ACORF is the body that represents NSW Rec fishers. Members are appointed by the Minister from nominations from various fishing organizations. Unbelievably there is a position on ACORF given to the NCC, which used be represented by Megan Kessler. The NCC would have been given expenses of $200 or more for her to make the (short) trip from NCC Headquarters, Kent Street Sydney to the meeting.
As far as I am aware the minutes are not copyright, if so I acknowledge the DPI.
ACORF and the Grey Nurse Shark case ... Opportunity wasted?Whilst trolling through the Department of Primary Industries website I happened across the minutes for the last 3 ACORF ( the NSW recreational fishing body appointed by the NSW Government). I was particularly interested in the section devoted to the Grey Nurse Shark. The quarterly ACORF meetings appear to end in April 2007, the scheduled meeting in July 2007 has never happened??
Of interest is the following:
1. The GNS shark be de-listed as a threatened species (Meeting 38 .. June 2006). Has this ever been followed up? What was the response by the Fisheries Scientific committee?
2. Bass Point be de-listed as a critical habitat site. Has this been followed up and what was the response?
3. The NCC (through Kessler) proposed a 1500m exclusion zone around the habitat sites at the June 2006 meeting. The motion lapsed through no seconder (occasionally the good guys win!)
4. The April 2007 meeting called on Recfish to to represent NSW Anglers at the AAT Hearing regarding the GNS. How poisonous would the atmosphere have been with Kessler at that meeting?
Below are excerpts from three of the meetings
Note: Otway was going to give a presentation on the GNS, however he did not attend the June 2006 meeting, nor the September 2006 meeting ... he finally attended the December 2006 meeting.
ACORF meeting #38, 29/06/2006, Minute # 77. Grey Nurse Sharks (Dr Nick Otway - DPI)
Dr Otway was unable to attend the meeting. The Council requested Dr Otway?s
attendance at the next meeting, specifically to present the scientific evidence that has
been used to make decisions to date, as well as provide examples of the hooks that
have been removed from GNS.
The underwater fishing representative stated that the frequency of observations of
GNS by divers/spearfishers has increased and requested clarification of the process
to have a threatened species de-listed, following recovery.
Motion:
The Council recommended that consideration be given by the Fisheries Scientific
Committee to de-list GNS as a threatened species. Moved: Mel Brown. Seconded:
Jim Harnwell. Carried.
Motion:
The Nature Conservation Council proposed a 1500 metre protection zone at all GNS
Critical Habitat sites. Moved: Megan Kessler. Motion not seconded. Motion
lapsed.
Action item
DPI to invite Dr Otway to the next ACoRF meeting (Thursday 28/9/06 at CFC).
Completed.ACORF Meeting #40 14/12/2006 1. a) Grey Nurse Shark presentation
Dr Nick Otway, Senior Research Scientist, advised the Council on several matters relating to Grey
Nurse Shark protection, including an overview of the scientific evidence that has been used to
make decisions to date. Examples of recreational and commercial hooks removed from
tagged/autopsied sharks were provided.
Information noted. No recommendations.
Action Item
That a copy of the Grey Nurse Shark report be distributed to Council members for information.
Completed.
1. b) Discussion of Grey Nurse issues
The Council discussed revoking Bass Point as a Grey Nurse Shark Critical Habitat site in light of
the findings of the ?Scientific Summary and Options for the Protection of Grey Nurse Sharks in
Critical Habitat Sites in NSW Waters?. This report recommends that Bass Point be deleted from
the list of critical habitat sites for Grey Nurse Sharks.
Motion:
The Council recommends that Bass Point be de-listed as a Grey Nurse Shark Critical Habitat area.
Moved: Mel Brown. Seconded Ann Lee. Carried. (Megan Kessler and Otto Volz against motionACORF Meeting #41 ? 26 April 2007Appeal lodged in the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal regarding Grey Nurse Sharks
NSW DPI informed Council that the Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales (NCC) has lodged an appeal in the Commonwealth Administrative Appeals Tribunal in relation to the declaration of the Ocean Trap and Line Fishery (OTLF) as an approved Wildlife Trade Operation by the Commonwealth. The WTO enables product taken in the fishery to be exported.
NSW has already implemented a range of significant measures to protect the grey nurse shark. DPI is continuing to undertake a substantial research program to inform any future decisions about the protection of these sharks. Additionally, NSW DPI has prepared a detailed fishery management strategy and associated environmental impact statement for the Ocean Trap and Line Fishery (OTLF), in accordance with the Fisheries Management Act 1994 and the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
The NCC?s initial appeal lodged several months ago against the Commonwealth Minister?s approval sought more rigid protection measures to be applied to the OTLF, including no hook and line fishing within 1500 metres of grey nurse aggregation sites. It is now understood that the NCC has expanded it?s appeal to seek similar restrictions on recreational fishing. The appeal is currently being heard by the Tribunal.
ACoRF discussed the opportunity for recreational fishers to have input into the proceedings, specifically by Recfish Australia becoming a party to the court case.
Motion: That Recfish Australia represents NSW anglers in the Tribunal process by becoming a party to the court case, and that all funding options be pursued. The Chair will seek to meet with the Managing Director, Sydney Fish Markets, to develop a consolidated approach with the commercial and fishing sector.
Moved: Kevin McKinnon. Seconded: John Dunphy. CarriedNext meeting scheduled for 5th July 2007 never occurred?
