Alfonsino - The Australian Fisheries Management Authority

Attachment 1. SESSF Species where SEMAC’s recommendations were consistent with the RAG’s recommendations and AFMA’s position paper

Alfonsino

Recommendation RBC / TAC Discount factor

Over

%

Under

%

RAG 750 t

SlopeRAG recommended a rollover from 2010/11

750 t TAC - rollover

Not applied in rollovers

10 10

AFMA As above 10 10

MAC endorsed

√

750 t TAC - rollover As above 10 10

Other Meta-rules invoked

No meta-rules applied as the MAC’s recommendation was that the TAC be rolled over.

Research quota

Significant additional management safeguards

High level of observer coverage

Discussion

There was no targeted fishing for Alfonsino in 2010 and as a result there was no new data was available to update the assessment. SlopeRAG recommended, as there is no risk to the stock that the TAC be rolled over for one year until the Tier 3 assessment can be updated with 2011 catch information. The MAC noted advice from AFMA that catches of Alfonsino had taken place in 2011 so SlopeRAG would have access to length and age structure data for the 2012 assessment.

The MAC also noted that AFMA had now received data on catches made by New Zealand flagged trawlers operating outside the AFZ adjacent to the ECDWF

(straddling stock). AFMA advised that this followed a request made to the New Zealand government and indicated that the data would be provide to CSIRO,

ABARES and SlopeRAG under terms of the arrangement with New Zealand.

Blue-eye Trevalla

Recommendation RBC / TAC

RAG

AFMA

MAC endorsed

√


415 t RBC

388 t TAC

388 t TAC

Discount factor

Over

%

Not applied 10

Not applied 10

Not applied 10

Under

%

10

10

10

Research quota

-

1t FIS

1t FIS


The MAC supported the RAG’s recommendation not to apply the 15% discount factor given stability in recent CPUE data and that there was no risk to the stock if the 15% discount factor did not apply while the issues of Orca depredation and data from the northern seamounts was included in the assessment. An

ABARES officer noted that the application of the discount factor was intended to provide extra precaution to assessments which relied solely on CPUE as an index of abundance (Tier 4s). The officer considered that using stability in CPUE over time was not an adequate reason to waive the discount factor because the uncertainty arose primarily because of the reliance on one input (CPUE) in Tier 4 assessments.

Chair’s Summary South East MAC 8 Attachment 1 Page 1 of 21


The MAC noted that SESSF RAG intended to review the circumstances under which stability in CPUE could be used to justify waving the discount factor. The

Committee noted that industry supported flexibility around the discount factor in relation to CPUE stability and were concerned that further review might see

CPUE stability sidelined as factor in deciding whether to apply or not to apply discount factors.

A state catch of 40 t was deducted from the RBC of 415 t to generate a Commonwealth RBC of 375 t, which was adjusted up slightly by application of the CPUE multiplier to give the recommended 388 t TAC.

Discussion

The MAC welcomed SlopeRAG’s efforts to take into account the potential impact of Orca depredation on CPUE data and encouraged the RAG to investigate approaches that might allow it to be incorporated into standardisations (observer data), or to establish a dataset on the intensity of interactions over time.

The RAG Chair advised that the assessment still assumed a single stock but noted that ComFRAB had recently supported a research proposal to investigate stock structure in the fishery particularly with respect to fish off the east coast. An industry observer noted that the fishery off the eastern seamounts relied on large fish and that it appeared smaller recruits were absent in these areas. The observer contrasted this with the southern component of the fishery which saw reliable recruitment of smaller fish.

The MAC noted concern from the auto-longline sector about the impact of Upper Slope Dogfish closures, particularly the closure east of Flinders Island, on operations and CPUE trends. The MAC noted an industry view that that this might require a review of the reference period.

Blue Grenadier

Recommendations

RAG options

AFMA

MAC endorsed

√

RBC / TAC

MYRBCs Yr 1

3 Year 5601t

3 Year Average (5601+5036+4773) t

3 Year minimum projected @ 4773 t

3 Year at long term RBC = 4539 t

MYTAC Yr 1 TAC Yr 2 RBC Yr3 RBC

3 Year 5380t 5145t 4773t

2 year MYTAC

Yr 2

5036t

Yr3

4773t

An average of the 2012/13 TAC and the 2013/14 RBC

(5380 t + 5036 t) = 5208 t

2

Discount factor na na na

Over

%

10

10

10

Under

%

10

10

10

Research quota

200 t

Survey

10 t FIS

200 t

Survey

10 t FIS

200 t

Survey

10 t FIS


Tier 1 assessment conducted in 2011.

RAG provide a number of options (mathematical treatments) for 2 or 3 year MYTACs – all acceptable

AFMA supported a 3 year MYTAC based on the actual a TAC for Year 1 (CPUE multiplier factor applied to the 2012/13

RBC (5601 t)) and projected RBCs for Years 2 and 3.

The MAC recommended a 2 year MYTAC set at the average of the Year 1 TAC and Year 2 RBC.

Research quota comes off the TAC can only be approved for

Year 1 – subject to receipt of a research proposal for

2013/14.




The CPUE multiplier was only applied to the Commonwealth RBC for 2012/13 not for subsequent years in the MYTAC options.

Discussion

The MAC was comfortable with a two-year MYTAC noting positive indicators out of the assessment, advice from industry about a substantial recruitment of small fish into Tasmanian waters and SlopeRAG agreement over a suite of breakout rules which took into account fishery dependent data (CPUE, catch) as well as fishery independent indices from the acoustic survey.

