Behind the Scenes

[rayke1938]

This is a report from the Freshwater and Stocking Assosation.

It gives an idea of the behind the scene work that goes into freshwater fish sticking. I do not think that many people realize how much hard work that these devoted people do.

It isnt just a matter of tipping a couple of buckets of fingerlings into the local dam.

Cheers

Ray

Freshwater_Workshops___Final_Summary_2006_2007.doc (34k)FINAL SUMMARY REPORT

REGIONAL FRESHWATER FISHERIES WORKSHOPS

SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS

REGIONAL WORKSHOPS 2006-2007

Prepared by FFSAQ

Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland Inc.

Summary of Freshwater Fisheries Workshop Proceedings - 2006-2007

Introduction.

This report provides a summary of the major outcomes and recommendations from the six regional freshwater fisheries workshops held across Queensland during 2006-2007.

This new concept was being trialled as new approach to the format of holding fish stocking group workshops. Previously, only two workshops were held each year, one in north Queensland and one in southern Queensland. It was considered that maybe, this original format had become dated, lost its appeal, and was not as productive as it could be.

The six regions are:

• Gulf Region Karumba (23.09.06)

• North Queensland Region Townsville (25.11.06)

• Central Queensland Region Rockhampton (16.06.07)

• Murray Darling Region Miles (21.10.06)

• Burnett Mary Region Murgon (28.04.07)

• South East Region Fernvale (12.05.07)

The series of workshops were arranged and conducted by FFSAQ with assistance from DPI Fisheries.

A proceeding of each regional workshop has been prepared by FFSAQ and distributed to stocking groups and DPI Fisheries.

This report is a condensed précis of the major issues and outcomes derived from those individual reports.

Attendance.

It could be said that attendance at the workshops was somewhat disappointing with only around 62% of stocking groups attending. Thirty five groups participated. It has been suggested that because of the new concept and that FFSAQ was running them and not DPI Fisheries, that there was a perception of less importance. However, now that FFSAQ has shown ability and professionalism in conducting the workshops, and the overall acceptance by those attending, it is expected that participation will increase.

Major and Common Issues.

Travel and Accommodation. The expense of travel and accommodation, particularly in the four largest regions was raised as an impediment to attending. It is impossible for some groups to attend without making it an overnight trip, at least one way. This is seen as a contributing factor to non-attendance.

Attendance by DPI Fisheries Staff. Even though it was foreshadowed that attendance by Fisheries staff would be less than in previous workshops, it was not expected to be as low as it was. In one instance, no one from the Freshwater Unit attended. This absence was certainly commented on by stocking groups.

Monitoring. As in past years, lack of monitoring on a regular basis by DPI Fisheries was again raised. Post stocking surveys are part of stocking agreements, and are not being undertaken in accordance with these agreements.

DPI Fisheries Staff Shortages. The duty re-allocation of Malcolm Pearce away from a stocking role to pest fish is a concern to northern groups. Pest fish control is recognized as important, but not at the expense of the stocking program. The inadequacy of not filling Alex Hamlyn’s position as extension officer (southern Queensland), whilst on long service leave, was also raised. This position was vacant for a year at the expense of the stocking program.

Low Water Levels. The impact on fish survival caused by low water levels in times of drought was a common theme. These events are beyond control. However, it is disappointing to note that government authorities have been slow to develop appropriate strategies to mitigate this impact on fish stocks as much as possible.

Regulation Compliance. As in all past year’s workshops, the lack of surveillance by the QBFP in rural areas remains an issue. Some stocking groups indicate that it is a rare occurrence to have the presence of QBFP in their areas.

SIP Funding. Half the numbers of stocking groups are now participants in the SIP scheme. Given that low water levels is restricting stocking rates, the flow on is that this shortfall is hindering the ability of stocking groups to utilize their SIP allocation. As the government has tight restrictions on the holding over of funds, this is a major concern to many stocking groups.

Fingerling Shortages. A number of groups have indicated that they are unable to purchase adequate supplies of fingerlings. Gulf stocking groups have always had difficulty in procuring adequate supplies of gulf strain barramundi. Central Queensland groups virtually cannot purchase Fitzroy strain golden perch. And there is only one supplier of southern strain barramundi for more southern regions. As well, the largest supplier of golden and silver perch and Australian bass is not operating because of lack of water.

Noxious Fish. The spread, control and eradication of pest fish across Queensland have long been a regular topic at workshops. In past years government authorities have been criticized for their lack of interest in the continuing spread of noxious fish. However, it is now pleasing to see that government is now recognizing the adverse impact, and is funding appropriate programs to mitigate further spread.

Riparian Land Use. The impact of stock grazing and cropping on riverine environment was raised by both North Queensland and the Murray Darling region. This was deemed to be having adverse impacts of fish stocks. The suggestion of over allocating irrigation water was also a concern.

State wide Meeting. Even though there was unanimous acceptance of the regional workshop concept, there was a strong suggestion that state wide meetings should continue in some format. Maybe bi-annually. However, this format would need to be fully funded, including travel and accommodation.

Assessment of Workshop Concept.

At all of the six regional workshops, acceptance of this concept was universal. There are certainly organizational and conducting issues to be fine tuned, but it is considered that these points can easily be overcome. A common comment was that these regional workshops allow the discussion of local issues in more detail, whilst at the same time be informed of state wide topics of interest. It is also an opportunity to liaise with DPI Fisheries staff, including District Advisors, as well as head office personnel. To attract better attendance, it may be necessary to consider appropriate funding of travel and accommodation expenses, particularly in the larger geographical regions. As mentioned above, consideration needs to be given to the holding of a state wide meeting, possibly on a bi-annual basis.

Recommendations.

Given the acceptance and success of the trial regional workshop concept, it is recommended that a similar structure be again implemented in 2008. Consideration of the organizational fine tuning needs to be addressed, but otherwise, the concept appears to be very sound.

[kevinchen19870316]

thank u rayke for sharing and big thanks to those guys for their hard work.

now i hate the vietnanese who took 50-60fish a day more than the lazy postman

[Schultzy]

Ray,

What doesn't appear in that report is that six months down the track FFSAQ (a volunteer group) still have not been reimbursed for the costs of running those workshops.

The workshop used to be organised and funded by DPI. They handed over the organising of then to FFSAQ but they were still to be funded by the department. It appears as though the Govt reps have forgotten that part of the deal.

[rayke1938]

Doesnt seem to matter which party is in power they all seem to have deep pockets with their own money and expect the volunteer organisations to do the hard work and foot the bill.

What gets up my nose is how they will announce an new initiative , do nothing ,then re-announce it again and again and finally forget it.

The only thing to get them off their buts is political pressure or bad publicity.

Wonder if Redcliffe will ever get a train line?

DPI have probably spent their budget and said they can wait till next year.

While I am at it why does the Government take such a large chop out of the SIP monies collected for admin costs ?

Thats my Cynical view and spit for the day.

Ray

[Dan23]

Ray

My dad used to be a regional manager for DPI up in CQ. This is going back about 10 years but if you want to know anything about how things work \"behind the scenes\" I can ask him for you. From what he's told me stuff happens out of the public eye that no one ever knows about. Not necessarily bad stuff but things that wouldn't be popular with a lot of people less educated on environmental issues.