AFMA fisheries officer inspects the unloading of Blue Eye Trevalla in Eden
AFMA has decided to market test its scientific observer program.
AFMA’s in-house Observer Program (the Program) places observers (independent of the fishing industry) on fishing vessels to provide reliable and verified information on fishing catch, effort, and practices onboard fishing vessels operating in Commonwealth waters. The program also monitors the impact of fishing on the broader marine environment including Threatened, Endangered and Protected species.
AFMA reviews the Program from time to time to ensure it meets its legislative objectives of sustainable fishing in a cost effective way. While widely recognised for the quality of its service, the cost of the Program has risen over the years for a number of reasons including broader coverage levels, general increases in costs and changes to the way costs are shared between both government and industry. The Program now makes up approximately 25% of AFMA’s cost recovered budget, recouped through levies on the fishing industry.
In 2012, in response to concerns from both industry and Government about the cost of the Program, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) announced that AFMA would consider whether or not to test the market to determine if an external provider could operate the Program more cost effectively. Since then AFMA has conducted an information gathering exercise resulting in a report to accurately identify how the Program supports AFMA to meet its legislative objectives and document the Program’s activities and associated costs.
AFMA’s CEO recently considered the report and decided to market test the Program.
Market testing does not mean AFMA will be outsourcing the program but will be conducting an Expression of Interest to assess what the market could provide in terms of capability, quality and cost effectiveness. At the completion of market testing, another decision would then be made by the CEO as to whether outsourcing is a viable option or not.
An Evaluation Panel, aided by a reference group and probity advisor, will be responsible for ensuring that market testing is carried out in accordance with government procurement policy, in a fair and transparent manner and takes into account, where appropriate, the views of AFMA staff and stakeholders. Market testing will occur during the first half of this year with a view to concluding the process by the end of June 2014. AFMA will provide updates from time to time as the project progresses.
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For further information please contact Sally Weekes, Manager, Projects on Ph. 02 6225 5341 or email sally.weekes@afma.gov.au.