Environmental management arrangements
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Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery Management Arrangements Booklet April 2014 AFMA Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery Edited and revised in 2014 by Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). Important Note: Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this booklet is correct and accurate at the time of printing. However, the information provided is intended to serve as a guide only, and therefore AFMA will not be liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from the use of or reliance upon this booklet. The booklet is not intended to replace any conditions or requirements of an operator’s concession of the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery Management Plan 2003, Fisheries Management Act 1991 and Fisheries Management Regulations 1992. Some of the items in this booklet may not apply to a particular fishing operation. Operators should refer to the key documents listed in this booklet. © Commonwealth of Australia 2014 ISBN: 978-1-877044-38-0 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 Ausinfo. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Manager, Legislative Service, Ausinfo, GPO Box 1920, Canberra, ACT, 2601. Copies available from: Australian Fisheries Management Authority Box 7051 Canberra BC CANBERRA ACT 2610 or electronically at the AFMA website under SESSF Publications (www.afma.gov.au/managing-ourfisheries/fisheries-a-to-z-index/southern-and-eastern-scalefish-and-shark-fishery/publications-andforms/) Preferred way to cite this publication: AFMA (ed & rev) 2014, Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery Management Arrangements Booklet 2014, Australian Fisheries Management Authority. Canberra, Australia. Published by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA). Cover photo by Australian Fisheries Management Authority. STREET ADDRESS Level 6 73 Northbourne Ave CIVIC ACT 2600 POSTAL ADDRESS Box 7051 Canberra BC CANBERRA ACT 2610 ENQUIRIES Phone: (02) 6225 5555 Fax: (02) 6225 3087 Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 2 Table of contents Important documents ..................................................................................... 14 1. Introduction ............................................................................................. 16 2. Management of the fishery ...................................................................... 16 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Sectors of the fishery ............................................................................................. 16 Consultative arrangements .................................................................................... 18 State managed species ......................................................................................... 18 Fishing in other Commonwealth fisheries .............................................................. 18 Fishing in a State and Commonwealth fishery....................................................... 19 Fishing outside the Australian Fishing Zone (AFZ) ................................................ 19 3. Licensing ................................................................................................. 19 3.1 3.2 3.3 Statutory Fishing Rights (SFRs) ............................................................................ 19 Fishing permits ...................................................................................................... 20 Transfer of a statutory fishing right or fishing permit .............................................. 22 4. Data collection ......................................................................................... 22 4.1 4.2 4.3 Logbook and Catch Disposal Records................................................................... 22 Fishery observers .................................................................................................. 23 Electronic monitoring ............................................................................................. 24 5. Processing requirements ......................................................................... 24 5.1 5.2 Processing at sea .................................................................................................. 24 Converting processed scalefish weight to a whole weight ..................................... 26 6. Quota management................................................................................. 26 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 6.9 28 day quota reconciliation process ...................................................................... 26 Overcatch and undercatch..................................................................................... 27 Quota deduction .................................................................................................... 28 Keeping track of your quota ................................................................................... 28 Balancing process and important dates for end of the 2013-14 fishing season ..... 29 Balancing process and important dates for 2014-15 fishing season ...................... 30 School Shark obligations in the gillnet sector ........................................................ 30 Levy amounts ........................................................................................................ 31 Payment of levies .................................................................................................. 31 7. Species specific management arrangements .......................................... 32 7.1. 7.2 7.3 Rebuilding Strategies............................................................................................. 32 School Shark management arrangements ............................................................ 32 Upper-Slope Dogfish Management Strategy ......................................................... 32 Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 3 7.4 7.5 Deepwater Shark Area .......................................................................................... 34 Pink Ling ................................................................................................................ 34 8. Environmental management.................................................................... 34 8.1 8.2 8.3 Bycatch and discarding workplans ........................................................................ 34 Protected species interactions ............................................................................... 34 Management arrangements for protected species ................................................ 37 9. Compliance ............................................................................................. 39 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 10. Compliance overview............................................................................................. 39 Navigation regulations ........................................................................................... 40 Vessel monitoring system (VMS) ........................................................................... 41 Illegal/suspicious fishing – Call CRIMFISH – 1800 274 634 .................................. 42 Contact details ..................................................................................... 43 Attachment 1. Acronyms.............................................................................. 45 Attachment 2. Area of the SESSF ............................................................... 46 Attachment 2.1 Sectors within the SESSF ...................................................................... 47 Attachment 3. Spatial closures .................................................................... 53 Attachment 3.1 SESSF Direction No. 1 2013 .................................................................. 53 Attachment 3.2 SESSF Direction No. 11 2013 ................................................................ 71 Attachment 3.3 SESSF Direction No. 5 2013 .................................................................. 71 Attachment 3.4 SESSF Direction No. 6 2013 .................................................................. 72 Attachment 3.5 SESSF Direction No. 2012 .................................................................... 73 Attachment 3.6 SESSF Direction No. 5 2012 .................................................................. 73 Attachment 3.7 SESSF SFR Conditions ......................................................................... 74 Attachment 3.8 SESSF Permit Conditions ...................................................................... 74 Attachment 3.9 Area closures outside AFMA’s jurisdiction ............................................. 75 Attachment 4: Species identification .............................................................. 76 Gulper Shark Identification .............................................................................................. 76 Skates and Rays Identification ........................................................................................ 77 Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 4 Table 1. Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and other limits for the 2014/15 fishing season Quota Species Multi year TAC(t)* 2014/15 TAC(t) Alfonsino 1st year of 3 1017 rd Bight Redfish (GAB) 3 year of 3 335 1st year 282 2nd year 229 3rd year 6 800t 1st year 8 810t 2nd & 3rd years Blue-eye Trevalla Blue Grenadier* 2358 335 6800 TAC change from 2013/14(t) -108 Overcatch/ Undercatch % 10 0 -53 1st year -106 2nd year -159 3rd year 1592 1st year 3602 2nd & 3rd years 10 0 0 0 10 10 10 Deepwater Flathead (GAB) 1st year of 3 118 (bycatch) 1150 Deepwater Shark Basket (east) 1st year of 3 47 -38 10 215 0 10 109 0 10 Blue Warehou Deepwater Shark Basket (west) st 1 year of 3 Elephant fish 1st year of 3 Flathead 2878 128 10 st 100 0 0 st 1 year of 3 Gemfish (Eastern) Gemfish (Western) 1 year of 3 199 0 10 Gummy Shark 1st year of 3 1836 0 10 st 568 0 10 rd 221 0 10 808 -808 10 195 0 10 50 0 0 500 0 10 Orange Roughy (Eastern)* 25 0 0 Orange Roughy (Southern) 35 0 0 Orange Roughy (Western) 60 0 0 Oreo (smooth Cascade) 150 0 10 1 year of 3 Jackass Morwong 3 year of 3 John Dory Mirror Dory st 1 year of 3 Ocean Perch Orange Roughy Esperance)* Orange Plateau) Roughy Oreo (smooth other) Oreo (basket) (Albany & (Cascade Long term 23 0 10 st 132 0 10 st 996 162 10 138 -138 84 1st year 187 2nd & 3rd years 41 1st year 79 2nd & 3rd years 120 10 1 year of 3 1 year of 3 Pink Ling Redfish st Ribaldo Royal Red Prawn Sawshark 252 1 year 355 2nd & 3rd years 344 1st year 382 2nd & 3rd years 252 344 459 10 10 10 Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 5 Quota Species Multi year TAC(t)* School Whiting Spotted (silver) Warehou TAC change from 2013/14(t) Overcatch/ Undercatch % 0 0 0 10 215 (bycatch) 809 School Shark Silver Trevally 2014/15 TAC(t) st 615 -166 10 nd 2329 0 10 1 year of 3 2 year of 3 * Research Catch Allowance – Blue Grenadier (200 t), Orange Roughy - Albany and Esperance (200 t), Royal Red Prawn (38 t) and Western Gemfish (5 t). * Multi Year TACs – It is not possible to automatically set multi-year TACs. For multi-year TACs, the Commission set the TACs for the 2014-15 fishing year and has indicated that it will be prepared to set the proposed TACs in subsequent fishing years subject to advice regarding indicators and break out rules. Table 2. Total Allowable Catch for Non-quota species in the East Coast Deepwater Trawl Sector 2014/15 TAC Non-quota Species Boarfish – trigger (ECDWT sector) Orange Roughy – incidental catch (ECDWT sector) 200 50 Change from 2013/14 0 0 Table 3. SESSF conversion factors for the 2014/15 fishing season Quota Species Alfonsino Bight Redfish Blue-eye Trevalla Blue Grenadier Blue Warehou Deepwater Flathead Deepwater Shark Basket (East) Deepwater Shark Basket (West) Elephant fish Flathead Gemfish (Eastern) Gemfish (Western) Gummy Shark Jackass Morwong John Dory Mirror Dory Ocean Perch Orange Roughy (Albany & Esperance) Orange Roughy (Cascade Plateau) Orange Roughy (Eastern) 2014/15 TAC (t) Number of SFRs 1017 752977 2358 1000000 335 6800 118 1150 47 215 109 2878 100 199 1836 568 221 808 195 50 788654 4950838 2384854 3000000 217081 259750 92373 2940220 198855 285607 2236206 1365760 204895 673210 298914 2014/15 Conversion Factor 1.35063886 2.35800000 0.42477436 1.37350485 0.04947892 0.38333333 0.21650905 0.82771896 1.17999848 0.97883832 0.50287898 0.69676163 0.82103348 0.41588566 1.07860123 1.20021984 0.65236155 2013/14 Levy Amount (per quota SFR and ITQ including FRDC levy) $0.02039 $0.00523 $0.39468 $0.10317 $0.01320 $0.00782 $0.02354 $0.03670 $0.36852 $0.16429 $0.14596 $0.06813 $0.47919 $0.06141 $0.04215 $0.10085 $0.09748 200000 0.25000000 $0.00334 500 1506641 0.33186406 25 7254511 0.00344613 $0.00636 $0.00044 Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 6 Quota Species 2014/15 TAC (t) Orange Roughy (Southern) Orange Roughy (Western) Oreo (smooth Cascade) Oreo (smooth other) Oreo (basket) Pink Ling Redfish Ribaldo Royal Red Prawn Sawshark School Shark School Whiting Silver Trevally Spotted (silver) Warehou Number of SFRs 35 7356328 60 1450898 150 227028 23 137834 132 564421 996 894840 138 473897 252 258893 344 382098 459 346343 215 464116 809 2020998 615 463723 2329 981803 2014/15 Conversion Factor 0.00475781 0.04135370 0.66071145 0.16686739 0.23386798 1.11304814 0.29120252 0.97337510 0.90029260 1.32527581 0.46324626 0.40029728 1.32622277 2.37216631 2013/14 Levy Amount (per quota SFR and ITQ including FRDC levy) $0.00061 $0.00536 $0.00061 $0.00053 $0.02067 $0.39149 $0.02583 $0.18023 $0.04155 $0.24410 $0.46620 $0.03065 $0.05725 $0.17026 Please note: The levy amount per quota SFR and ITQ including FRDC levy is for 2013/14 financial year. Table 4. SESSF 2013/14 Levy Amounts Concession Scalefish hook boat SFR Shark hook boat SFR Gillnet boat SFR TAS coastal sector permit SA coastal sector permit GAB trawl boat SFR CTS Trawl boat SFR VCW sector permit ECDT permit Trap permit TRL sector permit Auto longline fishing permit Levy Amount per SFR $1536.33 $1943.39 $3589.44 $1108.08 $1108.08 $25559.00 $ 350.23 $332.84 $488.17 $1052.67 $1108.08 $3742.83 Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 7 Table 5. Scientific and common names for SESSF quota species Quota Species Alfonsino Bight Redfish Blue-eye Trevalla Blue Grenadier Blue Warehou Deepwater Flathead Deepwater Shark Elephant Fish Flathead Gemfish (east) Gemfish (west) Gummy Shark Jackass Morwong John Dory Mirror Dory Ocean Perch Orange Roughy (Albany and Esperance Zones) Orange Roughy (Cascade Plateau) Orange Roughy (Eastern) Orange Roughy (Southern) Orange Roughy (Western) Scientific Name Beryx splendens Centroberyx gerrardi Hyperoglyphe