed information on natural mortality rates, mortality rates attributed to fishing and the size of Macquarie perch which anglers were allowed to harvest.

The impact of recreational fishing on the Macquarie perch population proved to be very low. More importantly the study showed that the current size limit protects the Lake Dartmouth Macquarie perch population from overfishing. This size limit ensures there are more than enough fish left in the lake to breed. Researchers are keen to find out what is affecting Macquarie perch numbers in Lake Dartmouth, as this information will be critical to improving conservation efforts and the fishery.

The results of this study will be valuable in informing future management of Macquarie perch and Lake Dartmouth generally. The study, published in the Fisheries Management and Ecology Journal, was a collaborative effort drawing upon skills and data from scientists and managers at Fisheries Victoria, Arthur Rylah Institute and The University of Florida.

LG Barr original - Lake Buffalo Scene Painted Spring 2012

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Range Extension Base Database Map

One of the indicators of marine climate change is the large scale redistribution of species; as the environment changes, species shift because of their preferred environmental conditions. This is happening faster in the ocean compared to land, and species are moving greater distances where the warming is greater - such as the south east of Australia, which is an internationally recognised climate change hotspot. Examples of species that appear to be undergoing an extension in their range in Victoria and New South Wales include the long spined Sea Urchin, Stripey Tuna, Wahoo, Spanish Mackeral and Mahi Mahi. Over 4 million Australians go fishing, diving and boating each year. Fishers are the 'eyes and ears' of the marine environment, but

they do not always have a way of communicating this valuable information to scientists. Redmap provides a tool for fishers and divers to help record and track observations of species caught or observed outside their usual distribution using an on line website. Redmap is currently running in Tasmania and will be expanded to cover the South East of Australia (including Victoria) in the near future. As new observations are reported over time this will build a picture of changes occurring in the marine environment and has the potential to play a vital role in directing management decisions and actions. For further information go to www.redmap.org.au

Mordialloc Creek Dredging Completed

It is good to hear that the dredging of Mordialloc Creek has been completed and the local boating fraternity, including those launching from the public ramp now have all tide access to the creek. The Mordialloc Creek Community has put in a herculean effort to have the problem dealt with. It has been pleasing to see that the Baillieu Government has honoured its pre-election promise to provide funding to have the creek dredged. The City of Kingston was also involved with the project. The real credit, however, must be apportioned to the Mordialloc Creek Community for the enormous amount of hard work that so many of them put into getting the project off the ground, plus the critical role that they played with the project management. A huge “well done” is due to all concerned.

Before dredging works – boats are stuck in the mud. After dredging work – how much better is this?

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Dutch Super Trawler Not So Super?

So much has already been written about the Margiris/Abel Tasman issue that we were wondering whether we could, in any way, add to what has already been covered. But so much has happened in a relatively short period of time, we decided to included an overview of facts and events as we understand them. This includes details of statements released by some of the key people who have been part of the debate centred around this highly controversial issue.

Before proceeding further, we should make it clear that we are not opposed to ecologically sustainable commercial fishing and our comments in this article are not based on any bias against the commercial fishing sector. As most members will know, the Margiris/Abel Tasman is a huge floating fishing factory, unlike anything we have ever seen before in this country. The proposal was for this vessel to fish in partnership with a Tasmanian fishing company.

It was planned for the vessel to be based in Devonport, Tasmania and it was also planned to carry out fishing trips of 6-8 weeks duration. The Margiris was planning to target the Small Pelagic Fishery. Apparently, the extremely large size of the vessel enables long duration fishing trips to be undertaken and economies of scale to be achieved in relation to the efficient production and marketing of (supposedly) abundant but low unit value fish species. The vessel’s dimensions are stunning, having a 9,499 Gross Registered Tonnage; a Length of a staggering 143 metres; and a crew complement of 46.

In this article, we will attempt to provide you with a short synopsis of some of the events leading up to the Government’s decision to legislate to prevent the Margiris from fishing in Australian waters:

Australian Fisheries Management Authority Media Release of 26th July, 2012:

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) has moved to reassure those concerned about the possible entry of the FV Margiris to fish in Australian waters, explaining that its robust management of fisheries will ensure that any fishing is sustainable.

As an independent government regulator, AFMA takes advice from Australia’s and the world’s best scientists to set sustainable catch limits. These catch limits are strictly enforced by AFMA using high tech systems to support compliance officers working both at sea and in ports. Australia’s fisheries management is consistently ranked among the world’s best in independent reports by international experts. Independent scientific experts commenting on the FV Margiris proposal have all supported AFMA’s sound fisheries management arrangements and the science that these decisions are based on the best available science. In the Small Pelagic Fishery, where the FV Margiris is proposed to operate, fish stocks are in excellent shape, as shown in the latest Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences report on fishery status.

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Total catch limits are less than 10 per cent of the fish stock, which is far more stringent than internationally accepted standards for sustainable fishing of these species. AFMA has found no evidence that larger boats pose a higher risk to either commercial species or broader marine ecosystem when total catches are limited and the limits are enforced.

AFMA CEO Dr James Findlay said that, in contrast to the trawlers that most Australians are more familiar with, the FV Margiris is a mid-water trawler and mid-water trawl nets rarely, if ever, touch the sea floor and unwanted bycatch of non-target species is exceptionally low.

By early September, as the Government was rocked by the amount of widespread, negative and angry feedback that they had received, the following statement from Joe Ludwig, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry was issued on 11th September:

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, has today announced a major review of Australian fisheries policy and legislation, the first of its kind in over twenty years. Minister Ludwig said the root and branch review of Australia’s world leading fishery system would identify what, if any, improvements are needed to ensure community and industry expectations can be met into the future. “My responsibility is to make sure our fisheries remain some of the most sustainable and best managed in the world, and that they are served by the best system possible,” Minister Ludwig said. “I want to be sure our fisheries system can meet the challenges of today, as well as the next twenty years and beyond. There’s no doubt that our fisheries management is world class, but in the years since it was introduced there have been changes to the expectations of industry and the community. This review will ensure those expectations are being met.” The review will look at the entire fisheries management regime, including its legislation, penalties, Ministerial oversight, socio-economic and environmental considerations. “We have a very effective independent regulator – the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) – who manages and closely scrutinises all fishing activity in Australian waters in accordance with the Fisheries Management Act,” Minister Ludwig said. “This review is not about the regulator or the fisheries science upon which AFMA bases its decisions – it is about how we operate the management system and apply that science most effectively. There are a broad range of stakeholders who have a view on how Australia’s fisheries resources should be managed, and many of those views have been made

clear over the last few weeks. I want our fishers and our fishery regulator to always hold the trust of the industry and the community. This review is designed to keep that trust.” Then this from Environment Minister Tony Bourke on the same day: Environment Minister, Tony Burke, has announced plans to legislate to extend his legal powers over the super trawler FV Abel Tasman, (formerly FV Margiris), to prevent the vessel fishing in Australian waters. “If we get this wrong there are risks to the environment, to commercial operators and to

everyone who loves fishing and they are risks I am not prepared to take,” Mr Burke said. “There has never been a fishing vessel of this capacity in Australia before and the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) Act needs to be updated so that it can deal with it. Once it was clear that my legal powers under the EPBC Act were constrained I commenced working with my department on these changes. That is why I directed that urgent legislation be drafted to amend the EPBC Act to stop the FV Abel Tasman,” he said. The amendment will prohibit the super trawler engaging in a declared fishing activity in Commonwealth waters while a further assessment is undertaken by an expert panel that will report directly to the Minister.

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“If the amendment I am proposing is passed by the parliament I will be able to work with the Fisheries Minister to set up an expert panel to conduct an assessment of all of the potential impacts of the FV Abel Tasman before it can be given approval to fish in Commonwealth waters.”

Apparently the Margiris/Abel Tasman’s Australian operator, Seafish Tasmania, has not ruled out legal action against the government, suggesting it may have to let 50 staff members go.

Various Media Releases were also put out by a number of recreational fishing organisations. The comments below provide some examples:

Recfish SA

RecFish SA has been inundated with concerns from recreational fishers across South Australia about the possibility of the federal government allowing the FV Abel Tasman entry to Australian fisheries. It is incongruous that the federal government, having recently finalised the plans for the Commonwealth Marine Parks, are at the same time giving permission for this foreign-owned vessel to take thousands of tonnes of fish from the same waters. No wonder people are confused about Marine Parks.

The FV Abel Tasman was ordered out of West African fisheries by governments there after denuding their local fisheries. Many of our important fish species are now classified as fully or over fished. And it seems that Australian Fisheries Management Authority AFMA will not rest until all of our species are on the brink. VRFish VrFish called on the Commonwealth Government to review current information about the super trawler’s proposed target, the Small Pelagic Fishery (SPF), stating “VRFish believes the Australian Fisheries Management Authority is proceeding through the approval process without adequately considering its potentially devastating impact on this crucial component of the Australian fishery environment. “Our members are telling us they strongly object to the super trawler Margiris,” said Russell Conway, VRFish Chair. “Basically, we don’t think enough is known about the state of the SPF to enable the Government to make a call on this fishery based on the currently available scientific evidence.” Describing AFMA’s decision as ‘”an unnecessary risk”’ to the recreational fishing sector, on the basis of the current information and science available, “VRFish is unable to support the admission of the trawler into Australian waters,” Mr Conway said. Hansard extract from the Victorian Parliament Mrs BAUER (Carrum) — There has been much debate generated within both the recreational and professional fishing industries regarding the Abel Tasman, formerly the MV Margiris, a 142-metre super-trawler that was due to fish in Australian waters. Concerns include the impact of the super-trawler’s 600-metre-wide fishing nets and the potential for 18 000 tonnes of mackerel and red bait to be harvested in the waters off Queensland, Bass Strait and the Great Australian Bight, which would have resulted in localised depletion of baitfish.

The effects on food supplies for the southern bluefin tuna and other marine life, including seals, dolphin, whales, sharks and penguins, and the potential to harm or injure marine life have also been raised.

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On 1 September prominent fishermen, peak industry bodies and community members passionate about fishing, and more than 300 trailer boats — 150 of which originated from Launching Way in Carrum in my electorate — travelled in convoy to Melbourne to protest, sending a clear message to the commonwealth government that the super-trawler is not welcome.

Responsibility for approval of the super-trawler rests with the commonwealth government, and I thank it for listening and this week responding to the sustained public outcry by introducing legislation to suspend the trawler’s fishing licence for at least two years to allow for further research into the potential environmental effects.

