NX fishery symbol

• If the camera is not functioning properly, you cannot start a fishing operation.
• You must try to fix the camera by following the ‘Troubleshooting’ section in the Axon Body 3 camera operational guide.
• If you need help, phone 13 25 23 or email datavalidation@dpi.qld.gov.au during business hours (8am–5pm, Monday to Friday).
• If you can fix the camera and it's functioning properly, you can start the fishing operation.
• If you can't fix the camera, you must request a temporary exception to fish without an onboard camera system and wait for approval to start the fishing operation.
  • A temporary exception can only be issued within business hours (8am–5pm, Monday to Friday) and will only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

• If the camera is not functioning properly during a fishing operation, you must try to fix the camera by following the steps in the Axon Body 3 camera operational guide.
• If you need help, phone 13 25 23 or email datavalidation@dpi.qld.gov.au during business hours (8am–5pm, Monday to Friday).
• If you can fix the camera and it's functioning properly, you can continue with the planned fishing operation. 
  • You must advise Fisheries Queensland of the issue (including date and time of malfunction) as soon as it is safe to do so, and no later than 24 hours after the camera malfunction, by emailing datavalidation@dpi.qld.gov.au.
• If you can't fix the camera during your fishing operation, you may continue with the fishing operation, providing you meet all of the following conditions:
  • You have completed all relevant checks in the ‘Prior to commencing a fishing operation’ section in the Axon Body 3 camera operational guide.
  • You have attempted all relevant steps in the ‘Troubleshooting’ section in the Axon Body 3 camera operational guide.
  • The camera is docked within 24 hours of the malfunction.
  • You have notified Fisheries Queensland as soon as it was safe to do so, and no later than 24 hours after the camera malfunction, by emailing  datavalidation@dpi.qld.gov.au.
• If a malfunction occurs and you have not followed the ‘Prior to commencing a fishing operation’ section of the Axon Body 3 camera operational guide and the camera can’t be fixed so it’s functioning properly, you must stop fishing immediately and notify Fisheries Queensland as soon as it is safe to do so, and no later than 24 hours after the camera malfunction, by emailing datavalidation@dpi.qld.gov.au.
• If the camera is still not functioning properly before your next fishing operation, you must request a temporary exception to fish without an onboard camera system and wait for approval to start the fishing operation.

It is a requirement of the NX licence conditions, issued under section 61 of the Fisheries Act 1994, that onboard camera systems are installed on board each authorised vessel and operated to record each monitored fishing event.

The purpose of the onboard cameras is to independently validate information reported in logbooks, including interactions with protected species. The use of onboard cameras aims to:

• encourage positive behaviour (appropriate handling, animal welfare)
• ensure compliance with NX licence conditions and relevant fisheries legislation
• increase community confidence in commercial fishing
• strengthen the reputation of Queensland's fisheries.

The onboard cameras will be aimed at the areas where:

• fishing gear is deployed and retrieved
• retained catch, bycatch and protected species are handled and discarded.

While the cameras are primarily focused on the locations where fish are processed and fishing gear is used, it is inevitable that video footage in which crew members will be identifiable will be captured as a byproduct of the monitoring program.

A designated area on each vessel, which is outside of the field of view of the camera, has been allocated in consultation with the owner/skipper of the vessel to provide privacy to personnel on board each vessel. This is an area that can be used for activities that do not involve the use of fishing gear or processing of fish.

Video footage is stored as encrypted data on the camera, and then encrypted files are uploaded electronically to a secure website that stores information in country within the Australian Azure Central Region in Canberra. The licence holder of the vessel is responsible for uploading the encrypted footage. Video footage will only be available to the licence holder and those staff of the Department of Primary Industries who need access to perform the objectives of the NX program.

The Department of Primary Industries will only use and disclose personal information to perform the purpose of the NX independent onboard monitoring program, or to respond to enquiries or complaints you lodge, unless we are authorised by law to otherwise use or disclose.

The right to information (RTI) process ensures transparency, facilitating access to government information while protecting individual privacy. Under the Right to Information Act 2009, we may be legally required to share information from the NX independent onboard monitoring program, including camera footage and associated data.

All RTI requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and personal information is typically not released. If footage is shared, it often consists of smaller portions or still images with identifying features redacted. We carefully consider privacy concerns of individuals involved and will consult with the people impacted, providing them with the opportunity to appeal the release of information.