Chairs and members sought for AFMA Management Advisory Committees and Resource Assessment Groups
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) is seeking applications for Chairs and members on our Management Advisory Committees (MACs) and Resource Assessment Groups (RAGs).
We are calling for chairs and members for the fisheries listed below:
| MAC/RAG |
|---|
|
Northern Prawn Resource Assessment Group (NPRAG) |
| Scallop Management Advisory Committee (ScallopMAC) |
| Tropical Tuna Management Advisory Committee |
| Northern Prawn Management Advisory Committee (NorMAC) |
| Sub-Antarctic Management Advisory Committee (South MAC) |
We also have vacancies for the Economics Member on SharkRAG and Scallop RAG.
What are MACs?
Each fishery is covered by a management advisory committee. These committees provide advice to 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.
Members are from industry, policy, conservation, state and territory governments, recreational and research fields.
Find more information on the MAC members positions on AFMA's website.
Role of MAC Chairs
The MAC Chair has a key role in ensuring 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 and the AFMA Commission and the relevant fishery RAG/Scientific Panel. Further information about the roles and responsibilities of MAC Chairs is provided in Section 3.5.3 MAC Chairs in our Fisheries Management Paper.
What are RAGs?
Resource Assessment Groups are the key research and scientific committees for supporting the management of Commonwealth fisheries. The main function of RAGs is to peer review scientific data and information and provide advice to 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.
Members of these groups include fishery scientists, industry members, fishery economists, AFMA management and other interest groups.
Find more information on the RAG positions on AFMA's website.
Role of RAG Chairs
The RAG Chair ensures thorough, effective discussion about the particular fishery consistent with the RAG’s terms of reference. The Chair is the primary communication link between the RAG and the AFMA Commission and the relevant fishery MAC. Further information about the roles and responsibilities of RAG Chairs is provided in Section 4.4.2 RAG Chairs in our Fisheries Administration Paper.
Who should apply for MAC membership?
Appointments to MACs are based on relevant expertise and members are sought for the following positions:
- fishing industry
- fishery science and research, including expertise in environmental sciences
- environment/conservation, and
- recreational/charter fishing.
Who should apply for RAG membership?
Appointments to RAGs are based on relevant expertise and members are sought for the following positions:
- scientific, including expertise in environmental sciences
- economic
- fishing industry
- environment/conservation, and
- recreational fishing.
How do I 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 (no more than one page) outlining your relevant experience and/or qualifications. This should identify:
- the MAC or RAG position you are nominating for
- address the relevant criteria under Fisheries Management Paper 1 (section 3.5 for MACs) and under Fisheries Administration Paper 12 (section 4.2 for RAGs), and
- summarise your relevant experience, qualifications and reason for your application.
How do I submit my application?
Applications must be submitted to AFMA by close of business 30 Jan 2024 by post or email to:
Post:
Nigel Abery
Policy, Environment, Economics and Research Fisheries Management Branch
Australian Fisheries Management Authority
PO Box 7051
CANBERRA BC ACT 2610
Email: research.secretary@afma.gov.au
Please contact Nigel Abery on 02 6225 5555 or email research.secretary@afma.gov.au if you require further information about the roles of MAC and RAG members and the selection process.