Some Alternative Scientific Opinion:

The following was written by Jessica Meeuwig, Professor & Director, Centre for Marine Futures at

the University of Western Australia:

The scientific and public debate around the super trawler FV Margiris, now reflagged as the Abel Tasman, has been significant, lively and at times, heated. The debate has been worth it: the outcome – an amendment to the EPBC Act, passed by the Senate yesterday – is good news for Australian marine life.

The discussion over the super trawler has explored whether we have sufficient scientific knowledge to make a decision, what the environmental and social impacts may be, whether greater efficiency (as represented by the FV Margiris) is socially, economically and ecologically desirable, and how and to what degree public concern should be addressed.

When I wrote my original article for The Conversation on the super trawler, I highlighted the significant uncertainty around the small pelagic fishery. I was troubled that the nature of the targeted animals was not well recognised: they have lower resilience to fishing than other “small pelagics”, such as sardines fished in South Australia.

I was concerned that we lacked estimates of the size of the populations (biomass) for a number of the species and that, where available, the estimates were imprecise. Indeed, the original analysis generating biomass estimates for jack mackerel has now been reviewed. The variation is more clearly acknowledged as is the recognition that the “best” estimates were uncertain.

Fish – like this Redbait (Emmelichthys nitidus) – are now being recognised as valuable wildlife. Roger Swainston @Anima

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Finally, the dearth of good information on population structure throughout much of the fishable area meant we were very uncertain about risks and recovery from localised depletions. My professional position was that the scientific uncertainty was sufficiently high that the case for a super trawler in Australia’s southern oceans was weak.

Australia has now moved beyond the specific question of the FV Margiris super trawler by amending the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999). The amendment allows the Minister for the Environment, with agreement from the Minister for Fisheries, to identify a “declared” commercial fishery activity. They can do this where there is “uncertainty about the environmental impacts”, in terms of any or all of the following:

method of fishing type of vessel used method of processing/transshipping location.

The declaration is only applicable to fishing not conducted before September 2012. On an interim basis, it allows the Minister for the Environment to establish an expert panel to assess the proposed commercial fishing activity.

Previously, the Minister for the Environment was largely able to intervene with respect to listed protected species such as Australian sea lions, or as part of assessments of existing Commonwealth fishing activities and state-managed export fisheries. Both of these are reactive responses. For instance, listed species are often already at high risk as a result of their depleted numbers.

The amendment is a very positive outcome for Australia’s oceans. It allows a proactive approach to the exploitation of our marine biodiversity. And it reflects the inherent uncertainty associated with fisheries management.

It is important as it comes at a time when approximately 30% of the world’s fisheries remain overexploited (this includes small pelagics), over-capitalised and over-subsidised. It recognises that significant economic value is derived from the ecological role of fishes retained in marine ecosystems. It also comes at a time when the existing “best management” practices and third party certification have demonstrably failed to halt over-exploitation.

The changes to the EPBC Act further confirm Australia’s reputation as a global leader in ocean management, building on the establishment of a network of marine reserves throughout Commonwealth waters earlier this year. The amendment also recognises that fish are not simply food and sport, but are wildlife worthy of proactive conservation under the EPBC Act.

Our sincere thanks to Jessica Meeuwig and the University of Western Australia for the above article

Our View

As a group that was formed to support recreational fishing, we try to pursue issues from a non emotional viewpoint. The Margiris issue is no exception. As previously mentioned in this article, we are not opposed to ecologically sustainable commercial fishing and we would not be opposed to the Margiris based simply on a dislike of commercial fishing. We aspire to be accurate and honest in the way that we report to our members.

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Despite the enormous coverage of the Margiris issue, we felt that some highly pertinent questions remained unresolved, so we wrote to AFMA on 19th September (2012) and requested a response to the following Questions:

The most obvious question is why is it that a foreign ship needs to go fishing on the opposite side of the world to its own local fishing grounds? This is the definitive problem, as the only answer seems to be that it has depleted its local fishing grounds and now has to find other parts of the world to go fishing. Given that it has depleted its own fisheries and has to go fishing in another part of the world, why should you permit it to do something similar to fish stocks in Australian waters?

We also would like to know why the Margiris/Abel Tasman cannot simply fish in International waters, rather than Australian territorial waters? Had AFMA or anyone else suggested such an option for this vessel?

Can you provide us with a brief explanation as to the scientific reasons behind your decision to permit the Margiris/Abel Tasman to take 18,000 tonnes of fish in Australian waters? We feel that if our members could understand the reasoning behind the decision to permit the Margiris/Abel Tasman to fish in Australian waters, it might be possible for them them to see this decision in a different light.

If the fish stocks in question could sustainably withstand catches of the magnitude you allowed for the Margiris/Abel Tasman, why not simply allow Australian trawlers, rather than a foreign trawler, to target the fish species allocated to the Margiris/Abel Tasman?

Due to the need in recent years to initiate a Government buyout of commercial fishing effort and implementation of Marine Parks to protect declining fish stocks from over-exploitation, how can it be that we suddenly have 18,000 tonnes of fish catch to allocate to a foreign trawler?

What benefit would Australians have derived from permitting the Margiris/Abel Tasman to extract 18,000 tonnes of fish from our waters?

AFMA’s Response

“Thank you for your letter requesting information about the ‘super trawler’ issue. I apologise for the delayed response and as you are aware the Australian government has made amendments to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act that have presently prevented the FV Abel Tasman from fishing. I have addressed each of your questions below.”

“The boat was brought to Australia by an Australian registered company that made a business decision to use a large boat. It also chose to import the boat presumably because the type of vessel it wanted was not available in Australia. For an Australian business to do so is not unusual.

The boat could potentially be used for fishing in international waters but whether to apply for a High Seas Fishing Permit from AFMA would be a business decision for the company. AFMA has not received such an application.”

“The total allowable catch for the entire fishery is set based on scientific information that indicates the size of the fish stocks and the amount that can be taken sustainably. The amount of catch allocated to each participant in the fishery depends on the proportion of fishing concessions they hold. Please note that catch is not allocated to boats. The amount of fishing concessions owned by Seafish Tasmania entitles it to 18,000 tonnes this fishing season to be taken with any boat it nominates, provided legislative requirements are met.”

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“A number of other Australian companies have concessions to fish in this fishery however in recent years total allowable catches have not been caught because it is generally uneconomic for boats without at-sea processing and freezer capacity to do so. Fuel costs (to and from port), reduced fishing time, reduced product quality and also reduced fishing range are all reasons why a larger freezer vessel is more cost efficient. As small pelagic species are highly mobile and not evenly distributed throughout the fishery the ability for boats to move throughout the area of the fishery is also important. The ability to freeze the catch straightaway preserves the quality of the fish making it

suitable for human consumption and not just lower value fishmeal.”

“The sustainable harvest of a resource that is not currently being utilised will provide an economic benefit to the Australian community through the direct and indirect creation of jobs and taxes payable by the company. Seafish Tasmania has previously stated that around 40 positions would be created in Tasmania with considerable on-shore benefits.”

“AFMA’s consultation processes have allowed comment on the total allowable catch at a number of stages in the decision-making process. Nominations of new boats to fishing concessions is a process which regularly occurs and the Australian Government’s policy of using output controls for fisheries management (that is, catch limits and individual transferable quota) means that we allow fishers to choose the equipment they use to take their catch”

“ I hope this answers your questions and thank you again for your correspondence.”

It’s not Over Until It’s Over

More recently, the operators of the Margiris/Abel Tasman have offered to reduce its catch, limit its activities and fund research into jack mackerel numbers in an attempt to overturn the Australian government's recent ban on its operations.

They continue to lobby the Federal Government and have argued that under conditions already imposed by the Minister, the super trawler will have no greater impact than a smaller trawler and that its wide range across the fishery will in fact cause less environmental impact. They have proposed restricting fishing to an initial twelve month period, limiting the total catch over any six week period to a maximum of 2000 tonnes within a limited area, using less than half its frozen capacity.

Benefit To Australia?

The question that really needs to be asked is what benefits would accrue to Australia from a Super Trawler taking thousands of tonnes of small pelagic fish from our waters? The answer seems to be not very much. If the Margiris was permitted to fish in our waters, it seems that the benefit would be the creation of a small number of jobs and, perhaps, some minimal benefit on our Current Account balance sheet. This does not seem like much of a benefit to us.

It seems to have been overlooked that the fish stocks in Australian waters belong to the people of Australia, in much the same way as mineral resources are. Mining firms must pay royalties to remove mineral resources, yet it seems to be the case that we are prepared to virtually give our fish stocks away for virtually no benefit to our country. Doesn’t seem to be much of a deal to us.

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And Finally:

Environment Minister, Tony Burke released the following statement on 19th November, 2012:

Super Trawler Banned While Expert Assessment Is Carried Out

The super trawler FV Abel Tasman, (formerly FV Margiris), will not be able to operate in Australia's Small Pelagic Fishery following a decision by the Australian Government to prohibit large mid-water trawl freezer vessels from operating in this fishery under national environment law.

Environment Minister Tony Burke and Fisheries Minister Joe Ludwig, have agreed that there is uncertainty about the environmental impacts of the operation of large mid water trawl freezer vessels in the Small Pelagic Fishery. "In September the Australian Government made changes to national environment law which allow me to stop new types of commercial fishing activities in Commonwealth waters when there is uncertainty about their environmental impacts," Mr Burke said. "Under the law I made an interim declaration on 20 September 2012 prohibiting this commercial fishing activity for 60 days.

"During this time I invited and considered written submissions from fishing businesses that would be impacted if I was to make a final declaration prohibiting their activity for up to two years. "After considering the matters raised in the submissions, I am of the view that there is uncertainty about the environmental impacts of this type of fishing operation and it is appropriate to prohibit it while it is assessed by an expert panel.

"I have consulted the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Joe Ludwig, on this matter, as is required under national environmental law, and he agrees with me. "Therefore, this commercial fishing activity will be prohibited for 24 months from midnight tonight while an expert panel undertakes an assessment.

"I will decide on the make-up of the panel and its terms of reference in consultation with the Fisheries Minister. My aim is to have the panel up and running in the coming weeks so it can begin this important task of assessing the environment impacts of this kind of fishing activity."

At least our stocks of Small Pelagic Fish can rest easier for the time being.

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AFMA’s Eye In The Sky Picks Up Missing Boat ID’s

A fishing boat correctly displaying identification codes on its bow.

