the low-down vms · 12 ecosystem based fisheries managment ... furuno felcom 16 ... compatible...

Australian Fisheries Management Authority

VOLUME 5 | ISSUE 1 | AUTUMN 2007

fishingfuture

n e w s l e t t e r o f t h e a u s t r a l i a n f i s h e r i e s m a n a g e m e n t a u t h o r i t y

The low-downon VMS

OUT OF THE BOXNew BRD for NPF

UNDER INVESTIGATION AFMA seizes Australian

fishing vessel

futurefi shingAUTUMN 2007

AFMA Direct 1300 723 621

2

© Commonwealth of Australia 2007

ISSN: 1447–9818

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright

Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written

permission from the Commonwealth available from AusInfo. Requests and

inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the

Manager, Legislative Service, AusInfo, GPO Box 1920, Canberra ACT 2601.

Production by Adcorp G16107.

Fishing Future is published quarterly. While care is taken to ensure the

accuracy of information in this newsletter, readers should not base business

decisions or actions solely upon information contained within.

Give us your feedback in our online survey at

http://www.afma.gov.au/information/

newsroom/survey/default.htm

The information obtained will help us

to improve the site and develop new

online services.

What do you think of the

AFMA website?


www.afma.gov.au

3


Do you know AFMA’s

1300 number?

AFMA’s 1300 number will put

you directly in touch with AFMA

during business hours (8:15am

to 5:15pm EST) on weekdays

from all over Australia, at just

the cost of a local phone call.

Call AFMA Direct on

1300 723 621 for all of your Commonwealth

fishing needs and save money

in the process!

Inside

4

Vessel monitoring systems

If you are operating a fishing vessel in Commonwealth

Fisheries you will be required to have a Vessel

Monitoring System (VMS) fitted and operational

by 1 July 2007. Inside we answer your questions

on VMS!

12

Ecosystem based fisheries managment

AFMA, through a funding grant from the Natural

Heritage Trust, is leading the way by implementing

an ‘ecosystem based’ fisheries management

(EBFM) approach throughout all Commonwealth

managed fisheries.

20

More observers...better data

An increase in personnel and coverage has ensured

that the AFMA Observer program continues to

deliver reliable and accurate information about

what’s happening in our fisheries.

19

Have your say to secure our fishing future

The consultation period for the Australian

Government’s Draft Commonwealth Fisheries

Harvest Strategy Policy is now open.



4

COVER STORY

Don’t forgetyour VMS!

IF YOU OPERATE A FISHING VESSEL IN COMMONWEALTH FISHERIES YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO HAVE

A VESSEL MONITORING SYSTEM (VMS) FITTED AND OPERATIONAL BY 1 JULY 2007. WE SPOKE TO AN

AFMA FISHERIES OFFICER, A FISHERIES MANAGER AND A FISHER ABOUT THEIR THOUGHTS ON VMS.


www.afma.gov.au

5

Thrane & Thrane 3026S Inmarsat-CThrane & Thrane 3026D Inmarsat-C

with Maritime Distress

Thrane & Thrane 3022D Inmarsat-C

Furuno Felcom 16 Inmarsat-C

VMS Units currently approved for installation by AFMA:

Thrane & Thrane enquires: Electrotech Australia +61 3 9646 0555 Furuno enquiries: Taylor Marine +61 8 9431 9500

AFMA Fisheries Management

VMS can benefit industry by allowing

fishery managers to implement finer scale

spatial management. Spatial closures are

implemented in many fisheries for a variety

of reasons including broodstock and juvenile

protection, bycatch minimisation and conflict

resolution. Without a real-time tool such

as VMS, there is incentive to make these

closures larger than they need to be to create

a “buffer zone”. VMS not only provides the

means by which these closures can be kept

to a minimum size to achieve their purpose,

but also allows fishers to access waters

immediately outside the closures with defence

against allegations of illegal fishing.

Mike O’BrienFrom A. Raptis and Sons Pty Ltd –

Operators in the Northern Prawn Fishery

where VMS has been in place for 10 years.

VMS creates a level playing field for all

fishers. Everyone starts and fishes at the

same time and works within all the legal

grounds in that fishery. It can also allow

real time fisheries management- areas can

be closed for different reasons during the

season including quota management or to

protect nursery grounds.

Over the past ten years within the Northern

Prawn Fishery VMS and Inmarsat-C have

allowed us to develop better management

plans for our fishery to protect our nurseries

and our small prawn areas. The flow-on

benefit from this is more product and at

better market value.

Many different forms of VMS systems are

used world wide. In Australia they are used

for truck, taxis and rail monitoring where

position and distance is needed for better

economic and safety performance.

VMS is a very handy tool for compliance to help

combat illegal fishing. It allows compliance

flights not to waste time or money in low

fly-by checks of a vessel. They can see if

the vessel is legal or illegal as they have

the information available at their finger tips

from our VMS units.

AFMA Field Officer

VMS has become an important, modern

instrument being used by Fisheries Officers

in carrying out their duties. In the past, many

hours may have been spent at sea patrolling

large expanses of water to monitor fishing

activities or waiting many hours at a port for

a vessel to return. By providing accurate and

up to date, real time information on vessel

locations and movements, officers can now

monitor things such as areas closed to

fishing or be advised when a vessel enters

a port 24 hours a day 7 days a week, without

leaving the office. VMS enables fisheries

operations to become more efficient in the

performance and management of their day

to day activities.



6

What is a VMS unit?

A VMS is comprised of a GPS receiver, a satellite transponder and a

computer. VMS provides two-way communication between a vessel

and AFMA. VMS units pass location details of your vessel through

a satellite system to AFMA.

Why do I need a VMS on my vessel?

The new expansion of VMS across the entire Commonwealth

fishing fleet is part of AFMA’s response to the Ministerial

Direction issued to it by the Australian Government. Under this

Direction AFMA is required to enhance the monitoring of fishing

activity. This is to be achieved through increased use of vessel

monitoring systems as well as through measures such as on-

board cameras and observers. VMS is a cost-effective way to

monitor licensed vessels in Commonwealth waters and ensures

that compliance resources are placed in areas where they are

the most effective.

