Meeting opened at 11:10am.

We had a guest speaker - Gordon Gill - ex fisheries minister. There was lengthy discussions with regard to pot sizes and Gordon mentioned while there may be the slightest possibility of legal action being taken (by a group of committed fishers) with regard to the changes in size, the end result was that it was a really SLIM chance and no guarentees of success and could be very expensive. He also mentioned that the government has the right to make regulations and it is very difficult to overturn them.

After more lengthly questions and discussions a member suggested that we get on with this year and really needed to accept the decisions and prepare for the next year ahead. This had a calming influence on the meeting.

A question was also raised to Gordon with regard to Aquaculture. Gordon mentioned that while Aquaculture could be possible it is extremely expensive for someone to set up. It was also pointed out that the laws that are in place for the ocean fishing, don't relate to Aquaculture. Aquaculture crayfish can be sold at any size as there aren't any regulations in place. The government could change this. As a united Federation, we could lobby the government to make sure that suitable restrictions also apply to Aquaculture.

Apologies: from Jim Maloney and Mark Atkinson.

Nominations for commttee: Jim Maloney, Ross, Lenny and Charlie.
(Note: However, these nominations are being carried forward to the meeting on the 3rd November 2001 at 11am in the Italian club where a full committee will be voted in for President, Secretary, Treasurer and general committee.)

Peak Body: Lenny spoke on behalf of RLIAC(Rock Lobster Industry Advisory Council) and outlined what they are doing. More discussion was raised about pot sizes.

John muller who is the compliance supervisor with the Dept of Fisheries stood up to speak and take questions. The pot size rule was changes on the 3rd September and all newspapers were notified (including the West Australian). All papers published the notice with the exception of the West Australian. He apologised to fishers present that there had been a breakdown in the communication to the fishers.

There was talk also about hair in product. One member recommende purging and others recommended fish bait. If fish bait was used in closer waters there was concern that these waters would be fished out. Japanese and French in partcular won't accept product where hide has been used.

WARLFF Management - To have a larger say in the industry, the WA Rock Lobster Fishers need to get behind their federation as a united front. This is the only way to make a difference in the industry.

Discussions were held with regard to employing a CEO to work with the committee to achieve planned goals.

Further discussion is needed and an official committee of President, Treasurer, Secretary and committee need to be voted in at a special meeting on 3rd November 2001 at 11am in the Italian Club. All members are requested to try to attend please.

The federation needs your support - please come along to welcome in the new committee and have your say!

Meeting 27th July 2001