Volume 4, Issue 19, 26 September 2007 [see previous editions]
Popeye Fishboxes
News from the Northern Prawn Fishery this week indicates a number of boats will be running a trial of the ‘popeye fishbox’ over the next month or so.
The popeye fishbox has been designed to create a turbulent back-current of water flow which is thought to attract fish trying to escape the net because they instinctively seek areas of low water flow. Once fish gather near the back-current they are able to escape through a rigid framed opening in the net.
AFMA now has a report and DVD on the flume tank testing of the fishbox by-catch reduction device enhancer. This report can be obtained from AFMA. Copies have been sent to all NPF vessels via their mother boat.
Public Meeting Hobart
AFMA’s responsibilities are set out in the Fisheries Administration Act 1991 (FAA) and include the responsibility to hold a formal public meeting at least annually.
Each year at a different location, AFMA invites members of the public and the broader fishing community to join the Board for a Public Meeting.
This meeting is AFMA’s main forum to report on its performance over the preceding year and to discuss key issues and challenges for the coming year.
The 2007 AFMA Public Meeting is:
Date:
Monday 29 October 2007
Time:
11.00 am to 12.00 noon
Location:
Harbour View Room Two,
HOTEL GRAND CHANCELLOR,
1 Davey Street, Hobart
Southern Bluefin Tuna zones in the ETBF
AFMA reviews the location of Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) zones for the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery every two weeks.
The location of the zones for the fortnight beginning midnight 26 September 2007 will be available on AFMA’s website from midday today.
Maps and other information about minimum quota holdings and observer coverage are also available on the website, or by calling Wez Norris on (02) 6225 5312 or 1300 723 621.
A sea of prawns
A report by the Northern Prawn Fishery Resource Assessment Group (NPRAG) into the stock assessment of the Northern Prawn Fishery shows the recovery of two species of tiger prawns in the area.
Chairman, Tony Rundle said, ‘This is a great example of how industry, researchers and conservationists can work together over a five year period to achieve great results in managing a fishery’.
The stock assessment shows both species being either at or above maximum sustainable yield.
A copy of the Northern Prawn Resource Assessment Group report is available on AFMA's website
Papua New Guinea/Australia Bilateral meeting
The Papua New Guinea/Australia Bilateral meeting will be held in Port Moresby 2-3 October 2007 just before the Torres Strait Rock Lobster Fishery Resource Assessment Group (RAG) meeting which will be held in Port Moresby 4-5 October 2007.
