Conservation member sought for the Tropical Tuna Management Advisory Committee

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) is seeking applications for the conservation member on our Tropical Tuna Management Advisory Committee (TTMAC). 

The term for our conservation member is from the date of appointment to 30 June 2024.  

More information about our Management Advisory Committees, the role of members and how to apply is provided below. 

What do MACs do? 

Our MACs are statutory bodies that provide us with management advice. They report to the AFMA Commission on policy and operational matters, where relevant, relating to the management of Commonwealth fisheries, including scientific, research and other information about the status of fish stocks and the impact of fishing on the marine environment. 

MACs are advised by their respective Resource Assessment Group (RAG) or relevant regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) on the status of fish stocks, sub stocks, species (target and non-target), the impact of fishing on the marine environment and information needs for stock assessments. 

MACs also provide an avenue for consultation between industry, managers, researchers, environment/conservation representatives and state government officers. MAC advice is used to inform AFMA’s management decisions, and our MACs continue to be the main source of advice on the management of Commonwealth fisheries. 

Additional information for individual MACs, including records from past meetings, can be found on our website. 

Our policy document, Fisheries Management Paper 1– Management Advisory Committees (FMP 1), provides information about the roles of MACs and their members. FMP 1 is available on our website. 

About TTMAC 

The Tropical Tuna Management Advisory Committee is the principal forum where issues relating to the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery, the Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery, and the Skipjack Tuna Fisheries are discussed. At these meetings, any problems are identified, and possible solutions are developed. 

The committee also provides an avenue for consultation between industry, managers, researchers, environment and conservation groups, and state government officers. The committee continues to be our main source of advice on the management of these fisheries. Further information can be found on our website.  

Who should apply to be TTMAC Conservation member? 

Appointments to MACs are based on relevant expertise (described by FMP1, section 3.5.7)  

The role of the Conservation member is to: 

• contribute ecological knowledge and expertise to MAC deliberations 

• advise the MAC on environmental or conservation developments of relevance to the particular fishery, and  

• advise on any implications that MAC deliberations and recommendations may have in relation to ecological considerations. 

Prerequisites 

• preferably have qualifications, ecological knowledge, and experience of relevance to the fishery 

• the ability to contribute independently their knowledge and expertise to MAC discussion, and 

• have the confidence and authority of their stakeholder group to undertake their functions as a MAC member and be prepared to consult with members of their stakeholder group as necessary to effectively contribute to MAC discussions. 

Rates for daily sitting fees and travel expenses 

View information on our website.  

How do I apply for the TTMAC conservation member role? 

To be considered please submit your curriculum vitae and a brief cover note (no more than 500 words) addressing the relevant criteria (under section 3.5.7 of FMP 1) for the position, summarising your relevant experience, qualifications, and reason for your application. 

Selection Process 

Applications will be assessed by a selection panel against the relevant appointment criteria described in FMP 1. 

How do I submit my application? 

Applications must be submitted to AFMA by close of business 6 October 2023 by post or email to: 

Post:

Nigel Abery 

Policy, Environment, Economics and Research 

Fisheries Management Branch 

Australian Fisheries Management Authority 

PO Box 7051 

CANBERRA BC ACT 2610 

Email: research.secretary@afma.gov.au 

Please contact Nigel Abery on (02) 6225 5555 or email nigel.abery@afma.gov.au if you require further information about the role of the TTMAC conservation member and the selection process.