It’s a new year and AFMA is encouraging all fishers to review their bycatch handling practices and ensure they are using best practice.
Holding the pectoral fin and tail
All Commonwealth fishers have an obligation to ensure all bycatch is handled carefully, and returned to the water as soon as practicable. The way in which bycatch is handled can have a significant impact on their ongoing survival.
Fishers can minimise their impact on the marine environment through the use of correct handling techniques and the timely return of bycatch to the water. Following these practices helps to ensure the sustainability of our fisheries and ecosystems for many more years to come.
It is important to ensure there are no unnecessary delays in returning bycatch to the water, and that nothing is done that could cause unnecessary harm to bycatch species.
In 2016, AFMA fisheries officers will be focus on bycatch issues when on patrol by providing education and awareness sessions. Fisheries officers will be reminding fishers of their legal obligations when it comes to reducing their bycatch, while also outlining the best practice techniques when handling any bycatch.
Both hands supporting the body
AFMA’s General Manager Operations, Peter Venslovas said that AFMA took bycatch in Commonwealth fisheries seriously.
“It is important that fishers know and comply with their bycatch obligations,” Mr Venslovas said.
“Moreover, it is important that fishers also use best practice when handling species that were unintentionally caught during fishing operations.
“Whilst safety of the crew always remains paramount, there needs to be care to ensure that all steps are taken to minimise harm to the animals.
“Action will be taken against fishers found breaching the fisheries management rules and regulations for Commonwealth fisheries.”
AFMA has a developed a number of resources to assist fishers use best practice when handling bycatch. These can be found at afma.gov.au