Volume 3, Issue 24, 22 December 2006 [see previous editions]
Shark quota SFR- Snapshot date announced
In November, AFMA announced that it would commence the grant of quota Statutory Fishing Rights (SFRs) for gummy shark, school shark, sawshark and elephant fish by setting the snap shot date on 15 December 2006 or as soon as SESSF Management Plan amendments were finalised. The Plan amendments were finalised on 20 December 2006 and AFMA has set the snap shot date as 22 December 2006.
Each operator will be eligible for the grant of 1 quota SFR for each unit of quota that they hold on 22 December 2006. Any transfers that occur after this date will not affect the SFR grant and quota units will cease to have effect after quota SFRs are granted.
SFR’s give operators in the fishery more security. The decision to grant SFR’s ends six years of uncertainty over the allocation of fishing rights for school and gummy shark after repeated legal challenges.
Copies of the new 2007 calendar showing the moon phases will be available to be distributed to operators across all Commonwealth fisheries during January. An online version is now available on AFMA’s website. |
Final shark quota case rejected
The AAT recently rejected a fisher’s claim for more school and gummy shark quota in the GHAT. This case was the last of a number of cases following the reallocation of quota in the fishery in 2004.
The applicant had previously successfully sought an AAT review of his quota allocation in 2001. In that case, the AAT agreed with the applicant that as a result of his illness it would be inappropriate to calculate his catch history from the best three years out of 1994-1997. The Tribunal decided that the years 1990-1993 should be substituted.
AFMA proceeded to allocate quota to the applicant on the basis of the new period and the applicant disputed his revised allocation in the AAT.
The Tribunal confirmed that AFMA had made the correct decision.
A copy of the decision is available at AUSTLII.
ETBF Plan Amendment – Public Comment
The period for public comment on the ETBF Plan Amendment 2007 opened on 15 December 2006. Interested persons who wish to comment in writing on the Plan Amendment can obtain a copy from AFMA’s website or by writing to AFMA at Box 7051, Canberra Business Centre, Canberra ACT 2610 or by ringing AFMA Direct 1300 723 621.
The amendment to the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery Management Plan 2005 corrects a technical error which prevents AFMA from completing the allocation process.
Written submissions on the Plan Amendment should reach AFMA by COB 24 January 2007, when the period for public comments closes.
Last AFMA Board Meeting for 2006
The last AFMA Board meeting for 2006 was held at the Sydney Fish Market on Thursday and Friday 14 and 15 December. The Board was pleased to meet with the Sydney Fish Market Board and the Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation on Thursday afternoon. The January 2007 News from the Board will detail outcomes from this meeting.
The Board farewelled the Honourable John Bennett, a Director since February 2004, who for personal reasons did not seek reappointment when current directors’ three year terms expire in February 2007. Tony Rundle, AFMA’s Chairman, thanked and congratulated Mr Bennett for bringing his wealth of expertise and experience of the law and government to the Board, and wished him well for the future.
AFMA has also been formally advised that it will become a Commission on 1 July 2008. In aligning AFMA’s governance arrangements with its current policy, the Australian Government has decided that AFMA’s responsibilities and consultative decision making model, including Management Advisory Committees and Resource Assessment Groups, will stay the same. As with the current Board, Commissioners will be selected for their experience and expertise relevant to fisheries management and public sector governance. AFMA will provide updates on its transition to a commission over the next 18 months.
AFMA Update 2006 - last edition!
This is our last edition of AFMA Update for 2006. We look forward to getting back in touch with you in January and letting you know what is in store for 2007.
Finally the Board, Executive and all staff of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.
