This World Fisheries Day, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) is highlighting cooperative efforts with key stakeholders to ensure Commonwealth fish stocks are sustainable now and into the future.
AFMA’s CEO, Wez Norris, said maintaining a viable Commonwealth commercial fishing industry relies on effective management of fish stocks.
“Australia sets a great example on the global stage for fisheries management,” Mr Norris said.
“We work closely with industry, scientists and environment non-government organisations to develop management arrangements and innovations that allow fishers to do their job, while taking into account a joint commitment for sustainability.
“Commonwealth fisheries are managed with strict rules and regulations to help ensure fish stocks are sustainable and reduce the impacts of commercial fishing to the marine environment.
“While AFMA manages Commonwealth fisheries, fish can travel within and outside of these bounds, so a collaborative approach with other Federal, state and international authorities is required.
“Information is shared with partner agencies on species characteristics, catches, fishery intelligence and other datapoints to make sure fish stocks are aplenty across all jurisdictions.
“We undertake research with scientific organisations like CSIRO and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation for regular scientific research activities, as well as special projects to investigate how to adapt fisheries management to the impacts of climate change.
“We also work closely with agencies such as the Australian Border Force and Australian Defence Force to protect our fish stocks from illegal fishing, as well as others like Parks Australia to retrieve lost or abandoned fishing gear that can float into Australian waters to protect our marine environment.”