VMS also offers additional benefits to the fishing industry such as

improved safety and communications. VMS technologies provide

an effective two-way communication tool for company and fleet

managers to monitor the activities of their vessels. Used with

compatible software, VMS data can be sent directly to homes and

offices providing information to owners and managers such as

vessel location, catch quantities and species breakdown which

enables real-time business decisions to occur.

How much will a VMS cost me?

Prices for VMS units vary depending on make, model and specification.

Current equipment prices can be obtained from the suppliers of

approved VMS units.

Which VMS units can I use?

Four units are currently approved for use in Commonwealth fisheries:

1 Thrane and Thrane Capsat transceiver model TT-3026S Mini-C

2 Thrane and Thrane Capsat transceiver model TT-3026D, Mini-C

3 Thrane and Thrane Capsat transceiver model TT-3022D

4 Furuno Mini-C Mobile Earth Station transceiver model Felcom

16 with Encrypted GPS

Each of these four VMS units have specific software compatible

with their use. Electrotech Australia and Taylor Marine can advise

you on the correct software for your VMS unit.

Where can I buy a VMS unit?

Thrane & Thrane Inmarsat-C units are available from Electrotech

& Fununo Inmarsat-C units from Taylor Marine.

Taylor Marine

Tel: +61 8 9431 9500

Email: [email protected]

Ken Brown, Director Commercial Sales

Electrotech Australia

Tel: +61 2 9646 0555


Vijay Susarla, Satellite Communications Manager

Q &WE ANSWER ALL THE QUESTIONS YOU HAVE ASKED ABOUT VMS...

VMS Implementation- Q & A


www.afma.gov.au

7

How do I install my VMS?

All approved VMS units must be installed by an authorised

technician.

What do I need to consider when powering the unit?

The regulations require that the VMS unit is wired directly to the

batteries which will provide for constant monitoring. Your VMS must

be running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while at sea and port.

How do I activate my VMS?

Operators and suppliers need to complete and submit to AFMA the

relevant documentation.

It is the responsibility of the concession holder to confirm that this

paperwork has been completed and submitted to AFMA before the

vessel goes to sea. Copies of these forms can be found at: www.afma.

gov.au/industry/vms/dnid_download_agreements_nov2004.pdf

I have a small boat… is a VMS still required?

Yes. The implementation of VMS applies to all vessels. However, to the

standard approved VMS units exemptions may be available for smaller

vessels with lower power supplies, where traditional VMS units cannot

be fitted. AFMA is presently developing standards for this exemption

and is investigating the potential for other technologies to be used

for VMS. Please contact AFMA if you think you fit into this category.

Operators will be advised if other technologies are approved.

I have a VMS unit for fishing in State waters. Do I need

another unit?

If your VMS unit is one of the approved models, you can use it for

both State and Commonwealth requirements. Please contact AFMA

for further information on how to do this. If not, you will need to

install one of the four units approved for use in Commonwealth

fisheries (see above).

Can VMS be used for operators fleet monitoring and management?

VMS is, and can be, operated by fleet operators with the on-going

ability to monitor vessels and maintain catch area history. VMS

also allows fleet management to track weather fronts in relation

to vessels and vessel breakdowns.

Who can I contact for more information?

If you have any questions please call the AFMA VMS Officers:

Ph: 02 6225 5387

02 6225 5369

0448 248 948

Fax: 02 6225 5442


& A



8

A F M A S E I Z E D A N

AUSTRALIAN FISHING

VESSEL AFTER IT WAS

DETECTED OPERATING

IN COMMONWEALTH

WAT E R S W I T H O U T

A COMMONWEALTH

FISHING CONCESSION.

The vessel was apprehended in an

operation targeting fishers who may

still be operating in Commonwealth

fisheries despite having their concessions

bought-back recently in the Australian Government’s

Securing our Fishing Future

adjustment program.

A fisheries patrol boat detected the

vessel in Commonwealth waters

off the NSW coast. Subsequent

boarding and inspection by AFMA

officers ascertained that the vessel

did not have a Commonwealth

fishing concession.

The vessel was seized on reasonable

grounds to believe it was being used for

fishing without a Commonwealth fishing

concession. It was escorted to Sydney where

AFMA is conducting further investigations.

In the Melbourne Magistrates Court, Delmark Holdings

Pty Ltd was ordered to pay a fine of $165,000, return the

proceeds of the sale of fish to the value of $151,604 and

pay costs of $2500.

The company landed a total of 18,756 kgs of fish without

quota during the 2004 fishing season in the Commonwealth’s

Gillnet, Hook and Trap Fishery. This included 18,651 kgs

of Gummy Shark, 64 kgs of Saw Shark, 25 kgs of Jackass

Morwong, 11 kgs of Flathead and 3 kgs of John Dory.

Despite being provided extensive advice of their overquota

position, Delmark Holdings Pty Ltd failed to obtain quota

to cover their catches by the due date.

AFMA’s Managing Director, Mr Richard McLoughlin welcomed

the judgement and urged operators to work within the rules

of the quota management system.

“The message for fishers is - if you’re going fishing make sure

you have enough quota to cover any likely catches or can obtain

extra quota by the required date,” said Mr McLoughlin.

Mr McLoughlin thanked AFMA investigators and the officers

of the Director of Public Prosecutions for their efforts in

prosecuting the case.

AFMA seizes Australian fishing vessel

AN AUSTRALIAN FISHING COMPANY HAS BEEN ORDERED TO PAY $319,104 AFTER PLEADING

GUILTY TO CATCHING OVER THEIR ALLOCATED QUOTA IN 2004.

