Fisheries management

AFMA manages the Western Deepwater Trawl Fishery (WDWTF) in a precautionary manner in accordance with objectives under the Fisheries Management Act 1991. Specifically, the WDWTF is managed through limited entry. AFMA will continue to use monitoring initiatives designed to improve our understanding of the WDWTF 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 WDWTF Harvest Strategy. This information  enables AFMA to manage WDWTF in a way that is consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development and economic efficiency.