Policy and planning

The Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery Management Plan 2010 (the Plan) came into effect in the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery (ETBF) on 1 March 2011.

The Plan outlines specific ecosystem requirements, the process for setting Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) limits and provisions for the grant of Statutory Fishing Rights in the ETBF.

This is the first time that TACCs have been permanently implemented in the ETBF and this marks a significant change in management as the fishery moves from input controls based on Total Allowable Effort to output controls with Individually Transferable Quotas operating under a TACC.

 The first fishing season in the ETBF under the Plan will run from 1 March 2011 until the last day of February 2012.

For further information, please contact the ETBF Manager on (02) 6225 5555.