Volume 3, Issue 7, 27 April 2006 [see previous editions]
Cyclone Monica Dampens NPF Start
Cyclone Monica has disrupted operations in the Northern Prawn Fishery with most vessels on the eastern side of the Gulf of Carpentaria forced to move to calmer waters, mainly off Weipa and Karumba. Operators on the western side of the Gulf sought calmer waters in or near Darwin.
Most importantly, all crews and vessels are safe and with the weather clearing, fishers are hopeful that operations can begin again in earnest soon.
The Banana Prawn season began on April 15 and will run for a total of six weeks.
AFMA Board meeting 128, Lakes Entrance |
Tuna Fishers Fined For Illegal Catch
An Eastern Tuna & Billfish Fishery concession holder and two skippers have been fined for illegally landing southern bluefin tuna and shark fin in contravention of the management arrangements.
Whan & Boxsell Pty Ltd was sentenced for eight offences under Section 95(1)(d) of the FMA 1991 and received a penalty of $45,000 plus costs.
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dditionally, one of the skippers was sentenced for five offences under Section 95(1)(f) of the FMA 1991 and received a penalty of $15,000 plus costs while another was sentenced for three offences under Section 95(1)(f) of the FMA 1991 and received a penalty of $9,000 plus costs.
The offences were detected as a result of a targeted operation conducted during August 2004.
AFMA’s Legislative Objectives Amended
On 23 March 2006 several amendments to the Fisheries Management Act 1991 and the Fisheries Administration Act 1991 came into force. These amendments are contained in the Fisheries Legislation Amendment (Cooperative Fisheries Arrangements and Other Matters) Act 2006.
There are two major effects of the amendment. The first is to strengthen the legislative support for Commonwealth/State co-management of fisheries. The second, and more significant, change is to AFMA’s legislative objectives under both the Fisheries Management Act and the Fisheries Administration Act.
Beginning 23 March 2006, our Acts now contain a definition of the phrase “principles of ecologically sustainable development”, and also a clearer version of our economic efficiency objective which clarifies that AFMA is to seek to maximise the economic returns to the Australian community from the management of Australian fisheries, rather than the returns to industry or to any individual operator.
New compilations of our Acts are available which take account of the amendments. For more information go to: www.comlaw.gov.au
Tenders Open for Caretaking and Disposal of Foreign Fishing Vessels
AFMA is requesting tenders for the provision of vessel caretaking and disposal services of illegal foreign fishing vessels in Darwin, Broome, Gove and the Torres Strait.
The tender is for interim services while AFMA builds permanent burn facilities in Darwin, Broome, Gove and the Torres Strait.
The permanent facilities are being built as part of the Government’s commitment last year of $4 million for increased disposal costs with the increase of illegal foreign fishing vessels being apprehended.
For more information on the tender contact Ben Pye on (02) 6272 5063, ben.pye@afma.gov.au.
The Tender documentation is also available from the AFMA website.
New ComFRAB Research Application Process
ComFRAB has changed the way it will receive Research applications. All applications for AFMA and FRDC funding must now be submitted through the FRDC website.
Tactical Research (short term targeted research) for 2006/2007 funding
Researchers considering submitting applications for tactical research in Commonwealth Fisheries should submit a full FRDC application by 19 June 2006. To do this, Researchers should go to the website and complete the full application form.
Strategic Research (longer term research) for 2007/2008 funding onwards
Researchers considering submitting applications for strategic research in Commonwealth Fisheries should submit a short preproposal FRDC application by 19 June 2006. To do this Researchers should go to the website and complete the short preproposal application form.
Cross-Fishery Research (tactical research for 2006/2007 and strategic research 2007/2008)
Researchers should be aware that ComFRAB will be soon issuing a call for cross-fishery research proposals. The call for research will specify areas for tactical and strategic research which are generic in nature rather than being a research gap in one Commonwealth Fishery. Applications are due by 19 June 2006.
Fishery Research Gaps
AFMA’s MACs are making their own call for fishery-specific research. Researchers considering submitting applications in response to these calls for research should submit their proposals on the FRDC application form by 19 June 2006.
To do this Researchers should go to the website and complete the appropriate application form. For research proposals that are tactical in nature, researchers should complete the full application form. For research proposals that are strategic in nature, the short preproposal form should be used.
ALL research proposals must be saved into Fishnet and a copy emailed to research.secretary@afma.gov.au by 19 June 2006.
Shark fishers urged to swap anchors
National Grid is urging shark fishermen who operate in the Southern Shark Fisheries to take advantage of the Basslink anchor swap program.
National Grid is offering to replace old anchors used by shark fishermen who work in the vicinity of the cable with Bruce type anchors and associated chain. A Bruce anchor does not allow the vessel to drift and therefore lessens the risk of damage to fishing gear and to the cable.
The anchor exchange is part of the Basslink Code of Conduct for Fishing and Safe Anchoring. If you are a shark fisherman operating in this area you are eligible for a new Bruce type anchor at no cost.
Shark fishermen wishing to apply for a new Bruce anchor should contact National Grid on 1800 008 767.
The Basslink Code of Conduct for Fishing and Anchoring was developed in conjunction with the commercial and recreational fishing industry and is available from the National Grid website.
