AFMA’s national compliance plan during COVID-19 pandemic

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) recognises the current challenges facing Commonwealth commercial fishers due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In order to deliver effective monitoring and enforcement operations safely, AFMA has made some changes to day-to-day compliance operations.

However, AFMA will continue to deliver the 2019-20 National Compliance and Enforcement Program by working with Commonwealth fishers to provide education, engagement, and monitoring and enforcement operations.

AFMA fisheries officers will continue to:

• Use www.afma.gov.au and AFMA’s Facebook page as key communications channels to keep fishers up-to-date with the latest information.
• SMS priority messages to concession holders.  
• Monitor fishing operations through:  
  • Vessel Monitoring and E monitoring systems.
  • Office-based audit of logbook, catch disposal and other data.
  • 28 day and end of season over quota reconciliation
  • Closure compliance.   
  • CCTV capabilities in ports where Commonwealth vessels unload

Our aim is to ensure the compliance operations outlined the 2019-20 National Compliance Program remain in place even through these challenging times.

If fishers have any questions related to AFMA’s national compliance and enforcement operations they can contact AFMA 02 6225 5555 or report Illegal fishing to CRIMFISH 1800 274 634.