Volume 4, Issue 2, 2 February 2007 [see previous editions]
Fishery Status Reports support decisive Australian Government action
The 2005 Fishery Status Reports support the decisive action taken by the Australian Government to end overfishing and recover overfished stocks under the $220m Securing our Fishing Future package. The Reports are produced annually by the Bureau of Rural Sciences, and provide an independent review of the status of commercial fisheries managed by the Australian Government.
Australian Minister for Fisheries and Conservation, Senator Eric Abetz stated that Commonwealth-managed fish stocks are the basis of a fishing industry worth many hundreds of millions of dollars and provide high-quality seafood products to the domestic and export markets, and we are determined to make sure of their long-term sustainability.
Around 160 species of fish are regularly landed from Australia’s Commonwealth managed fisheries. The 2005 Reports show that of the 83 species assessed in that year, 24 are classified as overfished and/or subject to overfishing, up from 17 the previous year.
Senator Abetz highlighted that since the period covered by these reports, through the $220 m Securing our Fishing Future package, over 550 fishing concessions have been removed from Commonwealth fisheries through a $148m voluntary buyback. There have also been cuts to total allowable catches and fishing effort in fisheries subject to overfishing in line with scientific advice, and the provision of an additional $6m to improve science, compliance and data collection across Commonwealth fisheries.
A full copy of the Fishery Status Reports can be found at www.affa.gov.au/statusreports
Gummy and school shark survey
Fishery managers, scientists and shark fishers are joining forces to conduct one of the largest-ever surveys of gummy and school shark stocks in the Bass Strait and Commonwealth waters off South Australia.
The survey is being conducted by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), with scientists from the Department of Primary Industries and Research Victoria (PIRVic) and shark fishers working together to survey gummy and school shark stocks. The results of the survey will help AFMA and shark fishers to ensure the sustainability of both species.
The project is being led by one of Australia’s leading shark researchers, Terry Walker from PIRVic and special 4,5,7 and 8 inch mesh has been brought in from overseas and is currently being made into gillnets by local San Remo net makers.
The Shark Resource Assessment Group will meet in Queenscliff on 19-20 February to consider the criteria for vessels to operate in the survey. Fishing is expected to commence soon after with scientists and commercial shark fishers heading out to sea to begin collecting catch and fishing effort information.
Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery- Attention permit holders
Permit holders in the Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery recently received a letter outlining decisions of the AFMA Board in relation to management arrangements for Longtail tuna, shark by-catch arrangements for high seas operations and at-sea processing arrangements for tuna and tuna-like species.
If you wish to apply to have your fishing permit conditions amended to reflect these new arrangements, you must apply in writing to AFMA Licensing and Quota Management. There is a $300 fee to assess and amend each permit, but you may apply to have more than one amendment made in your application (i.e. you may apply for the new shark by-catch arrangements and the at-sea processing arrangements on the one permit for $300). The form is available on AFMA’s website.
2006-07 Levies
The issuing of levies for 2006-07 has been delayed, however AFMA is working hard to finalise the levies for concession holders and expect to have all outstanding levy invoices issued within the next 2-3 weeks. Those concession holders who have tendered concessions and been accepted in the Government’s Structural Adjustment Package will be accorded a high priority.
New domestic compliance program
Following the recent review of AFMA’s domestic compliance arrangements, the AFMA Board has agreed to adopt a new compliance program for Commonwealth domestic fisheries. The new program will become effective from 1 July 2007.
Service providers and MACs have been notified of the changes that include the creation of a proactive Compliance Risk Management Team (CRMT) that will target major compliance risks. These amendments are being financed by reallocating existing resources. A number of administrative changes will also be implemented including a single risk assessment for all fisheries, legislative reform and greater use of administrative sanctions for minor offences that would normally result in court action.
Input into the risk assessments is currently being sought from MACs through fishery specific risk assessment templates. Compliance would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and input during the review as AFMA seeks to develop a more effective and efficient compliance program.
If you have any queries or issues regarding the implementation of the review please contact Shalan Bray, Senior Compliance Planning Officer on (02) 6225 5383 or by email shalan.bray@afma.gov.au
