Co-management

“Fisheries co-management is an arrangement in which responsibilities and obligations for sustainable fisheries management are negotiated, shared and delegated between government, fishers, and other interest groups and stakeholders”. 

Co-management means managing Australia’s fisheries through partnership and delegation (Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, 2008).

In 2008, AFMA commenced a three-year co-management project in partnership with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation. The project aimed to allow industry to have the capacity and capability to play a greater role in fisheries management and administration.

The project involved co-management trials in three Commonwealth fisheries;

Different approaches to co-management were trialed in each fishery. 

These trials have now been completed, and each trial has been evaluated using a formal performance evaluation framework developed by the co-management steering committee. A report detailing the results will be available in early 2013.

Early indications are that the trials have improved the efficiency of service delivery, enhanced industry stewardship and strengthened the relationship between AFMA and industry.

Co-management has continued in the NPF and GABTF in conjunction with their representative industry bodies. These two fisheries have now incorporated co-management principles to varying degrees in their fisheries. 

The broader SESSF (which also includes the GABTF) is a more complex group of fisheries and while arrangements continue in the GABTF, other sectors of the SESSF have not incorporated co-management arrangements into their ongoing management at this stage. 

Nevertheless, AFMA works closely with the other sectors of the SESSF either through the management advisory committee and resource assessment group process or individually on specific issues.

Co-management has potential provide benefits to fisheries including:

  • simplified management processes and regulations;
  • a means to solve complex policy issues through collaboration;
  • more efficient delivery and improved cost effectiveness of services;
  • more transparent cost structure;
  • increased industry stability;
  • improved relationship between government, industry and other stakeholders;
  • enhanced industry stewardship; and
  • greater opportunity for innovation in operational, management and administrative matters.

Changes to legislation have occurred to support co-management of Commonwealth fisheries. The Fisheries Administration Act 1991 now provides for AFMA to delegate many of the functions or powers of the Authority for which the CEO is responsible to a primary stakeholder under a co-management arrangement.

The effectiveness of co-management will continue to be monitored and changes will be made to improve its effectiveness as required.

See also:

Co-management: managing Australia’s fisheries through partnership and delegation, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, 2008

Collaborative fisheries management and regulatory simplification, Department of Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry press release, 29 September 2010

Co-management nets cost savings, Fish magazine, September 2008