Volume 5, Issue 11, 21 May 2008 [see previous editions]
Do you have an interest in the ETBF?
Do you have an interest
in the ETBF?
The grant of SFRs under the ETBF Management Plan has been proceeding. But recently the process has been delayed by legal action. This legal action has the potential to affect the number of SFRs that are granted to a person. So if you have an interest in the ETBF, read on…
Statutory Fishing Rights Allocation Review Panel
AFMA wrote to people in November 2007 telling them how many SFRs they were to be provisionally granted. People who were unhappy with their provisional grant had the right to apply for review with the Statutory Fishing Rights Allocation Review Panel.
The Panel received five applications; two of these have been finalised and three applications remain before the Panel. AFMA has requested the Panel to dismiss these applications and a decision is expected by mid-June 2008.
Until all of the applications before the Panel are resolved, AFMA cannot make a final grant of SFRs.
The effect on the grant of SFRs
As soon as AFMA is in a position to grant SFRs we will write to eligible persons and ask them to apply. However, it is also possible that the applicants may ask the Federal Court to grant an injunction which could prevent AFMA from proceeding with the grant until the Court proceedings have concluded.
Further Information
Any enquiries should be directed to Trent Timmiss, Manager, Pelagic Longline Fisheries on (02) 6225 5313 or Trysh Stone, Senior Manager, Pelagic and International Fisheries on (02) 6225 5311
SBT Core and Buffer Zones 2008
Each year, during the winter months, southern bluefin tuna migrate along the New South Wales coast following cooler currents from the south. During this time AFMA institutes restricted access areas (Core and Buffer Zones) in the ETBF to ensure that the incidental capture of southern bluefin tuna by ETBF longline operators is covered by quota.
The SBT Zones in 2008 will be implemented following first capture of SBT off the NSW coast or in advance of the first full moon on midnight 13 June, whichever comes first.
The operation of the SBT zones in 2008 will be similar to 2007. The location of the SBT zones will be posted on the AFMA website at www.afma.gov.au/fisheries/tuna/etbf/mgt/zones which will also provide details of arrangements with which fishers must comply.
Alternatively an update on the location of the SBT zones can be obtained by contacting the ETBF manager on (02) 6225 5313. Please note that the onus is on operators to know the location of the zones.
If you have any questions regarding the management arrangements associated with the SBT zones please contact Trent Timmiss on (02) 6225 5313.
Demersal & Midwater Trawl Contact
In line with AFMA’s recent internal restructure, Southern Fisheries has now changed its group email address name to reflect the new section name: Demersal & Midwater Trawl Fisheries.
You can contact the section by email at: Demersal-Midwater@afma.gov.au
Climate Change Inquiry
The House of Representatives Standing committee on Climate Change, Water, Environment and the Arts is conducting an inquiry into climate change and environmental impacts on Australian coastal communities. The closing date for submissions is Friday 30 May 2008.
Much of Australia’s population and infrastructure is in the coastal zone, increasing vulnerability to climate change impacts. The growth in population and intensification of land use along the coast is further increasing pressure on the environment in many areas.
The committee is interested in views on the issues raised in the terms of reference. The terms of reference can be found at: http://www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/ccwea/coastalzone/index.htm. Further information, including how to make a submission can also be obtained the same site.
