WDTF management

The Western Deepwater Trawl Fishery (WDTF) is located off Western Australia from the line approximating the 200 metre isobath to the edge of the Australian Fishing Zone (AFZ).Its northern most point is the boundary of the AFZ to longitude 114° E and southern most point at the boundary of the AFZ to longitude 115° 08’E. Principally a finfish trawl fishery, species diversity is considerable. Commercial species are taken on the upper and mid-continental slope, but generally not in large quantities.

AFMA manages the NWSTF through limited entry in a precautionary manner in accordance with objectives under the Fisheries Management Act 1991.

The Statement of Management Arrangements for the NWSTF and WDTF (Word, 3.1MB) provides operational guidance to stakeholders in the WDTF and the NWSTF.

AFMA will continue to use monitoring initiatives designed to improve our understanding of the NWSTF resources. These initiatives include monitoring catch and logbook data and an ongoing observer program budgeted for when fishing occurs.

The observer program collects biological data as well as additional catch and effort information which can be used to inform any adjustment to the Harvest Strategy for the NWSTF and WDTF 2011. The Harvest Strategy was reviewed in 2011 and came into effect on 1 October 2011. The Harvest Strategy is a key input into the ongoing management of the WDTF and NWSTF. It establishes targets and triggers against catch and effort parameters for target and non-target species. The Harvest Strategy describes management responses for these triggers.

Analysis of catch and effort data is conducted annually under the Harvest Strategy. This analysis informs management if triggers have been reached and if any management action is required. The results of the 2011 review are available for download at the WDTF publications page.

This information enables AFMA to manage the NWSTF in a way that is consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development and economic efficiency.