New era of collaboration for fisheries

by S. C.

The Rudd Government has introduced legislation to Parliament that aims to secure more effective, efficient and less costly management of Commonwealth fisheries.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the legislation would help the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) work with fishers and other stakeholders to enhance sustainable fisheries under a co-management approach.

“The government has a strong and ongoing commitment to consultative and cooperative fisheries management,” Mr Burke said.

“New arrangements will allow AFMA to make agreements with primary stakeholders to share responsibility for fisheries management decisions in Commonwealth fisheries.

“There will always be a balance between government and industry involvement in fisheries management, depending on the nature and extent of the management issue.

“This new level of co-management will strengthen the collaborative approach that AFMA takes with stakeholders, where the fisheries have strong leadership and governance arrangements in place and a demonstrated commitment to sustainable fishing practices.

“These reforms have the support of the existing management advisory committees (MACs) and will simplify the process by reducing the number of MACs from 12 to 6.

“The arrangements will result in better decisions and simpler and more efficient administration.

"These benefits will be passed onto industry and further build the industry ‘stewardship’ approach in managing the marine environment.”

In addition to providing for co-management, the legislative changes will simplify regulations for fishers that are administered and enforced by AFMA.

The changes will also enable AFMA to rationalise the number of management advisory committees to provide a more cost effective and efficient consultative structure.