antarctica Schedophilus labyrinthica Macruronus novaezelandae Seriolella brama Neoplatycephalus conatus Centroscyllium kamoharai Centroscymnus coelolepis Centroscymnus crepidater Centroscymnus owstoni Centroscymnus plunketi Dalatias licha Deania calcea Deania quadrispinosa Etmopterus bigelowi Etmopterus brachyurus Etmopterus dianthus Etmopterus dislineatus Etmopterus evansi Etmopterus fusus Etmopterus granulosus Etmopterus lucifer Etmopterus molleri Etmopterus pusillus Family Callorhinchidae Family Rhinochimaeridae Neoplatycephalus aurimaculatus Neoplatycephalus richardsoni Platycephalus bassensis Platycephalus caeruleopunctatus Platycephalus speculator Rexea solandri Rexea solandri Mustelus antarcticus Nemadactylus macropterus Zeus faber Zenopsis nebulosis Helicolenus barathri Helicolenus percoides Common Name Alfonsino Bight Redfish Blue-eye Trevalla Ocean Blue-eye Blue Grenadier Blue Warehou Deepwater Flathead Bareskin Dogfish Portugese Dogfish Golden Dogfish Owston’s Dogfish Plunket’s Dogfish Black Shark Brier Shark Platypus Shark Smooth Lanternshark Short-tail Lanternshark Pink Lanternshark Lined Lanternshark Blackmouth Lanternshark Pygmy Lanternshark Southern Lanternshark Blackbelly Lanternshark Moller`s Lanternshark Slender Lanternshark Elephant Fish Hoplostethus atlanticus Hoplostethus atlanticus Hoplostethus atlanticus Hoplostethus atlanticus Hoplostethus atlanticus Orange Roughy Orange Roughy Orange Roughy Orange Roughy Orange Roughy Toothy Flathead Tiger Flathead Southern Sand Flathead Bluespotted Flathead Southern Bluespotted Flathead Gemfish Gemfish Gummy Shark Jackass Morwong John Dory Mirror Dory Bigeye Ocean Perch (offshore) Reef Ocean Perch (inshore) Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 8 Quota Species Oreo Pink Ling Redfish Ribaldo cod Royal Red Prawn Sawshark School Shark School Whiting Silver Trevally Silver Warehou Smooth Oreo Dory Scientific Name Allocyttus niger Allocyttus verrucosus Neocyttus rhomboidalis Neocyttus species Genypterus blacodes Centroberyx affinis Mora moro Haliporoides sibogae Pristiophorus cirratus Pristiophorus nudipinnis Galeorhinus galeus Sillago flindersi Pseudocaranx dentex Seriolella punctata Pseudocyttus maculatus Common Name Black Oreo Dory Warty Oreo Dory Spikey Oreo Dory Rough Oreo Dory Pink Ling Redfish Ribaldo Royal Red Prawn Common Sawshark Southern Sawshark School Shark Eastern School Whiting Silver Trevally Silver Warehou Smooth Oreo Dory Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 9 Table 6. Overview of the SESSF (excluding GABTS) SESSF Sector Commonwealth Trawl Sector (CTS) - Mid-water trawl - Demersal otter trawl - Danish seine trawl - Pair trawling Main Target Species Tiger Flathead, Pink Ling, Blue Grenadier, Silver Warehou Methods Employed Mid-water trawl, demersal otter trawl (scalefish) and pair trawling East Coast Deepwater Trawl Sector (ECDWTS) - Mid-water trawl - Demersal otter trawl Demersal otter trawl (prawn) Danish seine (scalefish) Specific Gear Requirements Not less than 90 mm mesh at any part of net. 115 mm mesh in net mouth and wings (scalefish otter trawl only) Codend requirements Reporting Bycatch Reduction Devices At least 90 Single square mesh (≥ 90 mm single mm) panel in upper side of twine mesh or codend bag (15 x 20 bars) at least or a large rotated mesh 102 mm (T90) (≥ 90 mm) in upper double twine codend (15 x 18 meshes) mesh; or at least 90 mm double twine mesh with one or more bycatch devices Not less than 40 mm and not greater than 60 mm mesh at any part of net Not less than 38 mm mesh at any part of net Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 10 Logbook: EFT01B CDR: SESS2A Main Target Species Scalefish Blue-eye Trevalla, Hook Pink Ling Gummy Shark Shark Hook SESSF Sector Gillnet Hook Shark and Trap Gillnet Sector (GHATS) Trap Gummy Shark Pink Ling Methods Employed Demersal longline, automatic longline and dropline Demersal longline Bottom set gillnet Fish trap Specific Gear Requirements Reporting Demersal longline no limit on hooks; auto longline max 15 000 hooks, Tori line must be used, Best Fishing Gear (BFG) or Mustad auto longlining systems only; Drop line, no limit on hooks. Demersal longline no limit on number of hooks in Commonwealth waters; number of hooks permitted under Coastal Water Permit are limited but number may vary depending on permit. In State Coastal waters and waters adjacent to South Australia, the max permitted headrope length is 4200 m. In all other Commonwealth waters the max permitted headrope length is 6000 m. The above specifications include 20 mesh deep. Mesh size 15-16.5 cm (5.9-6.5 inches). Please note: Coastal waters permits vary in headrope length restrictions. Max 100 traps. 0.9 m high x 1.2 m wide x 1.8 m long (max). A 60 mm x 250 mm escape hole on lower portion of one side (min). A 250 mm x 460 mm entrance on front (max). Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 11 Logbook: LN01A CDR: SESS2A Logbook: NT01A CDR: SESS2A Logbook: TR01 CDR: SESS2A Table 7. Prohibited fish species in the SESSF relevant to state waters In waters relevant to TAS SA Species NSW Vic. Billfish Black Cod No take Great White Shark Grey Nurse Shark Tuna and Tuna like species Table 8. Trip limits for state managed finfish species In waters relevant to TAS SA Species 200 kg finfish Australian Anchovy Australian Salmon Banded Morwong Bastard Trumpeter Black Bream Blue Groper Blue Sprat Broadbill Swordfish Dusky Morwong Garfish Grassy (rock) Flathead King Gar King George Whiting Luderick Magpie Morwong Mulloway Pilchard Red Mullet Sea Sweep Snook Sprat Wrasse Yelloweye Mullet Yellow-finned Whiting Striped Trumpeter Snapper Yellowtail Kingfish Vic. limit 200 kg limit finfish No take (GHAT only) No take 20 kg 20 kg No take 50 kg 50 kg No take No take (GHAT only) Maximum of 2 for Scalefish Hook Boat SFR only No take No take (GHAT only) No take 100 kg No take No take Combination up to 250 kg of which no more than 150 may be striped trumpeter No take (GHAT only) No take (GHAT only) 20 kg 50 kg Max 10 20 kg 200 kg for trawl and Danish seine and 50 kg for all other methods. Max 10 Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 12 Table 9. Trip limits for crustaceans Species In waters relevant to TAS SA NSW Deepwater Prawn Red Prawn Prawn Genus Aristeus Royal Red Prawn Scarlet Prawn Eastern King Prawns School Prawns Other Prawns Vic. Permitted species No take Included in 50 kg limit for other crustaceans No take Carid Rock Lobster Giant (King) Crab Bay Bug Other Crustaceans Permitted species No take Max of 5 Max 200 kg No Take Max 50 kg Max 10 kg Table 10. Trip limits for molluscs Species In waters relevant to TAS SA Arrow Squid Red Ocean Squid Southern Ocean Arrow Squid Yellowback Squid Scallops Abalone Shells or Shellfish Other Molluscs Limpets or Keyhole Limpets NSW Vic. Permitted species Permitted species No take No take Max 50 kg Max 500 kg Max 50 kg No take No regulations apply to these species Key: In addition to the species above take of the following species are prohibited in Tasmania: Handfish, Family Brachionichthyidae Three Finned Blennies, Family Tripterygiidae. The take of Seahorses and Pipefish, Family Syngnathidae is prohibited in Tasmania and Commonwealth waters. The following finfish species are included in the 200 kg finfish trip limit basket for waters relevant to South Australia when fishing by the method of trawl: Black reef leatherjacket Parrotfish (knifejaw) Chinaman leatherjacket Rough leatherjacket In addition to the species permitted in Table 8, Barracouta and all Leatherjacket species may be included in the 200 kg trip limit basket for GHAT operators in waters relevant to Victoria. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 13 Important documents Commonwealth legislation and policy Fisheries Management Act 19911 Fisheries Management Regulations 19921 Commonwealth Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy and Guidelines 20072 (under review) Commonwealth Policy on Fisheries Bycatch 20003 (under review) SESSF legislative instruments4 Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery Management Plan 2003 Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery Total Allowable Catch Determinations (2014 Fishing Year) – for quota species, non-quota species and overcatch and undercatch Logbook determination (Particular Fisheries) 2013 (F2013L01821) SESSF Directions4 Direction No. 6 2010 (F2010L03313): SESSF Gear requirements Direction No. 1 2013 (F2013L00168): Permanent Closures Direction No. 5 2013 (F2013L00222): Shark Hook and Gillnet Deepwater Closure and Automatic Longline Shallow Water Closure Direction No. 6 2013 (F2013L00632): Western Deepwater Shark Closure Direction No. 7 2013 (F2013L00693): Gillnet Colony Closure Direction No. 10 2013 (F2013L01701): Gillnet closure to protect dolphins Direction No. 11 2013 (F): Flinders Research Zone – amended closure Note: these Directions may be ceased and/or superseded by subsequent versions during the fishing season. Management of Commercial species in the SESSF5 Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery Harvest Strategy Framework 2009 (amended February 2014) Stock Rebuilding Strategy for Blue Warehou Stock Rebuilding Strategy for School Shark Stock Rebuilding Strategy for Eastern Gemfish Orange Roughy Conservation Programme Environmental management arrangements SESSF Ecological Risk Management framework5 Australian Sea Lion Management Strategy and Revised Triggers and Zones6 Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 14 Dolphin Strategy6 Upper Slope Dogfish Management Strategy6 Bycatch and Discarding Workplans5 South-east Trawl Fishery: Seal Bycatch – Guidelines for reporting and data collection 20076 Threat Abatement Plan for the incidental catch of Seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations 20068 Industry code of conducts Industry Code of Practice for Automatic Longline Operators Encountering Gulper Sharks, SEFA 20065 Logbooks and forms AFMA logbooks9 AFMA licensing forms10 Links to documents 1. AFMA Legislation and Policy (www.afma.gov.au/about-us/legislation-and-policy/) 2. AFMA Harvest Strategies (www.afma.gov.au/managing-our-fisheries/harvest-strategies/) 3. DAFF Fisheries (www.daff.gov.au/fisheries) 4. ComLaw (www.comlaw.gov.au/Search/Southern%20and%20Eastern%20scalefish%20and%20 shark%20fishery) 5. AFMA Publications and Forms (www.afma.gov.au/managing-our-fisheries/fisheries-a-to-zindex/southern-and-eastern-scalefish-and-shark-fishery/publications-and-forms/) 6. AFMA Notices and Announcements (www.afma.gov.au/managing-our-fisheries/fisheries-a-to-zindex/southern-and-eastern-scalefish-and-shark-fishery/notices-and-announcements/) 7. Ecological Risk Management (www.afma.gov.au/managing-our-fisheries/environment-andsustainability/ecological-risk-management/#sessf) 8. SEWPaC Threat Abatement Plan – Seabirds (www.antarctica.gov.au/science/southern-oceanecosystems-environmental-change-and-conservation/southern-ocean-fisheries/seabirdbycatch/threat-abatement-plan-seabirds) 9. AFMA Logbooks and Catch Disposal (www.afma.gov.au/services-for-industry/logbooks-andcatch-disposal/) 10. AFMA Licensing and Quota Management Forms (www.afma.gov.au/resourcecentre/publications-and-forms/fisheries/licensing-and-quota-management/) Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 15 1. Introduction This Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF) Management Arrangements Booklet is a guide to the management arrangements that will apply to SESSF concession holders in the 2014-15 fishing year which runs from 1 May to 30 April. Please note that the Great Australian Bight Trawl Sector, while part of the SESSF, has a separate management arrangements booklet entitled Boat Operating Procedures Manual for the Great Australian Bight Trawl Fishery, available on the AFMA website. Further information on any of the SESSF management arrangements can be found on the AFMA website, or by contacting one of the people listed in Section 10. 2. Management of the fishery The SESSF is managed in accordance with the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery Management Plan 2003 (the Management Plan). Management of the fishery is mainly through total allowable catch (TAC) limits. A TAC is set for each quota species and certain non-quota species (to cover incidental unavoidable catch), and is the total catch by all concession holders that may be taken during that fishing year. The TACs for the 2014-15 fishing season are provided in Table 1. Currently 34 species/species groups are managed under quota, which includes two species in the Great Australian Bight Trawl Sector (GABTS) (see Table 1). In order to fish in the SESSF, operators must hold a relevant fishing concession which provides access to an area in which to fish, method by which they are allowed to fish (boat statutory fishing right or permit) and if fishing for quota species, relevant quota holdings for that species. The SESSF is a limited entry fishery, which means that no new fishing concessions are created and one must obtain an existing concession in order to enter the fishery. Further detail on fishing concessions is provided in Section 3. Other management arrangements used in the SESSF include trip limits, incidental catch limits, size limits, prohibited take, gear restrictions and spatial and temporal closures. Spatial closures are listed in Attachment 3 with accompanying maps. In addition, industry implements voluntary measures in co-operation with AFMA such as voluntary closures, voluntary gear restrictions and industry Codes of Conduct. 