Inmarsat C Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) devices have now reached ‘end of life’.The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) advises all Commonwealth fishers to replace these devices before 22 March 2024 as they are not permitted for use in Commonwealth Fisheries as a VMS device after this time.Operators are advised to replace any remaining Inmarsat C devices, fitted/used to meet Commonwealth VMS requirements, as soon as practical, and by no later than 22 March 2024.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) is undertaking a six-month trial (to December 2023) of the use of the EM ObserveTM E-monitoring device to meet standard VMS requirements inside the Australian Fishing Zone (AFZ).

The 2023 black teatfish fishing season has been a resounding success, due in part to the combination of traditional knowledge and Western science. The season opened and closed in May, after the total allowable catch was caught in just three and a half days. Mer Islander Michael Passi, a commercial fisherman and member of various fisheries advisory groups, said the positive outcome demonstrated a new way of working together to connect traditional knowledge with Western science in the Torres Strait.

Yang Wu, one of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s (AFMA) Senior Fisheries Officers, has been successful in securing a place in the National Seafood Industry Leadership Program (NSILP). 

Download the final research report below.

We are the Australian Government agency responsible for the efficient management and sustainable use of Commonwealth fish resources on behalf of the Australian community. We manage and monitor commercial Commonwealth fishing to ensure Australian fish stocks and our fishing industry are viable now and in the future. By doing so, we are aiming to make healthy and fresh local seafood available and affordable to all Australians for current and future generations.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) invites persons and/or organisations interested in being notified of information about draft management plans to have their names and postal addresses entered, or in the case of existing entries, have their names and postal addresses remain, on a register kept by AFMA for such purposes. Management plans are developed under section 17 of the Fisheries Management Act 1991. Persons or organisations wishing to accept this invitation to register their interest should do so in writing. Acceptances are to be sent to: