The independent AFMA Commission will trial a scientific panel, together with stakeholder forums, as the way for the Commission to receive scientific and economic advice about the management of the Small Pelagic Fishery (SPF).
The Scientific Panel and Stakeholder Forum advisory process will be used in conjunction with the existing South East Management Advisory Committee (SEMAC). The SPF Scientific Panel will provide scientific and economic advice on the status of fish stocks, substocks, species (target and non-target species), the impact of fishing on the marine environment and application of the harvest strategy and harvest control rules adopted by the Commission for this fishery. The main function of Stakeholder Forums is to provide interested stakeholders with the opportunity to consider and discuss outcomes of the Scientific Panel. SEMAC will continue to provide advice on fishery management issues.
This new process will be trialled for two years.
For the Scientific Panel, AFMA will seek nominations for up to four appropriately experienced members including generalist fisheries scientists, recreational fishery scientists, marine ecologists and natural resource management economists. More information regarding the role of a scientific panel member and how to nominate can be found at Nominations for Small Pelagic Fishery Scientific Advisory Panel.
It is expected that the panel appointment process will be finalised by the end of November 2015.
In addition to the Scientific Panel and SEMAC meetings, at least two stakeholder forums will be held annually to provide information to, and to capture views from, fishery stakeholders regarding science and economics of the SPF. These forums follow on from forums held in October 2014 and March 2015.
The ongoing forums will be open to members of relevant recreational fishing bodies, environmental non-government organisations (e-NGOs), indigenous groups, individual community stakeholders and commercial fishing industry members. Details of meetings and a register of interest to attend will be posted on the AFMA website.