AFMA celebrates its 30th Anniversary

Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s (AFMA) and we would like to thank everyone who has contributed to AFMA’s success since February 1992. 

AFMA is responsible for the efficient management and sustainable use of Australia’s Commonwealth fisheries resources on behalf of the Australian community. This currently includes 22 commercial fisheries within the 8 million square kilometres of the Australian Fishing Zone, spanning geographical zones from tropical northern waters to the icy Southern Ocean.

AFMA is ranked as world leader in sustainable fisheries management by independent experts. Working closely with industry, scientists and environment non-government organisations to develop management arrangements and innovations is fundamental to AFMA’s success.

Using the best available science and robust evidence-based data is ingrained in the way AFMA makes its management decisions. In turn, the Commonwealth fishing industry has a great track record for responsible fishing following the rules we set.

Australia’s Commonwealth fisheries are in good shape with the latest ABARES Fishery Status Reports 2021 showing that for the eighth consecutive year, no fish stocks solely managed by AFMA were subject to overfishing. In addition, ABARES’ most recent fishery statistics estimated the annual gross value of Commonwealth fisheries production of around $400 million.

Our fisheries make a valuable contribution to the broader Australian community, such as through providing employment, supporting economic development in regional areas and generating export earnings.

Australian fisheries continue to be managed under strict rules to reduce the environmental impacts of fishing and to ensure that stocks remain strong into the future. 

This means that consumers can be confident that by eating Australian seafood, they are supporting sustainable fishing practices as well as a local industry.