Blue Warehou

Recommendation RBC / TAC Discount factor na

Over

%

0

Under

%

0

Research quota

2t FIS


RAG Tier 4 - Zero RBC under Stock

Rebuilding Strategy

AFMA

MAC endorsed

√

118 t Bycatch TAC - administered as a split stock system - 27 t east/91 t west

118 t Bycatch TAC - administered as a split stock system - 27 t east/91 t west na na

0

0

0

0

2t FIS In recent years east west catch limits have been implemented in the ratio: East 22.5% : West 77.5%

2t FIS Blue Warehou Survey completed in 2011. An industry based length frequency program implemented.

Discussion

The MAC noted that CSIRO had undertaken a targeting analysis to establish what the minimum unavoidable bycatch level was for Blue Warehou. On the basis of this analysis ShelfRAG recommended that 118 t was the minimum unavoidable bycatch for this species. The MAC recognised that industry were concerned that this work (premised on the highest value species in a shot) was not as detailed as the School Shark shot by shot analysis however noted that the RAG considered that this approach had been applied before and was robust.

The MAC noted that the analysis suggested isolated instances of targeting in western Bass Strait. The Committee did consider the option of isolating the proposed reduction in the TAC to the western zone (through the east west catch split) however agreed that this would penalise the large majority of operators who were doing the right thing in the western area. It was also noted that the boats of concern were not confined to the western part of Bass Strait.

The MAC noted an industry view that responding to isolated cases of targeting by way of blunt measures (TAC reductions) was much less effective as the TAC was reduced to a genuine bycatch level. This was primarily because those operator(s) who occasionally targeted the species are presumably in possession of sufficient quota to cover larger catches. A reduction in TAC was seen as having less impact on these operators but with the perverse outcome of further constraining the lease market whereby those operators that were trying to avoid the species would find it harder to source quota to cover unexpected bycatch.

A number of industry members therefore considered that the reduction in the TAC to 118 t would just increase discarding. The ShelfRAG Chair reminded members that Blue Warehou was a schooling species where one could reasonably expect shots of around a tonne occasionally when targeting other species.



The MAC noted that SETFIA’s preferred approach was to work more cooperatively with AFMA to promote understanding and change attitudes as they had demonstrated in regard to Eastern Gemfish rather than relying on reductions in TACs or spatial closures.

Deepwater shark basket (east)


Over

%

Not applied 10

Under

%

10

Research quota

0


RAG

AFMA

Tier 4 – 90 t

85 t Not applied 10 10 5 t

No discount factor recommended as 52% of the habitat is closed under 700m closure.

MAC endorsed

√

85 t Not applied 10 10 5 t 700 m isobath closure offers substantial protection.

Ongoing port monitoring species composition and biological


The MAC supported a continued waiving of the discount factor as recommended by SlopeRAG in view of the additional precaution provided by the 700m closure. The small change limiting rule applied as the 5 t increase was less than 10% over last year’s TAC.

SETFIA proposal

SETFIA’s position was that the Commonwealth Harvest Strategy Policy (HSP) sought to manage stocks around MEY and that it was the deepwater trawl sector’s view that reducing the TAC in tandem with opening up more grounds would provide the right settings for industry to catch these sharks economically (need higher catch rates).

The MAC noted that AFMA would consider the SETFIA proposal but indicated that Management would first seek SlopeRAG’s advice. The AFMA member advised that the proposed changes to deepwater boundaries would also need to be assessed with regard to the Orange Roughy Conservation Program (ORCP). The trawl industry member expressed disappointment that AFMA had not been able to further progress the proposal.

Discussion

The MAC noted advice from an industry observer that significant catches of deepwater shark were being landed into NSW ports which were possibly being taken under NSW entitlements which, under the current OCS, allowed demersal longlining out to 80 nm offshore. The observer considered that NSW did not undertake sufficient monitoring of these landings to identify which species were being landed.



Elephantfish

Recommendation

RAG

AFMA

MAC endorsed

√

RBC / TAC

Rollover of 89t TAC

Rollover of 89t TAC

Rollover of 89t TAC

Discount factor

Not applied in rollovers

As above

As above

Over

%

10

10

10

Under

%

10

10

10

Research quota

0

0

0


Shark RAG to review the Tier 4 assessment to try and account for changes in fishing behaviour that may be driving variability in catch rates.

Discussion

The SharkRAG Chair advised that the CPUE for Elephantfish had increased and when applied in the Tier 4 assessment generated an RBC of 208 t. The Chair noted that SharkRAG considered that standardised catch rates were not an adequate reflection for abundance for this species. The MAC noted that the apparent increases in relative abundance inferred from gillnet CPUE were inconsistent with the productivity of these Chondrichthyans.

The MAC, noting that the RAG had no current concerns with the stock, was comfortable with the recommendation to rollover the TAC while committing to further work on the Tier 4 assessment. The Committee noted that this was consistent with the RAG’s rationale to rollover the Saw Shark TAC.

Industry observers advised that trawl operators landing other Chimaeriformes species (a bycatch of operations along the continental slope) were required to cover these with Elephantfish quota. The SharkRAG Chair indicated that the RAG was confident that catch and effort data for these other species was excluded from the Tier 4 assessment on the basis of depth. The MAC agreed that AFMA investigate whether or not these other species were decremented off quota.

AFMA agreed to check on this and report back to the MAC.

Flathead


RAG

AFMA

Not applicable

2,750 t - MYTAC

MAC endorsed √ 2,750 t - MYTAC

Discount

factor na na na

Over

%

10

10

10

Under

%

10

10

10

Research

Quota (t)

9 t


9 t

9 t

Breakout rules not triggered.

Discussion

The MAC noted that Flathead was in its second year of a Two Year MYTAC and noted that ShelfRAG had examined the breakout rules and these were not triggered. The MAC unanimously accepted proceeding with the second season of the MYTAC at 2,750 t.



