Public comment period for the draft Northern Prawn Fishery Management Plan 2012

5 January 2011

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) intends to revoke the Northern Prawn Fishery Management Plan 1995 under section 20(3) of the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (FMA) and determine a new plan of management for the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF), the Northern Prawn Fishery Management Plan 2012 (NPF Plan).

The NPF Plan proposes to:

  • Provide a framework for AFMA to manage the NPF through ITQs
  • Set up a system of transferrable Statutory Fishing Rights and how those rights will be allocated
  • Provide for AFMA to set the fishing seasons each year
  • Limit access to the fishery to holders of these rights and list the obligations to which the holders must comply
  • Require AFMA to set a total allowable catch for each quota species
  • Require AFMA to manage the impact of the fishery on the wider marine environment
  • Retain the existing management advisory committee in the form of NORMAC
  • List the primary species to which the plan applies
  • List the area of water to which the plan applies
  • Allow for certain amounts of overcatch to occur without prosecution

In accordance with section 20 of the FMA, AFMA has commenced a process of consultation regarding the draft NPF Plan. AFMA is now seeking public comment on the draft.

AFMA invites all stakeholders and interested parties to provide their comments or submissions in relation to the draft by 30 January 2012 (please note extended deadline).

Documents

Please provide your comments/submissions to:

Fiona Hill
Manager – Northern Prawn Fishery
Australian Fisheries Management Authority

PO Box 7051
Canberra Business Centre  ACT  2610

Submissions may also be sent by email to fiona.hill@afma.gov.au or by fax to (02) 6225 5500.