Management Advisory Committees

Central to our partnership approach is the establishment and operation of Management Advisory Committees (MACs) for each major Commonwealth fishery managed by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA).

These committees, 12 in total, play a vital role in helping AFMA to fulfill its legislative functions and effectively pursue its objectives by acting as the main advisory body and link between AFMA and those with an interest in the fishery .

The Committees also provide advice to AFMA on a variety of issues including fisheries management arrangements, research, compliance and management costs.

The MACs complement the work of fishery managers by providing a broader perspective on management options and a wide range of expertise, not dissimilar to the expertise-based AFMA Board. In general, MACs provide a forum where issues relating to a fishery are discussed, problems identified and possible solutions developed. The outcomes of these deliberations determine the recommendations that the MAC will make to the AFMA Commission.

Generally, MACs are made up of members from commercial industry, fisheries management, the scientific community, the environment/conservation sector and, in some instances, the State governments. A typical MAC consists of an independent Chairperson, an AFMA member, a research member, up to four industry members and an environment/conservation member. Each MAC has an Executive Officer responsible to the Chairperson.

The AFMA Board has final responsibility for determining the actual membership of each MAC and makes the final decision on appointments to a MAC following a selection process whereby AFMA Management seeks nominations from relevant agencies and industry operators for the various positions on the MACs. Applications for industry membership on a MAC are assessed by an Assessment and Ranking Panel which submits its recommendations to the AFMA Board for approval.

Legislation limits MAC membership to nine. Members are generally appointed for terms of up to three years.

Increasingly, and where appropriate, AFMA has included a broader range of interest groups, such as recreational fishers and charter boat operators in this consultative process. The AFMA Board decides on a fishery-by-fishery basis whether membership of a MAC should also reflect these wider community interests. As a general rule, revised membership arrangements are considered upon expiry of terms of appointment of existing members.

To assist in its operations a MAC may also establish Sub-committees, with or without external expertise, to advise it on particular issues. Typically these Sub-committees cover research, compliance and finance matters

The AFMA Board has final responsibility for determining the actual membership of each MAC and makes the final decision on appointments to a MAC following a selection process whereby AFMA Management seeks nominations for the various positions on the MACs. Applications for industry membership on a MAC are assessed by an Assessment and Ranking Panel which submits its recommendations to the AFMA Board for approval.

More detailed information on the selection and appointment process for MAC members is set out in Fisheries Management Paper No.1 – Management Advisory Committees.

Page last updated 31 July, 2008