Too many fish prove costly for fishing company

Delmark Holdings landed a total of 18,651 kgs of Gummy Shark

without quota during the 2004 season


www.afma.gov.au

9

Developed by netmaker Robert ‘Popeye’ Bennett, the device

acts as an escape hatch allowing unwanted fish and other

species such as sea snakes to escape the trawl net.

AFMA’s Managing Director, Mr Richard McLoughlin said

that fishers in the Northern Prawn Fishery will now be able

to use the ‘fishbox’ device after trials showed encouraging

results in the reduction of bycatch such as small fish species

and sea snakes.

“In certain conditions the fishbox resulted in a 48% reduction

of the amount of small fish and an 85% reduction in sea

snakes caught compared to no escape device. Capture of small

sharks and stingrays was also reduced by almost 11%. Large

sharks and rays are already excluded from the prawn trawl

by existing mandatory Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs).

“The trial also found that the device was best suited to the

method used when targeting tiger prawns.

“Following these results the Northern Prawn Management

Advisory Committee has endorsed the use of the fishbox

in the fishery. AFMA is now encouraging licence holders in

the NPF to install the device for use during the next tiger

prawn season.

“Further analyses of the fishbox will be conducted to fine

tune the effectiveness of the device”, said Mr McLoughlin.

The fishbox trial was conducted as part of AFMA’s move towards

eco-system based fisheries management and was funded by

the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust.

Fish escape device is one out of the boxA NEW DEVICE KNOWN AS THE ‘FISHBOX’ HAS SHOWN PROMISING RESULTS IN REDUCING THE CATCH OF

UNWANTED FISH FROM PRAWN TRAWL NETS IN ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST PRAWN TRAWL FISHERIES.

The ‘Fishbox’ excluder device installed in the net

The ‘Fishbox’ excluder device allows unwanted fish and seasnakes to escape from prawn trawl nets



10

The AFMA Board accepted

Richard’s resignation and thanked

him for directing AFMA and the

Commonwealth fisheries it

manages through a period of

significant change and progress.

The Board agreed that the

combination of AFMA’s changed

management measures and the

Australian Government’s buyout program had transformed the

operating environment for Commonwealth fisheries, and that

Richard has made a significant personal contribution to this

outcome. While much remains to be done the Board believes

that sufficient progress has been made to be confident that

long term benefits of these reforms will be evident by the end

of this decade.

During the period of Richard’s tenure AFMA has:

• Substantially achieved the policy and management outcomes

sought by the Board and the Government to deliver

sustainable Commonwealth fisheries in the coming years,

including implementation of the Ministerial Direction to

cease overfishing;

• Responded in an outstanding way to the increased incidence

and threat of foreign illegal fishing in northern Australia and

the Government’s requirement for an improved enforcement

and detention/repatriation response; and

• Restored its financial stability following a series of successful

submissions to the Government and adoption of a revised

cost recovery policy.

Richard indicated to the Board that after a long career in fisheries

management and the intense period of change in his role as

Managing Director he wanted to pursue new career challenges.

The AFMA Board has decided on an interim Executive to

continue operations at AFMA while processes are underway for

appointment of a new Managing Director. The following changed

arrangements will commence from 6 April 2007:

Dr Nick Rayns – A/Managing Director

Geoff Richardson - A/Executive Manager, Fisheries

and Sustainability

Paul Murphy- A/General Manager, Business Management

Rohan Wilson - A/General Manager, Operations

Recruitment processes are currently underway for appointment

of a permanent Managing Director.

AFMA MANAGING DIRECTOR RICHARD McLOUGHLIN HAS RESIGNED AND WILL LEAVE THE

AUTHORITY ON 5 APRIL 2007.

Managing Director moves on

Foreign long-liner interceptedAFMA IS CONDUCTING INVESTIGATIONS INTO POSSIBLE ILLEGAL FISHING OFFENCES BY THE FOREIGN FISHING VESSEL SHUEN MAN APPREHENDED IN AUSTRALIAN WATERS.In a joint operation coordinated by Border Protection Command,

Australian Customs Vessel Dame Roma Mitchell boarded the

35-metre long-liner on Thursday 22 March 2007. The vessel

was intercepted approximately 258 nautical miles north of

Lord Howe Island, and about 65 nautical miles inside the

Australian Exclusive Economic Zone.

The vessel with 15 crew on board were taken into port

at Brisbane and the crew transferred into the custody of

the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. AFMA is

continuing with its investigations into possible breaches of

the Fisheries Management Act 1991. An AFMA officer searches the hold of the foreign fishing boat Shuen Man.


www.afma.gov.au

11

The Reports are produced annually by the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS),

and provide an independent review of the status of commercial

fisheries managed by the Australian Government, and jointly with

other jurisdictions in some cases.

“Commonwealth-managed fish stocks are the basis of a fishing

industry worth many hundreds of millions of dollars and provide

high-quality seafood products to the domestic and export markets,

and we are determined to make sure of their long-term sustainability,”

Senator Abetz said.

“The 2005 Report highlights two main areas of concern. In 2005

the number of fish species considered to be overfished continued

to increase in line with improved knowledge and assessment of

stocks, but there are still a number of species where we do not

have adequate information about stock levels to fully understand

their status,” Senator Abetz said.

“This report highlights why the Australian Government has taken

decisive action over the past 18 months to end overfishing and

recover overfished stocks through the unprecedented $220m

Securing our Fishing Future package”

“Since the period covered by these reports through the Securing

our Fishing Future package, we have:

• Removed over 550 fishing concessions from Commonwealth

fisheries through a $148m voluntary buyback;

• Issued a Ministerial Direction to AFMA to accelerate their

programmes to end overfishing and to introduce reforms to

ensure long term sustainability;

• Cut total allowable catches and fishing effort in fisheries

subject to overfishing in line with scientific advice;

• Provided an additional $6m to improve science, compliance

and data collection across Commonwealth fisheries.

