Northern Australian Fisheries Management

The Northern Australian Fisheries Management (NAFM) Workshop was first established with the acceptance of the Offshore Constitutional Settlement in 1995. NAFM provides a common forum for state, federal and territory fishery agencies to identify future priorities, discuss progress of and ensure complementary activities are undertaken across the jurisdictions for fisheries in Northern Australia .

NAFM's major forum is an annual Workshop of state/territory and federal fisheries scientists, compliance officers and managers. The Workshop is not open to observers or members of the public.

What issues does NAFM deal with?

NAFM deals with issues that cross jurisdictions and therefore need a whole-of-government approach to properly manage. Currently NAFM is focusing on the management of sharks and red snappers as its' highest priority, as this issue affects all the northern states and territory and also international relations due to shared stocks.

NAFM Workshop 2006

The NAFM 2006 will be held in Darwin on Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th September 2006 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Theme and topics of workshop sessions for NAFM 2006

NAFM title: Responding to high risk issues

In responding to high risk issues affecting shark and demersal finfish stocks in northern Australia, how can we take a consistent approach across agencies in the following areas:

• Legislation (including OCS and Jurisdiction)
• Compliance
• Fisheries Management Strategies & Research

For each of these topics, the goal for NAFM this year will be to review responses to the major risks identified by NAFC 2005 and assess consistency across jurisdictions. It is expected NAFM will identify improvements to ensure responses to high risks are consistent, complimentary and meeting shared objectives.

Background papers and agenda items

To assist with planning and coordination, all background papers and agenda items must be submitted by COB Tuesday 21 August 2006. A template is available below for those wishing to submit a background paper:

The NAFM Workshop is only open to fisheries scientists, managers and compliance officers from Northern Territory, Western Australian, Queensland and Commonwealth fisheries government agencies. It is suggested that each jurisdiction send people who can most contribute to the NAFM process. If you wish to attend NAFM this year, please complete a delegate registration form and either fax or send to Olivia Haine (details below) by COB Friday 25 August 2006, at the latest.

The NAFM draft agenda and accommodation information are also available for your information.

Page last updated 18 December, 2007