From left: Michael Harte (World Wildlife Fund), Kerry Smith (AFMA), Alexia Wellbelove (Humane Society International), Brett Cleary (Game Fishing Association Australia), James Findlay (AFMA), Alan Hansard (Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation), Martin Exel (Commonwealth Fisheries Association).
On 18 April 2013, AFMA hosted the inaugural AFMA Stakeholder Forum in Canberra. The panel of five fishery stakeholders representing the Humane Society International, World Wildlife Fund, Commonwealth Fisheries Association, Game Fishers Association Australia and Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation came together to give their views on the future direction of AFMA. Each panel member delivered a short presentation on their priorities and strategies for AFMA.
They were asked to present on three key areas:
- their highest priorities in relation to fisheries over the next 12-24 months;
- what AFMA can do more or less of to improve outcomes for fishers, the community, and the marine environment; and
- what can AFMA do for their organisation.
The session was followed by a panel discussion where members of the audience – which included members from various government agencies – were invited to ask questions.
The panel presented some diverse views on the future of Australia’s fisheries management.
The recreational sector saw value in increased government engagement and wanted to secure recreational fishing rights in recognition of their stewardship of fishery resources.
The non-government environmental organisations wanted AFMA to consult with more transparency and accountability.
The industry representative talked about the need to secure fisheries access rights and reduce the regulatory burden on industry.
There were also many common themes expressed including collaboration across all sectors to achieve greater outcomes and wanting recognition for what each sector can contribute.
The forum provided an opportunity for audience members to hear what stakeholders would like to see in the future of fisheries management in Australia and for panel members to forge relationships and to build networks.
For more information please contact Kerry Smith, Senior Manager Foreign Compliance on 02 6225 5334 or email kerry.smith@afma.gov.au.