Blue Crab Pot Fishers Ecological Code of Practice - OceanWatch ...

Ecological Code of Practice
June 2009

PREFACE
South Australia is blessed with unique
marine environments that support a
variety of valuable natural resources
including fisheries. The sustainability of
our marine environment is under
pressure from a variety of human
activities. Modified or damaged marine
ecosystem support fewer species, have
lower productivity, and produce an
inferior product. Therefore, the
professional fishers of the South
Australian Blue Crab Pot Fishers
Association Inc. (SABCPFA) are
committed to the Ecological Sustainable
Development (ESD) of their industry.
In the South Australian commercial Blue Crab Fishery (BCF) ‘Pot Fishing’ is the
fishing technique employed because of its flexibility, accuracy, and selectivity.
Fishers of the SABCPFA recognise that irresponsible use of this tool also has the
potential to cause negative impacts on the marine environment. It is a priority
of the SABCPFA to understand potential risks and develop strategies to
mitigate them. Through the SABCPFA fishers have developed the following
Ecological Code of Practice (COP) in partnership with Wildcatch Fisheries SA
(WFSA), OceanWatch ‘SeaNet’ program, input from Primary Industries and
Resources SA (PIRSA), and the financial support of Adelaide and Mt. Lofty
Ranges Natural Resource Management Board (AMLR NRMB).

CONTENTS
PREFACE ............................................................................................................................. 2
CONTENTS .......................................................................................................................... 3
SCOPE OF THE CODE ........................................................................................................ 1
THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN BLUE CRAB FISHERY ............................................................. 2
THREATENED ENDANGERED AND PROTECTED SPECIES ............................................ 3
Injured Stranded or Dead TEP species ................................................................................................ 4
FISHING OPPERATIONS ..................................................................................................... 5
Gear Design......................................................................................................................................... 5
Marking and Maintaining gear ........................................................................................................... 7
Setting and Hauling Pots ..................................................................................................................... 8
Bait ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
Soak Times ........................................................................................................................................ 10
WASTE MANAGEMENT ..................................................................................................... 10
HANDLING AND RELEASING ............................................................................................ 11
Fish & Sharks ..................................................................................................................................... 11
Mammal ............................................................................................................................................ 11
Turtles ............................................................................................................................................... 11
INTRODUCED MARINE PESTS ......................................................................................... 12
Glossary of terms ................................................................................................................ 14
Acronyms ............................................................................................................................ 14
CONTACTS ........................................................................................................................ 15
Industry Information ........................................................................................................................ 15
Management and Research .............................................................................................................. 16
Emergency & Pollution ..................................................................................................................... 17
Animal Information........................................................................................................................... 18

SCOPE OF THE CODE
Management directives often focus on
negative aspect of fishing operations,
‘what professional fishers are not to do’
in contrast this COP which aims at
highlighting the positive things that
‘professional fishers can do’ to improve
their environmental footprint. It also
provides a reference for all stakeholder
groups and the wider community of how
the professional pot fishers of the
SABCPFA are addressing the following
environmental issues relating to their
fishing operations:
Image Dr. Richard Muscgrove
Threatened Endangered and Protected Species
Handling and release
Waste Management
Introduced Marine Pests Species
For the purpose of the code “pot fishing” is a generic term use to describe the
techniques use in the South Australian Blue Crab Fishery. There are specific
management criteria that determine the dimensions of a commercial blue crab
pot according to PIRSA Fisheries Management Regulations (General) 2008. The
code of ecological practice is a living document which will be review annually
by the SABCPFA and external stakeholders will be asked to evaluate any
updates.
1

THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN BLUE CRAB FISHERY
Commercial fishing is a key primary industry in South Australia (SA), producing a
variety of high quality seafood products for consumers and supporting local
communities through important employment chains. Commercial pot fishers in the
SA Blue Crab Pot Fishery supply fresh and cooked crabs for sale to local and domestic
and overseas consumers with sales in excess of five million dollars in 2006/07.
Historically, blue swimmer crabs were taken as bycatch in a number of other
fisheries including the prawn trawling and the marine scalefish fisheries. In the early
80’s a move was made to develop a stand alone Blue Crab Fishery (BCF) in SA. This
was initiated by the allocation of a number of experimental licenses and the banning
of blue crabs as permissible by-product in the prawn fisheries. It was soon recognised
that commercial viable populations of blue swimmer crabs occurred in both the
Spencer Gulf and St. Vincent Gulfs. In contrast the Far West Coast only supported a
seasonally opportunistic fishery. The stocks within each gulf have little or no
interaction and are viewed and managed as separate stocks within the one fishery.
In 1996 PIRSA initiated a number of management and research strategies for the
further development of the BCF in South SA. The current arrangements include a
number of strategies to control effort in each gulf including: limited entry, temporal
and spatial restrictions and quota
The BCF employs seasonal closures in both gulfs and fishery boundaries. The total
catch for each gulf is capped by means of a Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC)
which, the BCF Management Committee (MCFMC) reviews annually. Currently, there
are eight commercial BCF License holders, five in Spencer Gulf and three in St.
Vincent Gulf. Since early 90’s the South Australian Blue Crab Pot Fishers Association
Inc. (SABCPFA) has represented their interests. The SABCPFA is comprised of
voluntary members, an elected president and an appointed executive officer.
SABCPFA are also are an integral part of the industry peak body Wildcatch Fisheries
SA (WFSA), through their appointed council member.
These industry representatives are working with Primary Industries and Resources
South Australia (PIRSA)(regulative body) toward the social, economic, and
environmental sustainable development of the industry. By developing avenues that
can further resource sharing, knowledge exchange, and improved efficiency.
2

THREATENED ENDANGERED AND PROTECTED SPECIES
To help maintain Australia’s’ rich and unique
biodiversity, special Commonwealth laws
were enacted, which make up the,
Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). This Act
includes reference to a number of listed
species that are; Threatened, Endangered,
and Protected species (TEPS). On this list are a
number of marine species which are resident
or seasonal visitors to SA’s gulfs and coastal
waters. They include; seals, sealions, whales,
turtles, seabirds, and particular shark species.
A comprehensive list and ID guides (pictured
below) they are available from The National
Heritage Trust at:
www.environment.gov.au/coasts/publications/identification-guide
The following categories describe the status of a listed animal and intern a level of
protection provided, in general terms these categories can be interpreted:
As TEP species recover form decline it is inevitable that interactions with human
activities will increase in the future. Fishers recognise that increased competition for
a common marine resource with wild animals will also increase the risk of
interactions with TEP species. An interaction is classed as any contact operators have
with a protected species, including hooking, entangling, landing, or collision with
vessel or gear.
It is not an offence to have incidental interaction with a TEP species, but it is an
offence to fail to notify the correct authorities
3

To manage these risks fishers are obliged to:
Abide by all legislated and license conditions pertaining to TEP species
Recording and reporting interactions appropriate details in their logbook
(including a specific TEPS logbook)
Record and report appropriate details to Department of Environment, Water
Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) on: Phone: 1800 641 806; or email:
protected.species@environment.gov.au
Remain informed on local TEP species and procedures available
INJURED STRANDED OR DEAD TEP SPECIES
While interaction with TEP species are rare you may in the corse of fishing or
travelling to fishing grounds, come across a stranded, injured, or dead animal. You
may also witness an animal being harassed. Fishers should record the following
details and contact FISHWATCH and community groups (see Contacts on page 10. for
appropriate details)
What they need to know:
Location and number of animals
Species involved, description and size of animals
When the stranding or incident occurred, or when the animal was first
discovered
The weather conditions now and expected
Tide details
Accessibility by boat/vehicle
Name and contact details of person who first reported the event if not
yourself
If the animals are being harassed, the nature of the harassment, the identity
or description of the person or people involved, registration numbers of cars
or boats involved
Any other details which may be relevant
4

FISHING OPPERATIONS
The SABCPFA represents a diversity of fishers
each with their own unique experience and
knowledge of their particular marine
environment. This experience has shaped
individual ‘fishing operations’ that are
specifically suited their particular;
infrastructure (vessel and gear), local
environment, market forces, and management
directives.
Image Dr. Richard Muscgrove
As a result few fishers will operate in the same
way. Therefore, the following heading highlight
a generic, ‘Pot Fishing Operation’ and discusses
associated environmental issues and puts
forward suggestions from fishers as practical
and effective strategies to mitigate them.
GEAR DESIGN
Fishers of the SABCPFA are committed to ESD and the continued improvement of
their environmental performance by embrace emerging technologies and gear
design. While gear design remains a personal matter there are some simple
strategies that can be employed to further reduce the likelihood of entanglement
with marine mammals.
Fishers of the SABCPFA have pioneered techniques to that reduce the number of
float lines in the water column and intern the number floats at the surface. By joining
a number of pots together with ‘linking-lines’, made of weighted sinking rope to
reduce loose line in the water column (below). Fishers also use ‘float-line’ lengths
that are specific to the water depth being fished to reduce slack line in the water
column.
Marine mammals can also be warned of the presence of fishing gear acoustically.
Devices, known as ‘pingers’ emit pulses of sound underwater, sound that can be
tailored to target specific animals eg: Cetaceans (whales & dolphins). The success
and practicality of this and other emerging technologies are being trailed by a
number of Pot fishers of the SABCPFA.
5

MARKING AND MAINTAINING GEAR
Fishers take all practical measures to mark and maintain their gear to a high
standard, to maintain efficiency and safeguard their investment. Appropriate
marking of gear coupled with reducing the number of floats at the surface can
dramatically reduce the likelihood of incidental boat strike.
Pot fishing s a technique that requires significant infrastructure, including: pots, bait
baskets, floats (buoys), float-lines, and linking-lines. Whole or partial loss of this gear
can pose significant and ongoing entanglement issues for wildlife and other vessels.
Lost pots can also continue to ‘ghost fish’ as trapped animals attract others who
intern become trapped. This cycle will continue until the integrity of the pot is
broken down, which can take considerable amount of time. To avoid ghost fishing
pots can be constructed to fail at specific points if lost.
Fishers can utilise the following strategies:
Ensure all gear complies with licence conditions
Monitor the condition of gear at regular intervals (don’t wait for something
to break)
Display appropriate information on floats, eg: (license number, vessel name
or call sign)
Increase visibility of floats at night or in low light eg: (strobes or reflective
tape)
Utilise a pot design that eliminates ghost fishing
7

SETTING AND HAULING POTS
The setting (deployment) and hauling
(retrieval) of pots are fishing operations that
fishers of the SABCPFA have direct control
over. Responsible practices can significantly
reduce the risk of interactions with Thretend,
Endangered and Protected Species. In
addition, this is a labour intensive operation
that poses unique health and safety risks to
employees.
The best strategies to mitigate interactions
with large marine mammals are to simply
avoid them and or areas they frequent.
The following are some simple strategies that
can be utilised to minimise these risks.
Image Dr. Richard Muscgrove
Fishers can use the following strategies to reduce safety risks:
Monitoring weather forecast to avoid dangerous conditions
Plan setting course with hauling weather conditions and direction in mind
Avoiding setting gear near known snags and structures
Avoiding high traffic areas and possible interactions with other vessels
Fishers can use the following strategies to mitigate TEP interactions:
Avoiding areas that TEP species are known to frequent
Avoiding setting gears when protected specific species have been sighted
Avoid discharge of bait ,offal, and dead bycatch until hauling is complete
Trial species specific Pingers on float head lines
.
8

BAIT
Many fishers have license endorsements
entitling them to collect bait species eg: Each
endorsement has specific conditions
including size and daily limits and
specifications for the size and shape of
collection tools. In addition to these
requirements fishers also consider the
sustainability of their valuable bait resources
by monitoring stock levels and mitigating the
spread unwanted disease and Introduced
Marine Pests (IMPS).
While bait seems like a benign part of the
fishing operation it can pose a number of
environmental risks. Discarded bait can
attract scavenging species which can lead to
changes in feeding behaviours and
Image Dr. Richard Muscgrove
dependence. This is a particular problem as it
can lead to increased interactions with TEP species such as seals, sea lions, and
dolphins and birds. Imported bait also has the potential to spread unwanted disease
and introduced marine pests.
To reduce these risk fishers can undertake the following strategies:
Retain used bait onboard the vessel, disposing it only once the vessel has
left the fishing grounds and under way
Use local bait where possible to reduce the risk of spreading pests and
diseases and to support local businesses
Where other gear is used to collect bait, ensure that gear is endorsed on the
License and is within the relevant specifications
Ensure it is cleaned well to reduce the chance of spreading IMPS to other
areas
9

SOAK TIMES
Soak time is the amount of time the gear is in the water. Some of the ecological risks
associated with soak times include: wastage of target species through predation,
decreased survival of by-catch species, and increased chance of entanglement of
protected species in the gear. While taking into account the geographical location
and time of year, fishers should aim to reduce soak time to as short as practical
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Pollution of the marine environment by vessels can cause significant environmental
impacts. Plastics entering the water do not readily degrade, increasing the likelihood
negative impacts on marine animals through entanglement or ingestion. Chemical
wastes do not break down easily and can have serious and ongoing detrimental
effects on marine animals and their habitat. To manage these risks fishers are
obligated by law to abide by the; International Convention for the Prevention of
Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto
(MARPOL).
Therefore, these wastes are carefully stowed onboard and disposed of by fishers of
the SABCPFA at appropriate onshore waste disposal centres to ensure that there is
no damage to the marine environment. In addition to MARPOL compliance there are
a number of simple techniques that can reduce the impact of these wastes on the
environment, and reduce costs to the business.
The following are waste management strategies that fishers can employ:
Regularly review waste management procedures, with the view to reduce,
reuse and recycle
Have waste stowage provisions that are convenient and vessel appropriate
eg: (bins with lids or bags)
Retain all tangled or damaged components for repair, reuse, or appropriate
disposal onshore
Avoid discharging biological wastes while setting or hauling and dispose of it
while steaming away or between fishing grounds
10

