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Location of SBT Core and Buffer Zones in the ETBF

The area of the Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) core and buffer zones of the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery have been reassessed for the next two week period beginning 24 June 2006. No change has been made to the zones for this period. Therefore the northern boundary of the core zone remains at 34 degrees south. The buffer zone remains between 33 and 34 degrees south.

Full details of the 2006 arrangements are also available on AFMA’s website.

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Northern Australian Fisheries Committee Workshop - How can science help the challenge of responding to IUU fishing in Northern Australia?

The Northern Australian Fisheries Committee workshop, hosted by AFMA, was held in Canberra on May 2nd 2006. The purpose of the workshop was to develop a way to deal with the problem of IUU fishing in Northern Australia, particularly in relation to mitigating the risks of potential impacts of fishing on key species. Information needs were identified to understand the impact of IUU fishing and participants agreed on projects that would address these gaps in our knowledge. 

The workshop was successful in building further cooperation between scientists and fisheries management so that a proactive approach can be taken. Collaborative projects will commence over the next two years and will include quantitative and qualitative studies to examine the catch of key species from foreign fishing vessels; understanding behaviour and targeting practices of illegal fishers; identifying species and habitats that are likely to be vulnerable to overfishing; developing models which indicate where to focus fisheries management and compliance; and management strategy evaluation to test effectiveness of management strategies and predict effective management and compliance responses for fighting illegal fishing.

For more information please contact Olivia Haine, NAFC/NAFM Secretariat on 1300 723 621.

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Farewell to the Australian Seafood Industry Council

Australian Fisheries Minister Senator Eric Abetz said he was disappointed by the recent demise of the Australian Seafood Industry Council (ASIC), and urged the Australian seafood industry to quickly move to establish a replacement, single representative body.

“It is important to remember that, over the years, ASIC did a lot of good work for the fishing and seafood industry,” the Minister said.

“For example, the organisation’s work in coordinating the various sectors of the fishing industry in the recent debate about the boundaries of the new South East Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) was especially valuable, and there is little doubt the industry wouldn’t have achieved the result it did without ASIC.

“Any industry needs a single, coherent voice if it is to effectively advocate its interests — and the fishing and seafood industry is no different.

“I urge the industry to quickly move towards establishing a new representative body, and I will do everything I can to assist the industry in this challenge.”

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Applications are now being accepted for the In-Market Experience Scholarships

An In-Market Experience Scholarship is a grant from the New Industries Development Program (NIDP).  Each scholarship of $12,500 will help managers or emerging managers of a new product, service or technology from a small-to-medium sized agribusiness work for 3 months to 1 year to:

• define opportunities for their product, service or technology       
• fully participate in alliances       
• build relationships with potential customers       
• undertake business- or sector-specific courses       
• gain experience in new areas of business and markets, and       
• seek expert advice.

Recipients develop their own program of in-market visits and research and select courses suited to their needs. Activities may include formal education, general business and sector-specific training, attendance at trade shows and conferences, as well as other in-market research and consultancies relating to commercialising new opportunities.  For more information please visit: www.daff.gov.au/nidpscholarships or phone the hotline on 1300 884 588.

Applications Close 5pm EST on Wednesday 19 July 2006.

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OBITUARY: Beverly (Bev) Dorloff

Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF) SFR holders and AFMA Management were saddened by the recent death of long term Northern Prawn fishing industry identity, Beverly (Bev) Dorloff.

Bev was one of the pioneering women of the NPF who, alongside her husband Greg, worked and raised a young family on commercial prawn trawlers in the Gulf of Carpentaria as early as the 1960s.

During her long involvement in the prawning industry, Bev devoted much of her time to furthering the interests of commercial fishermen through her roles with various fishing industry bodies, including the Queensland Commercial Fishermens Organisation and the Australian Prawn Promotion Association. The Dorloffs remained active in the NPF until their retirement in 2000.

Bev passed away on 25th May 2006 after a three month battle against cancer - deepest sympathies are extended to the Dorloff family from their many friends and colleagues in the fishing industry.

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