Functions and powers

Functions

As set out in Section 7 of the Fisheries Administration Act 1991, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) has the following functions:

to devise management regimes in relation to Australian fisheries
to devise fisheries adjustment programs and fisheries restructuring programs and to manage and carry out such programs
to consult, and cooperate with, the industry and members of the public generally in relation to the activities of AFMA
to devise exploratory and feasibility programs relating to fishing and to manage and carry out such programs
to establish priorities for research relating to fisheries managed by AFMA and arrange for the undertaking of such research;
to consult, and negotiate with, foreign Government and foreign business interests in relation to access by foreign fishing vessels to Australian fisheries and Australian ports
to consult and exchange information with, and make its expertise in fisheries management available to, State, Territory or overseas bodies having functions similar to AFMA's functions
to consult other persons on the performance of AFMA
to develop Corporate and annual Operational Plans
the functions specified in Part 1 of the Fisheries Administration Act 1991, relating to reporting
as provided by an associated law:
to establish and allocate fishing rights
to establish and maintain a register of fishing rights
functions relating to plans of management
functions relating to recreational fishing
to undertake, on behalf of the Commonwealth, management responsibilities in relation to fisheries management arrangements entered into with the States and Territories
to collect, on behalf of the Commonwealth, a payment in the nature of a community return payable by persons exploiting fisheries resources
such other functions conferred on AFMA by or under associated laws.

Powers

AFMA has wide-ranging powers set out in Section 8 of the Fisheries Administration Act 1991. Under the legislation AFMA may:

enter into agreements and contracts
acquire, hold and dispose of real and personal property
collection information and data relevant to the management of fisheries
charge such fees and impose such charges as are reasonable in respect of work done, services provided or information given by the Authority
accept gifts, grants, bequests and devises made to it, and act as trustee of money or other property vested in it on trust
do anything incidental to any of its powers.

Page last updated 6 May, 2008