Fisheries management

The Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF) is managed in accordance with the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery Management Plan 2003 (the Management Plan). Management of the fishery is mainly through Total Allowable Catch (TAC) limits.

A TAC is set for each quota species and certain non-quota species (to cover incidental catch), and is the total catch by all concession holders that may be taken during that fishing year.

Currently 34 species/species groups are managed under quota, which includes 3 species in the Great Australian Bight Trawl Sector. Quota species comprise around 80% of the total commercial landed catch.

In order to fish in the SESSF, operators must hold a relevant fishing concession which provides them access to an area in which to fish, method by which they are allowed to fish (boat SFR or permit) and if fishing for quota species, relevant quota holdings for that species.

The SESSF is a limited entry fishery, which means that no new fishing concessions are created and one must obtain an existing concession in order to enter the fishery.

Other management arrangements used in the SESSF include trip limits, incidental catch limits, size limits, prohibited take, gear restrictions, and spatial and temporal closures. In addition, industry implements voluntary measures in co-operation with AFMA such as voluntary closures, voluntary gear restrictions and industry Codes of Conduct.