Vol 3, Issue 09, 25 May 2006 [see previous editions]
Banana Prawn Season extended
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) has announced it will extend the Banana prawn season to 10 June 2006.
AFMA’s Managing Director, Richard McLoughlin, said the two-week extension was recommended by the Northern Prawn Management Advisory Committee, which includes industry, scientific and management representatives.
“AFMA is firmly committed to co-management of our fisheries and this decision to extend the season follows a recommendation from our advisory body as well as supporting scientific advice,” he said.
“The scientific advice has confirmed the season extension will not affect the sustainability of the fishery. The extension is also supported by evidence suggesting good catch-rates in the fishery during the first season.
“Some operators were also forced to suspend fishing operations while Cyclone Monica passed over the Gulf of Carpentaria and this decision will allow them to make up for lost fishing time.
“With this extension, all current management measures will continue. These measures include the protection of sensitive areas and fragile ecosystems, areas of high juvenile Tiger prawn abundance and devices to reduce bycatch,” he said.
Shelf Resource Assessment Group (SHAG) meeting
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Business made easier for shark fishers
AFMA has announced a decision that will allow over 100 shark fishers greater freedom in managing their quota holdings and their businesses.
The decision gives shark fishers in the Commonwealth Southern and Eastern Shark and Scalefish Fishery the ability to buy and sell variable amounts of their quota rather than the whole package they own.
This will take effect from 1 June 2006, and has been made possible because of the resolution of legal challenges to the formula used to allocate school and gummy shark quota.
AFMA’s Managing Director, Richard McLoughlin, said AFMA is pleased the existing allocation formula appeals are over and fishers can get on with the job of managing their business without the constraints of the past few years.
“The allocation of school and gummy shark quota has been subject to continued litigation since it was introduced in 2001. As a result, shark fishers were required to buy and sell their whole quota holding. This meant businesses with large quota holdings were finding it difficult to find buyers.
“With operators now able to buy and sell variable amounts of shark quota freely, they will be able to finally enjoy the full benefits of quota management.
“Under the fishery’s management plan, AFMA grants statutory fishing rights to operators. These rights provide operators the equivalent of a ‘share’ in the fishery. Following today’s announcement, we expect a decision to commence the process of granting statutory fishing rights later this year.
“AFMA, and the clear majority of fishers, are keen to get on with the job of ensuring a secure and sustainable future for fishers and the fishery,” he said.
‘Trigger limits’ set for Broadbill Swordfish
Broadbill swordfish is under a competitive TAC for 2006. In managing this TAC, trigger limits have been set that apply to the total catch of broadbill for a specified period of time.
If this trigger limit is reached within a specified period, all operators will be subject to a 10 fish bycatch limit. To help fishers plan activities, information on the catch against the trigger limit is now available on the AFMA website and is updated weekly.
NPF operators reminded to complete gear sheets
AFMA would like to remind all NPF operators to complete the gear, TEDs and BRDs sheets in their logbooks.
Operators are required to complete one 'TEDs and BRDs' and one 'Gear and Contact Details' sheet at the beginning of each season and all fields must be completed.
It is very important for AFMA to have up-to-date information on vessels, for example for input into the stock assessments.
If you do not have a current logbook (Northern and Torres Strait Prawn Fisheries Daily Fishing Log NP14), please contact Narelle Williams on 1300 723 621.
Got a research idea?
The Commonwealth Fisheries Research Advisory Body (ComFRAB) has sent out its 2006 call for research applications. Applications are sought for cross-fishery research addressing the following four areas:
- Monitoring
- Spatial management, harvest strategies and bio-economic modelling
- TAC/ITQ management and boat SFRs
- Administrative efficiency
Interested researchers are encouraged to visit the reaserch area on the AFMA website for more information.
Adjustment package update: Advice from DAFF
The Request for Tender for Business Exit Assistance closes on 8 June 2006.
Interested fishers should forward their tenders and applications for Business Advice Assistance to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
The Australian Taxation Office has also recently released a Class Ruling (CR2006/42), which provides fishers some certainty as to how payments made under the Business Exit Assistance, Boat Scrapping Incentive and Business Advice Assistance will be treated by the ATO.
It is expected that further details on Onshore Business Assistance and Fishing Community Assistance will shortly be made available.
Find out more about the levies subsidy and other aspects of the Securing our Fishing Future package, as well as links to the ATO Class Ruling on the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website (www.daff.gov.au/fishingfuture) or call the Helpdesk on 1800 617 866.
