Key Takeaways:
- A new five-year ban on selling green prawns in northern NSW has been implemented, replacing a previous two-and-a-half-year ban.
- The ban affects 44 families in the Clarence River region and has been met with criticism from local fisherman and politicians.
- The ban is due to the presence of white spot, a highly contagious disease that affects crustaceans, in the area.
- A financial assistance package of $4.5 million has been announced to help impacted fishers exit the industry.
- Local fisherman and business owners are calling for more support and assistance to help them recover from the ban.
Introduction to the Crisis
The fishing industry in northern New South Wales has been dealt a significant blow with the implementation of a new five-year ban on selling green prawns. The ban, which affects the Clarence, Evans, and Richmond rivers, has been met with criticism from local fisherman and politicians. Steve Everson, a veteran fisherman with 45 years of experience, has expressed his disappointment and frustration with the decision, stating that it is a "big kick" to the industry. The ban is due to the presence of white spot, a highly contagious disease that affects crustaceans, in the area.
The Impact on Local Fishermen
The ban has significant implications for the 44 families in the Clarence River region who rely on the green prawn industry for their livelihood. Many of these families have been fishing in the area for generations and are now facing an uncertain future. The mental health of these individuals is also a concern, with many struggling to come to terms with the loss of their livelihood. The lack of information and support from the government has only added to the frustration and anxiety felt by these families. As Steve Everson noted, "For 44 families on the Clarence [River] they’ve been cast adrift without too much information."
The Reasoning Behind the Ban
The ban has been implemented by the state’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) as part of a biosecurity control order. The order is aimed at containing the spread of white spot, which is a highly contagious disease that affects crustaceans. While the disease does not affect humans, it is deadly to prawns and has the potential to devastate the industry. The DPIRD has stated that the control order is necessary to ensure containment measures are within national and World Organisation for Animal Health requirements. However, many in the industry are questioning the length of the ban, with some arguing that it is too long and will have a devastating impact on the industry.
The Response from Politicians
The ban has been met with criticism from local politicians, including State Nationals Member for Clarence Richie Williamson, who has described it as the "death knell" of the industry. NSW Nationals leader Gurmesh Singh has also questioned the length of the ban, stating that it is onerous and that the government should be providing more support to affected fishers. The state government has announced a financial assistance package of $4.5 million to help impacted fishers exit the industry, but many are calling for more support and assistance.
The Future of the Industry
The future of the green prawn industry in northern New South Wales is uncertain, with many wondering if it will be able to recover from the ban. The industry is already under pressure, and the ban has only added to the challenges faced by local fisherman and business owners. Some are calling for more support and assistance to help the industry recover, while others are urging consumers to support local fishers by buying cooked "schoolies" for Christmas. As Dee Zahra, general manager of the Clarence River Fishermen’s Co-Operative, noted, "Support these fishers… We will continue to find markets for the cooked prawns while we are established with white spot and we’ll work with the fishermen as much as we can, but it is concerning."
The Need for Support
The need for support and assistance is clear, with many in the industry struggling to come to terms with the ban. The financial assistance package announced by the state government is a step in the right direction, but many are calling for more. As Dean Opalnuik, a fellow Clarence River fisherman, noted, a $15 million to $30 million buyout package is needed to allow fishers to exit the industry permanently if they want to. The state government has written to the federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to request support and further assistance for affected business owners, but it remains to be seen what additional support will be provided.
Conclusion
The ban on selling green prawns in northern New South Wales has significant implications for the local fishing industry and the families who rely on it for their livelihood. While the ban is aimed at containing the spread of white spot, many are questioning its length and the impact it will have on the industry. The need for support and assistance is clear, and it is hoped that the state and federal governments will provide the necessary support to help the industry recover. As the industry looks to the future, it is clear that it will be a challenging time, but with the right support and assistance, it is possible for the industry to recover and thrive once again.