Around 160 species of fish are regularly landed from Australia’s

Commonwealth managed fisheries. The 2005 Reports show that of

the 83 species assessed in that year, 24 are classified as overfished

and/or subject to overfishing, up from 17 the previous year. Of the

remaining species, 19 are classified as ‘not overfished’ and 40 are

classified as ‘uncertain’.

The Reports are based on assessments carried out by research

agencies, including State and Territory agencies, CSIRO and BRS.

The Reports cover species managed solely by the Commonwealth

Government, through AFMA, as well as species managed jointly

with other jurisdictions including international Regional Fisheries

Management Organisations.

“Due to the life history characteristics of some species, it will take

some time before the full impact of the Securing our Fishing Future

package becomes evident,” Senator Abetz said.

“Nevertheless, initial advice suggests that early results from the

package should be reflected in the next BRS Fishery Status Report,

and I am confident we’ll see steady improvement into the future.

A full copy of the Fishery Status Reports can be found at:

www.affa.gov.au/statusreports

Further information about the Australian Government’s Securing

our Fishing Future package can be found at:

http://www.daff.gov.au/fishingfuture

Further information about the changes to Commonwealth

fisheries management can be found at:

http://www.afma.gov.au/securing/direction.htm

FEDERAL FISHERIES MINISTER, SENATOR ERIC ABETZ SAYS THE 2005 FISHERY STATUS REPORTS SUPPORT

THE DECISION TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO END OVERFISHING AND RECOVER OVERFISHED STOCKS

UNDER THE $220M SECURING OUR FISHING FUTURE PACKAGE.

Fish stats stack up



12

An important part of this approach is making sure that everyone- from

the fishing industry right through to the wider community- gets the

message about what EBFM is and what is being done to make sure

AFMA fisheries are being managed in the most sustainable way.

EBFM put simply

We all know that fisheries management means just that- managing

how fishing activity occurs. So what do we mean by ‘ecosystem

based’ fishery management (or EBFM)?

In the most simplest terms, EBFM means that AFMA, as the

fisheries manager, must consider the impact that fishing has on

all of the aspects of the broader marine ecosystem, not just the

target species. This is quite a different approach to how fisheries

management has taken place in the past.

When managing a fishery under an EBFM approach, the impact

of fishing on all aspects of the marine environment should be

assessed. This includes assessing the impact on target species,

bycatch species, protected species, habitats and communities. This

is because impacting on one species can have flow on effects in

many other ways.

In a world that is becoming increasingly more aware of environmental

accountability, EBFM is now seen as ‘best practice’ for managing

fisheries both in Australia and internationally.

This can’t be achieved overnight, but AFMA and it’s MACs are well

on the way to achieving EBFM.

So what’s involved?

To manage fisheries in a sustainable way, AFMA is using two key

management processes – Ecological Risk Assessments and a

‘harvest strategy’ process. Both of these processes allow us to

determine the risks that fishing poses to the marine environment

and assist in determining the best way to manage the impacts at

a sustainable level.

Ecological Risk Assessments

For whole ecosystems, we undertake Ecological Risk Assessments

(ERAs) on a fishery by fishery basis. These risk assessments provide

a comprehensive basis for prioritising the relative environmental

risks and developing appropriate management responses for the

high risk components.

An ERA is an assessment of the impact a fishery’s activities may

have on all aspects of the marine ecosystem. More specifically,

ERAs identify the level of risk a fishery potentially poses to causing

undesirable impacts to the marine eco-system.

From that assessment, we can then consider alternative management

strategies and management responses to address and minimise

the risks.

Harvest Strategies

AFMA is working with its key stakeholders to develop and implement

fishery specific harvest strategies for Commonwealth fisheries. These

harvest strategies are designed to manage the impacts of fishing

on key commercial species, and to maintain these fish populations

at levels that will underpin ecological sustainability, and improve

the profitability of Commonwealth commercial fisheries.

AFMA’s harvest strategies use target and limit reference points,

tailored stock assessment approaches, and precautionary decision

rules to manage fishing effort and/or catch. Target catch and effort

levels will be set at levels that maintain healthy ecosystems, and

ensure profitable fisheries. Where stocks are heavily depleted, harvest

strategies will promote efficient rebuilding of these stocks.

AFMA’s harvest strategy approach is one of several key initiatives

that will work together to deliver strong environmental and business

outcomes for Commonwealth fisheries.

Getting out the message

In moving AFMA’s fisheries management practices to an EBFM approach,

industry awareness, understanding and cooperation is paramount.

With an understanding of the broader EBFM approach, it is hoped

that industry will develop an interest in, and acceptance of, EBFM

and ultimately will implement it through their fishing practices.

In the long run, sustainable fishing practices means benefits for

fishers themselves.

Education and increased awareness of the wider Australian community

about the move towards EBFM will also improve confidence that

Australian Commonwealth fisheries are being managed in a

sustainable way, and that ‘ecosystem friendly’ fishing practices

are being adopted by the fishing industry.

AFMA, THROUGH A FUNDING GRANT FROM THE NATURAL HERITAGE TRUST, IS LEADING THE WAY BY IMPLEMENTING AN ‘ECOSYSTEM

BASED’ FISHERIES MANAGEMENT (EBFM) APPROACH THROUGHOUT ALL COMMONWEALTH MANAGED FISHERIES.

Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management:Getting the message?

Ecological risk assessments and harvest

strategies are the key tools for determining

and managing the ecological priorities for

AFMA into the future.


www.afma.gov.au

13

AFMA’s website

AFMA’s website has lots of information about EBFM. This includes

fact sheets, guides to the processes, and updates and progress

reports relating to the EBFM project. Check out http://www.

afma.gov.au/environment/eco_based/default.htm

Industry Liaison Officers

AFMA’s existing logbook officer roles have been expanded to

include a greater emphasis on industry communication and

extension. These liaison officers provide ‘face to face’ contact

with industry to facilitate improved logbook reporting, update

fishers on current issues and initiatives and encourage adoption

of improved fishing practices.

