Catch Disposal Records

Catch disposal records are used by fisheries managed under the quota system to gather and maintain data on the species caught.

On landing, the fishing permit holder, statutory fishing right holder, or a nominated authorised person is required to complete a catch disposal record form detailing the species caught and their accurate weight.

Depending on the fishery, operators may also have to record the number of boxes of each fish consigned and usually the processing state (wholeweight, headed, gilled/gutted etc) in which the fish were landed and the number of shark carcasses.

1. The fishing operator keeps a copy of the completed and signed form, forwards the original to AFMA and sends the remaining two copies with the fish to the fish receiver.
2. On arrival at the first fish receiver, who must must hold a fish receiver permit, the fish must be weighed and the fish receiver (who may be a processor, retailer or fish market) must record the species and weights (and shark carcass numbers) and sign the copy of the form consigned by the concession holder with the fish.
3. The receiver forwards a copy of the form to AFMA and keeps the third copy on the premises, where it may be inspected if required.

The data from the forms are entered onto AFMA’s fishery database. The catch information is integrated with records of quota entitlements. Updates on the remaining quota are provided periodically to management and industry. See Catchwatch reports.

Catch disposal records may also be used for non-quota fisheries. In these cases detailed information is required on landed catches for stock assessment or other purposes.

You can now download raw data on fish landed at port for Commonwealth fisheries.