10 September 2013

MEDIA STATEMENT Cattle welfare paramount as livestock carrier Pearl of Para returns to Australia for repairs
A vessel carrying Australian livestock struck mechanical issues after two days at sea and has returned to Fremantle to ensure the welfare of 5,200 cattle aboard while undergoing repairs. The Pearl of Para left port on 4 September for a three week transit to Israel carrying Brahman cross cattle. However, after encountering a propeller shaft coupling problem, the Captain decided on 7 September to return because this was the best way to protect the welfare of cattle and crew while conducting repairs. The Australian Livestock Exporters Council, CEO Alison Penfold said: The exporter, Alan Schmidt of AH & R Schmidt Pty Ltd, completely supports the captain. Even though this vessel is only 90% loaded and cattle have extra space, plenty of clean fresh water, feed and bedding, and full ventilation, returning to port is the best way to protect the crew, the animals on board, and to seek quick repairs. The welfare of these cattle is paramount and the exporter is making sure there are no issues. Arrangements have been made for DAFF inspectors to board the vessel, to assure themselves of the health and welfare of the cattle, and advise if they have any concerns. Although this trip had just begun, the on board vet and two stockmen, as a matter of standard procedure are regularly updating DAFF on the welfare and health, of what is an extremely robust group of healthy and well settled cattle. There will be an opportunity to replenish feed supplies following repairs. The stockmen have been instructed to feed the cattle extra fodder. Ms Penfold said that the exporter would be in a position to decide whether the cattle need to be offloaded and trans-shipped as soon as he has a report regarding the complexity of the repairs required to the vessel and the time needed to affect these repairs. The cattle are settled and it is very early in the shipment. Subject to professional advice, we think the best welfare will be maintained by avoiding unnecessary movement, unloading and reloading. All of the services for the livestock such as feed and water systems and ventilation are working perfectly. However, we need to monitor this closely. If repairs can be completed in a timely manner, then the overall duration on board for cattle will be well within normal travel times for the type of livestock on board and the high standard of the vessel. If repairs take longer, we will either tranship the cattle to another vessel or unload the cattle, and hold them until the vessel is ready to depart. This process will be managed in close co operation with DAFF and all other authorities. The exporter will ask DAFF and DAFWA staff, to watch this process and ensure welfare is maintained and that the new vessel, if required, is fully stocked with feed, bedding and all additional requirements.

Ms Penfold said the exporter was working with DAFF and the WA Department of Agriculture to assist their necessary biosecurity assessments as this vessel had briefly entered international waters. The exporter had advised Israeli authorities of the mechanical problems and was working with them and customers to ensure they are fully informed and consulted on measures being taken. The vessel has anchored off Fremantle. The assessment by the engineers will allow the exporter to determine the appropriate contingency option to be undertaken. Exporters are required by Australian regulations to have a contingency plan in place for such circumstances, Ms Penfold said. Further background information is provided in the attached briefing note. Ends Contact: Alison Penfold Mob: 0408 633 026

BACKGROUND BRIEFING NOTE

The Pearl of Para The Pearl of Para is a Marshall Islands flagged vessel The vessel is fully compliant with Australian Maritime regulatory standards It has received a full term Australian Certificate for the Carriage of Livestock (ACCL) issued by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) AMSA strictly controls the standard of vessels licensed to take Australian livestock The Pearl of Para exceeds the standards required by AMSA It carries over 1,100,000 litres of fresh water and has the ability, via its reverse osmosis equipment on board to produce twice the daily water required for a full complement of livestock The last voyage prior to this was from Australia to Israel with 4,800 head of cattle on board In early 2011, under different chartering and management and before AMSA approval, the vessel was involved in a high mortality incident while shipping cattle from America to Russia As a result, the owners of the vessels undertook extensive modification of the vessels bilge pumps, washing and draining system and improved ventilation The Exporter - Alan Schmidt and AH&R Schmidt Alan Schmidt has been involved in the cattle and meat industry for over 40 years He has worked for some of Australias largest pastoral and meat companies at various times He has been an exporter of livestock for over 15 years Current Voyage The vessel loaded on Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd of September It departed Australia on Thursday 4 September The cattle on board are all Brahman cross They are in robust condition, weighing between 250kg to 300kg on average and are healthy, having been on feed rations for around 25 days prior to loading During this period the cattle were overseen by accredited veterinarians The vessel has been loaded to 90% capacity allowing increased space for cattle to move and lie down during the voyage An Australian Accredited Veterinarian, two stockmen and experienced crew are all on board with responsibility to monitor and care for the cattle The vessel carries a wide range of veterinary medicines and has specially allocated space (hospital pens) for any cattle requiring additional care or veterinary treatment Contingency Arrangements Every exporter must advise DAFF prior to export approval that the exporter has a contingency plan in place for unforeseen incidents Following assessment of the nature of the repairs required, a decision will be taken on what is the most suitable and welfare-appropriate course of action

Bedding will changed during this period Following repairs, the vessel will take on additional feed, bedding, veterinary medicines (if required) and any other additional stores prior to resuming the voyage If any additional requirements are stipulated by authorities, these will also be provided A number of contingencies are being considered for activation following assessment of the repairs necessary including but not limited to transhipment of the cattle onto another vessel and discharge of the cattle into a registered premise while repairs are undertaken. However, if the repairs can be undertaken within a reasonable period of time, the cattle will remain on the vessel and continue to be provided with additional feed

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