Volume 3, Issue 3, 14 February 2006
Eastern Tuna Plan implementation on hold for buy-back
AFMA is deferring the grant of SFRs under the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery Management Plan 2005, until further information is released on the Australian Government’s fishing concession voluntary surrender process.
This is because the process could see the number of permits in the fishery reduced and a change to the number of permits in the fishery could affect the number of SFRs the remaining permit holders would receive.
Under the Management Plan you must have held an ETBF permit on 30 November 2002 to be eligible for a grant of SFRs. If you purchased an ETBF permit after 30 November 2002 you will not be eligible for a grant of SFRs based on that permit. AFMA recommends that you seek relevant professional advice before entering into any permit sale.
THIS EDITION... |
Eastern Tuna Plan |
On 16 December 2005 the AFMA Board re-instated the 10 per cent overcatch for gummy shark, school shark, elephant shark and saw shark for the end of the 2005 season. The Board had previously decided to set the overcatch at 0 per cent to allow for the grant of quota SFRs. However, due to continued litigation, shark quota SFRs were not granted in 2005. |
AFMA Board Meeting: |
Western Tuna plan on track!
The Management Plan for the Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery is progressing well with the SFR allocation process underway. AFMA is on track to have SFRs issued by 1 July 2006 although this will depend on the number of appeals received and how long it takes to resolve them.
In the WTBF, the granting of SFRs is based on the permits held on 30 November 2005. If you purchased a WTBF permit after 30 November 2005 you will not be eligible for a grant of SFRs based on that permit. AFMA recommends that you seek relevant professional advice before entering into any permit sale.
Change to AFMA Request for Tender, RFT F2005/0970
AFMA recently released details of a Request for Tender, RFT F2005/0970 for the sale of Patagonian toothfish and bait fish. As per the document’s terms and conditions, a change has been made to Section 2.2.4(b) of the RFT.
AFMA has provided notice of the change on our website. Tenderers should regularly refer to this website for advice on whether any change has been made to this RFT. For further information please contact Shalan Bray at AFMA on (02) 6272 5785 or email toothfishtender@afma.gov.au.
New Ministerial appointment for Fisheries
On Friday 27 January 2006, Senator the Hon Eric Abetz was sworn in as Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, replacing outgoing Minister, Senator the Hon Ian Macdonald.
Senator Eric Abetz’s Fisheries portfolio responsibilities include:
• Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA)
• Domestic fisheries policy - resource sharing, Offshore Constitutional Settlement, Torres Strait Protected Zone Joint Authority, Recreational Fishing Grants Programme
• International fisheries policy - regional fisheries management organisations, illegal fishing
• High Seas Ministerial Taskforce (Member)
• Fisheries RDC
• Australian Fisheries and Seafood Forum (Chairman)
For further information on Senator Eric Abetz please visit his website at www.mffc.gov.au.
Don't forget your catch disposal record!
Eastern Tuna and Billfish and Fishery operators are reminded that they are required to complete a Catch Disposal Record (CDR) for all species landed at the end of each fishing trip. As well as completing a CDR, operators must lodge a ‘prior to landing’ report via VMS to swordfish@afma.gov.au or by fax on (02) 6272 5426 at least 2 hours prior to the boat mooring or anchoring at port.
Failure to comply with these conditions on your fishing permit may result in compliance action. For any further information please call Brendan Kearney on AFMA Direct 1300 723 621 or email brendan.kearney@afma.gov.au.
Out and about in the ETBF
The Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery Manager Graham Rudd and Liaison Officer Alex Lynch will be undertaking a series of port visits to fishers and fish receivers in the Fishery explaining the catch monitoring program and the broadbill swordfish management arrangements. The following dates have been set aside:
20 – 24 February – Eden through to Sydney
27 February – 3 March – Port Stephens through to Mooloolaba
For further information on these visits, please contact Graham Rudd on AFMA Direct 1300 723 621 or email graham.rudd@afma.gov.au.
