| EMS Project |
Environmental Management Systems (EMS) ProjectsTHE fishing industry is unique in that the majority of fishers have no ownership over the resource they harvest. It is a “common property” resource that has been historically used by our traditional owners and the early settlers as a food source.
 An EMS also has far reaching benefits for the industry. The EMS:
Who and HowFour EMS covering three major fishing regions have been developed for Queensland under a project funded by the Department of Agriculture Fisheries & Forestry (DAFF). The Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) submitted the project proposal on behalf of industry. The development of the Environmental Management Systems has been an industry driven initiative. Members of a number of industry organizations are now signed on to the EMS process. Under the project four industry leaders were identified as coordinators based on geographic region. Contacts are available on this website. Regions Completed EMSsHinchinbrook Region Net/Line/Crab EMS Within in each fishery there are multiple sub-fisheries prescribed by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (QDPI&F) defined by gear type, target species and or region as listed. A First for the Fishing IndustryThe four industry EMS facilitators have gained the SFI40705 Certificate IV in Seafood Industry (Environmental Management) - By Recognition of Experience through Aboard Training. This was arranged by the QSIA to value add to the project, with Farmbis assistance. Individual fishers who have been active in the risk assessment process for their industry may also receive a recognized unit competency in Risk Assessment. Fisheries Performance as indicated by the EMS ProcessFisheries in Queensland are highly regulated. This includes gear and vessel restrictions, area and time closures, quotas, allowable species and fish size restrictions etc. The formally accepted Risk Assessments undertaken during the development of the four Queensland fisheries EMS’s show that the majority of risks identified for Queensland’s fisheries are already addressed through legislated controls and Voluntary Industry Codes of Practice. The EMS risk Assessments also demonstrated that there are a number of external risks to the marine environment and fish stocks that the industry cannot directly influence. These include; urban development and rural land use adjacent to waterways and recreational fishing and boating. The Queensland Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries Annual Status Report 2006 reports that the majority of Queensland’s fisheries operate sustainably and that the fishing gear used in the net, line and crab fisheries have minimal environmental impact as they are extremely selective. Use of the “precautionary Principle” ensures that the resource is managed proactively. The EMS has revealed just how pro-active fishers have been by voluntarily contributing to government research initiatives. This includes the development and implementation of Bycatch Reduction Devices, Turtle Excluders and studies into maximum gear selectivity such as mesh size and crab pot design. The development of the EMS has enabled fishers to recognize the numerous ways they operate in an environmentally secure way. It has meant that they feel more confident addressing the community on these issues and that they see the value in doing so. Voluntary “Let’s Talk Professional Fishing” InitiativeA “Let’s Talk Professional Fishing” initiative has been established, modeled on the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Fishcare program (Recreational Fishing). This is simply a volunteer program that is advertised by wearing a T-Shirt that advertises that the wearer is happy to talk about commercial fishing to anyone. The fact that fishers are happy to do this demonstrates greater confidence in their ability to discuss their industry and their proactive initiatives addressing environmental issues. If you are interested in participating in the “Lets Talk Professional Fishing” Initiative, please contact Ashleigh Hoffman on 3262 6855. Project Highlight - Building on the “giving something back” conceptThe Hinchinbrook Region EMS covers Clump Point to Crystal Creek (17°50’ to 18°45’). The fishery includes inshore net, line and crab and it is based in a world heritage area. Fishers in this region are traditionally solo or family operators. The Girringun Aboriginal Corporation represents the land and sea interests of 9 language groups including the Warangnu, Jirrbal, Warrgamay and Girramay people. Their country extends from Rollingstone Creek, north to Maria Creek and west to Greenvale. Hinchinbrook Fishery and the Girringun Aboriginal Corporation have voluntarily agreed to work together to address any issues in the region and work to achieve a positive outcome addressing the environment and sustainability of its inhabitants. Traditional Use Marine Resources Agreement In December 2005, Girringun traditional owners signed the first ever such agreement in Australia for the management of traditional hunting of protected species in the greater Hinchinbrook Island area. This agreement was subsequently accredited by the GBRMPA (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority) and the EPA (Environment Protection Authority). Implementation of the agreement is steered by the Girringun TUMRA Steering Committee which can be contacted through the QSIA. TUMRA (Traditional Use Marine Resources Agreement) established a formal agreement between Saltwater Traditional Owners GBRMPA (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority) and QPWS (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service) and how collectively Traditional Owners manage traditional take of turtles and dugong. Hinchinbrook Region fisheries EMS team is presently signing off on the TUMRA and Girrungun on the EMS. Under the Hinchinbrook Region EMS investigations are currently underway for a Barramundi re-stocking programme involving both parties. The Hinchinbrook Region fishers see this as a way of “giving something back. For more information regarding the TUMRA please contact: |