2.1 Sectors of the fishery The SESSF is a multi-sector, multi-species fishery that covers almost half of the Australian Fishing Zone (AFZ). The area of the fishery stretches south from Fraser Island in southern Queensland, around Tasmania, to Cape Leeuwin in southern Western Australia (see Attachment 2). The fishery operates in both Commonwealth and State waters under different Offshore Constitutional Settlement (OCS) arrangements with State governments. Please note that Lord Howe Island and Balls Pyramid are not part of the SESSF. The fishery is comprised of the following major sectors (Attachment 2): Commonwealth South East Trawl Sector (CTS) East Coast Deepwater Trawl Sector (ECDWTS) Scalefish Hook Sector Shark Hook Sector Shark Gillnet Sector Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 16 Trap Sector Great Australian Bight Trawl Sector (GABTS). In this booklet the Scalefish Hook, Shark Hook, Gillnet and Trap Sectors are collectively referred to as the Gillnet, Hook and Trap Sector (GHAT). There are also smaller sectors in the SESSF which include the South Australian, Tasmanian and Victorian coastal waters sectors. The major fishery sectors are briefly outlined below. Commonwealth South East Trawl Sector This sector covers the area of the AFZ extending southward from Barrenjoey Point (north of Sydney) around the New South Wales, Victorian and Tasmanian coastlines to Cape Jervis in South Australia. This sector is adjoined by the ECDWTS, the GABTS, the Commonwealth Victorian Coastal Waters Sector (VCW), and the South Tasman Rise (STR). The STR is not a sector of the SESSF but is managed separately by AFMA. The CTS is overlapped by parts of the GHAT sector. East Coast Deepwater Trawl Sector The ECDWTS extends in a 200 nm radius around Lord Howe Island off New South Wales. All fishing methods are prohibited within 25 nm of Lord Howe Island and Ball’s Pyramid, and the sector is bounded to the west by a trawl exclusion zone. Scalefish Hook Sector The Scalefish Hook Sector includes all waters off South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania from 3 nm to the extent of the AFZ. It also includes waters off southern Queensland (south of Sandy Cape) and New South Wales from approximately the 4000 m depth contour (60-80 nm from the coast) to the extent of the AFZ. Waters inside this line off the New South Wales and Queensland coasts, and inside 3 nm around South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, are managed under the jurisdiction of the State Governments. Shark Hook and Gillnet Sectors The Shark Hook and Shark Gillnet Sectors include waters from the New South Wales/Victorian border westward to the South Australian/Western Australian border, including the waters around Tasmania, from the low water mark to the extent of the AFZ. All targeted shark fishing is prohibited inside Victorian coastal waters which is inside 3 nm. Fish Trap Sector Each trap operator has a different area in which they are authorised to fish. Refer to concession conditions for further information. Great Australian Bight Trawl Sector The GABTS extends from Cape Jervis in South Australia westward to Cape Leeuwin in southern Western Australia. It overlaps with Gillnet and Hook Sectors in waters off South Australia, and is adjoined by the CTS to the east. Refer to the Boat Operating Procedures Manual for the Great Australian Bight Trawl Fishery for management arrangements in the GABTS. An overview of the main species taken, methods employed, specific gear requirements and reporting logbooks for each sector is shown in Table 6. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 17 2.2 Consultative arrangements Management Advisory Committees (MACs) are AFMA’s main point of contact with each fishery, providing a forum where issues relating to a fishery are discussed and possible solutions developed. MACs provide advice to AFMA in relation to issues in the fishery. SquidMAC and the Small Pelagic Fishery MAC were incorporated into the South East Management Advisory Committee (SEMAC) on 1 July 2010. Current membership of SEMAC extends until 30 June 2016. Resource Assessment Groups (RAGs) provide advice to AFMA on the status of fish stocks, substocks, species (target and non-target species) and the impact of fishing on the marine environment. The Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery Resource Assessment Group (SESSFRAG) has four smaller assessment groups reporting to it that assess species that make up the SESSF. SESSF RAGs and species assessed as part of the stock assessment that relate to each are as follows: SlopeRAG – Alfonsino, Blue-eye Trevalla, Blue Grenadier, Deepwater Sharks, Orange Roughy (all zones except Albany/Esperance), Pink Ling, Ribaldo, Silver Warehou, Smooth Oreo and Oreo other. ShelfRAG – Blue Warehou, Eastern Gemfish, Jackass Morwong, John Dory, Mirror Dory, Ocean Perch, Redfish, Royal Red Prawn, School Whiting, Silver Trevally and Tiger Flathead. SharkRAG – Elephantfish, Gummy Shark, Saw Shark and School Shark. GABRAG – Bight Redfish, Deepwater Flathead, Orange Roughy (Albany/Esperance) and Western Gemfish. SESSFRAG meets twice a year, holding a planning meeting and a plenary session. The planning meeting develops the strategic research plan by reviewing and critiquing research proposals and research results where relevant to the SESSF. The plenary session considers each quota species based on advice from individual RAGs and other relevant information. SESSFRAG also considers data from the Integrated Scientific Monitoring Program (ISMP) and holds separate meetings to address specific issues. SESSFRAG advice is considered by SEMAC, GABMAC and the AFMA Commission. Setting of TACs is based on scientific and industry advice provided by the RAGs during the stock assessment process. Advice from the RAGs is then considered by SEMAC, the Great Australian Bight Industry Association (GABIA), GABMAC and AFMA management. The TACs are set by the AFMA commission following consideration of advice from the MACs, RAGs and AFMA Management. 2.3 State managed species OCS fisheries arrangements and associated Memorandam of Understanding define catch limits and prohibited species for Commonwealth and State concession holders fishing in waters relevant to various states (outlined in Tables 6-8). Permits may be granted to allow Commonwealth operators to take Commonwealth managed quota species in state waters, AFMA is responsible for administering these permits – see Section 3 for further information. 2.4 Fishing in other Commonwealth fisheries You must hold a valid fishing concession to fish in any Commonwealth fishery. For information on requirements in other Commonwealth fisheries please contact AFMA on 1300 723 621. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 18 2.5 Fishing in a State and Commonwealth fishery Prior to fishing under the authority of multiple fishing concessions on a single trip, you must seek written approval from AFMA. Please note that operators fishing under multiple fishing concessions on a single trip without written approval from AFMA will be subject to compliance action. How to Apply Applications must be in writing to the manager (refer to Section 10 – Contacts) of the relevant fishery, outlining the two permits which you wish to use on a single trip, the proposed target species and the gear type/s. Each application will be considered on a case by case basis. 2.6 Fishing outside the Australian Fishing Zone (AFZ) A SESSF fishing concession does not authorise fishing outside the AFZ, such as on the high seas. A person wishing to fish on the high seas must complete an application form and submit it to AFMA for consideration, see Section 3.3.2 (high seas permits) for further information. Boats must not engage in fishing inside the AFZ and on the high seas in the same trip, unless arrangements have been made with AFMA prior to the start of the trip. For further information please contact the High Seas Manager on (02) 6225 5388. 3. Licensing Fishing concessions specify the conditions under which the concession holder may fish, including the type and amount of gear allowed to be used. There are three types of fishing concessions: quota statutory fishing rights (SFRs) or individual transferrable quotas (ITQs), which allow quota species to be taken boat SFRs, which allow a fisher to use a nominated boat in an area of the fishery using the method specified on the boat SFR certificate fishing permits, which allow a fisher to use a nominated boat in a specific area of the fishery using a method specified on the fishing permit. To fish, a concession holder must have their fishing concession and quota SFRs nominated to a boat specific to the sector in which they intend to fish. Quota SFRs must be nominated to the same boat used to take the quota species. To nominate quota SFRs, boat SFR or permit to a boat, all concessions must be held in the same name. For further information on fishing concessions, refer to the Management Plan. 3.1 Statutory Fishing Rights (SFRs) In the SESSF, SFRs allow the holder to take a particular quantity of fish (quota SFR) or use a boat in the fishery (boat SFR). SFRs can be permanently transferred or leased to another person or company. Records of these transactions are maintained by AFMA. 3.1.1 Quota SFRs Quota SFRs allow a fisher to take an amount of fish up to their kilogram limit for a particular quota species. SFRs may be transferred, leased, surrendered or cancelled. Kilogram equivalents for each SFR are allocated to a fisher prior to each fishing year, based on the number of SFRs owned and the TAC set for each species (Table 3). Currently SFRs have been granted for 29 of the 34 Quota species. Oreos, Deepwater Sharks and Ribaldo remain as individual transferable quotas (ITQs). The Act requires AFMA to maintain a Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 19 public register of SFRs, which is available by contacting AFMA Licensing and Data section on 1300 723 621 or you can view them on the AFMA website and you will find them listed as Public Indexes. 3.1.2 Boat SFRs Boat SFRs allow a fisher to use a nominated boat in an area of the fishery using the methods specified on the boat SFR certificate. The four types of boat SFRs in the SESSF (excluding the GABTS) are: Commonwealth Trawl Boat SFR Scalefish Hook Boat SFR Shark Hook Boat SFR Gillnet Boat SFR. Only an Australian boat may be nominated to a boat SFR. 3.1.3 Individual transferable quotas (ITQs) Oreos, Deepwater Sharks and Ribaldo in the SESSF are managed under ITQ permits. ITQs may be transferred to other permit holders. In the longer term, ITQs may be granted as SFRs. ITQs are granted as a condition of a fishing permit under section 32 of the Fisheries Management Act 1991 (the Act). An ITQ quota holding permit is ONLY required if you intend to fish for Oreos, Deepwater Sharks and Ribaldo or hold ITQs for these species. Both the permit and species ITQs must be nominated to the boat to fish for these species. These permits are not transferrable. 3.2 Fishing permits Fishing permits in the SESSF are granted for up to one fishing year and contain conditions the permit holder must comply with. Fishing permits are specific to a fishing sector. Permits may be granted to allow fishing activities which are not covered under the Management Plan, or issued to implement new fishing conditions. A concession holder may hold both a quota SFR and a fishing permit. Operators require permits to enter the ECDWTS and numerous coastal water areas. 3.2.1 Coastal waters permits Permits may be granted to allow Commonwealth operators to take Commonwealth managed quota species in coastal waters. These permits are as follows: South Australian coastal waters – Shark hook and/or gillnet These permits allow operators to take School and Gummy Shark under quota from South Australia coastal waters. These waters can only be fished if a fishing concession issued by the State of South Australia that allows the use of the same fishing gear and in some cases the boat is nominated to a Boat SFR granted under the Management Plan. Tasmanian coastal waters – Shark hook and/or gillnet These permits allow operators to take School and Gummy Shark under quota from Tasmanian coastal waters. These waters can only be fished if a fishing concession issued by the State of Tasmania that authorises the use of the same fishing gear and in some cases the boat is nominated to a Boat SFR granted under the Management Plan. Tasmanian Rock Lobster zone These permits allow the take of School and Gummy Shark inside the Tasmanian Rock Lobster sector. The permits do not allow the take of non-quota species. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 20 Victorian coastal waters – Inshore trawl These permits allow operators to use demersal otter trawl or danish seine gear in Victorian coastal waters. If the boat is also nominated to a Victorian inshore trawl licence, a trawl net authorised under the licence may be used. The permit allows the taking of Commonwealth quota species inside Victorian coastal waters with limits on the type, number, size or weight of species that may be landed per trip. Limits on species and other information can be found in your permit conditions. 3.2.2 High seas permits To fish outside of the AFZ with an Australian boat, a current high seas permit or a Commonwealth fishing concession that explicitly provides access to the high seas is required. To apply for a high seas permit, an application form (HS1) must be completed and submitted to AFMA for consideration. Boats fishing on the high seas are subject to a number of conditions, including those that implement Australia’s international obligations. All boats will be required to have an AFMA approved Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) installed and operating. For further information regarding high seas permits, please refer to the High Seas Permits (www.afma.gov.au/managing-our-fisheries/fisheries-a-to-z-index/high-seas-permits/) page on the AFMA website or contact the High Seas Manager on (02) 6225 5388. 3.2.3 Fish receiver permits (FRPs) All fish (quota and non-quota species) taken in the SESSF must be unloaded to the holder of a FRP. Fish caught in the SESSF can ONLY be sold to the current holder of an FRP. FRPs are granted for 12 months and cannot be transferred. An application fee must be paid to AFMA along with a completed application form. Fish receivers are required to complete the catch disposal record (CDR) as per the instructions printed on the CDR immediately upon receipt of the consignment. 3.2.4 Scientific permits Scientific permits are granted for the purpose of conducting scientific research in a specified area of the AFZ or in a specified fishery. AFMA will only grant a scientific permit if: the application is made using the approved form it provides sufficient information for the application to be assessed the proposed activity is for a scientific research purpose is supported by a specific scientific research project plan. Scientific permits are granted for a maximum duration of six months, and are not transferable. Applications may take up to 10 days to be processed. For further information on obtaining a scientific permit you can refer to the Fisheries Management Paper 11 which is located here: http://www.afma.gov.au/resource-centre/publications-andforms/fisheries/fisheries-management-papers/fmp-scientific-permits/ or alternatively contact AFMA Licensing and Data Services on 1300 723 621. 3.2.5 Temporary Hook Permits These permits are temporary and allow qualifying gillnet fishers affected by spatial closures to use hook methods to target Gummy Shark in waters adjacent to South Australia. Temporary hook permits are granted upon application only. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 21 3.2.6 Where can I obtain a licensing application form? All AFMA licensing forms are on the AFMA website under Licensing and Quota Management Forms (www.afma.gov.au/resource-centre/publications-and-forms/fisheries/licensing-and-quotamanagement/), or can be obtained by contacting AFMA Licensing and Data on 1300 723 621. 