The sustainability of the whole marine environment is important to the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) when making decisions about Commonwealth fisheries. To help ensure that the latest research and science is being used to support the management our fisheries, AFMA has formed a new Commonwealth Fisheries Marine Mammal Working Group.
In line with AFMA’s broader approach to managing marine mammal interactions, the new group will provide advice across AFMA-managed fisheries. Work will particularly focus on:
- identification and assessment of marine mammal bycatch issues
- development and review of marine mammal management strategies
- development of fishery and/or vessel specific management arrangements.
Members of the Working Group include marine mammal scientists, an industry expert, a conservation member, a recreational fishing science expert, the Departments of Agriculture and Water Resources and the Department of Environment and an independent chair.
The Working Group will also provide advice on priorities arising from AFMA’s Protected Species Strategy – watch this space for more news on the development of the strategy coming soon!
AFMA has previously used a marine mammal working group in developing strategies to reduce Australian sea lion and dolphin interactions in the Gillnet Hook and Trap Fishery. This approach has been successful in reducing interactions in this fishery.
The Commonwealth Fisheries Marine Mammal Working Group will also work in cooperation with AFMA’s Management Advisory Committees and Resource Assessment Groups in providing their advice.
More information about the Commonwealth Fisheries Marine Mammal Working Group can be found at www.afma.gov.au