Mackerel in the Small Pelagic Fishery
AFMA is aware that an Australian company has proposed the use of a large vessel in the Commonwealth Small Pelagic Fishery, however to date AFMA has not received any application for this vessel to operate in the fishery.
The Small Pelagic Fishery is managed by a strict quota management system with individual catch shares allocated to fishing operators. Primary target species are small fish such as mackerel and redbait.
Quotas are set at sustainable levels using the best available science that takes broader ecosystem impacts into consideration. This includes any possible effects on larger fish species that rely on the smaller fish for food. Effects on bycatch (ie any fish or marine species other than the targeted fish) will also be closely monitored and taken into account. Independent, on-board AFMA observers are used to monitor the fishing activities of the boat including its impact on marine wildlife.
Because total catch levels are strictly limited by total allowable catches and quota, the size of the boat does not matter from a sustainability perspective.
As always AFMA will apply strict management, monitoring and compliance powers to ensure any boat operating in the fishery is doing so sustainably.
AFMA also requires midwater trawl boats in the SPF to use wildlife mitigation equipment including approved seal excluder devices. There is no evidence that larger boats pose a higher risk to either the target species or broader marine environment.
Smaller operators in the fishery will be able to fish any quota they currently hold and the introduction of the large boat will not affect their access entitlements.
While some international fisheries are experiencing declining fish stocks, Australia’s world-leading fisheries management practices mean the great majority of our fish stocks are in excellent shape and continuing to improve, and Australians can be confident that local seafood is sustainably caught.