3.3 Transfer of a statutory fishing right or fishing permit Operators may transfer SFRs and some types of fishing permits by filling out the appropriate application form and submitting it to AFMA. AFMA will not approve the transfer of an SFR if: the owner of the right (transferor) is subject to legal proceedings in relation to that right the right has been suspended (including instances where the owner has requested a review of that suspension) or AFMA believes there may be grounds for suspension levies have been issued and not yet paid in full when transfer application is received. 4. Data collection The collection of accurate and comprehensive fisheries data is important for the stock assessment and TAC setting process. 4.1 Logbook and Catch Disposal Records 4.1.1 Paper logbook and CDR returns Relevant information about each fishing operation and information about all fish taken in the SESSF must be accurately and fully recorded by the concession holder and/or an authorised agent on their behalf and submitted to AFMA in the following logbooks and CDRs: for line fishing, the logbook titled ‘Line Fishing Daily Fishing Log’ (LN01A or its replacement) in accordance with general information and instructions for completion of that logbook for trap fishing, the logbook titled ‘Trap Fishing Daily Fishing Log’ (TR01 or its replacement) in accordance with general information and instructions for completion of that logbook for gillnet fishing, the logbook titled ‘Gillnet Fishing Daily Fishing Log’ (NT01A or its replacement) in accordance with general information and instructions for completion of that logbook for trawl fishing, the logbook titled ‘Eastern Finfish Trawl Daily Fishing Log’ (EFT01B or its replacement) in accordance with general information and instructions for completion of that logbook the catch disposal record titled ‘Commonwealth Catch Disposal Record’ (SESS2A or its replacement) in accordance with information and instructions in the catch disposal record the transit form titled ‘Commonwealth Managed Fisheries Transit Form’ in accordance with information and instructions in the catch disposal record specified in (e) above and that transit form. A Commonwealth Managed Fisheries Transit Form is required when landing fish inside the AFZ using multiple vehicles to transport the fish to one receiver. All interactions with listed marine or threatened species must be recorded in the ‘Listed Marine and Threatened Species’ form at the back of the logbook and submitted with the relevant log page. Operators who wish to nominate an authorised agent/s to complete AFMA logbooks, CDR and/or transit forms on their behalf must complete the authorised agent nomination form (AA) and return it Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 22 to Licensing and Data Services. Please note that new nominations will not take effect until AFMA has sent you written confirmation of the nomination. Further information on AA forms can be obtained from AFMA Licensing and Data Services on 1300 723 621. The original white copy of the CDR and logsheets are to be completed and returned to AFMA within 3 days of unloading the consignment. Note: Each page of the logbook and CDR is numbered and therefore any spoiled or incorrectly completed forms must be clearly marked and returned to AFMA. For further information on the logbooks, or if you require a new logbook or CDR book, please contact AFMA Licensing and Data Services on 1300 723 621. 4.1.2 Electronic logbook return There are also electronic alternatives (e-logs) available for those wishing to complete and transmit their logbook returns electronically and avoid the cost associated with paper logbook processing. Concession holders and their agents who wish to submit e-logs must first register with AFMA. AFMA requires the entitlement holder to enter an agreement and be issued with an appropriate user ID, vessel ID and password for themselves and their agents before they can participate in the electronic submission of logbooks. Concession holders who want to submit logbooks electronically must purchase an e-log application that is certified for the fishing method and fishery. A list of the vendors who offer AFMA-authorised e-log software for line and trawl methods can be found on the AFMA website. At this stage vendors have not submitted software to AFMA for certification for either gillnet or trap fishing methods. Further information can be obtained from the AFMA website under Services for Industry (www.afma.gov.au/services-for-industry/logbooks-and-catch-disposal/e-logbooks/) or by contacting the AFMA Licensing and Data Services on 1300 723 621. 4.2 Fishery observers 4.2.1 Observer obligations A fishing operator must carry an AFMA observer upon request by AFMA. The cost of observers is generally met by industry through levies, but some trips may be invoiced directly, including for: the ECDWT sector the Orange Roughy and Blue Grenadier spawning seasons gillnet vessels in South Australia to monitor Australian Sea Lion interactions. Demersal longline fishers have additional observer obligations relating to seabirds, as required under the Threat Abatement Plan 2006 for the incidental catch (or bycatch) of seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations (see section 8.2.3). The master of the boat must provide the observer with adequate food and accommodation while the observer is on board the boat during trip. The master must allow the observer to have access to the parts of the boat which the observer reasonably requires access to, use facilities, take samples, operate equipment and provide assistance to the observer to the extent that is reasonably necessary for them to perform his or her functions. The master is also required to give the observer the information that he or she reasonably asks for in relation to: the boat; or its equipment; or Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 23 fish taken using the boat. Further information can be obtained by calling the Observer Manager on (02) 6225 5332. 4.2.2 Role of the observer The role of an observer is to collect independent, accurate and reliable data on Commonwealth fishing operations, catches and interactions with the environment by the boat and its fishing gear. This is achieved through: collection of boat activity and catch data (that is not obtainable through official logbooks) collection of data and samples for research programs, supporting marine management and other issues relevant to environmental awareness and fisheries management observer compliance of the boat with its fishing concession. The role of the observer is not one of a fisheries officer. Observers have no authority to direct fishing operations of the boat or act in an enforcement role. However, observers are required to report their observations, including illegal fishing activity. 4.3 Electronic monitoring Fishing operators are able to use AFMA approved electronic monitoring equipment to meet the 100 per cent observer requirements when fishing the Australian Sea Lion Management Zone and Dolphin Observation Zone off South Australia. As 100 per cent monitoring coverage is a condition of fishing in these zones, operators must keep their electronic monitoring equipment operating at all times when fishing in, or transiting through these zones. When using electronic monitoring equipment operators must: operate and maintain the electronic monitoring equipment so all fishing activity is recorded return the recorded data to AFMA when requested give the AFMA observer section at least 72 hours notice of intention to depart on a fishing trip, by telephone: 0427 016 859 or email: observers@afma.gov.au conduct a function test before each trip and if the system fails the function test, stops working (at sea or in port), or if you need to request a replacement hard drive you will need to notify AFMA. Boats wishing to use electronic monitoring equipment in place of observers should contact AFMA for information on how to source and install the camera equipment. The cost of electronic monitoring equipment, installation, maintenance and analysis is generally paid for by the concession holder, but may be used to offset the cost of carrying an observer. AFMA must certify any electronic monitoring installation prior to it being used in place of an observer. 5. Processing requirements 5.1 Processing at sea Section 53 of the Management Plan imposes a general ‘no processing at sea’ condition on all fishing concessions in the fishery. This means that all fish must be landed whole or gilled, headed and gutted. Sharks and rays must be landed in accordance with the processing standards specified within the boat SFR or permit conditions, or provisions of the Fisheries Management Regulations 1992 and as described in Table 11. However, further processing (i.e. filleting) at sea is allowed Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 24 under the Management Plan, provided an AFMA observer is present on your boat and AFMA has provided written authorisation to process. Table 11. Processing and landing requirements for Shark species caught in the SESSF ( May be removed, X Must not be removed, * Tail tip may be cut off at sub terminal notch). Sharks Angel Sharks Banjo Sharks Dogfish (Family Squalidae excluding deepwater species mentioned below) Belly Flaps Chimeras (Elephantfish) Species Head Pectoral Fins Dorsal Fins Caudal Fin Pelvic Fins Claspers X X X* X X* X X X X* X (First dorsal may be removed) X In addition to the requirements above, the following conditions apply to the processing and landing of fish as detailed on relevant boat SFRs or permits: shark finning is NOT permitted. Fins specified above must be landed attached to the carcass deepwater dogfish must not be retained. The holder must not retain deepwater dogfishes of the following species - Harrisson’s Dogfish (Centrophorus harrissoni), Endeavour Dogfish (C. moluccensis), Southern Dogfish (C. zeehaani) and Greeneye Spurdog (Squalus chloroculus) landing shark livers only is NOT permitted. Livers may be landed separate from carcass but must be landed when the carcass is landed Gummy and School Shark must be at least 45 cm in length when measured from the rearmost gill slit to the ventral insertion of the caudal fin (see Figure 1) operators in all SESSF sectors are prohibited from carrying, retaining or landing flathead less than 28 cm in length when measured from the point of the snout to the tip of the tail for all skates and rays, the permit holder must not remove the skin or fillet the carcass prior to the fish being landed and received by a receiver. Figure 1. Processing cuts for sharks species in the SESSF Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 25 5.2 Converting processed scalefish weight to a whole weight To calculate the catch weights to be deducted from quota after a trip, the weights of any processed scalefish are converted to a ‘whole weight equivalent’. To do this the weights of the fish is multiplied by the conversion factor in the relevant column in Table 12. Table 12. Scalefish conversion factor Species Blue-eye Trevalla Blue Grenadier Blue Warehou Flathead Gemfish (eastern and western) Jackass Morwong John Dory Ling Mirror Dory Ocean Perch Orange Roughy (all sectors) Redfish School Whiting Silver Trevally Silver Warehou Gutted 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 1.10 Headed and gutted 1.40 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.25 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 2.00 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 6. Quota management 6.1 28 day quota reconciliation process If you exceed your quota holdings during the season, you will have 28 days from the date of landing to cover that exceeded amount with quota. During this 28 day period you can still fish. If you go further over quota during this 28 day period, the second amount of overcatch must be reconciled within 28 days from when it is landed. This means that you have 28 days from the date of each landing to cover the catch from that landing, with quota. If you are still over quota after the 28 day period for each landing you will be subject to compliance action. You must keep track of your catch and quota and ensure that you reconcile catch with quota prior to the due date. The only over-quota notification you will receive from AFMA is via GOFish. If you will not be able to reconcile your over-quota amount within 28 days, please submit your exceptional circumstance reasons to AFMA’s Licensing and Data Section before the due date. This information will be considered by compliance in determining the enforcement action to be taken. Further information on quota reconciliation can be obtained from the AFMA website on the 28-Day Quota Reconciliation in AFMA’s Fisheries page (www.afma.gov.au/services-for-industry/28-dayquota-reconciliation-in-afmas-fisheries/). Please see below for examples of 28 day quota reconciliation. 1 May – operator lands two tonnes of Flathead above their quota entitlements Operator can still fish but has until 29 May to buy/lease sufficient Flathead quota to cover that two tonne overcatch. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 26 10 May – the operator lands an additional one tonne of Flathead Operator can still fish, provided the initial two tonnes overcatch of Flathead quota is reconciled by 29 May. Operator has until 7 June (28 days from 10 May) to secure a further one tonne of Flathead quota. If operator fails to reconcile catches after 28 days AFMA Fisheries Officer issues an order to the nominated boat to return to port and the fishing concession may be suspended. The relevant concession(s) may be suspended for a period of 30 days or until quota is reconciled. Concession holders are responsible for monitoring their own catch and quota holdings. The only over-quota notification you will receive from AFMA is via GOFish. When you logon to GOFish and you have triggered a 28 day reconciliation period by being overquota for one or more species a screen will appear much like Figure 1 below, you will be required to acknowledge the screen before you can proceed to any other area within GOFish. Figure 1. GOFish Over quota acknowledgement message. If you are not already registered for GOFish and wish to receive your statements and keep track of your quota holdings online you can do so by completing the appropriate application form. Please call AFMA Licensing and Data Services on 1300 723 621 see the AFMA website under GOFish (www.afma.gov.au/services-for-industry/online-services/gofish/). 6.2 Overcatch and undercatch 6.2.1 Overcatch Overcatch is when you catch more than the quota allocated to your quota SFR for a particular species in a particular fishing season. If a percentage of overcatch has been set by AFMA for that particular species, AFMA will subtract this excess catch from your quota allocation for that species in the following season. Overcatch allows AFMA to avoid pursuing operators who exceed their entitlements by small amounts. There is no overcatch allowance for Blue Warehou, Eastern Gemfish, Orange Roughy (all zones except Cascade) and School Shark for the 2014-15 fishing season. 