The Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery at a glance

The Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery (ETBF) extends from Cape York, Queensland, to the South Australian/Victorian border.

Fishing occurs in both the Australian fishing zone (AFZ) and adjacent high seas.

Major ports used by the fleet include Cairns, Mooloolaba, Coffs Harbour, various south coast New South Wales ports and Hobart.

At a glance
Principal species	Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), bigeye tuna (T. obesus) albacore tuna (T. alalunga); broadbill swordfish (Xaphias gladius - longline and minor line) and Striped Marlin (Tetrapturus audax)
Fishing techniques	Pelagic longline, minor line (handline, troll, rod and reel)
No. concessions at March 2008	115 longline permits and 44 minor line only permits
No. of active vessels in 2007	72
Estimated Catch and Value for 2006-2007	Yellowfin tuna 1,656 t ($A 10.45 million); Broadbill Swordfish 809 t ($A 4.77 million); Striped Marlin 267 t ($A 1.27 million); Bigeye tuna 588 t ($A 4.46 million); Albacore tuna 2,805 t ($A 5.89 million) Total – 5,217 t ($A 26.8 million)
Main Markets	Fresh product - Domestic, Japan, United States. Canneries in Samoa, Thailand and Indonesia (Albacore)
Stock Status	Stock assessments are conducted on the broader region (Western and Central Pacific Ocean) Yellowfin and Bigeye – overfishing occurring but not yet overfished Striped marlin and Broadbill swordfish – uncertain Albacore - underfished
Management Plan	In October 2005 the ETBF Management Plan was accepted. AFMA is working towards the allocation of SFRs.
Management Method	Under the new Management Plan, input controls, in the form of restrictions on the number of hooks that can be used, are the primary management tool. These controls can be complemented by a range of other tools, including (but not limited to) spatial management and trip limits on certain species.
Consultative Mechanism	The Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery Management Advisory Committee (ETMAC) is the principal forum in which issues relating to the management of the ETBF are discussed. The MAC has several sub-committees including the Resource Assessment Group and Research, Review and Recommendations Committee.
International Management	Australia is a member of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission and participates in meetings as part of the Pacific Forum Fisheries Agency.
Bycatch Action Plan	AFMA is currently developing new Bycatch Action Plans (BAPs) in the form of succinct work plans for key fisheries, including the ETBF. It will set out management responses to high ecological risks, including impacts on Threatened, Endangered and Protected (TEP) species, and discarding of target species over the period 2008-2010. This will be available early 2008.
Major management issues over the next 12 months	Management of rapidly expanding albacore sector Seabird mitigation Implementation of the Management Plan Ongoing implementation of Ministerial Direction
Long term strategic management issues	Influence WCPFC deliberations to ensure regional sustainability Defining reference points for the fishery for inclusion in Harvest Strategies Consider the economic status of the fishery and the factors affecting the economic climate.
Contact Officer	Trent Timmiss Manager, ETBF Telephone: (02) 6225 5313 Facsimile: (02) 6225 5439 Email:

Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery

At a glance