Fishermen trapped in ‘vicious cycle of debt’ email from rock lobster industry reveals

‘Fishermen are trapped in a vicious cycle of debt.’ The harsh reality facing Tasmania’s rock lobster fishery revealed in an email to the state government. What the industry says needs to change.

Jack Tatnell captain of cray boat Booran with Bryce Way 3rd generation crayfisherman at Margate wharf. Crayfisherman who say times have never been tougher for those trying to make a living out of fishing for crayfish. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Tasmania’s rock lobster fishery is in dire straits, fishermen say, with many in debt, others struggling to survive and “families torn apart”.

The industry has approached the State Government for “support and relief”.

In an email sent to Premier Jeremy Rockliff, and ministers Guy Barnett and Jo Palmer in March, and obtained by the Sunday Tasmanian, an industry representative says they want “decisive action to rectify this unjust system”.

“Fishermen are facing dire circumstances, with many returning from sea trips without any profit, or worse, in deeper debt,” the representative wrote.

“Tragically, there have been instances of fishermen taking their own lives due to the overwhelming pressure they face.

“Fishermen are trapped in a vicious cycle of debt, forced to spend extended periods away from their loved ones, with no prospect of financial stability in sight.”

The email said rock lobster prices fluctuate between $34 and $47, averaging $36.70 per kg while fishermen pay $32.50 per kg for quota.

They want regulations implemented to ensure fishermen “receive a fair and guaranteed profit margin, not to work for less than $30 per kg”.

The fishermen also want processors prohibited from purchasing quota saying they artificially inflate prices causing undue hardship on fishermen or to lower the amount of quota they can own.

“The current situation is untenable and reminiscent of the recent investigations into profiteering by major retailers.

“We cannot ignore the human toll this crisis is exacting, with families torn apart, marriages strained and individuals facing bankruptcy.”

Jack Tatnell captain of cray boat Booran with Bryce Way 3rd generation crayfisherman at Margate wharf. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Fishermen Jack Tatnell, 30, the youngest rock lobster skipper in Tasmania for 10 years said rock lobster fishermen are an “endangered species”.

“The average age of skippers in our industry would be far far higher than the average age of a builder, a welder or anyone else in a labour intensive workplace,” he said.

“I fear that in years to come we will have no one here to catch out premium rock lobster.

“Many cray fishermen are struggling each and every trip, myself being one.

“We can be away from home for weeks at a time, working as hard as we possibly can to catch the right size or colour lobster and sometimes even pushing ourselves and our boats to the limits.”

Mr Tatnell said his boat was hit by a wave and “we were lucky the boat rolled back from that otherwise we would have been dead and gone”.

He said it was “heartbreaking” to receive $40 a kilo for lobster at a $28 a kilo quota lease and seeing them advertised for as much as $280 per kg in a restaurant.

“The guy that takes all the risk never seems to be met with the reward in this industry.”

Bryce Way said rock lobster fishermen were facing greed from quota owners “forcing fisherman to put every last dollar they have on the line just to attempt to break even trip after trip”.

“Generations of fisherman battling the oceans and building the industry to what it is today, all for greed to take it away,” he said.

“These fisherman have often fight nature at its worst day to day to put food on the table for people, losing friends and family along the way just to return home time and time again for nothing.

“There is no future for young fisherman, currently the fish farms are paying substantially better. It won’t be long before the fisherman give up.

“Our industry is on its last legs.”

Bryce Way 3rd generation crayfisherman. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Way says with current prices and if the quota is $34 per kg, he needs 1500kg at minimum and “that’s $51,000 out of pocket already”.

“I need fuel which is $2.02 per litre, so $3000. I am at $54,000 and still haven’t left.

“Let’s not forget some bait for the pots – $4 per kg. I need 1500kg so that amounts to $6000 plus between $800 and $1000 in food for crew for up to two weeks.

“I leave the wharf, only $61,000 out of pocket and with crayfish price on return I’ve got $21,500 left but I haven’t paid insurance, maintenance of vessel, repairs, lost or broken fishing gear, bank repayments and superannuation.

“I haven’t even left the wharf but I’ve spent enough to get a loan to buy a house.

“It’s not quota that’s the issue, it’s the lack of understanding what fisherman need from the quota holder.

“Too many investors are hidden behind large companies or brokers so there is no direct connection with the fisherman.”

Mr Way said quota holders and investors should be held accountable as are the fisherman.

“Sitting at home receiving large sums of money because you ‘invested’ while someone is at breaking point both mentally and physically is unfair.”

Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishermen’s Association CEO Kylie Cahill said the situation for cray fishermen was “very difficult”, particularly without access to the Chinese market which shut access during Covid.

Seafood Industry Tasmania CEO Julian Harrington said the organisation had a mental health partnership with Rural Alive and Well called Stay Afloat.

“Increasing numbers of fishers are reaching out for help and support and this suggests times are getting tougher for grassroots fishers,” he said.

A government spokesperson said it was a strong supporter of Tasmania’s seafood industry.

“The letter in question was received while caretaker provisions were in place. Minister Abetz was appointed to his role last week and will be addressing the sector’s issues as a priority,” he said.