From 1 July 2017, the Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) is improving vessel monitoring in the Torres Strait. All primary boats (boats that tow tenders) and licenced carrier boats will be required to have an AFMA approved Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) unit installed.
VMS use a combination of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and satellite communications to transmit and receive information such as the boat’s location, course and speed. As a result, fisheries managers will now be able to tell more easily if a vessel is complying with fisheries laws, including not operating in a closed area or outside prescribed season/s.
The PZJA made the decision to make VMS compulsory on primary vessels and carrier boats after consultation with stakeholders. Part of the decision includes a VMS exemption for dinghies used to fish, carrier boats 6 metres or less in length, and freight shipping vessels.
AFMA’s manager for Torres Strait fisheries, Selina Stoute said “From 1 July, VMS units need to be operational at all times, even when the boat is in port”.
“This level of monitoring has been used effectively in other fisheries, including AFMA’s other managed fisheries, where all 350+ Commonwealth vessels are required to have VMS.”
“The PZJA’s decision is a direct response to industry calls for improved compliance in Torres Strait Fisheries.”
To help operators understand their requirements, a series of frequently asked questions have been developed and are available at pzja.gov.au.
For additional questions on VMS, please contact AFMA’s National Intelligence Section on 02 6225 5555 or vmsinfo@afma.gov.au, or AFMA’s Thursday Island office on 07 4069 1990.
The Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) is responsible for management of commercial and traditional fishing in the Australian area of the Torres Strait Protected Zone (TSPZ) and designated adjacent Torres Strait waters. AFMA is managing the implementation and management of the VMS.