Episode 149: Greg Woodham (Tasmania's abalone industry) - Part 1
Craig's interview guest in this episode is Greg Woodham who was one of the pioneers in Tasmania’s commercial abalone industry, commencing as a diver in 1976. But in addition to 50 years as a harvester of Tasmania's valuable marine resource, Greg was also a principal participant and contributor through the industry's development, collaborating with the key stakeholders (fellow abalone fishers, scientists, and the Tasmanian Government) on all aspects of management and goals of sustainability. He was President of the Tasmanian Abalone Council during 2007 – 2013 and was awarded Life Membership of the Council in 2014. Although Greg no longer dives for abalone he is still very active on the sea, deckhanding for divers, and also mastering vessels for salmon farms at Nubeena on Tasman Peninsula. In this Part 1, we hear Greg tell of his pathway into the industry; the risks posed by working in a challenging environment (including a graphic telling of his close-up encounter with a Great White Shark); the highlights of having as a workplace Tasmania's magnificent, rugged and remote coastlines; the concerning changes witnessed in the marine environment over time; and, the collaborative process traversed in establishing sound, science-based management measures. Part 2 of Greg's interview will feature in the next episode of Vibes Under The Sea.