AFMA recently conducted aerial surveillance activities, which revealed several boats not displaying the correct identification codes. AFMA reminds all operators to display the correct identification codes, or distinguishing symbols, on the sides of their boat.

AFMA-issued codes must be displayed on both sides of the boat near the bow. The letters and numbers must be at least 30cm high, in contrasting colours to the boat and be clearly displayed above the waterline.

These rules do not apply if a state or territory government also licences the boat to fish. In this case, the boat needs to display the identifying markings issued by the state or territory government in accordance with their laws.

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Authorities Apprehend Fishing Vessels Off Broome And Tiwi Islands

AFMA and Border Protection Command officers inspect the boat apprehended off the Tiwi Islands

AFMA and Border Protection Command (BPC) have apprehended two foreign fishing vessels suspected of illegally ‘blast fishing’ in Australian waters off Broome (WA) and the Tiwi Islands (NT). ACV Roebuck Bay, operating under the control of BPC, apprehended a foreign fishing vessel and 13 Indonesian fishers at Scott Reef off Broome on 1 October.

Explosive materials were found on the boat including a length of detonator cord and 15 aluminium tubes (5-6cm long) packed with cotton wool and a dark powdery substance. Other suspected blasting devices where found in the water directly beneath the vessel. Over 320kg of fish was seized from the vessel including dried fish, fresh fish, sea cucumbers (beche-de-mer), shark flesh and fins, and sea snails (Trochus).

As part of a joint border patrol with Indonesian authorities, the ACV Botany Bay apprehended a second foreign fishing vessel near Evans Shoal - north of the Tiwi Islands with ten Indonesian fishers on 2 October. Explosive detonators and 200kg of fish, mainly Red Snapper, were seized from the fishermen. David Ollerton, Manager BPC (Darwin) stressed the importance of deterring illegal foreign fishers and commended the officers involved in the joint operation.

“Illegal foreign fishing is a serious international maritime issue and BPC together with AFMA remain committed to stamping out these activities and safeguarding our environment, our natural resources, and our borders,” Mr Ollerton said. “We are successfully deterring this threat. Apprehensions in Australia’s waters have fallen from 367 vessels and 2,961 illegal foreign fishers in 2005–06 to just 12 vessels and 68 fishers in 2011-2012.”

AFMA General Manager of Operations, Peter Venslovas said this latest apprehension shows that cooperative efforts between Australian and Indonesia are yielding strong results in combating illegal fishing in the region. “Blast fishing is highly destructive to the marine environment and any suspected blast fishing will be dealt with seriously”, Mr Venslovas said.

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About Paradise

There are some places that are good, some are great, while others might best be described as superlative. Us fisho’s usually manage to get some time at the former two spots described above, but all too often those special, amazing and, yes, the superlative places, the fishing heavens, we seem, all too often, to only dream about. So why do we punish ourselves so, when it is really not necessary

Have a think about it. There are some things that we simply must do before we get carted away feet first. And making sure that we get ourselves to some fishy heavens before we (hopefully) finish up in another heavenly place is a must. One such fishy heaven is Stonefly Lodge, located near Nelson, near the northern extremity of New Zealand’s South Island.

Yes, Stonefly Lodge is about Trout. Big ones. And lots of them too. That might make you might think that this story is pitched at Fly Fishermen. Well it is, but not only the fly guys. This place is so good that there is not an angler on the face of the earth who would not enjoy spending some time at Stonefly Lodge. So, to all you salties, consider stepping out of your comfort zone and take a trip across the ditch and arrive in the paradise that is Stonefly Lodge. Oh, and if you can’t survive without some salt water in the nostrils, Nelson is situated within a relatively easy drive along one of the most beautiful coast lines on the planet, where the salt water fishing is also great. More than this, the drive to/from Nelson is through the scenic Moutere Hills, home to many vineyards, orchards and country farms. It couldn’t get much better than that, now could it?

By the way, any Fly Fisho who has not got this part of the world down as a ‘must visit’ might want to think again. Rarely can you find a place that offers so much as Stonefly lodge. And no, this is not a paid advertisement, or even an advertorial, the more we learn about Stonefly Lodge and surrounds, the better it seems to be. Paradise does not seem to be an exaggerated description.

To anyone who has not seen some of the streams on New Zealand’s South Island, you are missing out on something special. Beauty is not an adequate description. But don’t take our word for it. Try it for yourself. You won’t regret it. And it is only a relatively short flight to get you into the area.

The Nelson/Tasman region boasts some of New Zealand’s best brown trout rivers, some only a short drive from Nelson city, and well over 30 fishable rivers within a two hour drive from Nelson. For example the Motueka River, only a 40 min drive from Nelson, holds one of the highest stocks of brown trout per kilometre in New Zealand. Easily accessible by the angler, the Motueka River has areas of good gradient and is quite safe to wade with areas of good casting opportunities without obstruction.

With the Nelson region repeatedly boasting the most sunshine hours in New Zealand and having predominantly dry warm summers it makes ideal conditions for the fly fisherman, having a better chance of good weather for fishing than most regions in New Zealand. The wide variety of rivers having their source in different locations and traversing through different terrain, provides the fly fisherman with many choices depending on river levels, weather conditions, and the variety of insect hatches throughout the region.

From the Motueka region the fly fisherman could access not only the other tributaries of the Motueka but most of the major rivers of the Tasman Region all within an hours drive, such as the Nelson Lakes and Murchison regions. For the angler wanting the fly fishing adventure of a lifetime, a heli-fishing trip into the Kahurangi National Park to fish the pristine remote high country rivers in search of the trophy size brown trout should be high on the wish list.

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The region boasts such a diverse range of fly fishing experiences, from gentle flowing shallow rivers to remote back country streams and lakes. Most rivers in New Zealand have trout, however, it is the Nelson/Tasman region’s reputation of providing crystal clear waters where an angler can stalk and site cast to a large wild brown trout using a dry fly or nymph that sets the region apart as far as a fly fishing destination.

This region stocks good size wild brown trout averaging 3-4 lbs with catches of 8-10 lb not uncommon. This region is renowned for the clarity of the waters where you can spot and cast to the fish you want to catch (true stalking) as opposed to other regions such as Taupo where you fish the waters without seeing the trout and hope one approaches your fly. (the catch rate may be less with sight casting to brown trout but a far better experience for the fly fisherman).

Stonefly Lodge

The multi award winning Stonefly Lodge is situated on 56 hectares of private forest on the banks of the Motueka River, only 50 minutes drive from Nelson. The luxury 5 star Lodge is centrally located between 3 spectacular National Parks (Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes and Kahurangi National Park) making the Lodge an ideal base from which to explore the region. Activities from the Lodge include, fly fishing, sea kayaking, guided and unguided hiking tours,

wine tasting, white water rafting, rock climbing, abseiling, horse riding tours, and exploring the many art and craft studios in the region. Architecturally designed and engineered, the Lodge has been built from natural stone and timber acquired from the property. The total complex is powered by alternative energy sources built on site to reduce the project’s environmental footprint. The Lodge interior focuses on the large stone double sided fireplace which provides the ambiance to the games room, dining room and sunroom. A large open kitchen adjoining the dining area offers the relaxed atmosphere where guest dine together, or private dining opportunities can also be catered for. Breakfasts can be served on the guest room private balcony. The cuisine is designed around seasonally fresh produce from the extensive garden with home made produce, local quality meats and fresh seasonal seafood. Special diets are easily catered for. Complete with library, a snooker table, and the "Matai Bar", guests have the ideal setting to relax after an exciting days fly fishing or after exploring the numerous sites and attractions of the local region. Four guest rooms are located upstairs complete with ensuites, heated towel rails, and private balconies overlooking the Motueka River and surrounding mountains. The upper landing area above the dining room provides a quiet secluded place to utilise the fly tying area and guest computer or just indulge in a game of chess or relax with a good book.

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Stonefly Lodge is designed to meet the needs of the most discerning traveller and yet provide home comforts with personalised hospitality from the experienced hosts. Your hosts, John and Kate Kerr, have over 50 years combined experience in tourism and hospitality.

The Lodge makes an ideal “sole use” facility for families, private functions or exclusive corporate incentive events.

Stonefly lodge has been listed in the “Top 10 Ecolodges for Australia and New Zealand”

Fishing Calendar for Nelson Region. (Fishing season: 1st October to 31st April) October Spring weather throughout New Zealand, but still cool. Opening of fishing season for streams and rivers in most districts. Streams with resident browns becoming very active. Excellent fly fishing with weighted nymphs in most mountain streams. Could still experience some spring rain, however the trout have had all winter without angling pressure, so they are not as spooky to angler casts.

November The start of summer weather, with very long days and plenty of sunshine. Very good dry fly hatches, particularly in the evening. The trout are generally very aggressive to artificials and many guides believe this is the best fishing month of the year for browns. The water levels are dropping and getting clearer.

December One of the least crowded months to fish New Zealand waters up until Christmas Day. Great weather and excellent fishing in all lakes, streams and river with streamers, nymphs and dries. The trout in all streams are active throughout the day and at this time the browns seem least wary. Good clear waters with little angling pressure.

January The main New Zealand summer holidays and so the country is relatively crowded. This is a good month to try and fish more remote waters - best month for helicopter fly-outs using big dries for big browns. Cicadas start appearing this month so dry fly fishing with big cicada imitations makes for spectacular surface action.

February The most popular month for North American fly fishermen to visit New Zealand. Generally the weather is hot and settled. Streams are at their lowest, wading is easy and the trout most visible. However these conditions demand careful stalking and a delicate presentation with small nymphs and dries. Some fish are becoming selective. Good evening hatch. Cicadas hatches still ongoing.

March Weather becoming a little cooler in the south. Mountain streams still fishing well for browns with dries. Trout are in peak condition and so a good month for trophies. The Motueka river (right on the doorstep) fishes best in this period.

April The start of Autumn and the last month of fishing in most districts. Some frosts later in the month. Usually the driest month of the year and so river levels very low.

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Excellent dry fly fishing for browns on many streams with big attractor patterns during the middle of the day. Site casting easier due to lower water levels. The Motueka river (right on the doorstep) fishes best in this period.

Fly Fishing Equipment

Rod and Reel The ideal rod for your trip to New Zealand would be a 9ft 5 or 6 weight rod to cover the various fishing available. Teamed up with a good quality reel with a smooth and reliable drag and capable of holding 100 - 150 yards of 20lb backing. You should ensure that you have a spare reel and spool in case of accidents. Ideally a spare rod would be useful too.

