Members of a key committee established as part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s transformative $24.5 million reform of the commercial marine scalefish fishery have been announced.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham said the newly created Marine Scalefish Fishery Management Advisory Committee (MSFMAC), which meets for the first time today, features representatives from each of the different industry sectors as well as other fisheries experts.
“This crucial body replaces the Snapper Management Advisory Committee and will provide science-based advice on the day-to-day management of the commercial marine scalefish, charter boat and recreational fisheries,” Minister Basham said.
“A key item on the first agenda will be the state’s current snapper closure and what science and research will be required to see if the snapper population will have recovered enough to re-open in February 2023.
“The MSFMAC will play a vital role in the development, review and implementation of shared access fisheries management plans, research and scientific monitoring programs to support their sustainable management.
“The Marshall Liberal Government’s historic $24.5 million reform of the commercial marine scale fishery, including the establishment of four fishing zones across the state, the adoption of a quota system for the priority species of snapper, King George whiting, southern garfish and southern calamari and a suite of measures to cut red tape, came into effect on 1 July.
“These extensive commercial fishing reforms are about strengthening the long-term financial and ecological sustainability of the industry and supporting regional jobs.
“The inaugural members have been appointed to the MSFMAC for a three-year term and will play a key role in providing advice to the State Government on the ongoing management of these vital fisheries.
“I am particularly pleased that Amanda Vanstone, who was the independent chair of the Snapper MAC, has agreed to continue to make a valuable contribution to South Australia’s fishing sector by taking on the role of chair.
“This committee will be very important moving forward, providing the State Government with important advice to guide the management of South Australia’s largest and most diverse shared access fishery.”
Three positions on the committee are yet to be filled, however further work is being undertaken to recruit appropriate people for these roles.
For more information
MSFMAC appointments:
Independent chair | Hon Amanda Vanstone AO |
Independent economist | Dr Julian Morison |
Independent fisheries scientist | Dr David Smith |
Two representatives of the recreational fishing sector | Dr Paul Rogers To be appointed |
Representative of the Charter Boat Fishery | Merilyn Nobes |
Two representatives of the Marine Scalefish Fishery | Craig Fletcher Shannon Cornelius |
Representative of the rock lobster industry | Emily Rowe |
Aboriginal traditional fishing member | To be appointed |
Independent conservation member | To be appointed |
PIRSA fisheries management expert | Keith Rowling |
SARDI fisheries science expert | Dr Jonathon Smart |