6.2.2 Undercatch Undercatch is when you catch less than the quota allocated to your quota SFR for a particular species in a particular season. If a percentage of undercatch has been set by AFMA for that particular species, AFMA will allow you to take the calculated percentage amount or uncaught fish amount whichever is the lower of the two amounts into the following fishing season. Undercatch is not transferable. Undercatch provides relief to operators who encounter circumstances within a fishing season, which prevent them from taking their quota for a species. Undercatch provides flexibility to take into account variations in abundance and availability of individual species in this multi-species fishery. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 27 In order to receive undercatch on your 2014-15 holdings for the 2015-16 season, operators must hold at least one SFR for that species on 30 May 2015. This SFR can either be permanently held or can be leased for the new season. There is no undercatch allowance for Blue Warehou, Eastern Gemfish, Orange Roughy (all zones except Cascade) and School Shark for the 2014-15 fishing season. 6.2.3 Determined amounts The AFMA Commission also sets a ‘determined amount’. This is an amount, in addition to the percentage of overcatch, an operator may take under certain conditions. For the 2014-15 season AFMA has set the overcatch percentage at 10 per cent (for species where there is an overcatch allowance) and the determined amount at 2 000 kg. For example, an operator with 10 000 kg of quota for a particular species is allowed an overcatch of 1 000 kg for that species in the current season. The 10 per cent overcatch would be deducted from the operator’s quota the following season at a ratio of 1:1. The determined amount (2 000kg) would be deducted from the operator’s quota in the following fishing season at a ratio of 2:1. The total amount deducted from the operator’s quota the following season would then be 5 000 kg (1 000 kg overcatch + 4 000 kg determined amount). Any catch in excess of the overcatch percentage and determined amount (13 000 kg in the above example), would be an offence of the overcatch provisions of the Management Plan and may be subject to compliance action. Note: AFMA may vary or amend a quota holder’s entitlements in the current or subsequent years for any overcatch not balanced with uncaught quota, or discovered following conviction, or where AFMA has reason to believe that catches were misreported. 6.3 Quota deduction Quota is deducted from your total quota allocation using the verified weights detailed on Part C of each CDR (first fish receiver’s verified catch weight) received by AFMA from fish receivers. Operators must forward Part B of their CDR to AFMA. If no Part C is available for a given fishing trip, AFMA will use the information provided on Part B of the CDR (your accurate estimate catch weight) for a given quota species as an interim weight until the Part C has been received from the fish receiver. Note: Operators must record the form their fish is landed (e.g. gutted, gilled) and include all the quota species on their catch disposal record. Quota species must not be recorded as mixed fish. 6.4 Keeping track of your quota 6.4.1 Quota transaction statements Concession holders wishing to obtain a quota holding and catch summary (QHS) or quota transaction statement (QTS) can obtain a free statement by registering for GOFish or a fee will be charged for all statements sent out by AFMA Licensing and Data Services staff. GOFish Operators are currently able to access a number of functionalities through GOFish, these include: updating contact information viewing, exporting and printing QHSs and QTSs quota reconciliation statement (Report for continuous 28 day reconciliation the statement is located in GOFish under Documents) Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 28 leasing of quota SFRs (the system has been upgraded to remove the need for a lessee to accept a lease permanent transfers (if authorised) of boat SFRs, quota SFRs and permits Multiyear leasing (you can set up a lease to ‘automatically renew’ at the start of each fishing year) nomination and denomination of boat SFRs, permits and quota SFRs to/from boats Online renewal of permits (this function will allow you to renew your permits online from two weeks prior to the permit expiring) submissions of vessel and gear details 6.4.2 Instructions on how to get access to GOFish Information and instructions for GOFish are available on the AFMA website under GOFish (www.afma.gov.au/services-for-industry/online-services/gofish/) or from AFMA Licensing and Data Services area on 1300 723 621. Organisations (including companies and partnerships) will need to complete a GOFish Licensing Agent Permissions form to authorise an individual (or individuals) to act on their behalf when using GOFish. Individual concession holders and agents will need to complete an application for GOFish registration to gain access to the GOFish system. 6.5 Balancing process and important dates for end of the 201314 fishing season 16 April 2014 – the 2014-15 fishing season will be opened for trading. 30 April 2014 – is the end of the 2013-14 fishing season. By 10 May 2014 – you must have sent in all 2013-14 catch disposal records. AFMA will then generate a final quota transaction statement for 2013-14. If, upon receipt of the final quota transaction statement you feel that there is a discrepancy in the figures you should contact AFMA immediately to rectify the issue. 28 May 2014– all trading for the 2013-14 season, including that to cover any over quota status closes at 5 pm Eastern Standard Time. Once this date has passes AFMA will close off the 2013-14 season and conduct the over catch/under catch process. 30 May 2014 – undercatch and overcatch is calculated by AFMA and a report for the 2013/14 season is posted to concession holders. On this day you must hold at least one SFR of each species you held in the 2013-14 season to be eligible for undercatch in the 2014-15 season. You must hold enough quota for each species in the 2014-15 season to cover any overcatch in the 2013-14 season. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 29 6.6 Balancing process and important dates for 2014-15 fishing season The 2014-15 fishing season will be for 12 months from 1 May 2014 to 30 April 2015. 1 May 2014 – is the start of the 2014-15 fishing season. Continuous 28 day reconciliation will again be in force during the 2014-15 fishing season. 1 March 2015 – TACs finalised for 2015-16 fishing season. For those concession holders wishing to obtain a Quota transaction statement at this time may do so through GOFish no fee involved or contact AFMA keeping in mind a fee will be charged for all statements sent out by AFMA Licensing staff. 16 April 2015 – The 2015-16 season will be opened for trading. 30 April 2015 – is the end of the 2014-15 fishing season. 11 May 2015 – you must have sent in all 2014-15 catch disposal records and AFMA will generate a final quota transaction statement for 2014-15. If, upon receipt of the final quota transaction statement you feel that there is a discrepancy in the figures you should contact AFMA immediately to rectify the issue. If you are in an over quota position, you must balance all your excess catches of quota species by leasing or transferring in 2014-15 uncaught quota. You will need to lease or transfer sufficient 2014-15 uncaught quota to reduce your overcatch to the allowable overcatch percentage applicable to that species. 28 May 2015 – all trading for the 2014-15 season, including that to cover any over quota status closes at 5 pm Eastern Standard Time. Once this date has passed AFMA will close off the 2014-15 season and conduct the overcatch/undercatch process. 1 June 2015 – undercatch and overcatch is calculated by AFMA and a report for the 2014/15 season is posted to concession holders. You must hold for the 2015-16 season at least one SFR of each species you held in the 2014-15 season to be eligible for undercatch in the 2015-16 season. You must hold enough quota for each species in the 2014-15 season to cover any overcatch in the 2013-14 season. Note: Please annotate the last SESS2A/GAB2C for the season as the ‘last trip for 2014-15 or ‘last trip for 2013-14. For leases or transfers you are requested to annotate the documentation with the season the transaction will apply. 6.7 School Shark obligations in the gillnet sector The holder must not take the species School Shark (Galeorhinus galeus) unless: a) the holder holds five times more Gummy Shark (Mustelus antarcticus) quota (caught and uncaught) than the amount of School Shark that the holder has taken; or b) at the end of the: I. first period, the holder has taken less than 250 kgs of School Shark (trunked weight) in that period II. second period, the holder has taken less than 500 kgs of School Shark (trunked weight) in that period III. third period, the holder has taken less than 750 kgs of School Shark (trunked weight) in that period IV. fourth period, the holder has taken less than 1000 kgs of School Shark (trunked weight) in that period. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 30 The important dates to remember for School Shark quota and catch balancing are: 1 May 2014 to 29 July 2014 (first period) – Final day to reconcile the first period, 5pm Eastern Standard Time 12 August 2014. 1 May 2014 to 28 October 2014 (second period) – Final day to reconcile the second period, 5pm Eastern Standard Time 11 November 2014. 1 May 2014 to 30 January 2015 (third period) – Final day to reconcile third period, 5pm Eastern Standard Time 13 February 2015. 1 May 2014 to 30 April 2015 (fourth period) – Final day to reconcile the fourth and final period for a fishing season, 5pm Eastern Standard Time 28 May 2015. Example: If, at the end of the first period the person has taken 600 kilograms of School Shark, the holder must hold at least 3 tonnes of Gummy Shark quota (600 kilograms x 5) on the final reconciliation date which is 12 Aug 2014. 6.8 Levy amounts Operators who own fishing concessions that attract a levy will receive three separate invoices. Each invoice will be one third of the total annual levy amount payable on the fishing concessions you own on these dates. The invoice and due dates are as follows: Invoice date Due date 14 January 2014 11 February 2014 11 March 2014 8 April 2014 30 April 2014 3 June 2014 Note: Levies are issued by financial year not fishing season. 6.9 Payment of levies 6.9.1 How to pay You can make your payments by BPAY, cheque, money order, direct deposit, or electronic funds transfer (EFT) from your bank account to AFMA, or by credit card by faxing back the completed strip on the first page. EFT and direct deposit details are listed on the remittance slip on the reverse of the first page. Please ensure that your bank inserts your client reference number when depositing your levy payment into AFMA’s account. 6.9.2 Need more time to pay your levy? A concession holder can request to enter into an arrangement to pay an overdue levy. To request an arrangement to pay a concession holder must contact AFMA Licensing Policy as soon as possible on 1300 723 621 to discuss payment options. There is a $220 administration fee to enter into an arrangement and unpaid amounts attract the penalty charge of 20 per cent annually. AFMA will suspend and may cancel fishing concessions if a levy remains unpaid 14 days after the due date and an arrangement has not been entered into. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 31 7. Species specific management arrangements 7.1. Rebuilding Strategies Some commercial species are currently considered overfished in the SESSF and require focused management attention. The Commonwealth Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy 2007 requires that any stock with a biomass below the limit reference point be placed under a stock rebuilding strategy. Whilst an incidental catch TAC may still be set for these species, they are not to be targeted and industry must work to reduce the bycatch as much as possible to ensure that they rebuild within the required timeframe. AFMA, in consultation with the Department of Environment and other stakeholders, has developed stock rebuilding strategies to manage and monitor the recovery of Eastern Gemfish, School Shark and Blue Warehou. Orange Roughy is also classified as overfished and a conservation program was developed for this species. The conservation program is similar to a stock rebuilding strategy however it was developed prior to the implementation of the Commonwealth Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy 2007 which first devised the term stock rebuilding strategy. The Orange Roughy Conservation Program is currently being reviewed and it is anticipated this will be finalised during the 2014/15 fishing season. The Orange Roughy Conservation Program prevents targeted fishing for Orange Roughy in all the management zones, with the exception of the Cascade Plateau. Ongoing monitoring of the stocks is conducted to assess the recovery of these stocks. The stock rebuilding strategies and Orange Roughy Conservation Program are available on the AFMA website under SESSF Publications (www.afma.gov.au/managing-our-fisheries/fisheries-a-toz-index/southern-and-eastern-scalefish-and-shark-fishery/publications-and-forms/). Blue Warehou has recently been nominated for listing under the EPBC Act and a decision is to be made by 30 September 2014. 7.2 School Shark management arrangements A formal review of the School Shark Stock Rebuilding Strategy (the Strategy) will take place in 2014. Under the SESSF Harvest Strategy Framework the objective of the Strategy is to rebuild the stock to 20 per cent of unfished levels within a biologically reasonable timeframe. To ensure School Shark is not targeted, a catch ratio of School Shark to Gummy Shark was implemented in the 2011-12 season following development by industry and scientists through workshops held in 2010. The catch ratio rule means a gillnet operator cannot catch an amount of School Shark that exceeds 20 per cent of their Gummy Shark quota holdings. Industry agreed that catches of School Shark above this ratio could be considered targeted catch. A thorough review of all suitable methods for measuring School Shark abundance was conducted in 2013. This has provided advice on the best options for getting a reliable and cost effective measure of abundance as soon as possible. Research proposals were considered in 2013-14 and a research project is expected to start in 2014. Any queries regarding School Shark should be directed to the Manager, Gillnet, Hook and Trap Sector on (02) 6225 5475. 