‘Bumper’ banana prawn season draws to a close

After a two-week extension due to good catch rates, the banana prawn season in the Northern Prawn Fishery will close on 2 June.

There was potential to extend the season for a further two weeks if catches remained high during the 6th week of the season.

Typically, with banana prawn catches, the catch rate decreased significantly over the last two weeks with the resultant average catch per vessel per day not meeting the required trigger of 500kg/vessel/day to extend.

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ETBF fishers, don’t miss out on your SFRs!

All Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery fishers are reminded that the first step in the process of granting Statutory Fishing Rights (SFRs) in the fishery has commenced. All eligible persons must 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.

Did you fish for tuna on the high seas off the east coast of Australia using minor line before 10 December 2001?

If so, you need to know that the form for your application to be registered as eligible for the grant of SFRs in the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery has changed.

You can get the new form by either downloading it from AFMA website at www.afma.gov.au/fisheries/tuna/etbf/notices/

For further information contact Margot Sachse, Manager, Quota Management on (02) 6225 5424 or 1300 723 621.

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New licensing database for SESSF

The much anticipated new licensing database for the SESSF became operational on Friday 18 May 2007.  The new 'Pisces' database will provide a more reliable and effective licensing and quota management system and enable AFMA to offer internet-based services over the next few years.

The commencement follows extensive testing over the last three weeks. The testing of the new 'Pisces' system in parallel with the old 'Clients 2' system, has shown the new system to be more efficient and reliable.

For more information, please contact Michelle Wilson on (02) 6225 5358 or 1300 723 621.

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CDR trial in the Small Pelagic Fishery starts 1 July 2007

Following consultation with the Small Pelagic Fishery (SPF) Management Advisory Committee, AFMA, in preparation for the introduction of a statutory management plan in the SPF, will commence the trial of Catch Disposal Records (CDRs) in the SPF starting from 1 July 2007. The trial is being undertaken to ensure that any issues are resolved before SFRs are granted under a management plan.

When the SFRs come into effect, it will be a condition of those SFRs that a CDR must be completed for each unload. For the trial period, it will be imposed on SPF concession holders as a permit condition.

AFMA will be sending a letter to all active and non-active concession holders in the SPF detailing their requirements under the CDR trial.

If you have any questions regarding these requirements, please contact Mr Ben Munstermann, Licensing & Quota Management Officer, on AFMA Direct 1300 723 621.

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Buying a sat phone? — don’t forget the Government subsidy!

Fishers may be able to receive a significant subsidy on the purchase of a satellite mobile phone thanks to the Australian Government’s Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme, which operates until June 2009.

The Satellite Phone Subsidy Scheme offers support to those living or working in areas that are beyond mobile coverage, including maritime users, by allowing them to receive a subsidy of up to $1200 towards the purchase of a satellite mobile phone (reducing to $1100 on 1 July 2007).

Applicants must first apply and, if approved, can then purchase their phone through a dealer registered under the scheme. The price paid for the phone will be reduced by the amount of the subsidy, and the dealer is then reimbursed for the subsidy amount by the Australian Government.

The subsidy reduces the purchase price of a satellite phone only, and does not cover any ongoing charges or accessories. For more information, to find a registered dealer, or to apply, please visit www.dcita.gov.au/satphone, phone 1800 674 058 (free call from a fixed phone) or email satphone@dcita.gov.au.

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