Workshops

Training workshops are occurring across major fisheries to

communicate EBFM to fishers. These workshops will provide

practical ways they can reduce their impact on the ecosystem,

particularly species identified as high risk in the Ecological

Risk Assessments. There is also a strong focus on reducing

bycatch and increased protected species interactions reporting.

Information brochure

An information brochure explaining EBFM is now being

distributed and is available at http://www.afma.gov.au/

environment/eco_based/default.htm

DVD

The DVD conveys AFMA’s overall approach in moving to EBFM as

well as highlighting practical ways in which we are implementing

it. The DVD will be used as a part of public education displays,

conferences, and distributed to schools and educational institutions.

For a copy, contact AFMA Direct 1300 723 621.

Interactive CD ROM game

EBFM can be a difficult concept for the general public

and particularly school-aged children to understand. An

interactive game has been developed where students

assume the role of a fishery manager and manage a marine

ecosystem. The game will be part of a public education

display, will be on AFMA’s website and provided to schools

and educational institutions.

THERE IS A RANGE OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE ABOUT ECOSYSTEM BASED FISHERIES MANAGEMENT, AND AFMA IS USING A VARIETY OF WAYS TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE TO COMMERCIAL FISHERS AND THE PUBLIC. HERE’S JUST A FEW:

Spreading the word about EBFM

A faceonly we

couldlove!

Postcard

Part of the campaign involved the

distribution of 100,000 postcards to

public venues across Australia that

feature the Leopard Jawfish – the

postcard uses the striking image of

the Leopard Jawfish to explain to the

public that AFMA is working closely

with industry to manage the impacts of

fishing on all species, not just the ones

that end up on our dinner plates!



14

The MCS Network is a voluntary arrangement of

national organisations with fisheries law enforcement

responsibilities. These organisations meet under the

auspices of the MCS Network to develop a co-operative

framework to deter and eliminate illegal, unregulated

and unreported (IUU) fishing.

The primary purpose of the meeting was to progress

a recommendation from the 2005 High Seas Task

Force (HSTF) to enhance the existing voluntary network

with dedicated resources, analytical capacity and the

ability to provide training and technical assistance to

fisheries law enforcement agencies, particularly in

developing countries.

The MCS Network agreed to commence a three year

project to enhance its staffing and operations based in

the office of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration (NOAA).

The Network also considered the development of a global

high seas fishing vessel information system arising

from the HSTF. A feasibility study has been completed

which recommends working closely with the Food and

Agriculture Organisation to develop a system.

AFMA used the opportunity of the Vancouver meeting to

update the Network on its recent efforts to combat IUU

fishing activity in Australian waters. In its presentation,

AFMA highlighted the importance of international

co-operation in enforcement activities and the need

to work within an effective and dynamic domestic

legal framework.

The next International MCS Network meeting is scheduled

for South Africa in late 2007.

An Adelaide based company has been selected to scrap and dispose

of the Volga, a typical long line vessel at around 65m in length. The

vessel has been moored at the Strategic Marine Wharf at Henderson

just outside the city of Fremantle in WA since its apprehension.

It will be cut up using an excavator with a big set of steel sheers.

The steel will then be sold to a metal recycler.

An operator in the SESS Fishery has had his concession

suspended for six months and received a 12 month

good behaviour bond after submitting fraudulent

documentation relating to his logbooks. The fisher

was found guilty on 14 December 2006 at Frankston

Magistrates Court, Victoria.

AFMA views such incidences as serious as they

significantly jeopardise the management arrangements

and have the potential to affect the quota holdings of

all concession holders. We remind all operators to

ensure that they submit documents in accordance with

management requirements.

ON 7 FEBRUARY 2002, THE FOREIGN FISHING VESSEL

VOLGA WAS APPREHENDED FOR ILLEGALLY OPERATING

INSIDE THE AFZ OFF HEARD ISLAND. AFTER A LONG

LEGAL BATTLE IT IS NOW SET TO BE DESTORYED

End of the line for illegal fishing vessel

PAUL MURPHY, GENERAL MANAGER OPERATIONS

AND ROHAN WILSON, SENIOR MANAGER FOREIGN

COMPLIANCE PARTICIPATED IN THE INTERNATIONAL

MONITORING CONTROL AND SURVEILLANCE (MCS)

NETWORK MEETING HELD IN VANCOUVER ON

31 JANUARY – 1 FEBRUARY 2007.

AFMA compliance on world stage

‘Fishy’ documents earn operator a six month lay-off

The Volga, soon to be scrap metal


www.afma.gov.au

15

The database summarises available information on techniques

in use, or being developed, to reduce bycatch of non-target

marine wildlife in Australia and New Zealand.

The database was launched by Minister Abetz in Hobart as part

of Seaweek. You can search the database for different fisheries,

fishing methods and wildlife species.

The database and further info can be found at http://adl.brs.

gov.au/fishbycatch/index.php

AFMA’s Natural Heritage Trust grant enabled AFMA to provide

these devices to fishers to encourage greater use and reduce

the bycatch impact on fisheries.

The use of these devices is now suitable to the Australian

longline fleet, as trials undertaken in the Eastern Tuna and

Billfish Fishery by SeaNet, proved successful.

Thanks to all operators who are using these devices – don’t

forget to record any interactions with protected species in your

logbook and note that it was “de-hooked”.

THE BUREAU OF RURAL SCIENCES (BRS), WITH

FUNDING FROM THE NATURAL HERITAGE TRUST

(NHT), AND INPUT FROM AFMA, HAS RECENTLY

DEVELOPED A WILDLIFE BYCATCH DATABASE.

Wildlife bycatch reduction database

IN ATTEMPTING TO REDUCE THE MORTALITY OF BYCATCH (NOTABLY TURTLES AND LARGE SHARKS)

IN LONGLINE FISHERIES, AFMA HAS SUPPLIED DE-HOOKING AND LINE CUTTING DEVICES TO THE

AUSTRALIAN PELAGIC LONGLINE FLEETS.

Hooked on De-hookers!

