Inmarsat C Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) devices have now reached ‘end of life’ and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority is advising all Commonwealth fishers they should replace these devices as soon as possible.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (‘AFMA’) intends to determine amendments to the Northern Prawn Fishery Management Plan 1995 (NPF Management Plan) under subsection 20(1) of the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (FMA).  In accordance with subsection 17(2) of the FMA, AFMA invites interested persons to provide written submissions on the draft amendments to the NPF Management Plan. Written submissions should be forwarded by 5pm (AEST) on Wednesday 31 May 2023 to:

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) intends to determine amendments to the Northern Prawn Fishery Management Plan 1995 (NPF Management Plan) under subsection 20(1) of the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (FMA).

Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) Management is currently undertaking a review of Fishery Management Paper Number 14 (FMP 14) – AFMA’s Approach to Ecological Risk Management and its supporting Guide to AFMA’s Ecological Risk Management Framework. FMP 14 - AFMA’s Approach to Ecological Risk Management sets out the AFMA’s policy for undertaking Ecological Risk Assessments (ERAs) and administering Ecological Risk Management (ERM) in pursuit of its fishery management objectives, particularly Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD).

JOINT STATEMENT The Albanese and Palaszczuk Governments are tackling illegal foreign fishing in the Torres Strait, with a successful 8-day joint operation completed. Operation V was conducted in April with the aim of deterring illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone off the tip of Cape York.

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE A fishing season for a high value sea cucumber in the Torres Strait has reopened for the first time in 20 years thanks to a concerted conservation and stock restoration effort. Open season for black teatfish has begun today (May 15) marking decades of work with scientists, traditional fishers and government agencies. Torres Strait Islanders will have exclusive access rights to black teatfish, which is estimated to be worth $380,000 to the local economy.

Applications are open for up to seven part-time commissioner positions for the Australian Management (AFMA) Commission. AFMA is responsible for the efficient management and sustainable use of Commonwealth fish resources on behalf of the Australian community. Applicants must have high level expertise in one of the following fields: