In Australia, efforts to deter illegal fishing are not the exclusive jurisdiction of just one agency. The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) works closely with other Australian and state government agencies, in additional to our international counterparts, to combat illegal fishing. This multi-agency effort secures the future of Australia’s fisheries resources as well as resources that straddle or migrate across maritime boundaries.
This coordinated approach has been incredibly successful in the Southern Ocean where there are now no known illegal fishing vessels currently in operation.
One of AFMA’s staff was recently recognised by the Australian Border Force (ABF) for outstanding achievement in the disruption of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the Southern Ocean.
Glen Salmon, Manager of AFMA’s National Surveillance and Response Unit, was recently honoured as part of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection’s inaugural Secretary and Commissioner Awards. The award recognises the collaborative efforts between government agencies and the leading role AFMA has played in curbing illegal fishing in the Southern Ocean.
A/g Commander Maritime Border Command (MBC) Stephen Alexander commended Glen on his well-deserved award and emphasised that a collaborative approach was essential to combatting the threat of illegal fishing.
“ABF and AFMA have a strong relationship that has led to many great results involving protecting Australia’s waters from illegal fishing and safeguarding our natural resources,” A/g Commander MBC Alexander said.
“Glen and his team have worked tirelessly as part of the multi-agency effort to combat IUU fishing and I am pleased to recognise Glen for his efforts.”
AFMA’s National Surveillance and Response Unit is responsible for providing specialist advice and direction on responses to fisheries threats in Australia’s maritime domain. Officers are embedded within Australia’s Maritime Border Command Centre and provide specialist advice 24 hours, 7 day a week.
For more information on AFMA is combatting illegal fishing visit afma.gov.au.