7.3 Upper-Slope Dogfish Management Strategy The Upper-Slope Dogfish Management Strategy (the Strategy) was implemented and revised in 2012 to promote the recovery of Harrisson’s Dogfish (Centrophorus harrissoni) and Southern Dogfish (C. zeehaani). The following management arrangements apply under the Strategy: a) A network of spatial closures: Endeavour Dogfish closure (schedule 18) Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 32 Port MacDonnell closure (schedule 40) Flinders Research Zone closure (schedule 1) Queensland and Britannia Seamounts closure (schedule 38) Derwent Hunter Seamount closure (schedule 39) Murray Dogfish closure (schedule 41) Barcoo and Taupo Seamounts closure (schedule 37) Harrisson’s Dogfish closure (schedule 19) Freycinet and Murray Commonwealth Marine Reserves (monitoring and trigger limit provisions only) (schedules 13 and 15) All closures are implemented under SESSF Closures Direction No. 1 and No. 11 2013 and indicative maps are located within Attachment 3 of this booklet. b) Monitoring obligations: 100 per cent monitoring though AFMA approved methods (electronic monitoring or observer) where permitted fishing occurs in closures. c) Trigger limit for Harrisson’s and Southern Dogfish when undertaking permitted fishing in closures. A combined trigger limit of three Harrisson’s Dogfish and/or Southern Dogfish when undertaking permitted fishing in closures resulting in a ban from fishing under that concession in the closure area for a period of 12 months. d) Zero retention limit. A zero retention limit applies to Harrisson’s Dogfish, Southern Dogfish, Endeavour Dogfish (C. moluccensis) and Greeneye Spurdog (Squalus chloroculus). e) Handling of sharks. Careful handling practices improve the post-capture survivorship of hook caught animals – please return all live sharks to the water carefully and quickly. Species of the Centrophoridae or Squalidae families (Gulper sharks or Dogfishes) must not be passed through the hauler or dehooker, except for Brier Shark (Deania calcea) or Longsnout Dogfish (Deania quadrispinosa). If you are unsure about what species of deepwater shark you have caught, i.e. whether it is a Gulper Shark or Dogfish, do not pass it through the hauler or dehooker. Unless advised by AFMA or a research scientist, the holder must return any shark of the species of the family Centrophoridae (excluding Deania sp.) or Squalidae to the water quickly and carefully by cutting the snood as close as possible to the mouth of the shark without injuring the shark (the hook may be removed from the shark). A copy of the Strategy and information on closures can be obtained on the AFMA website under SESSF Notices and Announcements (www.afma.gov.au/managing-our-fisheries/fisheries-a-to-zindex/southern-and-eastern-scalefish-and-shark-fishery/notices-and-announcements/). Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 33 Important – Dogfish identification The correct identification and reporting of these species is critical to management. If you catch these species please take care to identify them correctly using the Gulper Shark Identification Key (Attachment 4), and report the catches correctly in your logbooks. 7.4 Deepwater Shark Area The Western Deepwater Shark Area (Attachment 3.4) has been opened to improve the economic efficiency of fisheries targeting the Deepwater Shark Basket – western. In order to ensure that the opening of this area does not negatively impact on the rebuilding of Orange Roughy (western), a 25 tonne trigger limit applies to this species, to all methods in this area. If this limit is reached, the Deepwater Shark Area will close to trawl methods for the remainder of the season. All catches of Orange Roughy in this area must be covered with quota. 7.5 Pink Ling Pink Ling in the eastern part of the fishery (east of longitude 147o East) were assessed in the most recent stock assessment as having a stock biomass below target levels. AFMA will implement management arrangements to ensure fishing of the eastern stock continues on a sustainable basis. AFMA is developing management arrangements that provide for sustainable commercial fishing that maximises the flexibility of operators. AFMA will inform all SESSF concession holders of Pink Ling management arrangements as soon as they are finalised. 8. Environmental management 8.1 Bycatch and discarding workplans AFMA released its program Addressing Bycatch and Discarding in Commonwealth Fisheries: an Implementation Strategy (the Implementation Strategy) in March 2008. The objective is to assist Commonwealth fisheries to determine and implement a course of action to address high risk incidental catch, avoid interactions with threatened, endangered and protected (TEP) species and minimise discarding of target/quota species. In accordance with the Implementation Strategy, AFMA, together with industry has developed Bycatch and Discarding Workplans for most Commonwealth fisheries. These workplans are part of the Ecological Risk Management Framework response to Ecological Risk Assessments (ERAs), which have been conducted for all Commonwealth fisheries. The ERAs determine risks to the environment from fishing, and enable fisheries to prioritise their approaches to risks and the research and management action needed to address these risks. The workplans are integrated into the management arrangements for each fishery, and are reviewed every 6, 12 and 18 months and formally renewed every two years. A number of the workplans within the SESSF are currently under review and the results will be made available on the AFMA website. 8.2 Protected species interactions 8.2.1 Which species do I need to fill out a TEP form for? A Listed Marine and Threatened Species form (located at the back of your logbook) must be completed for all protected species. The EPBC Act establishes four categories of protected species in Commonwealth managed areas: Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 34 1. Listed threatened species or ecological community – species or communities whose survival is threatened, e.g. those with low population numbers or those which have had a reduction in habitat or distribution. 2. Listed migratory species – to provide protection for species listed under the International Convention on Migratory Species. 3. Listed marine species – listed to provide general protection to Australia’s native marine wildlife to reduce the likelihood of population decline. 4. All cetaceans i.e. whales, dolphins and porpoises. All whales, dolphins, seabirds, seasnakes, turtles, seals and sea lions, syngnathids (seahorses, seadragons and pipefish), sawfishes (green, dwarf and freshwater), crocodiles, dugongs, sharks (Great White, Grey Nurse, Shortfin Mako, Longfin Mako and Porbeagle) are protected under the EPBC Act. A full listing of protected species is available online at the Department of the Environment. (www.environment.gov.au). AFMA has also provided a Protected Species Identification Guide to all SESSF operators. For a copy of the guide contact Sara Murphy, Environment Officer on (02) 6225 5386 or sara.murphy@afma.gov.au. 8.2.2 Interactions with protected species What is an interaction with a protected species? ‘Interaction’ means any physical contact that a person, boat or gear has with a protected species that causes, or may cause death, injury or stress to the species. This includes: all catching, hooking, netting, entangling, or trapping of a protected species, including any injuries or mortalities directly resulting from fishing activities any contact or collisions with warp wires, trawl doors, backstops, bridles, sweeps, nets, paravanes (includes towing wires), wheelhouse and windows. Seabirds An interaction includes: when a seabird has to be assisted back into the water when heavy contact occurs with the vessel/gear, causing the bird to be dragged underwater or to deviate from its course any collisions with the fishing vessel, fishing gear (i.e. warps, wheel house) when a bird gets snagged on loose or protruding wire ends (e.g. splice ends) when a bird gets caught in the net or snagged on the net while attempting to feed (on ‘stickers’) and has to be assisted back into the water or air. An interaction does not include: seabirds landing on a boat or diving into/onto a net of fish and swimming or flying off uninjured and without assistance where a bird is flying and has light contact with vessel/gear, and the bird does not deviate from its course when a bird is floating on the water- and has light contact with vessel/gear Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 35 where a bird ‘hitches a ride’ on the trawl arms for a period of time and then flies away unassisted. Seals and Sea Lions An interaction includes: Where a seal climbs on or gets caught in a trawl net. An interaction does not include: Where a seal is sighted in close proximity to the net but no contact or light contact with net is made. Cetaceans An interaction includes: Any cetacean that gets caught in a net even if it is released or escapes unassisted and uninjured. An interaction does not include: Where a cetacean is sighted in close proximity to the fishing gear but no contact or light contact with the fishing gear is made. Reporting an interaction All interactions must be reported according to the instructions in your Daily Fishing Logbook. This means you need to circle yes in the box at the bottom of the logsheet and complete the Listed Marine and Threatened Species form (located at the back of your logbook). Then return the form to AFMA with the corresponding logsheets. If there is an observer present, immediately inform them of the interaction. You are still required to report the interaction in your logbook. To assist operators in fulfilling their reporting obligations, AFMA provides a protected species interaction summary report to the Department of the Environment on a quarterly basis on behalf of fishers who report interactions in their logbook. These reports are published on the AFMA website under Protected Species (www.afma.gov.au/managing-our-fisheries/environment-and-sustainability/protected-species/). Porbeagle, Shortfin Mako and Longfin Mako Sharks On 29 January 2010, Porbeagle, Shortfin Mako and Longfin Mako sharks were listed as migratory species under the EPBC Act. The Department of the Environment has advised that provided an operator is fishing in accordance with the SESSF Management Plan, the operator may retain and trade any of these migratory sharks that are brought up dead however, live sharks must be returned to the sea unharmed. All catches of these migratory sharks, whether retained or discarded, must be reported in the daily fishing log as you would normally record catch. In addition, all trawl operators (logbook EFT01B) must complete a Listed Marine and Threatened Species Form. NOTE: It is important to not just report ‘Mako Shark’ but to try and distinguish between the longfin species (where the pectoral fins are about as long as head length) and shortfin species (where the pectoral fins are shorter than head length). 8.2.3 Interactions with tagged wildlife Researchers investigating wildlife species will periodically tag animals (or use bands, in the case of seabirds) to help improve the understanding of their biology and population. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 36 Operators who capture a tagged animal should: record the details in the Listed Marine and Threatened Species form, with the band or tag number inserted in the appropriate section of the form record the following details in the comments section: tag or band number and colour; species identification or description (photos are very useful); size; sex; and time, date and position of capture. If the tagged animal is captured alive, operators should record as many details as possible about the animal then release it as carefully as possible, noting the condition in which it was released. AFMA will arrange to notify the appropriate researchers. Remember: Don’t get caught, just report! 8.3 Management arrangements for protected species Further information on interactions with protected species can be obtained from Sara Murphy, Senior Environment Officer on (02) 6225 5386 or sara.murphy@afma.gov.au, or contact AFMA Direct on 1300 723 621. Under the Act and the EPBC Act, AFMA has obligations to ensure the protection of native species, and in particular prevent the extinction of, and promote the recovery of, threatened species. Additionally, where there are threats of serious or irreversible environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty should not be considered a reason for postponing measures. AFMA, in consultation with the Department of the Environment and other stakeholders, has developed management strategies for: Australian Sea Lions dolphins seabirds. 8.3.1 Australian Sea Lion management strategy On 1 July 2010, AFMA formally implemented the Australian Sea Lion Management Strategy (the Strategy) that includes closures around each of the 50 breeding colonies, increased observer coverage and an adaptive management component which results in larger closures if a predetermined number of interactions occur. The Strategy was developed in consultation with industry, non-government organisations and other government departments. Please consult the SESSF notices and announcements page for an up to date report on the current triggers relative to these seasonal maximum bycatch triggers. A copy of the strategy and coordinates and maps of the closures can be obtained on the AFMA website under SESSF Publications (www.afma.gov.au/managing-our-fisheries/fisheries-a-to-zindex/southern-and-eastern-scalefish-and-shark-fishery/publications-and-forms/). A map of the current ASL closures is also provided in Attachment 3 of this booklet. 8.3.2 Management arrangements for dolphins From the period September 2010 to September 2011, 52 dolphin interaction reports were received in the gillnet sector which was far greater than in previous years. In response to an increase AFMA implemented a Closure Direction which: Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 37 closed approximately 27000 square km to the use of gillnets where the majority of dolphin interactions had occurred implemented a dolphin observation zone adjacent to the dolphin gillnet closure that required all gillnet vessels to have 100 per cent coverage by independent scientific observers or cameras required 10 per cent observer coverage for gillnet fishing elsewhere in the fishery allowed some gillnet fishers unable to use gillnets in closures to use hooks off South Australia. AFMA is developing a dolphin strategy which is planned to commence in South Australian waters in July 2014. Further details will be provided to operators when available. 