AFMA turns 20 years old

16 February 2012

On 3 February the Australian Fisheries Management Authority marked its 20th birthday.

In 1992 the authority keenly set out to protect Australia’s fishing future. AFMA focus was and is to ensure Commonwealth fisheries are managed efficiently and cost effectively in a way that takes into account the impact of fishing activities and encourages ecologically sustainable development.

Over the last 20 years AFMA has developed a good working relationship with commercial fishing industry, researchers, environment/conservation organisations, recreational fishing and Indigenous interests and other government agencies.

Managing Australia’s Commonwealth fisheries, enforcing compliance both domestically and preventing and enforcing illegal foreign fishing in the Australian Fishing Zone has proven challenging indeed.  The authority has many achievements over its lifetime and key amongst them has been pursuing the 1989 Policy Statement commitment of implementing quota management in Commonwealth fisheries.

During 2012, AFMA Update will showcase stories about AFMA events and achievements over the past 20 years.

For more information please contact Ryan Murphy, Executive Secretary on 02 6225 5576 or email ryan.murphy@afma.gov.au.

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