September marked a very special anniversary for the Northern Prawn Fishery Management Advisory Committee (NORMAC) Executive Officer Annie Jarrett.
On 7 September 1993, Annie Jarrett accepted the position of NORMAC Executive Officer and has been in the role ever since. She has also had and still holds many other roles in the operation of the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF), the broader operations of AFMA and internationally as well.
In the 20 years Annie has been the Executive Officer there have been many changes in the NPF to ensure that it maintains its premier position as the Commonwealth’s most valuable fishery. These changes have not come without hard work, much of it in the NORMAC forum. Annie has led key elements of this change and continues to actively work on a range of management issues in the fishery.
While also performing in the EO role, Annie has also taken on other key fishery roles such as being an AFMA Board member from 1995 to 2001, a Board member on the Commonwealth Fisheries Association and Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Prawn Fishing Industry Pty Ltd.
Annie has been a key industry figure through management changes not just to the NPF but major changes to fisheries management as a whole and a move to co-management – an agreement where industry takes greater stewardship over the management of fisheries resources. Annie and the NPF have been at the forefront of this move.
The NPF’s management and operation is held in very high regard on the world fisheries scene, which is a testament to Annie and all involved. This high regard was cemented in 2012 when the fishery received Marine Stewardship Council accreditation.
AFMA would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Annie on her dedication and many achievements.