Volume 5, Issue 25, 18 November 2008 [see previous editions]
Campaign to get VMS compliance is a success
AFMA’s VMS (Vessel Monitoring System) compliance campaign remains active and to date has been very successful.
Vessel monitoring is a vital tool used to ensure the sustainability of Commonwealth fishing stocks and most operators are complying.
However, several operators have now been suspended due to VMS non-compliance and several more operators are earmarked for suspension.
Each operator was given several opportunities to comply with the VMS conditions of their concession. Each was contacted in writing a number of times and, in each case, received a phone call from AMFA Licensing.
AFMA does not suspend concessions without reason and will make every effort to help operators comply with their VMS conditions. But continued disregard for concession conditions will result in concession suspension.
If an operator holds more than one fishing concession on a vessel, all concessions with VMS conditions held by the operator will be suspended.
You can check if your VMS is operating correctly by calling AFMA on 1300 723 621. VMS must be operational 24 hours a day, regardless of whether the vessel is out to sea or in port, unless you have a Temporary Switch Off (TSO) approval. To apply for a TSO, please contact AFMA.
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17-18 November 19 November 20-21 November For a full callender of events, please visit the AFMA website.
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Cost effective research framework
AFMA’s Senior Economist David Galeano and Research Manager Dave Alden are compiling a ‘how to’ framework to help AFMA’s RAGs and MACs identify how to deliver cost effective research. The framework will help AFMA to assess which research should be funded.
The framework will help to identify cost effective research proposals – those proposals that represent an appropriate investment for AFMA. AFMA wants to ensure that a tangible benefit is delivered for industry and government where funds are spent on research and that research results provide clear assistance to making management decisions. This formalises and refines the approach currently used.
The framework is expected to be sent out to the MACs and RAGs for comment and feedback before the end of the year. AFMA anticipates that MACs will be able to make use of the framework in 2009.
For more details, please contact David Galeano, (02) 6225 5499
Licensing notification
Between 22 December 2008 and 5 January 2009, AFMA Licensing will be operating with only a skeleton staff.
During this period, transaction processing may take longer than usual.
AFMA is committed to a seven day turn-around in its Client Service Charter. We intend to maintain this level of service even over the Christmas break.
Could all concession holders please submit important transactions prior to 22 December to ensure that they are completed in time for the Christmas period.
Fisheries update
Southern Bluefin Tuna
The SBT pre-season meeting will be held on 24 November in Port Lincoln. Venue details are yet to be confirmed but the meeting is open to all SBT operators and members of the general public.
A copy of the pre-season SBT briefing is available from AFMA’s website.
For more details, please contact Selina Stoute on (02) 6225 5304
SESS Fishery – GHATMAC
The Gillnet Hook and Trap MAC meeting will be held tomorrow, 19 November, in Melbourne. A draft agenda was sent out to all GHATF operators a month ago. Items to be discussed include Harrisson’s dogfish, sea lion interactions in the gillnet fishery, school shark update, review of the gummy shark trip limit for automatic long-liners and the re-introduction of a first-shot survey for the gillnet sector.
Bycatch workshops were held for the gillnet and automatic long-line sectors of the GHAT today in Melbourne and involved members of the fishing industry, AFMA and leading scientists. The objectives of the workshop were to develop work plans to address species assessed to be at high risk from the effects of fishing through the Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) process, discarding and monitoring. It is envisaged these work plans will be finalised by early 2009.
If you have any questions relating to the GHAT portion of the SESS fishery, please call Shane Gaddes, Manager on (02) 6225 5315.
SESS Fishery – SlopeRAG and SharkRAG
SlopeRAG was held on Monday and today and SharkRAG will be held on Thursday and Friday (20 and 21 November) in Queenscliffe. RAGs at this time of year meet to assess fish stocks and determine the Recommended Biological Catch (RBC) for each quota species. Industry will be notified shortly on the outcomes of these meetings.
ETBF - Southern Bluefin Tuna Core & Buffer Zones
Following the first capture of southern bluefin tuna off the east coast of Australia, the SBT Zones have been instituted in the ETBF for 2008.
The operation of the SBT zones in 2008 is similar to 2007 where the current SBT zones are posted on the AFMA website and provide detail of other arrangements that must be complied with.
Alternatively an update on the location of the SBT zones can be obtained by contacting the ETBF manager on (02) 6225 5313.
If you have any questions regarding the management arrangements associated with the SBT zones please contact Trent Timmiss on (02) 6225 5313.
