Fishing charters in rough waters

FISHING guides and charter boat operators claim they are up a creek without a paddle, complaining of a lack of financial support to survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commercial Fishing Charters and Guides Australia has written to Fisheries Minister Mark Furner, claiming the sector has received minimal support compared to the commercial fishing industry.

Cairns-based operator Kim Andersen wrote that government assistance had helped bring coral trout and live tropical rock lobster fisheries back into production in the Far North, with exports to Asia doubling each week.

“The recreational sector has been banned from impoundment fishing, but can still fish elsewhere with social distancing and number restrictions,” he said. “It is now only the charter fishing industry that remains severely and absolutely affected.

“The industry has been brought to a complete stop throughout the state due to travel restrictions … This is ongoing and will affect us well beyond 2020.”

He said the upcoming Cairns black marlin season, which would have pumped an estimated $60 million into the regional economy, was now highly unlikely to proceed.

“Some boats have their seasons fully booked by international anglers and will lose everything,” he said. “Usually booking over 12 months in advance, forward bookings and inquiries are almost non-existent.

“All over, the state operators and guides are facing months of zero income.”

The Queensland Government has provided 100 per cent rebates on Ports North marina fees at Cairns Marlin Marina and Green Island Jetty to lessen the financial blow for charter operators.

Another Cairns-based charter operator, Daniel McCarthy, said while he had six months of free berthage at the Marlin Marina, other operators were not so lucky.

“If you’re out at Yorkeys Knob or Bluewater, or any of the other marinas up and down the coast, unless they’re owned by the State Government, it’s just too bad … you’ve just go to keep paying (berthing) fees,” he said.

“A typical gameboat has expenses of $50,000 a year, just to keep a boat in the marina, before you even turn the key.”

Fisheries Minister Mark Furner said the government provided an economic support package for tourism businesses, including the marina fees rebate in Cairns.

“Since then, we have announced job support loans of up to $250,000 through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority and a $4 billion health and business support package including significant payroll tax relief measures,” he said.