The Committee noted that Flathead was one of the few species for which model estimates of B

MSY

can be derived. This meant two things:

1.

That the HSP did not constrain the management of Flathead to a default MSY setting of B

40

(MSY was estimated to be around B

27

); and

2.

That the preferred target reference point B

MEY

in the Commonwealth HSP could be estimated for Flathead through the relationship set out in that policy

(B

MEY

= 1.2 x B

MSY

).

The MAC noted concern from the ShelfRAG Chair about the application of a MEY approach in a multi-species fishery in the absence of a proper bio-economic analysis. The Chair noted that Dr Klaer and Professor Kompas had undertaken an analysis for the Great Australian Bight Trawl Fishery (GABTF) and expected that some elements of this work would be portable to the Commonwealth Trawl Sector (CTS). Members noted that the GAB had two target species whereas the CTS derived significant value from about six species in waters on, or adjacent to Flathead grounds.

The MAC considered that the suitability (or otherwise) of MEY targets for multi-species fisheries was an important matter that needed to be examined in the upcoming review of the Commonwealth HSP.

Gemfish (east)

Recommendation

RAG

AFMA

MAC endorsed √

RBC / TAC

Tier 1 zero RBC – under the Eastern

Gemfish Rebuilding Strategy

100 t (Bycatch TAC)

100 t (Bycatch TAC)


Over

%

0

0

0

Under

%

0

0

0

Research quota

2 t FIS


2 t FIS

2 t FIS AFMA and SETFIA field liaison helped reduce bycatch

Discussion

The MAC noted that CSIRO had undertaken an assessment to examine if current catch levels would prevent rebuilding of the stock and that it appeared they wouldn’t subject to assumption of average recruitment and the extent to which landed catch and discards exceed the catch limit. The Committee discussed the possibility of a regime shift for this species given the lack of evidence of a rebuild.

The MAC noted that there was interest in running a winter survey in 2012 but that a research proposal had not been submitted to AFMA at the time of the meeting. The MAC provided in–principle support for a research allowance of up to 40 t for a winter survey with a reservation from the conservation member urging that efforts be made to limit landed catch including that taken in a survey to close to 100 t.



Gemfish (west)


RAG

AFMA


Tier 1 - 613 t RBC

141 t

141 t


Over

%

10

10

10

Under

%

10

10

10

Research quota


2 t FIS

2 t FIS

2 t FIS Trigger limit in the GABTF

Increased confidence in the Tier 1 assessment.

The MAC acknowledged that the comprehensive revision of the assessment by Dr Barnes (ABARES) as part of the RUSS project had restored confidence in the application of a Tier 1 assessment for Western Gemfish. The Committee also noted RAG advice that more work was needed in regard to stock structure.

The MAC noted that the RAG did not make any recommendations on how the RBC might be split across the GAB and SESSF and recognised that a separate process was needed to establish a transition to whole of stock management arrangements. Industry members observed that industry dialogue on possible options for a new management framework would assist AFMA develop an options paper for consultation.

The Committee noted that a number of operators in the CTS and in the GAB with expertise in targeting Western Gemfish had now left their respective sectors and as a result there had been a reduction in catches and the volume of fishery dependent data which feed into the assessments (both Tier 1 and the interim

Tier 4 assessment).

Discussion

The MAC noted that the restoration of the Tier 1 assessment produced an RBC (613 t) which after the subtraction of a discard estimate of 27 t generated a

Commonwealth RBC of 589 t. The Commonwealth RBC applied to the whole stock which based on our current understanding for this species covered the western waters in the SESSF and the GABTF. Members noted that unless evidence is provided for regional stocks that, at some stage, a formal mechanism for splitting the RBC across the sectors would be needed. Members sought clarification on how this approach had been dealt with this year noting that the GABTF operated under a trigger limit of 400t and the SESSF was managed under a TAC.

The MAC worked through the mathematics however recognised that there would be no prejudice against SESSF SFR holders for the 2012/13 season because the

50% large change limiting rule limited the TAC recommendation to 141 t (i.e. last year’s TAC of 94 t + = 141 t). This meant that the maintenance of the

GABTF trigger limit (400t) had not had the effect of quarantining 400 t of the RBC to the GABTF and thereby prevent the full increase in the SESSF TAC provided for under the harvest strategy frameworks.

The MAC noted the application of the large change limiting rule had allowed AFMA and the MAC to avoid making a recommendation on a split of the RBC across the sectors and provided some breathing space.



Other meta-rules invoked

AFMA’s advice was that the CPUE multiplier was applied to Western Gemfish but had no impact because of the significant increase in the RBC and the subsequent application of the 50% large change limiting rule on the TAC.

Work needed

Members recognised the current acceptance of the Tier 1 as a whole of stock assessment would require an allocation decision across the relevant fishery sectors unless evidence was forthcoming supporting insufficient mixing to justify a whole of stock arrangement. The Committee noted there was still considerable conjecture about the stock structure of Western Gemfish both in biological and management terms. Some members noting that the fishing ground were several hundred nautical miles apart considered it likely science may show that were sufficiently distinct to justify regionalised management.

Gummy Shark

Recommendation

RAG

AFMA

RBC / TAC

1,717 t

1,717 t rollover TAC

Discount factor

Not applicable

Not applicable

Not applicable

Over

%

10

10

Under

%

10

10

Research quota

3 t FIS

3 t FIS


MAC endorsed

√

1,717 t 10 10 3 t FIS

Discussion

The MAC noted that Gummy Shark assessment was last updated in 2010 (which drew on 2009 data) noting that the RAG’s practice was to alternate the School

Shark and Gummy Shark assessments on an annual basis. The RAG was comfortable with the Gummy Shark stock status supported the rollover of the 1,717 t

TAC for the 2012/13 season.