Hi-res line cutter, images courtesy Oceanwatch Australia

A fisherman using the de-hooker to free a turtle



16

The Facts:

• Also known as the sand tiger shark or spotted ragged-

tooth shark

• Large stout body, cone-shaped snout, coloured grey to

grey-brown, with a paler off-white underbelly

• May have reddish or brownish spots on tail fin- particularly

in juveniles

• Generally more active at night and are often observed

just above the sea bed in or near deep sandy-bottomed

gutters or rocky caves, in the vicinity of inshore rocky

reefs and islands

• Primarily found in tropical and temperate waters

around Australia and has been recorded in all states

except Tasmania

DESPITE THEIR FEARSOME APPEARANCE, THESE GENERALLY HARMLESS

SHARKS ARE NOW A VULNERABLE AND ENDANGERED SPECIES.

The Grey Nurse Shark

Image cortesy David Harasti-Protected Species ID Guide


www.afma.gov.au

17

The Food:

• A wide range of fish, other sharks, squids, crabs

and lobsters.

The Future:

• Critical habitats for the survival of this species have been

protected in NSW. The Cod Grounds will be declared

as critical habitats this year, which means fishing and

other activities will be restricted.

• If you are a fisher, please report all interactions

with grey nurse sharks in your logbooks. To help

you identify the grey nurse shark AFMA will soon be

distributing a Protected Species Identification Guide to

all Commonwealth fishers.

The Figures:

• Born at about 100cm and adults can grow up to 3.6m



18

Australian Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation

Senator Eric Abetz officially launched the week at Constitution

Dock in Hobart on 5 March.

Seaweek 2007, with its theme Marine Bycatch Matters, highlighted

the leading role Australian fishermen are taking in reducing

pressure on our marine environment.

“The Australian seafood industry has a well deserved international

reputation as leading the world in sustainable fishing, and the

use of TEDs and SEDs demonstrate the practical measures

Australian fishermen are taking to minimise their interaction

with non-target species,” Senator Abetz said.

“Fishermen, makers of fishing gear, researchers, government

and non-government organisations are working closely together

to ensure fishing gear continues to catch target species, while

letting non-target species escape.”

“Bycatch of marine turtles has been virtually eliminated by the

use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) in Australian prawn trawl

fisheries and Seal Excluder Devices (SEDs) are now in use in

the winter blue grenadier trawl fishery off west Tasmania.”

Seaweek 2007 also provided a unique opportunity to also launch

the closely-linked National Seal Strategy and to announce the

first SeaNet officer for Tasmania, Fiona Ewing, who will provide

environmental extension to the Australian seafood fishing

industry in the region.

The National Seal Strategy, with its associated scientific report,

aims to create a coordinated approach that will minimise adverse

human-seal interactions in commercial fisheries, aquaculture

and tourism ventures.

SeaWeek 2007 is a joint project of the Bureau of Rural Sciences

(BRS) and Marine Education Society of Australasia (MESA). Funding

for the projects was provided by the Australian Government

through the Natural Heritage Trust.

TURTLE AND SEAL EXCLUDER DEVICES (TEDS AND SEDS), AND OTHER WAYS TO MINIMISE AND

MANAGE BYCATCH, STARRED AT THE LAUNCH OF SEAWEEK 2007 IN HOBART DURING MARCH.

SEAWEEK 2007- Working toward a healthy marine environment

Minister Abetz showing some onlookers how the exclusion devices work


www.afma.gov.au

19

The Harvest Strategy Policy will provide a framework that ensures

a strategic, science-based approach to setting total allowable

catch levels in all Commonwealth fisheries.

The policy is a key component of the Australian Government’s

$220m Securing our Fishing Future initiative to ensure the

future profitability and sustainability of the Commonwealth

fishing industry.

Australian Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation Minister,

Senator Abetz, said that the draft policy had been developed

in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including the

fishing industry and scientific research organisations, and had

been peer-reviewed by a number of international experts.

“Australia’s Commonwealth-managed fisheries are an important

contributor to the national economy and support many thousands

of jobs in regional coastal communities. It’s critical that they are

managed both sustainably and profitably,” Senator Abetz said.

”This policy has been developed in consultation with some of

the world’s leading experts in fisheries science and, together

with the significant structural reforms recently achieved through

the Government’s $148m licence buyback, will better position

the industry for a sustainable and profitable future.”

Harvest strategies based on the final policy will be applied

in all Commonwealth fisheries by the Australian Fisheries

Management Authority by 1 January 2008.

This timeframe allows for a consultation period which

will run for two months, closing on 11 May 2007.

Information sessions on the detail in the draft policy and related

guidelines will be held with stakeholders to ensure that content

is clear and well understood before the policy is finalised. Key

stakeholder organisations will be contacted directly to inform

them of the dates and locations of the information sessions.

The Commonwealth Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy and

Guidelines for Implementation of the Commonwealth Fisheries

Harvest Strategy Policy documents are available online at

www.daff.gov.au/harveststrategypolicy

All persons with an interest in Commonwealth-managed fisheries

are invited to send comments on the draft policy and guidelines

to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry at

[email protected] or by phone on 02 6272 5402.

THE CONSULTATION PERIOD FOR THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S DRAFT COMMONWEALTH

FISHERIES HARVEST STRATEGY POLICY IS NOW OPEN.

Have your say to secure our fishing future



In 2007 there will be more than 20 AFMA Observers collecting valuable

data on fishing catch, effort and the interactions that a vessel and its

fishing gear has with the environment. This increase in observers will

allow for greater coverage in all of the Commonwealth fisheries.

The fundamental purpose of the Observer program is to provide

fisheries managers, research organisations, environmental agencies,

the fishing industry and the wider community with independent

and verified data on fishing activities. An electronic data gathering

system is currently being implemented allowing Observers to be

more efficient when at sea.

