Volume 2, Issue 21, 21 October 2005
New Tuna and Billfish management plans unveiled
AFMA has prepared two new management plans for Australian Tuna and Billfish fisheries – the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery Management Plan 2005, and the Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery Management Plan 2005.
The management plans provide secure access rights to these fisheries. The Minister for Fisheries, Senator Ian Macdonald accepted these plans on 12 October 2005 and AFMA will now proceed with the allocation of statutory fishing rights (SFRs) under the plans.
AFMA will shortly be writing to all ETBF and WTBF permit holders informing them of how the allocation process will proceed and their rights and obligations. For further information on these plans, please contact Edward Ho-Shon on (02) 6272 4025 or email edward.ho-shon@afma.gov.au.
THIS EDITION... |
Tuna and billfish plans |
AFMA relies on the services of fisheries officers in the States and Northern Territory to conduct Commonwealth fisheries compliance activities on its behalf via service level agreements (SLA’s). AFMA’s annual SLA workshop with all State and Northern Territory fisheries officers is scheduled for 10-11 November 2005. The purpose of the workshop is to engage with fisheries officers and stakeholders in the preparation of risk assessments and to develop fishery specific priorities and strategies for the coming year. |
AFMA Compliance Service Level Agreement Workshop: 10-11 November, Canberra For more details and agenda papers for upcoming MAC meetings, please check our website. |
Removal of Southern bluefin tuna core and buffer zones
Be advised that due to the fact there is a very low risk that significant non quota catch of Southern bluefin tuna will occur in the southern area of the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery; a decision has been made to remove the core and buffer zones. This decision will be effective from 00:01am on 22 October 2005.
Request for expressions of interest for the provision of Executive Officers services
AFMA is seeking expressions of interest from persons or companies to provide administrative and secretariat support as the Executive Officer to the Gillnet, Hook and Trap Management Advisory Committee or the Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery Management Advisory Committee.
The appointment of both MAC Executive Officers will be for a period of three years commencing 1 December 2005. For the expression of interest documentation please visit our website or for further details see the Austender website.
Government/seafood industry plan for the long term
A recent statement by Minister for Fisheries, Senator Ian Macdonald will improve the long term profitability and viability Australia’s multi-million dollar seafood industry. Senator Ian Macdonald, and Federal Member for Eden Monaro Gary Nairn, announced a $480,000 contribution by the Australian Government to boost the industry last month in Eden while meeting with fishers. The new project will come from the $15 million, Industry Partnerships Programme, part of the Agriculture - Advancing Australia (AAA) package.
"The Seafood Industry Partnership project will focus on three Commonwealth-managed fisheries - the Eastern Tuna and Billfish, the South East Trawl and the Gillnet, Hook and Trap fisheries," Senator Macdonald said.
The project would help the industry better take advantage of its position in the global marketplace and, perhaps more importantly, help it develop the strategies needed to quickly respond to the opportunities and challenges ahead," Senator Macdonald said.
Trial of new forms has commenced
In September, AFMA staff met with industry members in Eden NSW to discuss a new design of forms for transfer/leasing, logbooks, communication between AFMA staff and its stakeholders and the new online services available to assist in the information we provide. A trial period for the new licensing forms has commenced with various members of industry participating in their use. AFMA will incorporate any suggestions on the new forms at the completion of the trial and a final version should be available for use in 2006.
Call for comment on draft assessment reports
AFMA invites comments/submissions on the draft assessment reports for the Torres Strait Trochus Fishery and Informally Managed Purse Seine Permits. To access copies of the draft assessment reports please visit our website or phone Mr Jim Prescott, Torres Strait Trochus Fishery on (07) 4069 1307 or Ms Cate Coddington, Informally Managed Purse Seine on (02) 6272 4208. Comments can be sent to:
Cate Coddington
Australian Fisheries Management Authority
PO Box 7051
Canberra BC ACT 2610
Email: cate.coddington@afma.gov.au
Fax: (02) 6272 5167.
The period for public comment closes on 17 November 2005.
Draft National Seal Strategy to Address Interactions between Humans and Seals: Fisheries, Aquaculture and Tourism
In addition, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has released the draft National Seal Strategy to Address Interactions between Humans and Seals: Fisheries, Aquaculture and Tourism, for public comment.
To access copies of the strategy please visit the DAFF website or phone (02) 6272 3612. Comments can be sent to:
Fisheries Environment
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
GPO Box 858
Canberra ACT 260
Email: fisheries@daff.gov.au
Fax: (02) 6272 4215.
The period for public comment closes on 24 February 2006.
Ecosystem based fisheries management message spread at Queensland conference
In September, AFMA environment policy section staff attended the Queensland Conservation Conference on Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management (EBFM), focusing on the use of ecological risk assessments and spatial management to achieve EBFM. Participants from conservation, non-Government organisations, scientific institutions and State and Commonwealth management agencies were very interested in AFMA’s EBFM message. Topics discussed at the conference included sustainable fisheries, marine conservation issues, coastal development, community driven conservation and building resilience to disturbance in ecosystems.
