Volume 4, Issue 23, 20 November 2007 [see previous editions]
Statutory Fishing Rights now provisionally granted for the ETBF
AFMA is pleased to announce the provisional grant of Statutory Fishing Rights (SFRs) in the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery which was completed on 9 November.
Following a lengthy process to develop and implement a Management Plan for the fishery over recent years, AFMA has moved quickly to provisionally grant SFRs that will provide fishers long term, transferable fishing rights.
Thank you to all industry members for the professional and expeditious way in which you have participated in the process, including submitting information relevant to the catch verification process that led to the provisional grant.
Registered people who are dissatisfied with their provisional grant can apply to the Statutory Fishing Rights Appeal Review Panel for a review of the decision. Please note that applications are required within 14 days of being notified.
For further information on the provisional grant, please contact Susan Osborn on (02) 6225 5423 or AFMA Direct 1300 723 621. For information about how to apply for a review of the decision, please contact the panel on (02) 6272 4733.
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Date: 21-22 Nov Date: 27 - 29 Nov Date: 29- 30 Nov Date: 29 Nov Date: 3 Dec Date: 3 - 7 Dec Date: 4 - 5 Dec |
End of tiger prawn season approaching
The Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF) tiger prawn season finishes on 29 November 2007. This year’s season was extended because the trigger of 300kg per vessel per day was exceeded. Vessels can continue fishing longer than last year to maximise the economic benefit to the fishery. All operators should ensure their logbook data is returned to AFMA by 14 December 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 (ETBF).The location of the zones will NOT be changing for the week beginning midnight tonight Tuesday 20 November. Details of the zone locations will be 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.
Prosecution for abusive behaviour towards fisheries officers
During September 2006, three East Coast fisheries officers conducting a routine vessel inspection in the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery were verbally abused by the permit holders and threatened with physical violence. The permit holder also later confronted one of the fisheries officers at his home.
Following investigation, both defendants pleaded guilty to all charges in the Bairnsdale Magistrates Court during October 2007. One received a 2 month gaol term to be suspended upon entering into a $3,000, 2 year good behaviour bond, as well as a fine of $800 plus court costs for the State matter. The other permit holder received an $800, 2 year good behaviour bond.
The Magistrate noted the seriousness of the offences, particularly for the safety of fisheries officers while conducting their legislated duties.
Valuable port visits in the SESSF
During October, AFMA fishery liaison officer, Rocco Ciccosillo and ISMP Observer Manager, Craig Bambling travelled to some key Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery ports in southern NSW and eastern Victoria. Port visits facilitate communication between AFMA and industry and give operators an opportunity to discuss any problems relating to logbooks or to raise any concerns relating to management issues.
Key issues raised related to quota (and the difficulties obtaining it), the Total Allowable Catch setting process, single jurisdictional trips in NSW (in the South East trawl sector), the 6000m gillnet trial (in the Gillnet, Hook and Trap sector), as well as electronic logbooks. All feedback received has been provided to fishery managers and the relevant sections within AFMA, and a full report will be available shortly.
Further trips are planned for the southern ports of Tasmania from 26 - 30 November and western Victoria (TBA). For more information, contact Senior Liaison Officer, Sally Weekes, on AFMA Direct 1300 723 621.