The RAG recognised that the introduction of a range of closures for marine mammal protection off South Australia had the potential to affect CPUE and noted that the regional nature of the assessment provided a level of flexibility in interpreting signals from one reason should fishing activity change significantly. The

SharkRAG Chair indicated that Dr Thomson (CSIRO) had also commenced work on examining the different selectivity of hook gear and how this might be incorporated into the assessment if the levels of hook effort increase. The SharkRAG Chair explained that the selectivity pattern of gillnet gear was well understood and to a large extent the selection of ‘sub-adult year classes’ was a major reason for the stability in the fishery.

The MAC noted that SharkRAG was keen to see the data coming out of the auto-longline trial particularly in relation to the size structure of the catch and what that might means in terms of sustainability. The RAG Chair added that the RAG was also aware that CPUE for Gummy Shark was being influenced by measures in


Attachment 1. SESSF Species where SEMAC’s recommendations were consistent with the RAG’s recommendations and AFMA’s position paper place to minimise School Shark interactions and would need to respond in the assessment process to changes in fishery characteristics arising from the challenges facing the shark fishery.

The MAC noted industry interest in a MYTAC for Gummy Shark but recognised that the Commission had decided against implementing a MYTAC last year and explained that AFMA reserved the option of adjusting the Gummy Shark TAC if the bycatch of School Shark and interactions with Australian Sea Lions were not reduced by other measures.

The MAC considered that the issue of MYTACs might be open for consideration following this year’s assessment in late 2012 and noted that the RAG might also have a better handle on the likelihood of increased hook activity and a better understanding of hook selectivity by then.

Jackass Morwong

Recommendation

RAG

RBC / TAC

Tier 1 – 640 t RBC 358 t east

282 t west

Discount factor

Over

%

10 Not applied to Tier 1

As above 10

Under

%

10

Research quota

AFMA

MAC endorsed

√

State catch

568 t TAC administered as a split stock system - 358 t east/210 t west

568 t TAC administered as a split stock system - 358 t east/210 t west

As above 10

10

10

Deductions for state catch (11 t) and discards (46 t) produced a Commonwealth RBC of 583 t.

3 t

FIS

3 t

FIS

3 t

FIS t


Industry committed to keeping catches in the east under

358 t.


The application of the CPUE multiplierto the Commonwealth RBC of 583 t resulted in a recommended TAC of 568 t.

Discussion

The MAC acknowledged the additional work undertaken by Dr Wayte (CSIRO) in investigating potential drivers of recruitment for Jackass Morwong. The

ShelfRAG Chair explained that increases in the strength of the East Australian Current (EAC) had reduced the degree of upwelling of nutrient rich waters from the Southern Ocean which was considered to be an important factor for a species like Jackass Morwong that had a prolonged offshore larval stages. The hypothesis put forward by Dr Wayte was that changes in larval survivorship (generally a reduction) associated with a stronger EAC constituted a recruitment shift for the eastern stock of Jackass Morwong.

The ShelfRAG Chair observed that this represented a fundamental change in the assessment and accepting there had been a shift in recruitment dynamics meant the condition of the eastern stock was in better shape but added that this was in the context of a stock that did not have the potential to reach the biomass levels it could have in the 1970s and 80s. The MAC noted that the RAG was prepared to accept the recruitment shift because it allowed a much better


Attachment 1. SESSF Species where SEMAC’s recommendations were consistent with the RAG’s recommendations and AFMA’s position paper fit to the stock recruitment curve but also because it delivered a more conservative risk profile when subjected to Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) testing.

The RAG Chair added that the revised assessment would deliver higher RBCs in the short term but a lower long term RBC given that the eastern Jackass

Morwong stock was now considered a less productive stock.

The ShelfRAG Chair advised that the assessment for the western stock had been significantly hampered by a 4 to 5 year gap in biological sampling out of

Portland.

The MAC expressed confidence in the RAG’s advice and noted that urgent attention was needed to address sampling gaps in western Bass Strait in order to improve certainty in the western assessment. The MAC supported the proposed TACs and the application of a catch split based on RAG advice which should allow rebuilding of the eastern stock to near the target.

John Dory


No

Over% Under

%

10 10

Research quota

1 t FIS


RAG Tier 3 – 1,797 t RBC

Recommend a rollover of 221 t TAC

Recommended that 221 t could be applied as a 3 Year MYTAC

AFMA 3 Year MYTAC at 221 t

MAC endorsed √ Support a 3 Year MYTAC at 221 t

No

No

10

10

10

10

1 t FIS

1 t FIS ShelfRAG to consider breakout rules around Tier 3 parameters (size and/or age composition)

Discussion

ShelfRAG undertook a fresh Tier 3 on the back of an ISMP and industry initiative to collect a good sample of otoliths. The ShelfRAG Chair noted that John Dory otoliths are tiny and that their collection lowers the price for the fish. The assessment generated a large RBC which the RAG did not think was applicable to John

Dory give the stable history of catches at a much lower level over many years (essentially a byproduct species). The RAG did however consider the outcome demonstrated this stock was in good condition.

ShelfRAG also recommended that this TAC could be applied as a 3 year MYTAC but acknowledged the general principle that MYTACs be restricted to Tier 1 species. The MAC recognised this was a sensible proposal and noted that John Dory had previously been managed under a 3 Year MYTAC successfully.

The MAC noted some concern regarding the use of a Tier 3 to monitor sustainability but relying on breakout rules being based solely on Tier 4 metrics (CPUE).

