Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery

Research and assessment

Until recently, research in the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF) sectors focused on single species assessments of the major quota species, however there is now a focus on ecosystem based management of the species in the SESSF. The complexities of the fishery (multi-species, multiple jurisdictions and multi-sectoral), highlight the need for determining sustainable yields for each stock / group of species, understanding the interactions between species, and within the ecosystem, while maximising economic performance using economic and marketing information.

AFMA requires information gained through the early identification and implementation of appropriate targeted research for successful management of the SESSF. The considerable amount of research being conducted by a range of Commonwealth and State agencies does not necessarily address these requirements. Given the limited research funds directly available for SESSF research, a framework setting out major research needs and priorities is essential.

This framework is contained within the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark 5 Year Strategic Research Plan 2004-2009 (currently in draft form). This plan identifies major issues likely to affect the SESSF in the next five years, develops a research program to address these issues, and identifies program activities and time-lines for a range of research projects.

The Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Resource Assessment Group (SESSRAG)

Research and stock assessment in the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF) Sectors, is coordinated by the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Resource Assessment Group (SESSRAG), which replaces SESSFAG, previously known as SEFAG.

SESSRAG develops the Strategic Research Plan. SESSRAG initiates, reviews and critiques research proposals and research results where relevant to the SESSF. SESSRAG advice is considered by SETMAC , GHATMAC, GABMAC and the AFMA Commission.

SESSRAG also considers data from the Integrated Scientific Monitoring Program (ISMP). This program provides data on the level of discarding of quota and non-quota species and various other data, including the collection of otoliths. SESS RAG meets twice a year holding a planning meeting and a plenary session. The plenary session is of 2 days duration and considers each quota species based on advice from individual RAGs and other relevant information. SESS RAG also holds separate meetings to address specific issues.

SESSRAG has five smaller assessment groups reporting to it, these being ShelfRAG, SlopeRAG DeepRAG, SharkRAG and GABRAG.

Resource Assessment Groups (RAGs) comprise fishery scientists, industry members, fishery economists, management and other interest groups. The representation on the RAGs ensures that, in addition to scientific information on each fish stock, industry knowledge and developments in management strategies, market prices and the costs of harvesting are also taken into account.

RAGs operate independently from the MACs, although the two groups work closely together.

Page last updated 31 July, 2008