Outcomes of ScallopRAG and ScallopMAC June 2019

The Scallop Resource Assessment Group (ScallopRAG) and Scallop Management Advisory Committee (ScallopMAC) met on 6 and 7 June respectively to consider the outcomes of the 2019 biomass survey for the Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery.

The ScallopRAG made the following recommendation for the 2019 season which was supported by ScallopMAC:

• the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) be set at 4000 tonnes (less survey quota)
• and that the following areas be closed to protect spawning biomass
  • Flinders Island (area of 2018 closure) (FI)
  • Apollo Bay 1 (AB-1)
  • King Island Blue Dot East (KIBDE)
  • King Island 7 (KI7)

ScallopRAG and MAC also supported voluntary closure of the bed of juvenile scallops off King Island (‘JH area’) by industry. 

The advice provided by ScallopRAG and ScallopMAC will be considered by the AFMA Commission in June. Should the AFMA Commission decide to set a TAC for the Fishery, AFMA management expects the fishery could be opened around early to mid-July.

This update provides ScallopRAG and ScallopMAC’s current recommendations. It does not represent the views of the AFMA Commission; the Commission may make decisions that are different to these recommendations.

Summary table of information collected for each of the beds surveyed during the 2019 Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery annual biomass survey. Information includes: estimated biomass (t), % weight greater than 85 mm, estimated biomass of scallops > 85mm, density of individual per square metre, mean size and meats per kg.  FI = Flinders Island, KI = King Island, AB = Apollo Bay. Source: Fishwell Consulting.