The number of sea days for AFMA Observers is also set to increase this

year, with more than 3000 projected sea days for 2006-07 compared

to 2,200 in 2005-06. To ensure the increase in Observers, coverage

and sea days are well organised, three full-time Port Coordinators

will be based in Mooloolaba, Merimbula and Port Lincoln.

Keep an eye out for an Observer in your area!

AN INCREASE IN PERSONNEL AND COVERAGE HAS ENSURED THAT THE AFMA OBSERVER PROGRAM CONTINUES TO

DELIVER RELIABLE AND ACCURATE INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR FISHERIES.

More observers...Better data

20

Observers gathering valuable fisheries data AFMA Observer measuring a yellow-fin tuna


www.afma.gov.au

We have profiled some of our Observers in previous editions and

this time we introduce you to another observer, Matt Hodge,

who joined the team in April 2006 and will soon be the Observer

Regional Coordinator on the South Coast of NSW.

Matt Hodge- AFMA Observer

Matt’s humble beginnings in the fishing industry were behind

the counter in a local tackle shop and his passion for fishing

has continued to grow. He has worked in aquaculture farming of

kingfish and mulloway, as an abalone harvester, as a researcher

aboard the AMC vessel Bluefin as well as the monitoring and

observing of southern bluefin tuna in Port Lincoln.

It wasn’t until 2005 whilst studying at the Australian Maritime

College (AMC) that Matt became fully aware of the range of issues

relating to fisheries within Australia. His thirst for knowledge

and a desire to assist in the management of fisheries lead him

to AFMA. Since becoming an Observer, Matt has collected data

in the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery, the Western Tuna

Fishery and the South East Trawl Fishery.

Despite the sometimes lengthy time at sea, Matt says his role as

an Observer is a great opportunity to travel throughout Australia

and work with different fishing industries. His highlights include

seeing how each fishing operation works and finding different

species or creatures from the deep that you have never seen before.

GOOD FISHERIES MANAGEMENT BEGINS WITH GOOD DATA, AND ONE OF THE KEY SOURCES OF

DATA FOR AFMA ARE OUR FISHERIES OBSERVERS.

Observers - the people behind the program

21

Matt Hodge getting up close with an Escolar



22

Born, bred and educated in

Sydney, Ms North completed an

Economics degree with Honours

in Political Theory at Sydney Uni.

She later joined the Australian

Public Service in Canberra with

the Industry Department, currently known as the Department

of Industry, Tourism and Resources. She then ventured north

and established a consultancy business in Armidale, with her

husband Jim and spent nearly nine years gaining valuable

experience and knowledge.

Expanding her horizons Ms North then moved on to work in a

community owned training and research company, a professional

services firm, and later in commercial and strategy roles with

Optus. Ms North’s diversity in employment is equally matched by

her continued learning, having completed an MBA in 2000, the

Company Directors Course Diploma in 2004, and an Advanced

Diploma with the AICD in 2007.

With such strength in business and management a natural

progression for her career was to become involved in Boards

of community organisations. She currently serves on the Board

of Streetwize Communications Limited, and on the Council

of International House at the

University of Sydney.

And she is no fish out of water

joining the AFMA Board, as it

allows her to again be involved

in industry economics, which is a link back to her time in the

Industry Department.

“I always find it exciting to be at the beginning of a new learning

curve, and I am really looking forward to learning about the

economics of the fishing industry, or perhaps I should say of all

the different fishing industries in Australia.

“It allows me to continue my interest in governance matters,

which is what I have studied most recently, and there are also

strong environmental questions which are very topical and of

close interest to me,” highlighted Ms North.

When not doing Board work, she contracts out her financial

modeling and strategy skills, currently to a telecommunications

reseller. With so many commitments, her weekends are very

precious and are often spent with her husband and daughters

by the beach, at the theatre or enjoying meals with friends.

Welcome Denise!

A NEW MEMBER OF THE AFMA BOARD WAS APPOINTED IN FEBRUARY 2007 AND SHE IS KEEN TO

USE HER EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, ORGANISATIONAL CHANGE

AND STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT TO ENSURE A STRONG FUTURE FOR AUSTRALIAN FISHERIES.

Introducing Denise North


www.afma.gov.au

“Statutory Fishing Rights (SFRs) give fishers greater security

than annually renewable permits by providing an access right

for the life of the management plan for the fishery,” AFMA’s

Managing Director, Richard McLoughlin said.

This granting of SFRs is part of the allocation process under

the new Management Plan for this fishery which came into

effect on 9 February 2006.

The SFRs have now been granted to two companies and will

come into force on 1 July 2007.

“Consistent with the plan, Austral Fisheries, as a pioneer of

toothfish fishing operations in this region, received half of the

available SFRs. The remaining 50% of SFRs were available

through the tender process and have been secured by Austral

Fisheries and Petuna Sealord. Both companies operate vessels

in Australia’s other sub-Antarctic Fishery around Heard Island

and McDonald Islands,” Mr McLoughlin said.

The Macquarie Island Toothfish Fishery, which is located

approximately 1,500 kilometres south-east of Hobart, is managed

in a compatible manner to the fishery around Heard Island and

McDonald Islands.

“The Management Plan for the Macquarie Island Toothfish

Fishery adopts stringent fishery management measures,

including setting sustainable catch levels and the use of strict

environmental protection measures,” said Mr McLoughlin.

“In addition, operators are required to carry two independent

observers to monitor fishing operations and collect data on

target and non-target species.”

STATUTORY FISHING RIGHTS HAVE BEEN GRANTED FOR THE MACQUARIE ISLAND TOOTHFISH FISHERY IN

THE REMOTE SUB-ANTARCTIC, FOLLOWING ALLOCATION OF HALF THE SFR’s THROUGH A COMPETITIVE

TENDER PROCESS.THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT A COMPETITIVE TENDER HAS TAKEN PLACE FOR

GRANTING SFR’s IN ANY AUSTRALIAN FISHERY.