The MAC supported a 3 Year MYTAC given the good condition of the stock and stable catches over time but recommended that ShelfRAG consider developing breakout rules that focused on Tier 3 parameters to provide consistency with the assessment methodology. The MAC accepted that these could provide some balance/ complement the existing suite of CPUE based breakout rules. The ShelfRAG Chair suggested that length based indicators might be suitable (given that


Attachment 1. SESSF Species where SEMAC’s recommendations were consistent with the RAG’s recommendations and AFMA’s position paper otolith sampling each year was burdensome) but added that the RAG would need to consider how length based breakout rules might be structured to cope with things like good recruitment (pulse of smaller fish etc).

Mirror Dory


RAG Tier 3 – 7,349 t RBC

Discount factor

5%

Over

%

10

Under

%

10

Research quota

6 t FIS


AFMA

MAC endorsed

√

1,077 t TAC

1,077 t TAC

5%

5%

10

10

10

10

6 t FIS

6 t FIS


The 5% discount factor was applied, state catch and discards were subtracted from the RBC and applying the latest CPUE multiplier rule generated a

Commonwealth RBC of 6,744 t. The large change limiting rule applied which limits change in the TAC to a 50% increase on last year’s TAC (718 t); such that:

Recommended TAC for 2012/13 = 718 t + t = 1077 t

Discussion

The MAC noted that ShelfRAG had updated the Tier 3 assessment with new age data which had increased confidence in the assessment and when considered with other indicators confirmed that the stock was in good shape. The ShelfRAG Chair noted that the RAG recognised that the output of the Tier 3 was not realistic in terms of the quantum it produced given our understanding of the scale of the fishery and added that previously Tier 3s had a inbuilt (somewhat arbitrary ~ 1.5 ) cap on RBC increases. The MAC noted this had been removed but recognised that as a result there would be large RBCs generated at times. The

ShelfRAG Chair explained that what these assessments were telling us is that ‘they’ are seeing no real impact of fishing on the stock structure.

The MAC noted that the 50% large change meta-rule essentially acted as de facto cap on large TAC increases and moderated outcomes.

As noted last year Industry representatives advised that they had difficulty in explaining these large RBCs to operators.

The AFMA member clarified AFMA’s position noting that the paper should have indicated that the recommended 6 t of research quota was to be sourced within the recommended TAC.

The MAC noted a submission from a south coast operator about potential for a higher bycatch of Eastern Gemfish if the fleet increased effort on Mirror Dory.

The MAC noted that these species were associated but was relatively comfortable that based on recent operations that industry could manage to keep the bycatch of Eastern Gemfish within the Bycatch TAC despite potential for improved prospects for Mirror Dory.



Orange Roughy

The MAC noted that SlopeRAG had tried to update the eastern zone Orange Roughy assessment however had been unable to resolve apparent data conflicts between the results of the 2010 Acoustic Optical Survey (AOS) and the outcomes from the assessment. As a result the RAG was not able to recommend the assessment be used to provide advice on the TAC. The RAG however agreed that there was good evidence of rebuilding .

The MAC noted that industry was disappointed that the acceptance of the AOS as the primary tool underpinning Orange Roughy stock assessments in New

Zealand hadn’t engendered more confidence in its outputs amongst the Australian scientific and management agencies.

The SlopeRAG Chair explained that it wasn’t a case of the RAG rejecting the AOS data but a precautionary attitude regarding the discrepancy between the AOS and the substantial size and age dataset.

The MAC agreed it was important for SlopeRAG and assessment scientist to resolve the disparity between the AOS and ageing data but noted that a decision had been made to prioritise resources on the Cascade Plateau Orange Roughy stock assessment in 2012.

Industry considered the Cascade and the AOS/age composition issue were both high priorities that needed to be addressed in 2012 and the MAC agreed to bring this to SESSF RAG’s attention. Industry members anticipated savings on the Blue Grenadier assessment workload and suggested that these might be diverted to eastern zone Orange Roughy.

The MAC noted that in the absence of an agreed assessment the RAG recommended that the Eastern Zone Orange Roughy TAC remain at 25 t (to cover incidental bycatch).

The MAC noted that there had been no updates to the assessments for the Southern Zone and the Cascade Plateau Orange Roughy stocks so rollovers of existing arrangements (consistent with SlopeRAG advice) were supported.

Orange Roughy (south)

Recommendation

RAG/ AFMA / MAC

RBC / TAC

Zero RBC – under the ORCP

Discount factor na

Over

%

0

Under

%

0

Research quota Significant additional management safeguards

AFMA


35 t (Bycatch TAC)

35 t (Bycatch TAC)

Orange Roughy (east) na na

0

0

0

0

Pending research proposal

0

0

Recommendation

RAG/ AFMA / MAC

RBC / TAC

Zero RBC – under the ORCP

Discount factor na

Over

%

0

Under

%

0


Pending research proposal

Page 12 of 21 Chair’s Summary South East MAC 8 Attachment 1


AFMA 25 t (Bycatch TAC)

MAC endorsed √ 25 t (Bycatch TAC)

Orange Roughy (west) na na

0

0

0

0

As above

As above

Recommendation RBC / TAC Discount factor na

Over

%

0

Under

%

0


RAG/ AFMA / MAC Zero RBC – under the ORCP 0

AFMA 60 t (Bycatch TAC) na 0 0 0

MAC endorsed

√

60 t (Bycatch TAC) na 0 0 0

Discussion

All the MAC recommendations were consistent with AFMA and SlopeRAG’s advice noting these are bycatch TACs (and research quota – East) and in accordance with the Orange Roughy Conservation Program (ORCP).

