Fisheries management

The Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) Fishery is formally managed under the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Fishery Management Plan 2002 and associated legislation. Statutory Fishing Rights (SFRs) have been issued for the two target species, Patagonian Toothfish and Mackerel Icefish. These rights allow holders access to specific proportions of the annually determined total allowable catch for each species. Trawl vessel numbers in the fishery are limited to three at any one time through a system of minimum quota holdings where an operator must nominate a trawler against at least 25.5% of the SFRs issued in the Fishery in order to be allowed to operate. There are no minimum quota holding requirements for non-trawl fishing methods.

The Macquarie Island Toothfish Fishery (MITF) operates under the Macquarie Island Toothfish Fishery Management Plan 2006 and associated legislation. Longline fishing became an approved fishing method in April 2011 following a successful trial which showed toothfish could be effectively targeted using the longline method and the adoption of a range of mitigation strategies could avoid potential interactions with seabirds. Mitigation strategies include no offal discharge, a limited longline season, night setting and using bird scaring devices on setting and hauling of the longline.

The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) New and Exploratory fisheries, which occur in high seas areas in the CCAMLR region, have been informally managed through the issue of Fishing Permits by AFMA. The conditions on Fishing Permits include the requirements of CCAMLR Conservation Measures.

Information on the current management plans and policies can be found on the publications page.