Fisheries management

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) is responsible for the efficient management and sustainable use of Commonwealth fish resources on behalf of the Australian community.

Policy and planning
In managing Commonwealth fisheries, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) has an obligation to develop plans and implement policy in the performance of its functions and the pursuit of its objectives.  

Licensing and quota management
AFMA grants Permits and Statutory Fishing Rights for Commonwealth fisheries, processes transactions in relation to these concessions and maintains registers of individual transferable quota to give effect to fisheries management arrangements.

Harvest Strategies
A harvest strategy sets out the management actions that are needed to achieve defined biological and economic objectives for a single fish stock or group of fish stocks.

Compliance
AFMA has a responsibility to enforce the provisions of the Fisheries Management Act 1991 and the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 through the detection and investigation of illegal activities by both domestic and foreign fishing boats in the Australian Fishing Zone (AFZ) and Commonwealth managed fisheries.

Environment and sustainability
AFMA is strongly committed to the protection of the ocean’s ecosystems and biodiversity by promoting the sustainable use of our fisheries resources.

Data collection
Good decision making depends on having the best quality information available. This means providing information which is relevant, accurate and timely to our fisheries managers and researchers.

Research
Research undertaken for the Australian Fisheries Management Authority seeks to address a number of fisheries management related issues.

The Observer Program
The Observer Program currently places Observers on domestic and if required, foreign vessels fishing within the Australian Fishing Zone and some adjacent areas under international arrangements.

Partnerships
AFMA maintains a firm commitment to managing Commonwealth fisheries resources for the benefit of the community as a whole. Accordingly, co-operation with the community, industry, government agencies and others with an interest in the sustainable management of the Commonwealth's fisheries resources is a vital part of our approach.

Page last updated 7 July, 2010