AFMA would like to remind fishers that Fisheries Officers on patrol are not just there to ‘catch out’ operators doing the wrong thing, they are also there to help fishers understand and comply with their obligations under fisheries legislation. Fishers are encouraged to take the opportunity to speak with officers to clarify any concerns or questions they may have.
AFMA recognises that one of the best ways to maintain a sustainable industry is to have high levels of voluntary compliance within the industry itself. Voluntary compliance is when operators actively comply with rules and regulations because they want to regardless of any of the consequences of being found not to be complying. By helping operators to understand how to comply, the reasons for the rule, and the benefits of complying, AFMA can improve the level of voluntary compliance across the commonwealth fleet.
Tod Spencer, Senior Manager National Compliance Strategy says that a key role of AFMA’s Fisheries Officers is to help provide this information directly to fishers.
“This ‘On the ground’ education work, in addition to online and other liaison and consultation programs conducted by AFMA, are essential in maintaining sustainable fisheries.”
“Fisheries Officers aren’t just there to book operators doing the wrong thing, we are also there to help operators do the right thing and, just as importantly, to help them see the benefits of doing so”
More information about AFMA’s National Compliance and Enforcement program, including or education and communication strategies, can be found at afma.gov.au