Volume 4, Issue 20, 9 October 2007 [see previous editions]
Drum monitor trials begin in the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery
Sea trials of the drum monitor commenced in the ETBF during September with prototype units fitted to vessels Vanessa S and the Sensation. Initial results appear positive with drum monitor data successfully transmitted from these vessels via their Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) to AFMA.
Under the ETBF Management Plan 2005, operators in the fishery will be required to install drum monitoring units on their boats. These units will monitor drum usage and form the basis of the effort monitoring system which will be implemented under the Plan.
AFMA has entered into a contract with VIPAC Engineers and Scientists to design, test, manufacture and install drum monitoring units on all ETBF boats. The drum monitor units will send VMS messages when fishing activities occur. This includes information on the vessel’s location, time, date and the type of event, eg. commencement or completion of a set or haul, and the number of drum rotations.
Depending on the success of the trial, a fully operational drum monitoring system could be implemented in the ETBF by early 2008.
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Date: 10/11 Oct Date: 11 Oct Date: 26 Oct Date: 16-19 Oct Date: 22 Oct - 2 Nov |
Port visits: NSW and Victoria
AFMA liaison officers will be visiting ports along the east coast of NSW and south east Victoria from 15 – 19 October 2007.
All SESSF permit holders, skippers and crew are invited to attend to discuss any current issues. Contact Rocco Ciccosillo on (02) 6225 5344 if you require additional information or on mobile 0428 860 838 during the visits.
Mon 15 October |
9am Wollongong Wharf |
Tue 16 October |
10am Bermagui Wharf |
Wed 17 October |
10am Mallacoota Wharf |
Thur 18 October |
9am Lakes Entrance Co-op |
Fri 19 October |
10am San Remo Wharf |
Reminder: Public Meeting Hobart
AFMA invites members of the public and the broader fishing community to join the Board for its annual 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. It will be held on:
Date: Monday 29 October 2007
Time: 11.00 am to 12.00 noon
Place: Harbour View Room Two, HOTEL GRAND CHANCELLOR, 1 Davey Street, Hobart
Calling for comments- SBT Fishery Management Plan
AFMA is inviting comments from Statutory Fishing Right holders and other interested parties on draft amendments to the Southern Bluefin Tuna Management Plan 1995. The comment period begins tomorrow, Wednesday 10 October 2007, and the plan amendments will be available on AFMA’s website from tomorrow.
Comments should be sent by Wednesday 7 November 2007 to Ryan Murphy, Manager Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery, Australian Fisheries Management Authority, PO Box 7051 Canberra Business Centre, Canberra ACT 2610, by fax to (02) 6225 5439, or email ryan.murphy@afma.gov.au.
Seeking CEO for the Commonwealth Fisheries Association (CFA), Canberra
The CFA is the peak industry body representing the interests of commercial fishermen licensed to fish in Commonwealth waters.
The CEO will be required to establish and maintain productive working relationships with senior policy makers as well as with fisheries’ managers and administrators. This will involve liaising with the fishing industry, the preparation of submissions, media work, and representing the Association at various meetings. The position is supported by an industry based Executive Officer and a part-time Liaison Officer.
The successful applicant will possess sound strategic judgement and highly developed interpersonal skills as well as:
* experience and knowledge of Commonwealth Government policy and administrative processes;
* the ability to liaise and negotiate at high levels with a range of agencies and politicians (including Ministers and staff);
* the ability to work with fishing industry representatives to develop policy positions; and
* a high standard of written and oral communication skills.
Knowledge of the fishing industry and natural resource management principles would be highly desirable. An attractive remuneration package is being offered for the right applicant.
For further information, contact Mr Michael Thomas, CFA President, on 0408 817 466.
Applications, together with details of referees, should be forwarded marked “confidential” to the CFA CEO, PO Box 9022, Deakin ACT 2600 or email ceo@comfish.com.au.
Applications close 12 October 2007.
Southern Bluefin Tuna zones in the ETBF
AFMA regularly reviews the location of Southern Bluefin Tuna zones for the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery.
The location of the zones changed on Friday 5 October. Details of the zone locations are available on AFMA’s website.
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.
The location of the next set of zones are expected to be available on 17 October 2007.
SPFMAC annual public meeting
Interested stakeholders are invited to attend the Small Pelagic Fishery Management Advisory Committee public meeting being held:
Date: 26 October 2007
Time: 10.30-11.30am
Place: AFMA,73 Northbourne Avenue Canberra.
The meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss issues relating to the management of the Fishery with MAC members and AFMA management.
New NSW submarine cable protection zones now in force
A reminder for fishers operating off Northern and Southern Sydney in NSW that new protection zones over two key submarine cables came into effect on 1 October 2007. In the protection zones, activities that may cause cable damage are prohibited or restricted. Some activities will be particularly relevant to commercial fisheries, such as those relating to demersal longlining, trawling and anchoring.
For further information about the location of the zones, including maps and a complete list of prohibitions and restrictions, visit the Australian Communications and Media Authority website or call 1300 856 337.
