AFMA has increased the ability for all fishery stakeholders to comment on the science of the Small Pelagic Fishery (SPF) by providing stakeholders with three consultation opportunities over a six week period.
The first of these opportunities commenced on 24 December 2015, when the SPF Scientific Panel released its draft recommendations for changes to the SPF Harvest Strategy and commercial catch levels for the SPF to key fishery stakeholders, including conservation, industry and recreational fishing groups for a three week comment period.
Following this, AFMA is holding a Stakeholder Forum in Hobart on 28 January 2016 to which more than 40 fishery stakeholders have been invited to register, including conservation, industry and recreational fishing groups. At the forum, the Scientific Panel will present its draft recommedations for changes to the SPF Harvest Strategy and commercial catch levels. Those present can ask questions about the science as well as put forward their own views.
The third opportunity will be held in early February, when the South East Management Advisory Committee (SEMAC) meets to consider the advice of the Scientific Panel and will also be informed of key points raised by stakeholders at the forum. SEMAC has membership from conservation, recreational fishing and industry sectors as well as AFMA and science members.
SEMAC’s advice, along with that of the Scientific Panel and the forum, will be provided to the independent AFMA Commission for its consideration in early March. At its March meeting the Commission is expected to determine any changes to the SPF Harvest Strategy and catch levels for the fishing season commencing 1 May 2016.
AFMA has also held two previous SPF Stakeholder Forums, one in late 2014 and another early 2015. Conservation groups declined to attend the first forum. The presentations made at these forums were posted on the AFMA website for the benefit of those who could not attend.
Further, AFMA has regular meetings with conservation groups, the fishing industry and recreational fishing representatives. The management of the SPF and the operations of the Geelong Star have been discussed at several of these meetings and AFMA has made a number of presentations on various aspects of the SPF to meet requests made by fishery stakeholders.
Regarding the Geelong Star, there have been no dolphin mortalities for more than six months and like other Commonwealth commercial fishing boats, it must have an operating GPS system so that AFMA knows where it is 24/7. All commercial fishing boats in the SPF, including the Geelong Star, are subject to sustainable catch limits.
SPF species are often commercially caught by mid-water trawl fishing between 100 and 300 metres depth at various locations in the fishery, including the south coast of NSW. The Geelong Star is currently catching fish in this area and has done so in other areas over the nine months it has been operating in the SPF.
More information is available at Small Pelagic Fishery – FAQ’s.