Lines Weight forward or double taper dull coloured floating lines are recommended as the reflection of line during sunny conditions can easily spook the wild trout in New Zealand. Avoiding bright colours such as yellows, blues and greens would be an advantage. Take an extra fly line just in case the first suffers damage.

Leader / Nylon Leaders should be 9 to 15ft tapered nylon with tippet between 4.75 & 8.5lbs. Ensure that you have plenty with you. We recommend that you buy standard tapered leaders and add tippet to the end using a standard double blood not to make up the length.

Flies We recommend that you take your own though many of the flies that you use will be available from your guide and we suggest that you take your own boxes and actually buy flies from the lodge or a fishing shop with your guide in New Zealand. Though most guests like to take fish on the top with dry flies we recommend that you also take a few nymphs. A sample fly box for New Zealand would consist of:

A variety of Adams patterns

Elk Hair Patterns

Humpies

March Browns

Black Gnats

CAC emerges

Red wulf

Royal Wulf

Pheasant tail

Hares ear

Weighted flashbacks

Czeck nympths

Weighted hares ear and copper.also:

Waders

Wading stick

Layered clothing because of changeable weather.

Polarised sunglasses

Forceps/clippers

Hand & face moisturiser

Member Special Offer

Stonefly Loge management is kindly offering the following special deals for our members:

Stay 3 nights, get one day fishing guide free. This package includes:

3 nights luxury accommodation at Stonefly Lodge

Cooked breakfast and 4 course gourmet evening meal each day.

1 day guided flt fishing free.

Use of all fly fishing gear, waders, boots, rods, reels.

Cost NZ$1,650.00 per person on a twin share basis. Offer available until 30th January, 2013. And 15th March to 30th April (all deals subject to availability).

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Stonefly Lodge would also I would like to advertise a special offer for single anglers:

“Stay in a single room and share a guide” for the normal twin share rate.

Includes single room accommodation, dinner and breakfast.

Share guide with another angler.

Massive savings from single rates, e.g. 3 nights / 2 days guided fishing NZ$ 2395 (instead of NZ$3590). 5 nights / 3 days guided fishing NZ$3867.50 (instead of NZ$5735)

Note:

To make this work Stonefly Lodge have to pair up single request for the same dates.

Stonefly Lodge already have a 5 night SINGLES special available for March 14th to 18th inclusive.

Editor’s Note: 1. The above offers are special offers available to members and supporters of Recreational Fishing and Trailer Boat Owners Advocacy and support Group. 2. No commercial arrangements of any kind exist between us and Stonefly Lodge. 3. Stonefly Lodge have kindly made these offers to our members and supporters. 4. We are genuinely impressed by what Stonefly Lodge has to offer, which is why we have included the above story in this member Bulletin.

Another Great Fishing Paradise - Clearwater Island Lodge

Just 100 Km North of Darwin, a scenic 30 Minute Flight brings you to your fishing paradise at Melville Island. Clearwater Island Lodge is situated in a wilderness destination on Melville Island, about 100 km north of Darwin. It is positioned on the outskirts of Pirlangimpi, a historic Aboriginal Tiwi settlement, which can trace its history back hundreds of years. Known also as Garden Point, Pirlangimpi is a township of about 300, with the main industry being eco-tourism, forestry and fish farming. Melville Island is Australia’s second largest island after Tasmania. It features an extensive range of rivers and creeks, sand flats and coastal reefs – all teeming with a wide range of marine life. Indeed, Clearwater Island Lodge is smack in the middle of some of the most spectacular marine and animal life on earth! Unbelievable remote fishing like you have never experienced before.

Clearwater Island Lodge provides the “ultimate fishing adventure” for fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels. All types of fishing are catered for, whether it be lure, fly, bluewater, reef or estuaries. The reason Clearwater Island Lodge has gained the reputation for being the “hot spot” in Australian

fishing locations, is because of the huge diversity in fishing at this part of the Top End. After all, where else can one indulge in awesome estuary fishing in the morning and then enjoy the exhilaration of bluewater action in the afternoon! A HUGE ARRAY OF FISH SPECIES. Time after time, management hears plaudits such as “the fishing here is just sensational!” And that’s not just because resort guests are fishing in very lightly fished areas around the Tiwi Islands, but it is also because the ambience of the great Australian wilderness is something straight out of an adventure movie.

Surrounded by pristine beauty, your fishing adventure will include experiencing spectacular clear water, coral reefs, pristine white beaches and rock-bars. You’ll likely catch one or more of the much sought-after tropical species such as Barramundi, Threadfin Salmon, Blue Salmon, Golden Trevally, Queenfish, Golden Snapper, Mangrove Jack, Black Jewfish and many others. You’ll be amazed at the serenity of this untouched region of Australia, with the silence being broken only by your catch or by the wonderful noises of the local birds and other wildlife.

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Say G’Day to a Croc or two

Whilst you’re likely to see wildlife such as turtles, dugong and crabs, there’s every likelihood that you will also see another of the Top End’s famous inhabitants, namely the salt water and fresh water crocodile! So make sure you bring your digital and video cameras with you, as you’ll want to record your memorable encounter with one of nature’s wildest beasts! Made famous around the world by the likes of Paul Hogan and the late, great, Steve Irwin, the Australian crocodile is one of the most feared creatures of the Top End. With their distinctive features, these cold-blooded reptiles are in large quantities in this part of Australia. Being the key predators at the top of the food chain, the likes of Barramundi, sea eagles, goannas and turtles are always on the look-out for crocs, being ideal prey. But don’t worry – the boats are large, high-sided and purpose-built, to provide complete safety. Other exciting possible sightings whilst on your fishing trip, might be the likes of feeding dolphins, cruising sharks, the occasional whale and giant turtles. Indeed, everyone loves discovering turtle eggs hidden on a remote beach, so be prepared to go back home with some awesome photographs or videos! Clearwater Island Lodge Is An Unforgettable Getaway for Barramundi Fishing and Deep Sea Fishing.

Experience the most unforgettable fishing getaway of your life! When book your fishing trip with Clearwater Island Lodge you will be provided with the ultimate fishing experience. With a short thirty minute flight from Darwin to Clearwater’s destination off the Melville Islands, you will enjoy a scenic flight over the Northern Territory’s serene waters. Renowned for their fishing charters,

Clearwater’s company will exceed expectations when taking you on the fishing trip to remember! Not only is Clearwater known for their fishing charters but what blows people away even more are their fishing adventures. With Barramundi fishing as one of their specialties due to the high number of Barra in Darwin’s waters, they are also well known for their deep seas fishing adventures. Deep Sea fishing is a thrilling an exciting experience for all! Think of all the possibilities that you could catch from the deepest seas!

Whether you want to go on a fishing trip for the Barramundi or for Deep Sea fishing, you will feel the ultimate getaway when staying at Clearwater’s cabins. With accommodation featuring twin share, triple share or double, you can have the time of your life with your friends! Located on the water, you will relax and enjoy the picturesque views from your very own room. All fitted with maximised comfort including air conditioning and pay tv, you will really feel like you’re on holiday!

Other Activities – or Inactivities

Although Clearwater Island Lodge is primarily a sport-fishing destination, there are other lodge activities and local experiences which you may care to enjoy. Whilst it’s all about fishing, sometimes it’s nice to just sit back and relax for a couple of hours, so there’s lots of comfortable chairs and lounges for you to wind down with a book or a cold drink.(Or even that afternoon nap!). The resort has plenty of amenities, such as DVD’s, or guests may care to simply watch a bit of sport on TV There is also a well stocked bar, which is open all day, so there’s always the opportunity to enjoy a nice cold drink!

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Tiwi Islands

Other activities which you can enjoy include:

A visit to the Arts Centre, where you can view indigenous artwork and collections. Bush walking along the tracks near the lodge, enjoying the local wildlife. Enjoy a night out “Tiwi style“, including Barra spear fishing! Go on a real adventure “croc spotting” with one of the locals. Relax in the spa – perhaps with a cold drink in your hand! Go on a hunting or wildlife trip with one of the local aboriginal hunters. Enjoy a bird watching tour of the bush and surrounding wetlands. Enjoy a short walk to Fort Dundas. Enjoy swimming at a pristine swimming hole. Enjoy a round of Golf “local style” on the unique nine-hole golf course. Mix with the locals and hear about their Dreamtime stories. Go “crabbing” local-style. Enjoy a marine cultural tour and sample bush-tucker such as Mangrove Worms, delicious

Mud Crabs, Stingray, and Turtle eggs.

To book into the ultimate fishing experience that you can ever imagine, call the team at Clearwater Island Lodge today on 08 8978 3783.

Safety Message From Transport Safety Victoria

Surviving 20 hours in the water - A real life survival tale

Imagine you are out on your favourite waterway fishing for the day with your mates. You've done it a hundred times before, and you're just starting to relax. Suddenly, the weather turns and you decide to head back in, but before you know it, the weather has caught up to you and waves are swamping your boat. What do you do? This is an extraordinary true story of three men who survived 20 hours in the water after their vessel was swamped in bad weather. The lessons learnt provide a reminder of the importance of having your safety equipment easily accessible and in good condition. This incident is also an example of why Transport Safety Victoria (TSV) recommends that you carry more than one way of raising the alarm.

Three friends had been planning a trip for weeks, to spend a day’s fishing off Queenscliff in their 4.4m Half Cabin. On the day, they woke up early and travelled several hours to Port Phillip Bay. With the weather forecast not looking good, instead of cancelling their trip, the friends changed their Queenscliff plans and opted to launch from Lime Burners in Corio Bay, a place they thought would be more protected from bad weather conditions. After an initial hour of fishing in the inner harbour of Corio Bay they decided to travel further out to try their luck. They motored out to the outer harbour and anchored.

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As the weather deteriorated, the three men decided to return to shore. when water started coming over the side of the vessel. The bilge pump could not keep up with the water flowing in which caused the vessel to become unstable and pitch upwards. One of the men went to the stern to bail out the water but the stern went under. All three were already wearing their personal flotation device's (PFD). The remainder of their safety gear, however, was now unreachable in the cabin of the vessel.

Within minutes the vessel sunk to the bottom of the bay. The men did not have time to raise the alarm and their mobile phones were lost. Very little of their gear floated to the surface. Of the two torches that were on board, the one that worked sank. With no way to attract attention or raise the alarm, the men agreed to stick together and to act only on unanimous decisions. Using a prominent landmark as a reference, the men decided to keep moving to stay warm and attempt to swim slowly towards shore. When the men did not return home as planned, their wives raised the alarm with the authorities and a search commenced. The men watched Search and Rescue helicopters fly above them. However, they remained unseen.

