Vol 3, Issue 16, 15 September 2006 [see previous editions]
Over 400 fishing concessions bought back
Tenderers for the Business Exit Assistance component of the Australian Government’s $220 million Securing our Fishing Future package will soon receive letters in the mail notifying them of the outcome of their bids.
Australian Fisheries and Conservation Minister, Senator Eric Abetz, said today’s announcement will ensure that the fishing industry will have a more profitable and sustainable future.
“Around $90 million will be used to purchase over 400 fishing concessions as part of the Government’s Securing our Fishing Future package”, the Minister said.
The Minister said that he was delighted to announce a satisfying result for the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery, and the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery.
Almost 100 Longline permits will be surrendered from the tuna fishery, and over 140 Boat Statutory Fishing Rights (SFRs) from the scalefish and shark fishery.
Approximately 30% of all Scalefish Hook and Shark Hook Boat (SFRs), and close to 50% of all Trawl Boat SFRs will be removed from the SESSF over the coming months. Approximately 100 minor line permits will also be surrendered in the ETBF.
“Coupled with AFMA’s new management arrangements, this will help ensure a more profitable and sustainable future for the fishing industry,” said Senator Abetz.
“Unfortunately, the tenders offered in the Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery and The Northern Prawn Fishery were generally not considered by the Evaluation Panel* to be value for money and very few offers were accepted in these fisheries. “
As a result, the Government will open a second round of the Business Exit Assistance component from Thursday, 19 October 2006 to give operators in these fisheries another opportunity to tender their concessions. Fishers will have five weeks to tender.
“All Commonwealth concession holders, except those in internationally and jointly managed fisheries, will also be eligible to apply, with the $1,500 Business Advice Assistance available to those who have not previously received reimbursement for professional advice”, he said.
*The Evaluation Panel included a non-Departmental independent fishing industry expert For more information contact the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on 1800 617 866.
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SESSF August quota reconciliation reminder
SESSF concession holders are reminded that they must cover all of their over quota catches taken up to 31 August against their quota holdings by 28 September 2006.
This must be done by either leasing in quota to cover their over quota catches and/or advising AFMA of any discrepancies in time to ensure that they can reconcile by 28 September. It is the responsibility of concession holders to ensure they are not in an over quota position at any time by carefully monitoring their catch against held quota.
Concession holders are reminded that QuotaView is available to assist them in monitoring their catch and quota position and they are encouraged to use this facility as well as keeping their own records. Industry is also encouraged to make sure they submit their leases to AFMA early to avoid any complications.
AFMA recently sent out a Quota Transaction Statement (QTS) package to all SESSF concession holders detailing their quota holdings as of the statement date.
If you haven’t received your QTS package or have any queries regarding covering you SESSF over quota catch, please contact: Brendan Kearney or Ben Munstermann, Licensing & Quota Management Officers, on 1300 723 621. Or email brendan.kearney@afma.gov.au or ben.munstermann@afma.gov.au.
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 has been reassessed for the two week period beginning 13 September 2006. The core zone is all waters south of 34° South. The buffer zone is all waters between 30°30’ South and 34° South. Full details and updates on SBT zones can be found on AFMA’s website.
2007 SESSF TAC process underway
AFMA Management has advised MACs of their interpretation of the 2006 stock assessments and suggested catch limits for the 2007 fishing year. All SESSF MACs will consider the suggested TACs at the Joint-MAC meeting to be held next week on 19-21 September.
The AFMA Board will consider the advice from the Joint-MACs at their meeting on 18-20 October. The Board’s decision on the 2007 TAC’s will be announced after that meeting.
Research Catch and Effort Allowance Policy
AFMA’s Research catch and effort allowance policy was agreed by the Board in August 2006 and sets out the processes AFMA employs for setting and managing research catch and effort allowance for research projects.
The policy should be read in conjunction with AFMA’s Guidelines for categorising research costs in accordance with the Cost Recovery Impact Statement. This policy is available on the AFMA website.
