Sharing information and hearing the views of recreational fishers on Commonwealth fisheries management matters was again on the table when the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) held the 7th Recreational Fishing Forum in Canberra on 17 May 2016.
Recreational anglers from a number of Australia’s peak recreational fishing bodies all converged for the day to discuss not only current AFMA work which directly impacts on recreational species of interest, but the latest in recreational fishing news direct from the sector.
AFMA gave a number of presentations on topics such as AFMA’s electronic monitoring program and management of the incidental take of snapper by Commonwealth fishers.
In addition, attendees also heard about AFMA’s international compliance side of operations, with a presentation on how AFMA is protecting Australian waters for all fishers through our work to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Recreational fishing representatives, Dallas D’Silva, Victorian Recreational Fishing Peak Body (VRFish); Adrian Wayne, Australian Underwater Federation, Spearfishing Commission (AUFSC); and Tristan Sloan, Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory (AFANT) also gave detailed and informative presentations on a range of issues facing recreational fishers. These presentations will assist AFMA and other government agencies in attendance to better manage fisheries and the marine environment.
AFMA’s CEO Dr James Findlay said that these forums provide a setting for both recreational fishers and Australian government agencies to discuss issues of mutual importance.
“Commonwealth fisheries are a shared resource and these forums are vital in helping to ensure that all sectors can co-exist,” Dr Findlay said.
“From a management perspective, these forums provide an ideal opportunity to hear first-hand about concerns and aspirations of recreational fishers and I look forward to continued dialogue at future forums.”
For more information on Commonwealth fisheries management visit afma.gov.au