Environment and sustainability

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) is strongly committed to the conservation of marine ecosystems and biodiversity by promoting the sustainable use of our fisheries resources.

AFMA aims not only for healthy fish stocks, but to manage fishing in a way that takes into account effects on the broader marine environment. Through a number of policies and fishery specific management arrangements we ensure that licensed fishers take appropriate steps to minimise their impact on the ecosystem.

We have established a framework to ensure that obligations in relation to the marine environment are met. In the process we consult with experts for strategic advice on environmental issues. These experts include conservation members on fishery Management Advisory Committees (MACs) and a specialised AFMA Environment Committee.
 
While most AFMA staff members have a part to play in the aspects of management which relate to marine conservation, we also have an Environment Section that deals specifically with environmental issues. Below are some of the main areas that the Environment Section is involved in.

• Ecological Risk Management
  
• Strategic assessments
• Bycatch and Discarding
• Protected Species
• Climate Change
  
• Sharing the ocean with other users
  
• Marine Protected Areas
  
• Marine Bioregional Planning
  

Page last updated 31 May, 2010