Early the next morning, the men came ashore at Curlewis Bank on the South side of Corio. They managed to get to a farmhouse to raise the alarm. The men were taken to hospital suffering exposure and exhaustion but eventually made a full recovery. In all, the men spent twenty hours in the water. In discussions afterwards, they agreed that keeping up a positive attitude and talking with each other kept them going through this tough period.

Lessons Learned

When the weather turns and water enters your vessel, the severity of the incident can go from wet feet to a boat sinking in a matter of minutes. This is not the time to rummage for your flares, torch, radio and mobile phone, work out how to put on your PFD or discover that the batteries in your torch are flat.

Half Cabin vessels tend to sink stern first and you may not be able to reach the cabin to grab your gear. Therefore, before the trip:

Ensure all of your safety equipment is in a conspicuous place so you can grab it quickly in an emergency. Consider a waterproof safety grab bag to keep your flares, torch and Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) together.

Buy a comfortable PFD and get in the habit of wearing it at all times.

When going out on someone else’s boat, bring your own PFD. You never know how the ones on the vessel have been maintained or if they will fit properly.

Check the condition of your safety equipment before you launch and maintain it like your life depends on it.

Check your torch batteries and replace if necessary. Purchase a strobe light for your PFD.

If you change your point of departure, let someone know.

Raising the alarm

TSV recommends that you carry at least two waterproof and buoyant means of raising the alarm. You can’t rely on being able use the one thing you have, or you may not have time to call for help. Even though EPIRBs are not mandatory for Port Phillip Bay and other enclosed waters, a Global Positioning System (GPS) enabled EPIRB can cut your rescue time down from hours to minutes. Being able to attract attention or making yourself visible may save your life. You must ensure your lifejacket is in good condition, has reflective tape attached, and is visible.

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Buoyancy

Will your boat float if something goes wrong? You are much easier to find if your boat doesn’t sink and you stay with it. Visit our Buoyancy page for information about adding additional buoyancy to your vessel and how to prepare your boat for any emergency.

Emergency procedures

How you manage yourself in an emergency can have a profound effect on your ability to survive the most extraordinary periods in the water. If the worst happens and you end up in the water, stick together to retain warmth, keep talking positively and remain calm. Make decisions together and agree how you will decide what to do. Although not mandatory, consider undertaking a sea survival skills course or learning some techniques. It may just save your life.

Expanding Melbourne’s Port Capacity

When the Port of Melbourne Corporation (PoMC) recently announced the commencement of a $1.6 billion redevelopment of Webb Dock, we naturally thought, ‘here we go again, more restrictions on recreational boating and fishing.’ Again! Fortunately, we can report that this port expansion will not create any new access problems for boating and fishing. In fact, the opposite is true. More details are as follows: The Port Capacity Project will provide additional container capacity at Webb Dock, a new world-class automotive facility and Pre-deliver Inspection Hub for vehicle custom fitting. Some minor works are also planned for Swanson Dock to enhance capacity and operation efficiency. Over the next 12 months the Project will continue consulting with stakeholders to develop the buffer designs around the Webb Dock precinct.

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Feedback received during recent consultation activities have identified a number of items that people have said they would like to see as part of the Webb dock buffers including:

seating, shelter and running water for people to fish and rest along Webb Trail,

shade and facilities at fishing locations

safer pedestrian and cycling paths, and

an observation deck at Webb Point The Project will also involve some dredging but this will be confined to the area inside Webb Dock. The low impact dredging will be carried out by a small ‘backhoe’ style dredger which is unlikely to create any turbidity or pluming issues. The dredging will be done in small stages so as not to affect the shipping movements in and out of Webb Dock. The Project does not trigger an Environmental Effects statement but it will be subject to a rigorous, ongoing Environmental Management Plan. The plan will be a public document and will apply to everyone working on the Webb Dock site. Monitoring and independent auditing will also be carried out with the results and data published on the Project website. The Project team is totally committed to ensuring recreational boating and fishing is not adversely impacted as a result of the Project. In fact, they are looking at ways to improve fishing and recreational facilities in the Port's buffer areas and would love to hear your ideas. To provide feedback to the Project Team, just visit http://portcapacity.portofmelbourne.com/pages/home.asp and let your views and ideas known! So it is a big tick for the Port of Melbourne Corporation for taking the needs of recreational Fishers and boaters into account as part of this huge project.

From Disused Oil Rigs To Living Reefs

Disused oil rigs have become home to millions of ocean creatures in the Gulf of Mexico, but hundreds of habitats could soon be wiped out under US rules. In this breath-taking photo feature we chart the death of an oil rig and the birth of vibrant new reefs, which environmental campaigners are fighting to save. A sea of iron rigs sit idly in the Gulf of Mexico. With not a vessel floating by or an oil worker in sight, these platforms appear to be abandoned, but they are not alone. Beneath the surface, schools of rockfish, garibaldi and angel fish swim between the risers that are themselves encrusted with coral, sponge, algae, sea urchins, crabs and snails. Like castles in an aquarium, disused platforms are sprawling with underwater residents. But, these creatures shouldn't make themselves too comfortable, for their habitats may soon be demolished.

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Shell decommissioned Eugene Island 331A (pictured) and removed its steel jacket to create an artificial reef in 2009. Courtesy of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Of the 650 idle relics in the Gulf of Mexico, around 158 are set to be removed in 2012, a process which will almost certainly wipe out a huge proportion of the marine population. Oil and gas companies have the option to avoid this situation by partially removing or towing their rigs in place under artificial reefs programmes offered across all coastal US areas. So why are so many of these firms, and indeed policy makers, choosing to ignore this lifeline? Thirty years after it was built and just months after it was abandoned, the High Island 389-A rig will be removed under plans put forward by the US Department of Interior. The department cites concerns about the potential for spills from this well, located within the 56-square mile Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Critics may find it ironic then that this same department, led by Ken Salazar, wants to blast the High Island structure with explosives, killing thousands of fish and damaging delicate

seafloor ecologies in the process. According to not-for-profit corporation EcoRigs, the Gulf of Mexico will lose a third of its 3,600 offshore oil and gas platforms in the next five years, which will destroy an estimated 1,875 acres of coral reef habitat and seven billion invertebrates. But, several actions are underway to ensure that removal is just an option and that artificial reefing will become a more popular course of action.

Explosive removals are estimated to kill 800 fish. Courtesy of Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

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Many disused platforms in the GoM are home to Garibaldi fish. Courtesy of Bob Wohlers / Lovelab

An alternative to platform removal is to convert it into a reef through the Rigs-to-Reef (RTR) programme developed by the former Minerals Management Service, now the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). Reefing involves one of three methods, including 'tow in place', where the structure is severed from the sea floor and moved into a state-approved location. Partial removal is also an option, which involves removing the top portion of the submerged platform and either placing it on to the sea floor or towing it to another site

These artificial reef balls were dropped around oil platforms in Lake Pontchartrain to promote fish growth. Courtesy of Nathan Arthur

Partial removal is also an option, which involves removing the top portion of the submerged platform and either placing it on to the sea floor or towing it to another site. The third option, 'toppling', involves explosives to sever the base of the structure below the mud line.

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EcoRigs argues, however, that toppling an offshore platform over as an artificial reef does not prevent the mortality of most protected marine invertebrates.In its 'Platform Removal Brief' issued in July 2011, EcoRigs urges the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) to consider alternate uses for retired platforms, such as sustainable fisheries and production of renewable ocean energy. The organisation argues that evaluating these options could lead to platform preservation and avoid the destruction of the ecosystem and inhabitants. EcoRigs hopes to encourage the enactment of environmental laws to prevent the removal of disused oil rigs. These laws, which federal agencies are bound by to protect marine life, include the 1996 Sustainable Fisheries Act - an amendment to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act - which requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to protect essential fish habitats (EFH). The government is also obligated under the National Environmental Policy Act to consider the environmental impacts of removing and blasting dormant oil and gas platforms.

Essential fish habitats

Currently, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is seeking to recognise offshore platforms in the area as EFHs, which will bring into play the Sustainable Fisheries Act. The governor of Texas Rick Perry, along with state fisheries managers and sport-fishing groups, has asked the Department of Interior to re-evaluate the current rules which give owners of nonproducing platforms one to five years to remove them, depending on where they are located. They are seeking at least a delay in implementing outright removals and the amendment of the 2012 Farm Bill to help conserve marine wildlife residing on or around these structures. But, there are no assurances that any structure deemed as an EFH will be turned into an artificial reef, as the offshore operator who owns the structure must make the final decision. If the operator decides not to convert the rig, BOEMRE regulation must then dictate that the structure is removed.

Artificial reef programmes - cradle to grave liability

So why do many oil and gas companies choose not to participate in Rigs-to-Reefs programmes? One would think that offshore operators would want to save on removal, transportation, salvage and recycle costs. The problem is oil and gas regulations state that the original owner of the platform is liable for that structure until it is removed. This would mean owners would need to take care of day to day maintenance and any accidents and insurance if the platform is left in place. The main concern US federal agencies have with keeping dormant rigs in place is that the cost of environmental compliance associated with producing oil will increase.

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If EFH and NEPA environmental laws are applied to the oil and gas industry, operators would have to

pay for compliance expenses when they perform routine maintenance. According to EcoRigs, the

"cradle to grave" liability issue is responsible for the destruction of thousands of acres of coral reef

habitat and the mortality of billions of protected marine organisms.

Editor’s Note: We thank Sustainable Oceans International for contributing the above article.

News From Lowrance

LOWRANCE EXPANDS HDS® GEN2 LINE WITH NEW

WIDE-FORMAT, TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAYS

Lowrance, a world-leading brand in marine electronics, has announced that it has expanded its HDS® Gen2 range, with the new wide-format, touchscreen HDS Gen2 Touch. Delivering the same award-winning benefits that made the HDS High Definition System the world’s top-selling multifunction display series, Gen2 Touch models incorporate new easier-to-use, wide touchscreens in 7, 9 and 12 inch sizes. The new Lowrance lineup — an addition to the current HDS Gen2 series — also features the best, built-in fishfinding technologies on the market — the Broadband Sounder™ and StructureScan® HD — as well as powerful chartplotting capabilities and seamless integration of Lowrance’s comprehensive range of performance modules including the award-winning Broadband Radar™ and SonicHub® marine audio server.

