SHARK DRUM
LINE PROGRAM
577. Hon LYNN MacLAREN to the
Minister for Fisheries:
I refer to question without notice 377 asked on 8 April 2014.
(1) Was
Department of Fisheries director general Stuart Smith on board the Fisheries
vessel PV Hamelin when it was involved in drum line operations off Perth
on 20 March 2014?
(2) If yes to (1), in what capacity
was Mr Smith on board?
(3) Did Mr Smith
partake in drum lining operations that day, including handling fishing gear
that had captured a tiger shark?
(4) Does Mr Smith
meet your description of all drum line operators, in terms of being ''an
experienced mariner'', who has ''worked with various forms of
fishing gear across a wide range of fisheries'' and is ''familiar
and experienced in using the fishing gear being used as part of the drum lining
program and in the handling of sharks and other marine fauna'' and has
Mr Smith ''received formal training'' in operating the drum
lines?
(5) If no to (4),
why was Mr Smith observed handling fishing gear, including a captured shark, on
the PV Hamelin on 20 March 2014?
Hon
KEN BASTON replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of this question.
(1)–(5) Mr
Smith accompanied the PV Hamelin crew while it conducted some of the
drum line operations off Perth on 20 March 2014. He was on board the vessel to
observe the process and gain a better understanding of the operations. Mr Smith
participated in the drum line operations on 20 March 2014 to the extent that he
threw the gaffe on occasions that was used to retrieve the drum lines. He has
performed this role on occasions with other fishing operations.