8.3.3 Management arrangements for seabirds Threat Abatement Plan 2006 The Minister for the Environment approved the ‘Threat Abatement Plan for the Incidental Catch (or by-catch) of Seabirds during Oceanic Longline Fishing Operations’ on 2 August 1998 under the EPBC Act. This plan has subsequently been replaced with the Threat Abatement Plan 2006 (TAP). The aim of this plan is to significantly reduce the bycatch of seabirds during oceanic longline operations in the AFZ. In the SESSF demersal longline concession holders must abide by the TAP. A copy of the TAP can be found on the Department of the Environment website at Threat Abatement Plan seabirds (www.antarctica.gov.au/science/southern-ocean-ecosystemsenvironmental-change-and-conservation/southern-ocean-fisheries/seabird-bycatch/threatabatement-plan-seabirds). The Department of the Environment has conducted a review of the TAP. Stakeholder consultation took place in 2013 and revised TAP is expected to be implemented in 2014. AFMA will write to all operators using longline to advise them of the requirements under the revised TAP. In accordance with the TAP, AFMA requires that all seabird mortalities on pelagic or demersal longlines in the AFZ are: brought aboard the vessel if possible retained for scientific analysis on board the vessel in a manner which will limit decay of the specimen and meet the Department of Agriculture requirements (using a Department of Agriculture approved bird bag if available) reported in the Listed Marine and Threatened Species Form in the logbook reported to the AFMA upon return to port and appropriate arrangements are made to transport it to an analysis facility. To facilitate appropriate handling of dead seabirds in preparation for analysis, the Department of Agriculture approved seabird collection kits can be obtained from Sara Murphy, Senior Environment Officer on (02) 6225 5555 or sara.murphy@afma.gov.au. Management in SESSF longline fisheries Trigger rate In accordance with the TAP, SESSF longline operators are required to keep seabird interaction rates below 0.01 mortalities per 1000 hooks set, equating to one seabird per 100 000 hooks. When determining interaction rates for the set number of hooks, the auto longline sector is separated from other hook methods. Scalefish Auto longline sector mandatory seabird mitigation measures and specifications Bird excluder device (brickle curtain) must be deployed during the haul. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 38 Set at night for remainder of trip if a seabird mortality occurs. Set at night or sink gear at a minimum sink rate of 1 metre in 0.3 seconds if interaction rate exceeds 0.01 seabirds per 1000 hooks. Tori lines must be deployed when setting. All baits used must be non-frozen. Offal must not be discharged while setting. Offal must not be discharged while hauling – an exemption for small boats may be given by AFMA. To apply for an exemption, please contact Licensing at licensing@afma.gov.au. The tori line must: be at least 150 m in length be set from a position on the boat that allows for at least 100 m aerial coverage, using a drogue have the streamer pair nearest to the boat positioned not more than 10 m from the boat (measured horizontally) have all other streamer pairs positioned no more than 7 m apart have streamers maintained to ensure their lengths are as close to the water surface as possible. Demersal longline sector mandatory seabird mitigation measures Offal must not be discharged while setting. Offal must not be discharged while hauling – an exemption for small boats may be given by AFMA. To apply for an exemption, please contact Licensing at licensing@afma.gov.au. Seabird Management Plans in Trawl fisheries AFMA approved seabird management plans (SMPs) are compulsory for all Commonwealth otter board trawl vessels in the SESSF. SMPs identify and set out individually tailored mitigation measures that help reduce seabird interactions with warp wires. SMPs include physical devices to reduce seabird interaction and measures to manage the discharge of biological waste from vessels to reduce seabird attraction and interaction. If a seabird interaction is observed it must be recorded and reported as per 8.2.3. 9. Compliance 9.1 Compliance overview AFMA’s compliance and enforcement programs are designed to maintain the integrity of fisheries management arrangements and protect Australia’s fishing resources. AFMA seeks to achieve a level of compliance consistent with its legislative objectives to provide ecologically sustainable and economically efficient Commonwealth fisheries, through maximising voluntary compliance and creating effective deterrents to non-compliance. The main functions of the compliance program include: ensuring compliance with AFMA’s domestic fisheries management measures Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 39 ensuring licensed boats comply with fishing conditions within the AFZ ensuring that there are no unlicensed foreign boats operating in the AFZ managing port access for foreign boats surveillance and apprehension of foreign boats fishing illegally in the AFZ. AFMA’s national compliance and enforcement program is conducted via the use of a risk based approach, which enables AFMA’s resources to be targeted to the areas where they are most needed and where they will prove most effective. It involves a series of steps to identify and assess non-compliance risks and then apply appropriate enforcement actions to mitigate these risks. Risk-based compliance has a range of benefits1: Improved compliance outcomes – AFMA can tailor or target compliance measures to effectively deal with the most significant non-compliance risks. Efficiency gains – the target of compliance measures to the most significant risks ensures resources are concentrated in the areas where they are most likely to improve compliance outcomes. Reduced industry compliance costs – compliance activities are only conducted where they are, most needed; therefore minimising costs. This means that businesses will only be inspected, audited or required to provide data where it is justified. Greater industry support for compliance programs/measures – risk management processes are widely understood by the fishing industry and the community as a whole. In addition to the risk treatment model, it is essential that AFMA maintains a general deterrence program. By maintaining a presence at fishing ports (and at sea) AFMA discourages those members of the fishing community who do not wish to comply with the rules and regulations. It also reassures those who are complying that non-compliant activity is likely to be detected. Further, AFMA officers can assist those wishing to comply (but not knowing how) by providing advice and/or instructions on operators responsibilities. 9.2 Navigation regulations Additional regulations were introduced regarding navigation in closures through an amendment to Part 9A of the FMR 1992. Under the regulations a boat must maintain a speed over 5 knots when navigating in a closure. If the closure is in effect for less than 24 hours (such as daylight closures) the boat must either be stationary or travelling faster than 5 knots. A breach of the regulations is an offence of strict liability equal to 25 penalty units. Speed is calculated via the boat’s vessel monitoring system. Therefore, it is recommended that the most direct route is taken when travelling through a closure so the boat does not appear to be navigating at less than 5 knots. If the boat is stationary within a closure, the boat is required to remain in that closure for greater than 30 minutes. If the master of a boat is unable to comply with any of the navigation requirements due to an unforseen emergency (e.g. crew safety, breakdowns etc.) then the master must contact AFMA as soon as possible to request an exemption from the regulation. 1 Source: Risk-based Compliance information is available at The Better Regulation Office (www.betterregulation.nsw.gov.au). Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 40 9.3 Vessel monitoring system (VMS) 9.3.1 VMS reporting It is the concession holder’s responsibility to ensure that any boat nominated to their concession is fitted with a VMS of a category specified in the register of AFMA approved units. This register can be found on the AFMA website under Register of approved Vessel Monitoring Systems (www.afma.gov.au/services-for-industry/vessel-monitoring-systems/register-of-afma-approvedautomatic-location-communicators-vms-units/). The VMS unit must remain switched on at all times including when the boat is in port or engaged in State fishing. The concession holder must ensure the VMS is reporting correctly before going out to sea for the first time and that no interference occurs with the correct operation of the VMS unit. On becoming aware of a problem with the VMS functioning, the concession holder must advise AFMA as soon as practicable via: Phone: Mobile: Fax: Email: (02) 6225 5369 (if prompted, follow instructions on the voice mail) or; 0419 205 329; or (02) 6225 5440; or VMSreporting@afma.gov.au If the VMS is not operating or is malfunctioning the boat must remain in port until the VMS is inspected, repaired if necessary and AFMA has received confirmation from an authorised technician that the automatic location communicator (ALC) is functioning normally. 9.3.2 Directions to return to port Depending on the circumstances, and in accordance with its enforcement decision principles as outlined in the National Compliance and Enforcement Policy, if a nominated boat’s VMS unit stops reporting AFMA may require the boat to immediately return to, and/or remain in port until such a time as AFMA is satisfied the problems with the VMS unit have been rectified. 9.3.3 Manual reporting If a nominated boat’s VMS unit stops reporting, the concession holder will be required to manually report the boat’s position at a frequency specified by AFMA. The manual position reports must include: the boat’s name the boat’s distinguishing symbol the boat’s present latitude and longitude (in degrees and minutes) the date and time. Manual position reports are to be made by: Phone: (02) 6225 5369 (if prompted, follow instructions on the voice mail); or Fax: (02) 6225 5440; or Email: VMSreporting@afma.gov.au 9.3.4 Temporary switch off (TSO) arrangements A TSO is a formal arrangement that allows a unit to be legitimately switched off. If a nominated vessel is undergoing maintenance, berthed for an extended period or in other exceptional circumstances that render VMS operation impractical, the concession holder can apply for a TSO by filling out an ‘Application for VMS Temporary Switch Off’ form and sending it to AFMA via: Fax: Email: (02) 6225 5440 VMSreporting@afma.gov.au Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 41 Mail: Data Processing AFMA PO Box 7051 CANBERRA BC ACT 2610 Further information can be found on the AFMA website under Vessel Monitoring Systems (www.afma.gov.au/services-for-industry/vessel-monitoring-systems/). Note: Switching off a unit without first obtaining a TSO will constitute an offence. It is also an offence for a vessel to be moved, from the place stipulated under the TSO, without approval from AFMA. 9.4 Illegal/suspicious fishing – Call CRIMFISH – 1800 274 634 If you suspect illegal fishing operations are occurring or witness any suspicious activity involving fish or fishing type activity (e.g. selling off the back of vessels, cheap fish offers, questionable landing sites etc.) you can either contact AFMA’s Freecall CRIMFISH hotline on 1800 274 634 (1800 CRIMFISH) or you can contact AFMA’s Duty Officer on 0419 205 329 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) as soon as possible after you discover the event. More information is available on the CRIMFISH page on the AFMA website under CRIMFISH (www.afma.gov.au/managing-ourfisheries/compliance-activities/1800-crimfish/). Reports may be made anonymously and all information received will be treated in the strictest confidence. Ideally any information supplied should be as detailed as possible to assist AFMA to investigate the incident and should include the following: the date, time and location that the activity took place the names of any verifying witnesses Any photographs and/or other evidence. If you sight a foreign vessel you believe may be involved in illegal fishing please contact the AFMA National Surveillance & Response Unit, based at the Customs Boarder Protection & Command watchfloor on Freecall 1800 06 1800 (attended 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Again all information received will be treated as strictly confidential. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 42 10. Contact details SESSF Management Demersal and Midwater Trawl George Day – Senior Manager (02) 6225 5331 SESSF Facsimile (02) 6225 5446 Commonwealth South East Trawl and Great Australian Bight Trawl Sector Marcus Finn – Manager (02) 6225 5433 Gillnet, Hook and Trap David Power – Manager (02) 6225 5475 Licensing and Data Services Licensing, Quota Management and Logbook Anne Shepherd – Licensing and Data Services Manager (02) 6225 5361 Licensing and Data Officers 1300 723 621 Licensing and Data Facsimile (02) 6225 5400 Licensing and Data Email licensing@afma.gov.au Manager Electronic Monitoring 1300 723 621 Levies Simone Pont – Senior Debt Recovery Officer (02) 6225 5343 Licensing Policy Facsimile (02) 6225 5440 Licensing and Policy Email licensing@afma.gov.au Compliance Compliance Peter Venslovas – General Manager Operations (08) 8943 0356 or 0409 447 463 Duty Officer 0419 205 329 Compliance Facsimile (02) 6225 5442 Compliance domestic.compliance@afma.gov.au Domestic Compliance John Andersen - Senior Manager Compliance Operations (02) 6225 5330 or 0409 129 638 (02) 6225 5395 or 0409 447 463 Glen Salmon – Manager National Compliance Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 43 Intelligence Tod Spencer – Senior Manager National Compliance Strategy Phil Ravanello Intelligence – Manager (02) 6225 5312 National (02) 6225 5398 or 0437 816 512 Industry Associations Commonwealth Fisheries Association (CFA) Anthony Ciconte Ph: 0438 684 999 South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association (SETFIA) Simon Boag Ph: 0428 141 591 PO Box 1125 Fax: (03) 5155 2859 Lakes Entrance VIC 3909 simonboag@setfia.org.au Sustainable Shark Fishing (SSF) David Stone Fax: (02) 6244 6939 Ph: 0488 002 898 ssf5@bigpond.com Southern Shark Industry Alliance Anthony Ciconte Anthony@andia.net.au Ph: 0438 684 999 State Fisheries Tasmania Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (03) 6233 2147 Wild Fisheries Management Branch South Australia Department of Primary Industries and Resources (08) 8204 1380 FISHWATCH: 1800 065 522 Fisheries Division Victoria Department of Primary Industries 136 186 New South Wales Industry and Investment 1300 550 474 Fishing and Aquaculture Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (07) 3404 6999 Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 44 Attachment 1. AFMA AFZ ALC ASL CDR CTS DNID ECDWTS ECDWZ EFT01A