Expressions of Interest

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
For
TORRES STRAIT SPANISH MACKEREL AND CORAL TROUT FISHING QUOTA
The Torres Strait Protected Zone Joint Authority recently completed a 100 percent voluntary surrender process in relation to Transferable Vessel Holders (TVH) licenses in the Torres Strait Finfish fishery. The aim of the process was to meet Australia's obligations to PNG under the Torres Strait Treaty and to increase the Traditional Inhabitant Boat license sectors (TIB) capacity to improve their economic returns from this fishery. TVH fishers will not be able to access the fishery after 30 June 2008 under their current licenses.

The Torres Strait Regional Authority, who currently retains the fishing entitlements as a provisional measure, is seeking expressions of interest from fishers wishing to access Torres Strait Spanish Mackerel and Coral Trout Annual Catch Entitlements (ACE).

It is anticipated that Tender contracts will be finalised by 6 June 2008 and fishing is to begin on 1 July 2008. This arrangement will be available to some lessees for a period of 2 years, negotiated annually, depending on the applicant's ability to fully address the specific criteria below. The selection process will be based on the evaluation of a set of established criteria.

Expression of Interest responses should address the following criteria (please refer below for more details):

1. Fisher history and experience in the Torres Strait or other relevant fishery with particular on areas worked, nature of operation and catch history.
2. Amount of Spanish Mackerel or Coral Trout catch requested in whole weight.
3. Lease price per kilogram (whole weight) of catch requested.
4. Training strategy to improve the TIB sector ability to improve current catch rates.

Fishers will be required to abide by all current regulations in relation to the Torres Strait Finfish Fishery including allowable fishing gear and catch reporting requirements.

A commercial fishing spatial closure for non-traditional inhabitant fishers of 10 nm from the centre of Mer (Murray Islands), Masig (Yorke Island), Erub (Darnley Island) and Ugar (Stephen Island) along with a total closure of Little and Big Mary Reefs and Calico Reef will apply throughout the leasing period. Anchorage within the closed area will be allowed providing dories are tethered to the main boat or all fishing implements (fishing lines) are removed from the dories when in use within the restricted areas.

All EOI applicants will be given a progress notification no later than close of business Friday 16 May 2008.
All EOI's that pass the first round process will be individually negotiated with the fisherperson. Negotiation will revolve around the most workable conditions to be placed on that individual licence. For instance access to commercial fishing grounds surrounding Bramble Cay will be made available on an individual negotiated basis annually.

It is anticipated that tender contracts will be finalised by 6 June 2008 and fishing under a leasing arrangement could begin on 1 July 2008.

Expressions of Interest must be received by no later than 5 pm, 02 May 2008 at the address below:

EOI TORRES STRAIT FINFISH QUOTA
Torres Strait Regional Authority
PO Box 261
Thursday Island QLD 4875

The contact officer for Expressions of Interest enquiries:
Mr Toshio Nakata
Torres Strait Finfish Quota
toshi.nakata@tsra.gov.au

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
For
TORRES STRAIT FINFISH FISHERY QUOTA


APPLICANT BUSINESS DETAILS
Business Name:
ABN:
Address:

APPLICANT CONTACT INFORMATION
Name:
Position:
Address (if different to above):
Phone:
Mobile:
Fax:
Email:

BUSINESS AND FISHING HISTORY
What experience do you have in the Torres Strait?
What experience do you have in other fisheries?

REQUESTED ANNUAL CATCH ENTITLEMENT
If you have several different leasing options for the TSRA to consider please list them as Option 1, Option 2, etc.
Example 1
Option 1
How much Spanish Mackerel and / or Coral Trout catch you are requesting?
What price will you lease a license for with the requested catch under this option:
Where and When will this be used?
• provide a detailed description of where and when you will fish under this requested lease.
• provide a detailed description of your intended methods for fishing this year.
• provide a detailed description of primary vessel and number of dories.

TRAINING STRATEGY
The Community Fisher Group and the Torres Strait Regional Authority consider it important that any commercial operator who leases ACE through this process is prepared to provide adequate training opportunities for TIB fishers.
Example 2
Option 1 continued
What desirable skills do you possess in respect to providing training, particularly to Torres Strait Islanders?
Please provide an outline of training initiatives you will offer in relation to each lease option you propose.