Toothfish fishing rights granted for Macquarie Island

Patagonian Toothfish,

image courtesy of

Austral Fisheries

23



24

The gear modifications, called T-90 extensions and cod-ends,

use a section of mesh rotated 90 degrees, either in front of

the cod-end or for the cod-end itself.

As an industry initiative, all GABTF boats are now required to

use a T-90 mesh extension and/or codend of a minimum size.

Research programs in other parts of the world have shown

these net modifications minimise mesh closure when the cod

end fills up with catch.

The T-90 mesh extension helps reduce the catch of small fish

through escapement and increases water flow during the tow,

which makes it more stable and efficient. The T -90 gear is

also stronger than mesh in the standard configuration.

GABTF operators have reported that the T-90 gear modifications

used so far have been valuable in increasing efficiency and

reducing bycatch during GAB trawling operations.

The positive benefits of using T-90 will be tracked through the

Independant Scientific Monitoring Program (ISMP) observer

coverage. GABTF industry is also looking to run a small pilot

project during 2007 in an attempt to quantify the positive effects

of using T-90 gear configurations in the GABTF.

THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BIGHT TRAWL FISHERY (GABTF) HAS INTRODUCED MODIFICATIONS

TO ITS TRAWL NETS TO REDUCE THE CATCH OF SMALL FISH, INCREASE TOWING

EFFICIENCY AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THE CATCH.

New gear in the GAB

Traditional codend- notice the mesh pulled in reducing the opening

T90 codend, showing a larger opening. Images courtesy SINTEF Fisheries and Agriculture


www.afma.gov.au

The deployment of a new Rapid Response Helicopter service to

be based in Gove will provide the capability to detect and respond

to landings or abandoned vessels in particularly remote areas

in Australia’s north and offshore regions.

Helicopters (Australia) is the successful tenderer for the service.

Under the contract, the company will operate a new Eurocopter-145

twin-engine helicopter from April 2008. A BK-117-B2 twin-engine

helicopter will operate in the interim commencing in May 2007.

The new helicopter capability was one of a range of measures

announced by the Government in the 2006/07 Budget funding

package to combat illegal foreign fishing in Australia’s

northern waters.

Customs also welcomed into service the first upgraded

Dash 8 surveillance aircraft, and announced the selection of a

Surveillance Information Management System (SIM).

AERIAL SURVEILLANCE OF AUSTRALIA’S NORTHERN BORDERS IS BEING SIGNIFICANTLY

STRENGTHENED THROUGH NEW TECHNOLOGY AND EXTRA RESOURCES.

Rapid response helicopterHelicopters (Australia) Eurocopter-145 twin-engine BK-117-B2, image courtesy Australian Customs Service

25



26

Co-operation and care from a commercial fishing crew and a

New Zealand Fisheries Observer led to the safe landing of the

best known specimen of an adult male colossal squid.

The colossal squid (scientific name of Mesonychoteuthis

hamiltoni) was estimated to be about 10 metres long and is

largest known squid species. The colossal squid is the world’s

largest invertebrate and is believed to have the largest eyes in

the animal kingdom.

The squid was caught after it was hauled to the surface holding

on to a Patagonian toothfish the fishermen had hooked on

a longline.The crew stopped winching in the long-line and

spent two hours manoeuvring a net under the squid to haul

it aboard.

The squid was barely alive when it reached the surface and

observers and crew thought it would be very unlikely to survive

if released. The squid was taken onboard and will be preseved

as a specimen for science and will ultimately end up at the

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington.

The animal was first described in 1925 from two tentacles

found in the stomach of a sperm whale. The squid’s known

range is from Antarctica to the southern extremities of

South America, South Africa and New Zealand.

Source: Ministry of Fisheries, New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND FISHERMEN IN THE ROSS SEA HAVE CAUGHT WHAT’S THOUGHT TO BE THE LARGEST SQUID EVER FOUND, WEIGHING AN ESTIMATED 450KG.

Super size calamari

Entry Deadline: July 31, 2007

WHAT’S YOUR INNOVATIVE IDEA FOR REDUCING BYCATCH?

Fisheries bycatch is the leading threat to many endangered marine mammals, cetaceans,

sea turtles, seabirds and certain fish species.

WWF and our partners created the International Smart Gear Competition to

inspire innovative, practical, cost-effective ideas that allow fishermen to “fish

smarter” – to better target their intended catch while reducing bycatch.

The competition is open to all – fishermen, professional gear manufacturers,

teachers, students, engineers, scientists and backyard inventors.

Visit www.smartgear.org for entry materials.

Contact [email protected] for additional information.

:

Simple, Powerful Change www.smartgear.org

2007 COMPETITION

$30,000 GRAND PRIZE

TWO $10,000 RUNNER-UP PRIZES

Giant squid being hauled aboard


www.afma.gov.au

While care is taken to ensure the accuracy of dates at the time of printing, readers should visit http://www.afma.gov.au/information/newsroom/events/

or contact AFMA Direct to confirm any event or location.

APRIL

15-19Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna Compliance Sub-Committee Working Group

Canberra

17-18 Sub-Antarctic Resource Assessment Group Hobart

MAY

1 Southern Bluefin Tuna Management Advisory Committee Port Lincoln

2-3Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna Compliance Sub-Committee Working Group

Canberra

14-15 Torrea Strait Tropical Rock Lobster Resource Assessment Group Cairns

15-16 AFMA Board Meeting Melbourne

16-18 Tropical Rock Lobster Working Group Thursday Island

23-24 Torres Strait Finfi sh Working Group Thursday Island

29Commission for the Conservation of Antartic Marine Living Resources- CCF

Canberra

30 Sub-Antarctic Fisheries Management Advisory Commitee Canberra

20072007

27

CALENDAR OF EVENTS


Enquiries

Write to AFMA at:

PO Box 7051 Canberra BC, CANBERRA ACT 2610. Fax (02) 6225 5500 or phone during business hours (02) 6225 5555.

Website www.afma.gov.au or email [email protected]

AFMADIRECT 1300 723 621

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