Senator the Hon. Ian Macdonald,
Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation,
P.O. Box 2185,
Townsville, Qld 4810

Dear Minister,

The review arose from recent decisions by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the Federal Court which requested that AFMA reconsider its original method of quota allocation introduced in 2001 and to take account of factors other than catch history.

Under the new formula adopted by AFMA, Southern Shark Fishery permit holders will receive a revised allocation in proportion to:

* The value of his or her permit (representing an access right/fishing entitlement) – this value will be expressed as a tonnage figure and used to adjust allocations, and

* The quantum of his or her catch history - based on the same best three years between 1994 and 1997 as the previous decision.

It is obvious from the above that the decision to reallocate quota will significantly change individual existing quota allocations thereby seriously impacting on many hard working fishermen through no fault of their own. It is quite possible that some livelihoods may be turned upside down by decisions well beyond their control.

As a result of this change to current quota entitlements of individual shark fishermen we urge you to adopt a compassionate, realistic and fair approach and to recognise the severe impact these recommendations may have on the individuals and families of the people adversely effected.

It could be that restructuring assistance may not cost a whole lot of money but it would enable some fishermen to reorganise or even leave the fishery with a level of dignity and respect intact and without severe changes in their financial circumstances.

We therefore urge you to address the issue of structure adjustment to ensure that any changes to fishing entitlements take into account individual circumstances and reimburse them for any financial impacts in the reallocation of quota effective from 1 January 2004.

Yours sincerely,

R.K. LISTER

Chief Executive