BSCZSF management

Key documents

Commercial scallop fishing in the Bass Strait commenced in the early 1970s and is managed under three jurisdictions. AFMA manages the Central Zone fishery, and Victoria and Tasmania manage zones generally out to 20 nm off their respective coastlines.

The main markets for Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery (BSCZSF) scallops have historically been France, Hong Kong, the United States of America and the domestic market. The principal harvest method is by a scallop harvester (or dredge).

Within the BSCZSF there are two species of scallop covered by quota. The fishery targets the commercial scallop, Pecten fumatus, however, the smaller doughboy scallop, Chlamys (Mimachlamys) asperrimus, is common throughout Bass Strait but are rarely retained. Each species has a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) set annually.

The BSCZSF is managed through a combination of input and output controls as prescribed in the:

The Management Plan, in conjunction with the supporting Regulations, is a key document in managing the fishery. Along with the conditions on Quota Statutory Fishing Rights (SFRs), the Management Plan details concession holders’ obligations when fishing in the area of the fishery. Under the Management Plan, AFMA has the right to give closure directions, and formulate Total Allowable Catch (TAC) determinations.

For more information on management of the BSCZSF management arrangements please read the latest Guide to the 2010 Management arrangements (PDF, 846kb).

Management committees