Applications open: Chairs and members of AFMA management advisory committees and resource assessment groups
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) is seeking applications for Chairs and members for expected vacancies across a number of management advisory committees (MACs) and resource assessment groups (RAGs), including:
- Great Australian Bight Resource Assessment Group
- Shark Resource Assessment Group
- South East Resource Assessment Group
- Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery Resource Assessment Group
- Great Australian Bight Management Advisory Committee
- South East Management Advisory Committee
- Southern Bluefin Tuna Management Advisory Committee
We also have a vacancy for the Scientific Member on the Small Pelagic Fishery Resource Assessment Group.
Role of MACs
Each fishery is covered by a MAC. These committees advise us on the scientific and economic status of fish stocks, sub stocks, species (target and non-target species) and on the impacts of fishing on the marine environment.
They report to the AFMA Commission on policy and operational matters, where relevant, relating to the management of Commonwealth fisheries, including scientific, research and other information about the status of fish stocks and the impact of fishing on the marine environment.
Find more information on the MAC members positions on our Fisheries Committees webpage.
Role of MAC Chairs
The MAC Chair ensures thorough, effective discussion about the particular fishery, consistent with the MAC’s terms of reference. The Chair is the primary communication link between the MAC, the AFMA Commission and the relevant fishery RAG/Scientific Panel.
Find more information about the roles and responsibilities of MAC Chairs is provided in section 3.5.2 of Fisheries Management Paper 1 (PDF).
Role of RAGs
RAGs are the key research and scientific committees for supporting the management of Commonwealth fisheries. Their main function is to peer-review scientific data and information and advise us on the status of fish stocks, sub-stocks, species (target and non-target species), the economic status of fisheries and the impact of fishing on the marine environment. This advice assists us in our role to regulate commercial fishing of Commonwealth fisheries.
Find more information on the RAG positions on our Fisheries Committees webpage.
Role of RAG Chairs
The RAG Chair ensures thorough, effective discussion about the specific fishery, consistent with the RAG’s terms of reference. The Chair is the primary communication link between the RAG, the AFMA Commission and the relevant fishery MAC.
Find more information about the roles and responsibilities of RAG Chairs in Section A of Fisheries Administration Paper 12 (PDF).
Expertise required for MAC membership
Appointments to MACs are based on expertise in relevant fields, which include:
- the fishing industry
- fishery science and research, including expertise in environmental sciences
- environment/conservation
- recreational and charter fishing.
Expertise required for RAG membership
Appointments to RAGs are based on expertise in relevant fields, which include:
- fishery science, including environmental sciences
- fishery economics
- the fishing industry
- environment/conservation
- recreational fishing.
Apply for MAC or RAG membership
To be considered for positions on any of the MACs or RAGs, please submit a written expression of interest outlining your relevant experience and/or qualifications. This should be no more than one page and:
- identify the MAC or RAG position you are nominating for
- address the relevant criteria in Fisheries Management Paper 1 (PDF) (section 3.5 for MACs) and in Fisheries Administration Paper 12 (PDF) (section 4.2 for RAGs)
- summarise your relevant experience, qualifications and the reason for your application.
Applications must be submitted to AFMA by close of business 10 April 2025.
Email your application to research.secretary@afma.gov.au or post it to:
Nigel Abery
Policy, Environment, Economics and Research
Fisheries Management Branch
Australian Fisheries Management Authority
PO Box 7051
CANBERRA BC ACT 2610
Please contact Nigel Abery on (02) 6225 5555 or email research.secretary@afma.gov.au if you require further information about the roles and the selection process.