Orange Roughy (Cascade Plateau)

Recommendation RBC / TAC Research quota Significant additional management safeguards

RAG/ AFMA / MAC

AFMA

500 t TAC – rollover

500 t TAC– rollover

MAC endorsed √ 500 t TAC– rollover

Oreo Smooth (Cascade Plateau)

Recommendation

RAG/ AFMA / MAC

RBC / TAC

Rollover of 150 t TAC


Discount factor na

Over

%

10

10

10

Over

%

10

Under

%

10

10

10

Under

%

10

0

0

0

Research quota

0

Assessment will be updated in 2012.


MAC endorsed √ 150 t TAC na 10 10 0

SlopeRAG noted that there had been no fishing so was not able to update the Tier 4 assessment

Discussion

The MAC noted that very little fishing had occurred in 2010/11 and the RAG did not have confidence in the Tier 4 outputs. The MAC supported a rollover of the

2011/12 TAC.



Oreo Smooth (other)

Recommendation

RAG

RBC / TAC Discount factor

Over

%

Under

%

Research quota


AFMA / MAC


20 t Long Term TAC – until catches get above a 10 t trigger.



15 %

15 %

10

10

10

10

0

0

Limited catches in 2010/11, not enough information to update Tier 4 reliably.

AFMA’s recommended TAC is 23 t - application of the

50% large change rule to last year’s 45 t TAC generates a

TAC of 22.5 t (23 t)

Most of the features closed under the ORCP.

Meta-rules invoked – The MAC recognised that the RAG’s recommended 20 t long term TAC could not be implemented exactly because the 50% large change limiting rule prevented a reduction from 45 t (last years’ TAC) to 20 t. The application of the large change rule to last year’s 45 t TAC generated a TAC of 22.5 t

(23 t).

Discussion

The MAC, noting RAG advice that recent catches have been too low to support a Tier 4 analysis, supported setting a long term TAC of 23 t. The MAC also supported a trigger limit of 10 t which if reached would require an assessment be undertaken. The Committee noted that there was unlikely to be extensive fishing for Oreos until more Orange Roughy stocks got above the limit reference point and the 700m closures were reduced.

Oreo (basket)

Recommendation

RAG

RBC / TAC

120 t RBC - Tier 4

Discount factor

Not applied

Over

%

10

Under

%

10

Research quota

2 t


SlopeRAG was able to update the Tier 4 assessment

AFMA

√

MAC endorsed

113 t TAC

113 t TAC as above as above

10

10

10

10

2 t

2 t Catch is linked with Deepwater Sharks, long night shots on the flats – 54% of the habitat now closed under ORCP.

Meta-rules invoked - The application of the 15% discount factor was waived due to 54 % of habitat closed under the 700m depth closure. The small change limiting rule (10%) overrode a change of 7 t (6.2%) so the recommended TAC remains at 113 t.



Pink Ling

Recommendation

RAG

AFMA

√

MAC endorsed

RBC / TAC

No RBC recommendation

1,000 TAC an average between the existing and revised assessments

1000 t TAC

1000 t TAC

500 t east/500 t west split stock arrangement


Over

%

10

10

10

Under

%

10

10

10

Research quota

4 t FIS

4 t FIS

4 t FIS


Four spawning closures recommended in eastern Bass Strait

Four spawning closures recommended in eastern Bass Strait

Discussion

The SlopeRAG Chair noted that the RAG had been unable to reconcile the new assessment prepared by Dr Punt with the existing stock assessment model. The

MAC noted that the 2011 assessment treated catches rate series in zones separately in contrast to a spatially aggregated catch rate series in the existing model.

The MAC noted strong industry concern over the upheaval caused by the introduction of a new assessment superseding the existing one. The SlopeRAG Chair acknowledged this had been an unusual situation but noted that once the indications from the new assessment were advised that the RAG could not ignore them. The MAC noted that the RAG, in identifying 1,000 t as an interim TAC, had run projections which indicated that if the 1,000 t TAC was caught that it would not substantially lengthen rebuild times over a situation where TACs consistent with the more pessimistic outputs of the new model were instituted immediately.

The MAC also agreed a package of spawning closures for all SESSF fishing methods in Maria Canyon, the Ling Hole, Everard Horseshoe and Seiners Horseshoe for the period 28 August to 1 December 2012. The Committee recognised opposition from an industry observer (declared interest in this species and area of waters)noting that in his experience Pink Ling moved in and out of these canyons on a daily basis and were therefore susceptible to trawl gear at certain times.

The observer noted however that auto-longline vessels were singly disadvantaged because they could not go and fish where trawlers worked regularly due to potential for gear loss. The observer concluded that the economic impact of the closures needed to be weighed against the evidence for stock sustainability arising from the closures.

The SlopeRAG Chair indicated there wasn’t any direct evidence to confirm these closures provided additional protection to the eastern stock of Pink Ling.

The AFMA member indicated that additional precaution could also be provided either by a general TAC reduction and/or by a more conservative split of the TAC for the eastern stock under the voluntary arrangement to manage the TAC on a split stock basis. The Trawl Industry member noted that the RAG had not provided advice on east/west splits and given the uncertainty arising from the new assessment and its reliance on a number of zones there was uncertainty about spatial management of Pink Ling.

The MAC noting the arrangement was interim supported AFMA’s proposal to keep the catch of the both eastern and western stocks under 500 t (half the proposed TAC) through a continuation of co-management approach with SETFIA and auto-longline operators.



Redfish

Recommendation

RAG

AFMA

RBC / TAC

1569 t RBC Tier 3 – not confident

0 t RBC Tier 4

(CPUE below the limit reference point)

ShelfRAG’s recommendations were:

1.