“The new HDS Gen2 Touch combines all the superior fishfinding and navigational technologies Lowrance customers love, in a sleek easier-to-use touchscreen multifunction system that includes the largest display ever, the new 12 inch HDS-12 Gen2 Touch," said John Scott, Chief Operating Officer, Navico Asia Pacific. “The revolutionary integration capabilities of the Gen2 Touch paired with built-in Broadband Sounder and StructureScan HD helps customers get the most from each on-the-water experience.”

Easy-to-Use, Touchscreen Control: Featuring high-bright, 1200 and 1500 nit, sunlight-viewable displays, HDS Gen2 Touch models provide the flexibility to customize and configure personal screen views with up to four panels at once, and have the added advantage of a new three-panel, vertical-page view. Effortless touchscreen operation makes panning and zooming fast, responsive, and most of all, easy to learn with its intuitive icon-driven menu. The HDS Gen2 Touch also provides five push-button options, allowing users to easily remain in complete control in any boating situation.

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Cutting-Edge, Built-in Fishfinding Technology: HDS Gen2 Touch fishfinder models feature both a built-in Broadband Sounder and StructureScan HD. Anglers will enjoy legendary Lowrance sonar and sonar imaging performance with greater sensitivity, peerless echo clarity and underwater definition proven to find more targets. Built-in SideScan and true DownScan Imaging™ sonar signals offer full panoramic displays for best-in-class, clear picture-like views of underwater structure to the left, right and directly beneath a boat. The systems also feature Lowrance’s premier TrackBack™ functionality, allowing anglers to scroll-back through recorded sonar history to review and zoom-in for a closer look at bottom structure or fish targets, and pinpoint locations with a waypoint. To avoid losing important sonar data, HDS Gen2 Touch continues recording through the use of TrackBack to ensure valuable readings are not lost.

Powerful Navigation: HDS Gen2 Touch displays feature a highly accurate, internal 1 Hz GPS antenna with an external 5 Hz GPS antenna option and are compatible with Navionics® Gold and Platinum+ chart cards. The displays also provide an option to simultaneously view Lowrance and Navionics mapping data.

Now with a new 3D perspective view for Navionics Platinum+ cards, the Gen2 Touch allows control of the viewing and rotation angle for customized views of a boat’s position and surrounding landmarks. Also compatible with 3D perspective, a StructureMap display feature allows users to scan and overlay underwater StructureScan HD images directly on a chart in real-time — or create saved StructureMap views of their favorite boating, fishing or diving areas to display on or off the water — without the aid of a computer.

Unparalleled Networking and Integration: NMEA 2000®, NMEA 0183 and Ethernet compatible, the HDS Gen2 Touch series allows multiple displays to be networked and share all data ensuring the ultimate in flexibility and cost savings. When networked with other HDS Gen2 fishfinder/chartplotter models, chartplotter-only displays easily become full-functioning combo units. In addition, 9 and 12 inch Touch models feature dual Ethernet ports for greater expansion options without the additional cost of a separate network-hub. They also feature two SD card slots, plus a video input for underwater or onboard cameras.

Wireless Connectivity: Navico’s GoFree Wireless module and app for Lowrance, Simrad Yachting and B&G displays are scheduled to be available for use with the HDS Gen2 Touch in early 2013. This innovative add-on hardware option provides wireless connectivity of multifunction systems, and fully interfaces with engine data, fuel information sensors and transducers, to name a few. When paired with the wireless module, users can download the GoFree Wireless app on their iPhone and iPad, or Android devices to remotely view and control their HDS Gen2 Touch displays.

Available from authorized Lowrance dealers and distributors throughout Australia, the Lowrance HDS-7 and HDS-9 Gen2 Touch multifunction displays will be available for purchase in October 2012, and the HDS-12 Gen2 Touch in December 2012. Prices range from $1,999 for the HDS-7M Gen2 Touch chartplotter to $4,499 for the HDS-12 Gen2 Touch fishfinder/chartplotter model. Lowrance HDS Gen2 Touch multifunction displays are protected by a two-year limited warranty, and are supported by the five-year Lowrance Advantage Service Program.

For more information on the Lowrance HDS Gen2 Touch series, the entire Lowrance line of marine electronics or to locate an authorized Lowrance dealer, please visit www.lowrance.com.au.

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MAKE YOUR OWN MAP WITH INSIGHT GENESIS™

Lowrance Launches Personal Map Tool

Lowrance, has announced a revolutionary personal map generation tool, Insight Genesis™. Insight Genesis is a powerful online service, which empowers boaters to create custom contour maps of their favourite fishing and boating grounds.

Insight Genesis uses sonar recordings taken from Broadband Sounder and StructureScan transducers connected to Lowrance HDS™ Gen2 Touch Multifunction Displays and creates detailed maps. Whether mapping previously uncharted waters or ensuring surveyed water details are accurate and current, Insight Genesis delivers a new level of personal cartography and situational awareness for boaters. Designed for use in both salt and freshwater environments, Insight Genesis transforms the Lowrance HDS Gen2 Touch charting experience. To create free custom maps, a boater simply activates the standard sonar logging feature of their HDS Gen2 Touch multifunction display to record all subsequent sonar data to an SD card. Once recorded, a PC application is used to upload the sonar log file to the Insight Genesis online cloud-based service, where it is converted into a map. Once complete, a notification is sent via email that the chart is available for review online. Boaters can then view the chart and related sonar log for free in an embedded web viewer, they are also given the option to purchase a download of the personalised map for use on a compatible multifunction display. Downloads of the Insight Genesis maps are available to boaters individually or through an annual subscription service. Leif Ottosson, CEO of Lowrance said: “Insight Genesis brings an exciting new level of functionality to Lowrance HDS Gen2 Touch users. Boaters can create their own charts to complement supported Navionics® cartography options. “Whether using Insight Genesis to refine existing details due to shifting sand bars, recent dredging, to mark an uncharted rock, or for creating charts of bodies of water that have not previously been surveyed, Insight Genesis is the key to getting the most up-to-date specifics of on water areas, anytime and anywhere.” The Insight Genesis service offers four options for viewing and downloading personalised maps, the basic service and web viewer are free. Individuals have the option to purchase a download of their free map in any of three ways: 1. A single map download that includes pre-set contours, depth soundings and depth shading which can be used on a single registered device 2. A standard one year subscription that adds the ability to adjust contour intervals, merge multiple uploads into a single map and save maps in an online account for future retrieval. It also increases the length of recording that can be submitted per upload from two to four hours and boosts the number of licensed devices on which the downloaded map can be viewed from two to four units 3. A premium one year subscription that adds the ability to overlay bottom hardness and vegetation outline layers and analyse changes over multiple recordings with trend analysis tools. It also increases the number of registered devices on which the map can be viewed from four to six. All downloaded Insight Genesis maps can be saved on SD cards for use in the card reader slot on a compatible registered Lowrance chartplotter or multifunction device.

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An incredibly powerful tool, the Insight Genesis cloud-based server provides boaters a convenient, secure location to store trips and maps, as well as the ability to merge multiple data files into larger maps, without having to save and manage data on a personal computer. Data can be recorded and saved during multiple boating trips giving the ability to build a map over time to increase the map’s coverage and quality. In addition, the Insight Genesis free web viewer allows individuals to review Broadband Sounder and DownScan sonar logs, to view their trails and corresponding maps overlaid on a satellite map. The Insight Genesis website will be available in November and will generate maps compatible with the new Lowrance HDS Gen2 Touch multifunction displays.

Support for Lowrance HDS Gen 2 and selected Elite systems is expected in early 2013. One-time map purchase, standard subscription and premium subscription are priced at US$19.95/download, US$99.95/year and US$299.95/year each, respectively.

For information on Insight Genesis please visit http://insightstore.lowrance.com . For more on the complete range of Lowrance marine electronics, please visit www.lowrance.com

Lowrance Offers Dr Sonar Instructional DVD’s

Lowrance, has also announced that the DR SONAR range of Lowrance instructional DVDs are now available for purchase from authorized Australian Lowrance dealers. Dr Bruce Samson, AKA “Dr Sonar”, a champion US angler and Lowrance expert user, has produced a series of informative DVDs that talks Lowrance owners through all the features available on the current range of Lowrance products including the multi feature HDS series and the compact Elite & Mark models. No function on the product is missed, as Dr Sonar carefully discusses each and every menu item on the products ensuring that novice and advanced users can get the most out of their set up and use it to their advantage on the water. Dr Sonar would be ideal for current Lowrance owners that want to get the most out of their set up or potential customers that are thinking of upgrading to a Lowrance system. DVDs in the series include:

Lowrance HDS Educational DVD RRP $29.95. This DVD covers the HDS 5, 7, 8, and 10 models. Over two hours of comprehensive coverage includes installation and set-up, features, and menus. Users will learn how to get the most out of your HDS quickly and easily.

Lowrance StructureScan DVD RRP $19.95. SideScan and DownScan are new technologies that improve the user’s visualization of the bottom and how fish relate to structure. Dr Sonar will teach you how it works, including settings and interpretation. SideScan and DownScan are covered in detail with many examples to help you visually understand StructureScan.

Lowrance Elite/Mark DVD RRP $29.95. This DVD covers all the ELITE/MARK models including DSI models. The tutorial is nearly two hours in length and covers installation, set-up, menus, sonar, GPS and settings so that you can get the most out of your ELITE/MARK model.

Lowrance HDS Advanced DVD RRP $29.95. This DVD covers the HDS 5, 7, 8, and 10 models. For advanced users that are hungry for more information after viewing the HDS Educational DVD, this DVD is for you.

