AFMA’s vessel monitoring system (VMS) zero-tolerance program has increased compliance rates without the need for AFMA to take any serious action against non-compliant operators. Compliance with rules for using the monitoring systems has risen to about 97 per cent.
Under the zero-tolerance program, which has been running during May and June, AFMA educated operators about the need for VMS compliance. Under the rules, every Commonwealth fishing vessel is required to install and operate a satellite based vessel tracking unit which enables AFMA to remotely monitor its movements. This helps AFMA ensure compliance with fishery closure arrangements and other management measures which have been implemented to ensure AFMA can sustainably manage fish stocks. Operators were given plenty of notice of the zero-tolerance period. The aim of the zero tolerance program is to achieve an immediate increase in compliance rates, with longer term improvements to compliance rates into the future.
Peter Venslovas, General Manager Fisheries Operations said that while he is pleased with the results so far, there is still room for improvement.
“It’s good to see the improvement in compliance rates; however it is clear from the program that some operators are still complacent when it comes to following VMS rules”.
“Some operators are still switching off VMS units, as a result of taking vessels off line for repair or maintenance, without notifying AFMA to seek the appropriate approvals to switch their units off”.
All operators that hold Commonwealth fishing concessions are required to have a VMS fitted to their vessel and it must remained switched on at all times, unless a temporary switch off has been approved by AFMA.
Under the zero-tolerance policy, any vessel fitted with a vessel monitoring system that stops reporting may be ordered to stop fishing immediately and may be sent back to port until AFMA is satisfied that the vessel’s monitoring system is working and being used responsibly.
For more information please contact Tod Spencer, Senior Manager National Compliance Strategy on 02 6225 5312 or tod.spencer@afma.gov.au.