Reduce the 2011/12 TAC by 10%; or

2.

Cut the TAC in response to the Tier 4 but remove the 50% change limiting rule for increases to the TAC; and

3.

Don’t apply the discount factor due to precaution in reducing the TAC

AFMA supported maintaining the TAC noting that the RAG’s recommendation to cut the TAC by 10% was effectively nullified by the small change limiting rule.

276 t TAC

Discount factor

Discount factor 5% not be applied

Not applied

Over

%

10

10

Under

%

10

10

Research quota

1 t FIS

Significant additional management safeguards assessment

1 t FIS ShelfRAG was not confident with the Tier 3

The Tier 4 assessment suggested the indicator is currently below the limit but it was recognised that

Tier 4 assessments are probably not sophisticated enough to deal with the cyclic nature of Redfish recruitment and availability.

MAC endorsed

√

Not applied

10 10 1 t FIS Economic safeguard

That AFMA support waiving the 50% maximum change rule for Redfish to allow for significant increases in the TAC in response to high availability.

Discussion

The ShelfRAG Chair reported that the Tier 3 and Tier 4 assessments were inconsistent and while the Tier 3 was positive noted that the RAG could not afford to ignore the fact that catch rates of Redfish had been falling for some years. The RAG wasn’t comfortable making a recommendation based primarily on the outputs of the Tier 3 assessment and suggested a 10% cut in TAC. AFMA proposed keeping the TAC at the 2011/12 level noting that the RAG’s proposed 10% cut would be cancelled out by the small change limiting rule (10%). The MAC supported maintaining the TAC at 276 t noting the Tier 3 assessment while unreaklsitic in terms of quantum did indicate stability in the size structure and noting that 2011/12 TAC was likely to be significantly undercaught.

The RAG also noted that that the large change limiting rule could prevent industry exploiting the next recruitment pulse once it recruited to the fishery and over the subsequent years when the cohorts grew to a size where very little discarding occurred. The RAG therefore recommended that AFMA waive the 50% maximum change rule for Redfish only to allow for significant increases in the TAC in response to large increases in availability.



Ribaldo

Recommendation

RAG

AFMA


RBC / TAC

197 t RBC Tier 4

168t TAC

168t TAC

Discount factor

15 %

15 %

15 %

Over

%

10

10

10

Under

%

10

10

10

Research quota

1 t FIS

1 t FIS

1 t FIS



The application of the 15% discount factor reduced the Global RBC of 197 t to 167 t and the subtraction of 2 t discards resulted in a Commonwealth RBC of

165 t. The CPUE multiplier increased this by 1 t to 166 t. As the change is less than 10% (small change limiting rule) AFMA recommends that the TAC remain at

168 t. The MAC supports the AFMA position.

Royal Red Prawn


RAG

Discount factor

Over

%

Not applied 10

Under

%

10

Research quota


0.5 t FIS Operators are currently constrained by market demand.

AFMA

√

MAC endorsed

Split recommendation

276 t RBC Tier 4


265 t TAC


Not applied

Not applied

10

10

10

10

0.5 t FIS

0.5 t FIS ShelfRAG to consider if a long term MYTAC could be implemented for Royal Red Prawns.

Discussion

The trawl industry member provided the MAC with a brief presentation on the Royal Red Prawn sector including in confidence operator supplied catch data.

The MAC noted that the economics of this sector was very tight with the few operators that targeted these deepwater prawns being constrained by market control measures (basically the processors told them how much product they would accept). The MAC agreed the data from the main catcher in the fleet looked stable with some recent improvement in catch rates.

The ShelfRAG Chair noted that the RAG was divided on this assessment because they did not think the Tier 4 accurately captured the dynamics of this market driven fishery. The RAG had also noted that the Tier 4’s reference period could not be recalibrated for catch rates taken in prawn trawl gear due to a lack of a field in the shot by shot details (fish net or prawn net) in the logbooks of that period.



The AFMA member appreciated the effort and contribution made by the operator in question and indicated it would helpful if the RAG could investigate if Royal

Red Prawns could be sustainably managed under a long term MYTAC and if so what breakout rules and monitoring might be needed (i.e. catch size composition). The MAC considered that such an approach, if supported by the RAG, would be consistent with AFMA’s cost effective management objective.

The MAC noting RAG advice that the 2011 (current season) were all positive endorsed a rollover of the 303 t TAC and 10 % over and under conditions for Royal

Red Prawns for the 2012/13 season. The MAC also recommended that ShelfRAG consider a framework for long term MYTACs for Royal Reds.

Saw Shark

Recommendation

RAG

RBC / TAC

Rollover 226 t TAC

Discount factor

Over

%

Not applicable in rollovers

10 as above 10 as above 10

Under

%

10

Research quota

0


SharkRAG to review the Tier 4 assessment methodology in 2012 with the aim of incorporating both gillnet and trawl CPUE.

AFMA

MAC endorsed

√

Rollover 226 t TAC

Rollover 226 t TAC

10

10

0

0

Discussion

The SharkRAG Chair noted that the RAG was not convinced that gillnet CPUE accurately reflected the relative abundance of Saw Shark noting that it wasn’t being targeted and that over 50% of the catch was taken by the trawl sector and trawl catch rates weren’t factored into the Tier 4 assessment. The MAC noted that an analysis by Dr Haddon (CPUE) showed that trawl catch rates were increasing slightly whereas gillnet catch rates were falling slightly.

The RAG decided that more work was needed on the assessment to try and resolve the two data streams and on this basis recommended a rollover. The

Committee noted that AFMA supported the RAG’s recommendation. The MAC was comfortable that a rollover was sustainable under current fishing intensity while the assessment was improved.

