Volume 4, Issue 21, 23 October 2007 [see previous editions]
More time to comment on SBT Management Plan
The period for public comment to proposed amendments to the Southern Bluefin Tuna Management Plan 1995 has been extended
from
7 to
19 November 2007.
The plan amendments and explanatory information are available on AFMA’s website.
Comments should be sent by mail
to:
Ryan Murphy
Manager Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery
Australian Fisheries Management Authority
Box 7051
Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610
or by fax to (02) 6225 5439
or email ryan.murphy@afma.gov.au.
|
AFMA is proud to be a supporting sponsor of the 2007 annual Seafood Directions conference being held next week from This year’s theme is ‘Seafood for Tomorrow – Embracing Change’ and will focus on industry issues related to accreditation, co-management, climate change, marketing and industry. The expected 400 plus delegates will have the opportunity to learn from experts, colleagues and parallel industries. The conference also incorporates the fourth National Seafood Awards Dinner, which recognises outstanding achievements in the Seafood Industry. For a conference program and registration details, visit the conference website. |
Reminder: AFMA Annual Public Meeting
AFMA invites members of the public and the broader fishing community to join the Board for its Annual Public Meeting next week.
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 |
Location: |
Harbour View Room Two |
Return to sender: address unknown
Just a reminder that AFMA is no longer located in Barton, as we moved to new premises at 73 Northbourne Avenue in Canberra city last year.
Australia Post has advised that mail will cease to be redirected from Barton in the near future.
Please ensure you use AFMA’s correct postal address (which remains unchanged): Box 7051 Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610
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 has not changed for the fortnight beginning midnight Wednesday 17 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 is expected to be available on 31 October 2007.
Port visits in the ETBF
AFMA will be conducting port visits in the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery from 5 - 9 November.
All permit holders, skippers and crew are welcome to attend. Please RSVP Wez Norris or Sally Weekes on 1300 723 621.
Issues to be discussed at the meetings include:
- Implementation of the Management Plan and allocation of Statutory Fishing Rights (SFRs)
- Managing and monitoring effort under the Plan
- Potential transition to Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQs)
- Southern Bluefin Tuna zones for 2008
- Data and logbook issues
- Seabird mitigation
Date |
Port |
5 Nov |
Mooloolaba |
7 Nov |
Coffs Harbour |
8 Nov |
Sydney |
9 Nov |
Ulladulla |
Registered for Quotaview yet?
With Christmas fast approaching and this being one of the busiest times of the year in most fisheries, have you thought about registering for Quotaview? This free feature on our website allows you to track your quota holdings and transactions online, in your own time. If you are a concession holder in one of the following fisheries you can apply for a Quotaview account:
- Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery
- Southern Squid Jig Fishery
- Southern Bluefin Tuna Fishery
To register for Quotaview complete and send the registration form located on AFMA’s website or alternatively email quotamanager@afma.gov.au or phone AFMA Direct 1300 723 621.
South-west marine bioregional profile out now
The Department of Environment and Water Resources (DEW) is in the process of developing bioregional plans for Australia’s marine areas. These will describe the ecological characteristics and conservation values of each area and explain how new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) will be identified. They will also provide a broad description of human activities that take place in each region.
The first step in the process is the bioregional marine profile that will act as the information base for the plan. A draft plan will be released 12 months after the profile and will include proposed MPAs. The profile for the south-west bioregion (from the eastern-most tip of Kangaroo Island off SA to waters off Shark Bay, WA) was released on 12 October 2007 and will now be followed by consultation with stakeholders (including Commonwealth fishers) affected by the process.
You can view the south-west bioregional profile on the DEW website. This process will be ongoing and will require considerable input from AFMA and industry. Anyone wishing to find out more about the process of bioregional planning or AFMA’s involvement can contact Jeremy Smith on (02) 6225 5351 or
1300 723 621, or email jeremy.smith@afma.gov.au
Climate change: Fishing industry comment required
A National Climate Change Research Strategy for Primary Industries (which includes agriculture, fisheries and forestry) is being developed with the support the Commonwealth, States and Territories and the Rural Research and Development Corporations. The strategy will ensure that Australia’s primary industries engage with the issues, respond to opportunities and address the risks of climate change. The identification of issues that exist across regions and sectors will require broad stakeholder engagement, including with the fishing industry.
To have your say on what you think the new research strategy should cover, you can register your interest with Land and Water Australia.
