AFMA officer checking paperwork, AFMA 2014.
From 3 February to 6 February 2014, AFMA deployed a number of Fisheries Officers to Tasmania to conduct fish receiver inspection and audit activity. Over the course of four days the Officers covered 1500km and visited 28 Fish Receiver permit holders in nine different ports. While compliance rates were generally high, three minor offences were detected and another fish receiver was found to have been receiving fish without a fish receiver permit. This matter has been referred for further compliance action.
The officers spent time with each fish receiver permit holder explaining the importance of their role as independent verifiers of Commonwealth catch, as well as the importance of returning catch documentation to AFMA in a timely manner. An audit on previous month catch returns was conducted as part of these visits. Officers also spent time explaining the 28 day quota reconciliation policy with fish receivers and explained how important it was for fish receivers to lodge their verified weights with AFMA within the required timeframe.
AFMA will continue to undertake fish receiver inspections and audits in the coming weeks to ensure fish receivers are acting in accordance with fish receiver permit requirements.
For more information on fish receiver compliance issues, please contact Phil Ravanello – Manager National Intelligence on 02 6225 5398 or phil.ravanello@afma.gov.au