Inspection shows prawn fishers operating responsibly

Last updated 24 May 2012

A number of AFMA inspections of Northern Prawn Fishery vessels have found compliance levels to be excellent with only minor breaches detected.

In May 2012 AFMA officers conducted 15 inspections on vessels operating in the Northern Prawn Fishery in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

AFMA fisheries compliance officers and AFMA fisheries managers had attended pre-season industry briefings to provide information on compliance issues for the forthcoming season and raise awareness amongst operators about their obligations while fishing.

The briefings provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the rules and AFMA fisheries officers believe this has contributed to the positive compliance results in the fishery.

AFMA General Manager Operations Peter Venslovas said that AFMA was pleased to see the good results.

“High compliance levels like those seen recently in the Northern Prawn Fishery indicate that the industry is operating responsibly,” Mr Venslovas said.

At sea inspections are random and an important compliance tool to ensure operators are working within the fisheries management regulations, AFMA fisheries officers will look to conduct similar inspections during the tiger prawn season which is due to commence on 1 August 2012.

The Northern Prawn Fishery is located off Australia’s northern coast, and extends from the low water mark to the outer edge of the Australian fishing zone (AFZ) in the area between Cape York in Queensland and Cape Londonderry in Western Australia.

There are currently 52 vessels operating within the fishery targeting nine commercial species of prawns including white banana, red-legged banana, brown tiger, grooved tiger, blue endeavour, and red endeavour. Scampi, squid, scallops and bugs are also taken and landed.

For further information please contact Gavin Lovelock, A/g Manager National Compliance Operations on 08 8943 0380 or gavin.lovelock@afma.gov.au.