HANDLING AND RELEASING
FISH & SHARKS
In day to day fishing appropriate handling of
undersize, bycatch, or no-take species will increase
their survival rate after release. Also In the unlikely
event of an entanglement with a TEP species it is
crucial to know what to do and there are a number
of proven techniques. These techniques will not
only increase survival rates but also reduce safety
risks to the vessel and crew. The SeaNet Protected
Species Handling Manual 2005 (pictured below)
provides detailed descriptions and diagrams for
handling and release strategies, as well as tools that
are available to fishers that enhance a safe and
efficient release and has been provided to fishers
Minimise handling of bycatch and undersize target species of fish and shark - this will
reduce the risk of mortality after release. Fishers should also avoid landing large
animals, cutting lines while the animal is in the water will minimise damage to the
animal, danger to the crew, or fishing infrastructure
MAMMAL
Due to their size entangled marine mammals can be difficult and dangerous to
handle, always consider crew safety when attempting to release marine mammals. If
removal of entanglement is not possible or beyond the capacity of the vessel, record
the appropriate details and contact the relevant authorities.
TURTLES
Contrary to popular belief a number of sea turtles species do frequent the coastal
and gulf waters of SA. Entangled or trapped turtles may appear dead or lifeless
however, they may indeed be in a comatose state. If possible bring all turtles
onboard and asses for signs of life, turtles can be revived using techniques outlined
in the above manual. If conscious carefully, remove all gear and release the animal, if
not possible bring it into port for appropriate treatment (see contact details, page
16).
11

INTRODUCED MARINE PESTS
Over 250 introduced marine plants and animals have hitch-hiked to Australian
waters on vessels of all types from yachts to commercial ships. Introduced Marine
Pest Species (IMPS) can displace native species leading to habitat and ecosystem
alteration. This can have significant implications for commercial fishers ranging from
costly infrastructure fouling or the complete collapse of a fishery. Introduced Marine
Pest Species (IMPS) can be difficult to detect and the chance of eradicating them is
low, control and maintenance costs of established species are significant and
ongoing. Early detection and reducing the risks of moving exotic species are the best
form of defence.
Fishers of the MFA are aware of IMPS and are conscious of the role that they can
play in the defence of their industry. Professional fishers have untapped knowledge
of their local area and can make a significant contribution to the early detection of
exotic species. Fishers can reduce the risk of spreading IMPS by adopting the national
biofouling guidelines for the fishing industry.
To help protect their fishery from IMPS professional fishers can:
Familiarise themselves with the marine pests
website(www.marinepests.gov.au)
Regularly clean and maintain their vessel, paying particular attention to the
hull and wet areas of the vessel e.g. anchors, chain, trailer
Ensure all biological materials removed from vessels are disposed of in a bin
(Never back in the water)
Report all suspect plants and animals to FISHWATCH 1800 065 522.
Where possible take photos or samples, (as per IMPS recording instructions)
to aid identification
Record appropriate details of the location
NB ensure all biological samples are taken only from fishing grounds
12

A local example is the invasive aquarium plant
‘Aquarium Caulerpa’ (Caulerpa taxifolia)
(pictured). This Introduced Marine Pest was
successfully detected and eradicated from
West Lakes but still remains an issue in the
Port River, Barker Inlet, and North Haven
marina. If it spread is left unchecked it poses a
real threat to seagrass communities of the
gulfs and coastlines of SA.
This plant has the potential to form a new
colony from any broken piece, which makes it
easily spread. It is also prone to tangle in nets
and anchors because of its shape. These
attributes makes it susceptible to spread by
fishers.
This species can be recognised by:
Flattened 2D fonds (fern like leaves)
Pinnules (individual leaves) are upward curving
Pinnules are attached to the stalk directly opposite to each other
Up to 15 cm long
Typically, individual fonds are attached to a main running root
13

GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Biodiversity:
Biofouling:
Interaction:
Mitigation:
Translocation
The measure of the variety of different plants and animal species
within a specific ecotype.
The accumulation or growth of marine organisms and or algae on
submerged and damp surfaces of a vessel.
An action including, striking, hooking, entangling or landing.
Action taken with the view to reducing risks.
The movement of an animal or plant species form one area to
another
ACRONYMS
SABCPFA
WFSA
COP
ESD
PIRSA
AMLR NRMB
DEWHA
IMPS
South Australian Blue Crab Pot Fishers Association Inc.
Wildcatch Fisheries SA
Code of Practice
Ecological Sustainable Development
Primary Industries and Resources South Australia
Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resource Management
Board
Department of Environment, Water Heritage and the Arts
Introduced Marine Pest Species
14

CONTACTS
INDUSTRY INFORMATION
South Australian Blue
Crab Pot Fishers
Association Inc.
SABCPFA
Dennis Holder
President and
WFSA Council member
Tel: 0428 814 854
Email:
dkholder@bigpond.com.au
South Australian Blue
Crab Pot Fishers
Association Inc.
SABCPFA
Justin Phillips
Executive Officer
Tel: (08) 8357 8535
Email:
Justin@corvel.com.au
Wildcatch Fisheries South
Australia
WFSA
Neil MacDonald
General Manager
Tel: (08) 8303 2717
Fax: (08) 0303 2791
Email:
neil.macdonald@wildcatchfisheriessa
.com.au
SeaNet
OceanWatch Australia
Protected Species
Handling manual
available at:
http://www.oceanwatch.org.au/
owaPublications.htm
Nathan Bicknell
SA Extension Officer
Tel: (08) 8303 2717
Fax: (08) 8303 2791
Mob: 04 0199 7702
Email:
nathan@oceanwatch.org.au
15

MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH
Primary Industries and
Resources South
Australia
PIRSA
SA Fisheries Management
Licensing and Registration
Fisheries Compliance
Reporting any illegal
activities and
Introduced Marine
Species reporting
Tel: (08) 8347 6100
Fax: (08) 8449 1646
FISHWATCH
24h hotline:
1800 065 522
South Australian
Research and
Development Institute
SARDI
Biological, ecological and
fisheries research
Tel: (08) 8207 5400
Fax: (08) 8207 5406
Email:
temp.wbadmin@saugov.sa.gov.au
Adelaide and Mount
Lofty Ranges Natural
Resource Management
Board
AMLR NRMB
Co-ordination of State
Environmental management
Services
Tel: (08) 8273 9100
Email:
reception@adelaide.nrm.sa.gov.au
16

EMERGENCY & POLLUTION
Australian Maritime Safety
Authority
AMSA
(outside state waters
+3nm)
Rescue Coordination
Centre (RCC)
Reporting of Oil spills
and Search and Rescue
24 Hour Emergency Contacts
Tel: (toll free)
1800 641 792 (Maritime)
Mobile:
042 6230 6811 (Maritime)
Transport and
Infrastructure
South Australia
(state waters -3nm)
Marine Environment
and Safety Operations
Marine Oil Spill (24 hrs)
Boat control & safety
enquiries
Tel: (direct)
(08)82483505
Tel: (directory)
13 10 84
Advanced Plastic Recycling
in Adelaide
Waste Recycling
solutions for industry
Tel: (08) 8359 4999
Fax: (08) 8359 4988
Email:
sales@a-p-r.com.au
17

ANIMAL INFORMATION
Department of
Environment, Water and
Heritage and the Arts
(Commonwealth)
DEWHA
Must report interactions
with Protected species’
ID guide and
Reporting TEP
interactions
Tel: (toll free)
1800 641 806
Email:
Protected
species@deh.gov.au
National Parks and
Wildlife SA
DEH
Dead Marine Animals
The Department for
Environment and
Heritage (DEH)
Information Line
Tel: 1300 650 411
or
Mobile:
0417 801 094
South Australian
Museum
Science Centre
Area: Vertebrates
(Mammalogy)
Animal Identification
mammals
Standings
Tel: (08) 8207 7458
Mobile:
Fax: (08) 8207 7222
Email:
Kemper.Cath@saugov.sa.gov.au
Mobile:
0412 708 012
Project Dolphin Safe
Assoc. Inc.
Port Adelaide
South Australian Seabird
Rescue
Animal rescue
and Advice
Tel: (08) 8262 5452
Emergency: 0411 057 551
Fax:
08262 5452
Email:
aaron@projectdolphinsafe.com
18