EPBC Act FRDC FRP GAB GHAT VMS ISMP ITQ MAC MPA OCS QTS RAG SESSFRAG SETF SETFIA SESSF SESSF Plan SEMAC SFR ShelfRAG SharkRAG SlopeRAG TAC TAP Acronyms Australian Fisheries Management Authority Australian Fishing Zone Automatic Location Communicator Australian Sea Lion Catch Disposal Record Commonwealth Trawl Sector Data Network Identification Number East Coast Deep Water Trawl Sector East Coast Deep Water Zone Eastern Finfish Trawl Daily Fishing Logbook Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Fisheries Research and Development Corporation Fish Receiver Permit Great Australian Bight Gillnet, Hook and Trap Sector Vessel Monitoring System Integrated Scientific Monitoring Program Individual Transferrable Quota Management Advisory Committee Marine Protected Area Offshore Constitutional Settlement Quota Transaction Statement Resource Assessment Group Southern and Eastern Scalefish Fishery and Shark Resource Assessment Group South East Trawl Fishery South East Trawl Fishery Industry Association Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Management Plan 2003 South East Management Advisory Committee Statutory Fishing Right Shelf Resource Assessment Group Shark Resource Assessment Group Slope Resource Assessment Group Total Allowable Catch Threat Abatement Plan Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 45 Attachment 2. Area of the SESSF Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 46 Attachment 2.1 Sectors within the SESSF (NOTE: Numbers refer to Closure Directions) COMMONWEALTH TRAWL CLOSURES Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 47 GILLNET CLOSURES Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 48 SCALEFISH HOOK CLOSURES Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 49 SHARK HOOK CLOSURES Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 50 AUTO LONGLINE CLOSURES Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 51 GREAT AUSTRALIAN BIGHT TRAWL CLOSURES Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 52 Attachment 3. Spatial closures The maps and closures described in this booklet are intended as a guide only. For exact coordinates of area closures refer to the relevant sections in the SESSF Closure Directions. Attachment 3.1 SESSF Direction No. 1 2013 Schedule 1 - Murat Bay Location: Coastal Waters off South Australia Reason: Protect stocks of Australian Sea Lions, Bronze Whalers, Pink Snapper and Mulloway Prohibited: Gillnet methods Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 53 Schedule 2 - Cascade Plateau Location: South-east Tasmania Reason: Protect Blue-eye Trevalla populations Prohibited: Hook methods Schedule 3 - Kent Group National Park Location: Eastern Bass Strait Reason: Marine Protected Area Prohibited: All fishing methods Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 54 Schedule 4 - Bass Strait – Trawl Closure Location: Bass Strait Reason: Protect School and Gummy Shark habitat Prohibited: Demersal otter trawl methods Schedule 5 - St Helens Hill Closure Location: Offshore North-east Tasmania Reason: Protect Orange Roughy stocks Prohibited: Trawl methods and if the Harrisson’s and Southern Dogfish triggers are met (refer to 6 (f) in the Direction) then all fishing methods are prohibited for the concession holder for 12 months within this area. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 55 Schedule 6 - Seal Bay Location: Seal Bay and Bales Beach, South Australia Reason: Protect breeding populations of Australian Sea Lions Prohibited: All fishing methods Schedule 7 - Pages Island Location: North and South Page Islands, South Australia Reason: Protect breeding populations of Australian Sea Lions and Great White Sharks Prohibited: All fishing methods Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 56 Schedule 8 - Head of the Great Australian Bight Location: Great Australian Bight, South Australia Reason: Protect breeding School Shark and Australian Sea Lion populations Prohibited: All fishing methods Schedule 9 - East Coast Deepwater Trawl Sector Exclusion Zone Location: Offshore east coast of Australia Reason: Protect benthic habitats Prohibited: Trawl methods Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 57 Schedule 10 - South Australian Gillnet Closure – Backstairs Passage Location: Great Australian Bight, South Australia Reason: Protect breeding School Shark and Australian Sea Lion populations Prohibited: Gillnet methods Schedule 11 - South Australian Shark Closure – Kanagaroo Island Location: Kangaroo Island, South Australia Reason: Protect breeding School Shark and Australian Sea Lion populations Prohibited: All fishing methods Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 58 Schedule 12 - South Australian Shark Closure –Victor Harbor to the Victorian Border Location: Inshore Victoria Reason: Protect breeding School Shark and Australian Sea Lion populations Prohibited: All fishing methods Schedule 13 - Freycinet Commonwealth Marine Reserve Closure Location: Area off eastern Tasmania Reason: Protect Upper-Slope Dogfish Prohibited: If the Harrisson’s and Southern Dogfish triggers are met (refer to 6 (k) in the Direction) then all fishing methods are prohibited for the concession holder for 12 months within this area. 100% observer coverage required. Please note that Demersal (bottom) Trawl, Danish Seine and Scallop Dredge are prohibited under the Commonwealth Marine Reserve Closure. Refer to http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/marine/marine-reserves for updated information on prohibited fishing methods. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 59 Schedule 14 - West Coast Tasmania Shark Hook Boat Statutory Fishing Right and Gillnet Depth Closure Location: Waters South West of Tasmania Reason: Protect large School Shark and targeting of Deepwater Sharks Prohibited: Gillnet and hook methods if fishing under the authority of a shark hook boat SFR Schedule 15 - Murray Commonwealth Marine Reserves Closures Location: Area off Kangaroo Island Reason: Protect Upper-Slope Dogfish Prohibited: If the Harrisson’s and Southern Dogfish triggers are met (refer to 6 (m) in the Direction) then all fishing methods are prohibited for the concession holder for 12 months within this area. Please note that Demersal (bottom) Trawl, Danish Seine and Scallop Dredge are prohibited under the Commonwealth Marine Reserve Closure. Refer to http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/marine/marine-reserves for updated information on prohibited fishing methods. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 60 Schedule 16 - Commonwealth Scalefish Hook Sector Gulper Shark Closure – Southern Dogfish Location: Offshore, South Australia Reason: Protect Upper-Slope Dogfish Prohibited: Hook methods Schedule 17 - Great Australian Bight Trawl Sector Gulper Shark Closure – Southern Dogfish Location: Offshore, South Australia Reason: Protect Upper-Slope Dogfish Prohibited: Trawl methods Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 61 Schedule 18 - Gulper Shark Closure – Endeavour Dogfish Location: Waters off Sydney in the area of the submarine cable protection zones Reason: Protect Upper-Slope Dogfish Prohibited: All fishing methods Schedule 19 - Gulper Shark Closure – Harrisson’s Dogfish Location: East Bass Strait Reason: Protect Upper-Slope Dogfish Prohibited: All fishing methods Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 62 Schedule 20 - South East Trawl Deep Water Closure Location: Area from New South Wales to South Australia Reason: Protect Orange Roughy stocks Prohibited: Trawl methods Schedule 21 - Tasmanian Seamounts Marine Reserve Location: Approximately 170 km south of Hobart, Tasmania Reason: Protect the high number of endemic stocks found in the area Prohibited: Trawl methods Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 63 Schedule 22 - Eastern South Australia Trawl Closure Location: Eastern South Australia Reason: Reduce the catch of juvenile scalefish and protect structured benthic habitat Prohibited: Demersal otter trawl methods Schedule 23 - Portland Area Trawl Closure Location: Coastal waters, west of Portland, South Australia Reason: Reduce the catch of juvenile scalefish and protect structured benthic habitat Prohibited: Demersal otter trawl methods Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 64 Great Australian Bight Deep Water Closures Schedule 24 - Central West Zone Schedule 25 - Salisbury Canyon Schedule 26 - Far West Location: Great Australian Bight, South Australia and Western Australia Reason: Protect deep water species and Orange Roughy stocks Prohibited: Demersal otter trawl methods Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 65 Great Australian Bight Orange Roughy Zone Schedule 27 - Albany Schedule 28 - Bremmer Schedule 29 - Humdinger West Schedule 30 - Humdinger/Magic Location: Great Australian Bight (West), Western Australia Reason: Protect Orange Roughy stocks Prohibited: Trawl methods Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 66 Great Australian Bight Orange Roughy Zone Schedule 31 - Lomvar Gully Schedule 32 - United Nations Schedule 33 - The Knob Schedule 34 - Racetrack/Hamburger Schedule 35 - Kangaroo Island Hill Location: Great Australian Bight (East), South Australia Reason: Protect Orange Roughy stocks Prohibited: Trawl methods Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 67 Schedule 36 - Great Australian Bight Far West Gulper Shark Closure Location: Great Australian Bight (West), South Australia Reason: Protect Upper-Slope Dogfish Prohibited: Trawl methods Schedule 37 - Barcoo and Taupo Seamounts Closure Location: East coast of southern New South Wales Reason: Protect Upper-Slope Dogfish Prohibited: Trawl methods and if the Harrisson’s and Southern Dogfish triggers are met (refer to 6 (t) in the Direction) then all fishing methods are prohibited for the concession holder for 12 months within this area. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 68 Schedule 38 - Queensland and Britannia Seamounts Closure Location: Area off southern Queensland Reason: Protect Upper-Slope Dogfish Prohibited: All fishing methods except hydraulic hand reel droplining and if the Harrisson’s and Southern Dogfish triggers are met (refer to 6 (v) in the Direction) then all fishing methods are prohibited for the concession holder for 12 months within this area. Schedule 39 - Derwent Hunter Seamount Closure Location: Area off mid New South Wales Reason: Protect Upper-Slope Dogfish Prohibited: All fishing methods Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 69 Schedule 40 - Port MacDonnell Closure Location: Area off south eastern Australia Reason: Protect Upper-Slope Dogfish Prohibited: All fishing methods Schedule 41 - Murray Dogfish Closure Location: Area off south eastern Australia Reason: Protect Upper-Slope Dogfish Prohibited: Trawl methods and if the Harrisson’s and Southern Dogfish triggers are met (refer to 6 (y) in the Direction) then all fishing methods are prohibited for the concession holder for 12 months within this area. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 70 Attachment 3.2 SESSF Direction No. 11 2013 Schedule 1 - Flinders Research Zone Closure Location: Eastern Bass Strait Reason: Protect Upper-Slope Dogfish Prohibited: All fishing methods Attachment 3.3 SESSF Direction No. 5 2013 Schedule 1 - Shark Hook and Gillnet Deepwater Closure Location: AFZ in deep waters within the SESSF Reason: Protect breeding School Shark populations Prohibited: Gillnet and hook methods if fishing under the authority of a shark hook boat SFR Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 71 Schedule 2 - Automatic Longline Shallow Water Closure Location: AFZ in shallow waters within the SESSF Reason: Protect School and Gummy Sharks Prohibited: Automatic baiting equipment Attachment 3.4 SESSF Direction No. 6 2013 Schedule 1 – Western Deepwater Shark Area – opening and trigger limit Location: Area west of King Island and Tasmania Reason: To provide access for otter trawl method to Deepwater Shark Basket (west) Prohibited: If 25 tonnes of Orange Roughy (western) is taken during the fishing season, all trawl methods will be prohibited in this area for the remainder of that season. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 72 Attachment 3.5 SESSF Direction No. 2012 Location: South Australia Reason: Protect Australian Sea Lions Prohibited: Gillnet methods Attachment 3.6 SESSF Direction No. 5 2012 Location: South Australia Reason: Protect Dolphins Prohibited: Gillnet methods Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 73 Attachment 3.7 SESSF SFR Conditions Commonwealth Trawl Sector Boat SFR Condition Location: Victoria Reason: Special provision for Snapper trip limit, 200 kg Prohibited: Trawl (including Danish seine) Attachment 3.8 SESSF Permit Conditions Gillnet Hook and Trap Auto-Longline Permit Conditions Location: South of Kangaroo Island Reason: Protect breeding School Shark populations Prohibited: Auto-Longline during the period 1 September to 31 October Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 74 Attachment 3.9 Area closures outside AFMA’s jurisdiction Commonwealth Marine Reserve Network For information on the Commonwealth Marine Reserves in the South-East, South-West, East and West marine bioregions please visit Commonwealth Marine Reserves (www.environment.gov.au/marinereserves/index.html) on the SEWPaC website. Tasmanian Coastal Shark Closures – GHATS The following ten Tasmanian coastal areas have been declared as Shark Refuge areas and Tasmanian state law prohibits fishing in these areas: Blackman Bay D’Entrecasteaux Channel Derwent River East Coast Waters Frederick Henry Bay and Norfolk Bay Georges Bay Great Oyster Bay Mercury Passage Port Sorell Tamar River For further information on these Shark Refuge areas please visit the Shark Refuge Page (www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/ALIR-4YA7GL) on the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment website. Great Australian Bight Marine Park This area is closed to all Commonwealth GABTS Boat SFR holders. For more information please visit the South-west Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network page on the SEWPaC website (www.environment.gov.au/marinereserves/south-west/gab/former-gab.html). Victorian Marine Parks Fishing is prohibited in Victorian Marine National Park and Sanctuaries. For more information on these areas please contact Parks Victoria Information Centre on: 131 963. Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 75 Attachment 4: Species identification Gulper Shark Identification Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 76 Skates and Rays Identification Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 77 Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 78 Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 79 Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery 2014 Management Arrangements 80
