2023-25 National Compliance and Enforcement Program

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) has published the 2023-25 National Compliance and Enforcement Program.  

The program outlines how AFMA will deliver cost effective and efficient fisheries compliance services to manage Commonwealth fisheries on behalf of the Australian public. This includes effectively deterring illegal fishing, with strict management rules and regulations, to ensure Australian fish stocks and the fishing industry are viable now and into the future.

AFMA, through its National Compliance and Enforcement Program takes a risk-based approach to deliver cost effective and efficient compliance services.  

It is important that commercial operators familiarise themselves with the updated program for 2023-25. AFMA tracks compliance with the program and regularly reviews data to understand changing requirements to ensure targets are met. 

The program simplifies processes for fishers and operators wanting to comply with the rules and targets those who do not. In 2023-25 the program will focus on:  

• failure to record discards, 
• quota evasion, and 
• Torres Strait Fisheries. 

AFMA’s comprehensive monitoring framework, including Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), electronic monitoring (EM), surveillance programs and catch reporting, will continue to provide early identification of potential issues and infringements.  

Fisheries officers will continue to conduct regular port inspections and provide operators with advice and assistance to help ensure they understand their legal obligations. This will also provide the opportunity to discuss and clarify any issues and discuss how AFMA can streamline and improve processes.  

The National Compliance and Enforcement Program is an integral part of AFMA’s domestic compliance operations and aims to provide Australian seafood consumers with confidence that seafood purchased from a Commonwealth managed fishery is legally and sustainably caught.  

To assist commercial operators in staying up the date with the latest compliance messages, information is published on AFMA’s website and Facebook page.   

Download the 2023-25 National Compliance and Enforcement Program on AFMA’s website.