Dr Sonar discusses the advanced areas of the Lowrance HDS such as GPS, Networking, Sonar, StructureScan™, StructureMap™, mapping, and waypoint management. A list of authorized Australian Lowrance dealers can be found at www.lowrance.com.au/Dealer-Locator/

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LOWRANCE ANNOUNCES ENHANCED ADVANTAGE SERVICE PROGRAM Marine Electronics Leader Announces Additions to its Best-in-Class Service Program for Dealers and Consumers Worldwide

Lowrance has announced today additional service products to its global consumer-support program. Adding to its best-in-class service and support program – including the 5-Year Advantage trade-up option -- the new Lowrance Advantage Service now includes the Certified Dealer Advantage, OnBoard Advantage, System Builder Advantage and 24 Swap Advantage. Delivering comprehensive marine-electronics support around the world, the Lowrance Advantage family of services efficiently provides dealers with powerful resources to address consumers’ needs, and ensures that issues with product performance are resolved quickly — with the highest level of quality. “In recent years, Lowrance has aggressively launched new products that lead the marine-electronics industry through innovative performance,” said Louis Chemi, chief operating officer, Navico Americas. “Now, through enhancing Lowrance’s Advantage Service Program, we take another significant step forward with user-friendly, resourceful tools and comprehensive policies that provide best-in-class support to meet and exceed both dealer and consumer satisfaction.” 5-Year Advantage Introduced in 2011, the 5-Year Advantage offers comprehensive support on Lowrance products for five years, including upgrade options to current technology products. In the unlikely event that a qualifying Lowrance product fails within the first five years after purchase, the program guarantees that consumers have the option to upgrade to current model technology at an attractive discount. Dealers execute the program using a Navico web-based portal to facilitate service swaps. Certified Dealer Advantage The Certified Dealer Advantage program provides a framework for dealers to demonstrate technical proficiency for Lowrance products. As a result, this network of Certified Dealers will be authorized to provide timely, high-quality OnBoard Advantage support, and they will be clearly identified on the Lowrance website. Dealers also gain access to online tools and technical information via a new B2B Portal which provides extensive vessel detail, and technical information such as technical bulletins, product briefs, manuals, FAQs and troubleshooting training documents, videos and calendars. All Certified Dealers will be required to recertify annually. OnBoard Advantage The OnBoard Advantage program can be purchased as an additional coverage option by consumers and provides warranty service by a Certified Dealer onboard the consumer’s boat for the first two years after the marine-electronics purchase. Lowrance systems under warranty and valued over US$2,500 will qualify for OnBoard Advantage when they have been installed or certified by a Certified Dealer, or Navico-authorized factory. The Lowrance system must also include at least one HDS multifunction display. Select limits apply to labour- and travel-related costs as detailed by the program guidelines. System Builder Advantage The System Builder Advantage offers Certified Lowrance Dealers an Apple iPad tool that combines a current price book with a product information guide, and more, in an easy-to-use shopping cart-style purchase format. The system allows dealers to provide instant quotes and networking schematics to help consumers choose the ideal system, as well as ensure all necessary components are included. Allowing for local currencies, freight and duty, the System Builder provides detailed installation quotes. Standard packages and boat builder packs can be pre-loaded and configured during the quoting process.

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Estimates and drawings can be shared with consumers and multiple recipients for seamless supply chain operation. A convenient and flexible service tool, dealers can also use the system to build a database of consumer details and quotes for future reference. 24 Swap Advantage The 24 Swap Advantage program ensures that if a qualifying Lowrance product is identified as defective, consumers have the option to be shipped a replacement product within one business day, for an expedited service fee. Lowrance products under this program may change from time to time. Lowrance customer-care specialists will maintain a current listing of qualifying products. The expanded Lowrance Advantage Service Program will take effect 1st January 2013, enhancing the Lowrance 5-Year Advantage currently available to consumers. For more information please visit www.lowrance.com.

LOWRANCE INTRODUCES LINK-5 FIXED MOUNT DSC VHF RADIO Lowrance has introduced its new fixed-mount, 25-watt Digital Selective Calling (DSC) VHF radio, the Lowrance Link-5. Class D compliant for global use, the new VHF touts high-quality performance and features without a high price. The microphone has six quick keys for simple and reliable helm operation, plus a built-in speaker that delivers clear audio that is easy to hear – even with the ambient noise typically associated with boating. Designed for clear and simple Class D DSC operation, the Link-5 radio has an intuitive and

efficient rotary knob interface for easy channel changing, menu navigation and setting control. Clear display of GPS lat/lon data is presented on a 1 x 1.8 in (2.6 x 4.6 cm) LCD display with adjustable backlighting. The Lowrance Link-5 features an extra large Channel 16 key, dedicated volume and squelch knobs, weather keys, selectable Dual and TriWatch modes, local and distant functions, and three user-selectable channels. The Link-5 marine VHF system boasts an ultra-rugged waterproof chassis designed to complement the colour and styling of the new Lowrance HDS® Gen2 multifunction displays. Equipped with memory retention, the radio logs up to 10 distress calls and 20 individual DSC calls. DSC control keys include (priority) 16/9, WX, 3CH/+/- for quick channel changing, CALL, EXIT, SCAN and MENU. Additional system features include a rotary volume control with power on/off, all-channel priority and memory channel scans, 20 user-programmable names with MMSI, and a second receiver for Channel 70. Offering selectable 25/1-watt transmit power and NMEA 0183 compatibility, the Link-5 includes a flush-mount kit, wires for 4-watt external speakers, and optional stainless-steel and nylon mounts for 2.4m and 1m fibreglass antennas. The Link-5 VHF radio is protected by a two-year limited warranty, and backed by the five-year Advantage Service Program. The Link-5 VHF radio will be available for purchase in early 2013. RRP in Australia is AU$249.

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Fishing For Dusky

Flathead

By Lynton Barr

In the last article (see previous Member Bulletin), I described the dusky flathead as a species that lived its life in estuaries and its area extended from the Gippsland Lakes in East Gippsland to Mackay in Queensland. This is a very different fish to all other flathead and in past years, catches of 10lb fish were not unusual with the odd fish of 15lb being caught. Today dusky flathead anglers generally release fish over 60cms in length as NSW research (Gray and Barnes 2008) has shown almost all flathead over 60cms are breeding females. This has now been recognised by Fisheries Victoria and the Executive Director of Fisheries Victoria, Anthony Hurst, has announced a maximum size of 55cms and a minimum size of 30cms for this species as from November 1st.

Dusky flathead have always been in East Gippsland estuaries, however in the last 15 years with the widespread introduction of soft plastic lures dusky flathead have become one of the most sought after estuary fish. The flathead is a predator that waits for food to swim close and then it strikes, and most of the food it feeds on are small fish, thus the success of soft plastics.

It does not seem to matter greatly what lure is used, for as long as its action represents a small fish the flathead will generally take it. Today I believe 80% of dusky flathead fishermen use lures, and this is a vast change that has taken place in the last decade. Most anglers look for sandy banks for flathead and this is natural as it is these shallower areas that provide habitat for the small bait fish that are the main source of food of this species.

This variety of lures have all taken Dusky Flathead

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Time is also a factor to consider as the flathead leave the deeper water at night to look for food in the shallows. In late morning, they retreat to deeper water and this provides a guide to the lure caster. It is not uncommon to see the outlines of dusky flathead on the sandy banks, and at times, numerous outlines of flathead lies can be seen in a small area. Anglers need to impart the action of a fish in retrieving a cast, and this can involve letting your soft plastic slow or stop during the retrieve. It’s very hard to recommend soft plastics other than to suggest lures that represent fish, and to change colours if at first not successful. Personally I have found the white grub Slider one of the best lures, however I am not an avid user of lures. Twenty years ago the vast majority of anglers fishing for dusky flathead were bait anglers.

This 9lb8oz Tailor was a by-catch when using live mullet and fishing for flathead in Lake Tyers.

The baits used by these anglers included whitebait, bluebait, pilchard filet, glassies, and even prawn, however the serious dusky flathead angler fished with live mullet. Now these baits do not cover all eventualities. Last year I was returning on Lake Tyers from my early morning flathead fishing when a young couple signalled to me to boat over to where they were anchored. They were quick to tell me they had their bag and were now catching and releasing dusky flathead. I enquired as to the bait they were using, and they laughingly told me chicken strips that had been soaked in salt overnight. They even showed me a luderick of around 38cms that they had caught on this bait. Now I have not tried chicken filets but in this fishing game you always learn something new. I love fishing with live mullet, and find this bait the best and most natural bait for dusky flathead, and you always stand the chance of other sporting fish taking this bait. Last season I caught numerous good black bream on this bait and of course it is a marvellous bait for tailor and salmon, and both species generally inhabit East Gippsland estuaries and are top sporting species. I I use a 12lb braid line but monofilament is just as good, with a light rod and a 3ft 10lb leader of monofilament. A small ball sinker is used above the swivel joining the braid to the leader and I use a size 2 Aberdeen Mustad hook. I like this hook as it is lightweight and does not impede the movements of the bait fish. The bait fish is hooked through the back just below the dorsal fin, and if this is carefully done the bait fish will be an active bait that is a real fish attractor and lasts for ages.

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Of course the real question is, how do you catch and keep this bait? This of course requires work, and for this reason soft plastics are more popular with most anglers. I find that live bait mullet do not appear in the Gippsland Lakes until warm weather arrives and this generally means early November. Interestingly this coincides with dusky flathead becoming active after winter during which time it is rare to catch a dusky flathead. Once the mullet appear, I trap them in a clear plastic bread box that can be bought cheaply. I cut a round hole in the lid using a heated jam tin and provide plastic ties on each end of the box to stop the lid moving. With some stones in the bottom, you have an ideal bait trap. I place this trap in shallow water and bait it with a tin of fish variety cat food, and the oil escaping from the trap will act as an attractor for the bait fish. You must operate your trap in early morning when the water is flat as the trap will seldom work effectively with wind and waves. You will see the mullet gather and enter your trap and in the early morning, this is a most pleasant interlude.

Having caught your bait you need to look after it. I use a plastic esky with a battery aerator attached to move these fish and I have a large fish box in my shed with two electric fish tank aerators to provide air for the fish. When going out fishing I take my couple of dozen baits in the esky, and any baits unused can be brought home for next time. Now this only works if you are close enough to the lakes to obtain water for your tank, however the trap and the esky with aerator would work well if on holidays. I am very careful with the bait fish and I attempt to provide a good environment for them, and if I don’t go fishing I carefully release these bait fish.

Just another little hint. If you are aware of tailor or salmon being present where you are fishing, and the best indication is if they are chasing bait fish on the surface or if you have a bait fish bitten in half, then consider using a wire on your leader. There is an excellent knottable steel wire on the market. And 5m will probably cost $12, however you only need to use six inches on the end of your leader and no tailor or salmon will bite through your line. It’s also very handy if you get onto a run of leather jackets. When fishing for dusky flathead with live bait, the flathead will at times charge the line with a ferocious bite, however at other times they will play with the bait, and you will need to attract them by slowly retrieving the bait.

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When fishing always move you bait a few feet and often you will have one of these flathead follow right to your boat before they actually strike the bait. I have in my mind the way a cat plays with a mouse and I don’t think these estuary predators are far different.

Remember the new regulations and just how important it is to keep a strong pool of breeding females. So take a photo of the big ones and carefully release them to ensure the future of our

fishery, and above all enjoy fishing for this iconic East Gippsland species.

