Aust Asia Seafood

As you may be aware, the introduction of the Management Plan in 2003 and the implementation at that time of a Filleting Policy dealt a devastating blow to the once lucrative fresh and frozen sector for Other Species.  The exodus of vessels and loss of market brought about by these policy changes has caused the usage figures for OS quota to languish below 40% in each of the last four seasons.  Most OS quota holders have never seen their units used; while still having to pay the fees attached by DPI&F.  Many are also concerned that the continued lack of usage may be used at some point to justify a further reduction in the unit value for OS. 

AustAsia Seafood has been proactively involved over the last 18 months in trying to revive this sector; using various coordinated strategies. 

First, we have worked at the MAC level to amend Fisheries policy for the gradual elimination of filleting product at sea.  Thus far we have seen a relaxation on filleting conditions, which is an excellent start! We have also worked hard at encouraging new entrants into the fresh and frozen sector; through business planning advice, marketing and administrative support, and sourcing/financing of low cost quota from people like yourself.  We believed that if we could provide these support services and financial incentives to new operators, it would present an opportunity for them to grow into viable concerns.  This, in turn, would help to protect the TAC from being interfered with and help generate future demand and higher lease prices for OS units.

 In order for us to continue this successful campaign towards full utilisation, we are looking for new OS quota holders who would be willing to participate in the program.  One of the major difficulties is accessing minimum allocations of O/S quota (2000kg or less) due to the low value of such transactions.  This effectively removes 140MT of O/S quota from the fishery each year!  So, if you are one of the hundreds of small parcel OS quota holders who currently receive nothing except a bill from Fisheries, I would like to hear from you.

Much appreciated,

Matthew Squire

Manager

AustAsia Seafood

0408 908 588