Volume 4, Issue 10, 15 May 2007 [see previous editions]
Statutory Fishing Rights a step closer for ETBF – Register Now!!
The Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery Management Plan 2005 has now been amended which means AFMA can commence the first step in the process of granting Statutory Fishing Rights (SFR’s) in the fishery.
SFR’s give eligible fishers greater security than the current system of fishing permits, which are issued by AFMA on an annual basis, as fishers own this right for the life of the management plan. The result for fishers will be secure access to the fishery through transferable rights allocated as a portion of the total allowable fishing effort. SFR’s can also be traded between operators.
This first step in this process requires eligible persons to register with AFMA on the approved form by 12 June 2007. Applications received after that date or not on the prescribed form cannot be accepted. To ensure the process can be completed quickly, AFMA encourages stakeholders to submit their application forms as soon as possible.
Copies of the Original Plan, the Plan Amendment, the Explanatory Statement which accompanied the Plan Amendment and the application form are available on the AFMA website. If you are registering as an eligible person, it is essential that you consider both the Original Plan and the Plan Amendment.
For further information contact Margot Sachse Manager Quota Management 02 6225 5424.
The next meeting of the AFMA Board will be held today and tomorrow in Melbourne. Commonwealth licence holders based in the area are invited to join AFMA Directors at 5.30pm- 6.30pm this evening for light refreshments at the Mercure Hotel, 13 Spring Street, Melbourne. Please let us know if you would like to come along by calling AFMA Direct 1300 723 621 or email milica.milanja@afma.gov.au |
NPF Banana Prawn season extended
The NPF banana prawn season will be extended by two weeks after the fishery met a pre-agreed catch target for the 4th fishing week. As a result of exceeding the target, the fishery will now be extended until the 2nd of June 2007 with the potential for another extension if catch rates remain high.
AFMA Chairman gets his sea legs!
AFMA Chair Tony Rundle recently visited with fishers in the Northern Prawn Fishery for the start of the busy banana brawn season, spending a week on board prawn trawlers Dampier Pearl and Kodiac T learning first hand about the realities out on the water.
“The fishing industry is a challenging business and AFMA is working hard to ensure we understand the pressures fishermen are facing. By understanding the needs of the guys who are out on the water, earning their living, we can be better fisheries managers.” said Mr Rundle.
Native Title claim for the inter-tidal zone of Blue Mud Bay
Northern Prawn Fishery Statutory Fishing Right (SFR) holders have been notified of a recent decision by the Federal Court which recognises a Native Title claim over the inter-tidal zone of Blue Mud Bay in East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. On 2 March 2007, it granted traditional owners exclusive rights to inter-tidal zones in areas of Blue Mud Bay. This now means that traditional owners have the right to control access to these areas.
Traditional owners have put in place temporary fishing arrangements so fishing can continue as usual. For this reason, anyone wishing to enter inter-tidal waters overlying Aboriginal land will now require a temporary fishing licence and permit, issued by the Northern Land Council. There will be no fee to apply for the temporary fishing licence and permit, and it will only need to be applied for once. Licence conditions apply.
For further information, contact the Northern Land Council on 1800 645 299 or http://www.nlc.org.au.
Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery – Sydney port visit
AFMA staff will be conducting a port visit to discuss management arrangements for upcoming SBT core and buffer zones on the east coast.
ETBF operators are invited to attend on 23 May from 11am to 2pm at Sydney Fish Markets.
Key issues for discussion will include observer requirements when operating in the zones, decision making processes, and cost-effective ways of implementing the zones. A discussion paper on management arrangements for the zones will soon be available on AFMA’s website.
Australian Government Protects Grey Nurse Sharks
A new marine reserve at the Cod Grounds in Commonwealth waters off the northern New South Wales coast will help the survival of the critically endangered grey nurse shark.
The Cod Grounds Commonwealth Marine reserve, off the coast of Laurieton, has been established by the Australian Government. The 300 hectare Reserve will protect prime habitat for grey nurse shark at this important aggregation site.
The Australian Government is in the process of buying out the licences of several commercial fishermen who have a history at the Cod Grounds. Adjustment assistance will also be considered for fishing cooperatives impacted by the buy-out
Further details of management arrangements, as well as maps and grid references, are available on the Department of the Environment and Water Resources website.