The MAC noted that the discard rate for this species was particularly sensitive to economics and the exchange rate and lease price didn’t need to move much to make it not worthwhile to retain and for local processors to stop accepting it (cheaper New Zealand imports).

The MAC also noted advice that the Fishery Independent Survey (FIS) had delivered good Coefficients of Variance (CVs) for Saw Shark and that the RAG may also want to refer to this data source as a cross check on the Tier 4 assessment. The GAB invited participant supported this view noting that there were now six independent surveys from the GAB and that they were seeing more Saw Shark each year. The GAB invited participant advised that GAB trawl operators were struggling to lease quota to cover genuine incidental take and urged SharkRAG to take the FIS data into account. The GAB invited participant accepted that discount factors weren’t reapplied in rollover situations but noted that 15% discount factor was applied to the 2011/12 RBC for Saw Shark during its translation to a TAC. The participant, speaking in his capacity as GABIA Executive Officer stated that GABIA opposed, on principle, the application of discount factors to byproduct species.

The SharkRAG Chair welcomed these suggestions and welcomed the opportunity to access the FIS data for the shark gillnet species.



School Whiting

Recommendation

RAG

AFMA

MAC endorsed

√

RBC / TAC

641 t

641 t

Tier 1 – 1,660 t RBC


Over

%

10

10

10

Under

%

10

10

10

Research quota


1 t FIS An assessment was not carried out in 2011. ShelfRAG referred to a previous analysis which suggested various fixed catch scenarios at

1 t FIS levels around a long term RBC (1,660 t) derived from the 2009

Tier 1 assessment would be sustainable.

1 t FIS ShelfRAG to review prospects for a regional assessment approach for School Whiting.

State catch and discards - A state catch of 947 tonnes and 12 tonnes of discards were deducted from the RBC to determine the Commonwealth RBC (701 t).

Other Meta-rules invoked - The CPUE multiplier reduced the Commonwealth RBC to 666 tonnes and as such the small change limiting rule applied and the recommended TAC remains at 641 t. The MAC was comfortable in endorsing a 641 t TAC recommendation noting that ShelfRAG’s advice was that this was a sustainable level and that School Whiting was a naturally resilient species.

Discussion

The MAC noted that ShelfRAG had agreed to revisit the School Whiting assessment to see if a more regional approach is justified noting the large distance separating the NSW and the Commonwealth fleets that target School Whiting. The MAC supported the RAG’s intended approach noting that currently most of the data for the assessment originates from waters adjacent to Lakes Entrance which raised questions of representativeness when the assessment assumes a single stock structure up to the NSW /Queensland border. The MAC also considered that if a regional management approach could be justified scientifically then issues over resource sharing could be discussed in more certainty and maybe less of a problem.



Silver Trevally

Recommendation

RAG

Commonwealth RBC

AFMA


RBC / TAC

Tier 4 – 897 t RBC

707 t

678 t

678 t

Discount factor

0%

0%

0%

Over

%

10

10

10

Under

%

10

10

10

Research quota

1 t FIS


1 t FIS

1 t FIS

State catch deduction

ShelfRAG noted that the assessment hadn’t changed substantially with CPUE for Silver Trevally had been on an increasing catch rates in recent years resulting in an RBC of 897 t. The MAC noted RAG advice that the catching capacity (boats that can trawl at higher speeds) to take the likely TAC is not there presently. The

MAC noted a deduction of 189 t for state catches (declining trend) and a 1 t deduction for discards resulted in a Commonwealth RBC of 707 t.

Meta-rules invoked

The MAC supported the ShelfRAG’s recommendation that the 15% discount factor not be applied due to protection provided by the Batemans Bay Marine Park.

The CPUE rule resulted in a 29 t decrease giving a provisional TAC of 678 tonnes.

The MAC supported the recommended TAC of 678 t for Silver Trevally noting that it was unlikely to be caught this season.

Silver Warehou

Recommendation

RAG

RBC / TAC

Tier 1 Maintain MYTAC

Discount factor

0 %

Over

%

10

Under

%

10

Research quota

25 t FIS


AFMA


2566 t - maintain MYTAC

2566 t – maintain MYTAC

0 %

0 %

10

10

10

10

25 t FIS

25 t FIS Breakout rules to be reviewed at SESSF RAG’s Data

Meeting.

Discussion

Silver Warehou has been on a three year TAC since 2009. The RAG reported there a drop in CPUE but noting industry generally avoided this species (low value) was comfortable maintaining the settings for Silver Warehou for the last year of the 3 Year MYTAC. The MAC noted that AFMA also supported this and endorsed maintaining the MYTAC at the agreed level of 2,566 t.



East Coast Deepwater Trawl Sector Species



Boarfish



Orange Roughy

Recommendation Non-quota TACs

RAG

AFMA

MAC endorsed

√

Not considered by a Resource

Assessment Group (RAG)

Boarfish - 200 t TAC (whole weight)

Orange Roughy – 50 t (Bycatch TAC)

Boarfish - 200 t TAC (whole weight)

Orange Roughy – 50 t (Bycatch TAC)

Over

%

0

0

Under

%

0

0

Research quota

0

0


Provides protection under the Orange Roughy Conservation

Program (ECDWZ is closed for the remainder of the season if catches of either species exceed TACs.)

Discussion

South East MAC supported the recommended Non-quota TACs (administered by way of permit conditions) for the 2012/13 fishing season.


Alfonsino - The Australian Fisheries Management Authority

Related documents

Products

Support

Alfonsino - The Australian Fisheries Management Authority

Related documents

Add this document to collection(s)

Add this document to saved

Suggest us how to improve StudyLib