Editor’s Note: We thank Lynton for the two fascinating articles about the iconic Dusky

Flathead that he has provided for our readers.

Doug’s Column

LOOKING AFTER YOUR INFLATABLE PFD AND THEREFORE LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF

Inflatable PFD’s have been in use for decades but the number of manufacturers has increased greatly as has the choice of types and designs. This has created competition in the marketplace that has driven prices down to a point where they are competitive with inherent buoyancy (foam type) jackets and within easy reach of the recreational angler. Inflatable PFD’s have become an extremely popular choice in recent years mainly because they are comfortable to wear now the wearing of PFD’s is mandatory in a wide range of situations. Inflatable PFD’s are highly effective; generally provide superior buoyancy to other types have an excellent safety and performance record evidenced by their extensive use in the commercial area. However there are extra responsibilities to owning and using

inflatable PFD’s that are generally not present with inherent buoyancy types. Unless you have a self (water immersion) activating PFD they must me manually activated by the wearer. While this seems to be a fairly basic task, like any piece of equipment that requires manipulation, the wearer should spend time to be well aware of how to activate their jacket and what happens when it inflates.

The time to find out how they work is NOT when you fall into the water. Add to that a possible unplanned immersion and possibly cold water you have a number of issues to manage along with the activation. You need to have yourself and the PFD sorted out well before you have to use it for real. The next requirement is regular servicing. While inherent buoyancy jackets need to kept clean, in good condition and checked visually on a regular basis, inflatables are more demanding.

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When you purchase an inflatable PFD you should be aware that regulations require that safety equipment is maintained or serviced in a way that ensures that is are able to operate at all times in the way that it is designed to operate AND all items of safety equipment are serviced on or before the date specified by the manufacturer for that item of equipment. (extract of Regulation 99 of Marine Safety Regulations 2010) This relates to all Safety Equipment but seeing we are looking at Inflatable PFD’s I will restrict comments to them. This regulation means you must know how your inflatable PFD is designed to operate and what servicing schedule is required. It should be pointed out that inflatable PFD’s are an item of some technical complexity and this is why servicing is vital to ensure reliable performance

when needed. Servicing schedules for inflatable PFD’ may vary but generally inspection and service every twelve months from the date of purchase is the norm. Check with the manufacturer. It doesn’t matter if the PFD has been used or not, the servicing must be done. Good boat chandlers will have an agent or technician available to have your PFD serviced and it is highly recommended that you choose this as your servicing method.

If you chose to self service you must be competent to undertake the task and a “factory” or technician service should be done at some time. Every third service is probably a good yardstick.

Check with your State Maritime Authority to confirm that self servicing is accepted and also with your insurance company to determine if self servicing will affect your insurance

WHERE TO START

The annual inspection should begin 12 months from original date of purchase and it is recommended that the date of purchase be recorded on the service schedule that will be found on the jacket. The unit will need unpacking to be checked. Before unpacking make a good visual inspection of the outer jacket shell. Look for rips tears and any other damage issues such as fading fabric uneven wear, frayed or worn straps etc. Inspect buckles and clips to ensure proper operation.

Check straps including the grab strap for secure attachment to the jacket. Open the cover and lay the jacket out. Check the condition of the jacket paying attention to stitching and any folds and seams. Inspect the manual inflation tube checking it is securely attached to the bladder and not damaged. Check for wear around the inflation trigger. Finally check the whistle is attached.

IF ANY COMPONENT FAILS THE INSPECTION, THE JACKET SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE MANUFACTURER FOR REPAIR. REPAIRS SHOULD NOT BE CARRIED OUT BY UNQUALIFIED PERSONS.

WHAT TO DO.

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NEXT STEP – INFLATE THE BLADDER ORALLY.

12 HOURS @20 DEGREES CELCIUS

Using the oral inflation tube, inflate the jacket. Leave for twelve hours is a room that has a constant temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. This is to check the integrity of the bladder. If there is loss of pressure the jacket must be returned to the manufacturer for repair or replaced. DO NOT ATTEMPT REPAIR YOURSELF. If the jacket passes the pressure test, use the manual valve to deflate it. To do this use the attached cap and insert it UPSIDE DOWN into the one way valve. The spigot on the top of the cap will depress the valve and release the air. You should not use any thing else to activate the one way valve. It may cause damage.

THE CO2 CYLINDER.

You must make sure that the correct CO2 cylinder is fitted to the jacket. This will be printed on the jacket, usually with the general instructions.

Unscrew the cylinder and inspect it for the following

General condition paying attention to corrosion, rust, pitting and damage.

Condition of the cap including whether it has been pierced. Reject the cylinder if it is worn corroded or pitted or has had the cap pierced.

If the cylinder passes the checks, it has to then be weighed on accurate small scales to ensure the weight corresponds with the minimum gross weight engraved on the body (See photo).

USE ACCURATE SMALL SCALES TO CHECK THE WEIGHT OF THE CYLINDER. A V VARIATION

OF +/- 2 GRAM IS ACCEPTABLE

Record the weight of the cylinder and refit by screwing into the inflator head clockwise. Screw till firm and do not use undue force. If fitting a new cylinder, the same checks should be done

CHECKING THE INFLATER HEAD (FIRING SYSTEM.)

While the cylinder is removed for weighing, the inflator head firing system should be checked. Pull the lanyard to check that it operates freely. Check that the GREEN safety indicator pin or clip is breached. With the lanyard pulled down, look inside the threaded areas where the gas cylinder would normally be fitted and check that the piercing pin has been forced up by the lanyard pull.

Visually inspect the pin for free and correct operation. i.e. the pin should be driven up by the lanyard pull and retract when the lanyard lever is placed back in the normal position. If all is correct retract the lever and fit a new green indicator pin. These are available from your chandler.

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AUTO INFLATION BOBBINS.

If you have an auto inflation PFD, the service requirements are a little more complex. There are two types of auto inflation bobbins. Halkey Robins (HK) and United Moulders.(UML) Each type has a life of three years before renewal is required. The UML model has an expiry date printed on the bobbin where the HK n expiry date. UML bobbins are valid for 3 years and HK has two different formats. 0650 denotes year 2006 on the 50th day or Feb 19 60HRC, denotes the 19th of February 2006.

NOTE: Auto inflation bobbins must be replaced before the expiry of three years. Check that the bobbin has the green indicator disc or firing indicator is present and refit or replace the bobbin.

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If the PFD has passed all inspection areas or those items that need replacement have been replaced, the service is complete. If your PFD is eligible for self servicing, the manufacturer generally provides an Inspection Checklist and Certificate. The Checklist should be completed and the Certificate filled out.The service details should be marked in the service record on the PFD using a permanent marker. It is recommended that the format for recording the date be as follows.

S I - 12 – 09. (SI = Self Inspection 12 = Year 09 = Month )

REPACK THE PFD.

Re pack the PFD according to the manufacturer’s manual. Take care to ensure that the activation lanyard is accessible and any items within the PFD such as whistles etc are secured.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

If during the self inspection process you have any concerns or do not fully understand anything you see or discover, the PFD should be sent to an accredited agent for professional servicing.

While this article is quite detailed, it is for information only. It should not be used as a technical guide for self servicing. Use manufacturers self service guides only.

Doug King - Instructor – Boating Victoria.

More Oogly Critters from The Deep

What sort of critter is this? Damned if we know!

We just love it when people send us pictures of oogly critters from deep dark oceans, usually from the other side of the world. In this case, Scientists have poked and prodded a clutch of deep-sea creatures in the Caribbean and discovered they can produce their own light. The researchers, from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), used a manned submersible to travel 1000m below the ocean's surface off the Bahamas. Once they reached the dark seabed, the team approached a number of animals, including sea anemones, crabs, shrimp and fish, and gently prodded them to see which ones glowed. The NOAA group is one of the first to study bioluminescence among bottom dwelling species, finding the creatures most likely use different

colours of light to decide what they want to eat.

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Bar Crossing 101

At first glance the picture (left) looks like a single picture, but it is actually two pictures, firstly of someone attempting

to cross a bar on the NSW South Coast, only to encounter a very large wave. The second (lower) pic shows that the attempt to cross the bar was not very successful. Not a good idea to try to cross a bar in such bad conditions. Then there’s pic No. 3 (above right). Same bar, similar conditions. Not a good spot for parallel parking practise. Exam fail, one would think – more study of the subject required perhaps.

Devilbend Reserve Open In Time For Summer Fun The Devilbend Natural Features Reserve is now officially open to visitors for the first time in six years after $1.6 million of works funded by Parks Victoria. Water Minister Peter Walsh and Member for Hastings Neale Burgess joined park visitors, Parks Victoria rangers and anglers to officially open the reserve. Mr Walsh and Mr Burgess cast a line from one of two new fishing and viewing platforms at the reserve, funded with an additional $200,000 grant by the Victorian Government through revenue from recreational fishing licenses. “This is the first time the public has had access to this site since it was formally transferred to the Crown in 2006, after the reserve was decommissioned as a water supply facility,” Mr Walsh said. “As well as improving fishing access to the site, the Department of Primary Industries has stocked the old Devilbend Reservoir with brown trout and rainbow trout, boosting recreational fishing opportunities in time for the opening. “This is a wonderful opportunity for the public to get out in nature and enjoy this great new reserve – and hopefully land a fish.”

Mr Walsh acknowledged the many stakeholders and community groups that had contributed to the planning of the reserve, including the Devilbend Foundation, the Friends of Daangean Point, the Bunurong Land Council, VRFish, local angling clubs and the Future Fish Foundation. “The Devilbend Foundation and its affiliated community groups have campaigned for many years to ensure the planning would protect the natural values of the reserve,” Mr Walsh said.

Mr Burgess said visitors could now enjoy direct access to the water’s edge with extensive walking tracks and a boardwalk. “The area of the reserve available for park visitors to explore has increased six fold, with an additional 30 hectares being opened up,” Mr Burgess said.

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Works also completed were a new park entrance gateway, asphalt entrance road, a car park, picnic and barbecue facilities and new signage. “I would like to thank Parks Victoria contractors and staff who worked around the clock so that locals and visitors can enjoy Devilbend Natural Features Reserve this summer,” Mr Walsh said. Devilbend Natural Features Reserve is located at Tuerong, Melways Map 152 J3. For further information contact Parks Victoria at www.parks.vic.gov.au.

Thank You

To all of our contributors to this Member Bulletin, sincere thanks. We can not produce our

Member Bulletins without the support we get from our contributors.

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