Commonwealth operators reminded to return electronic monitoring hard drives

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) reminds Commonwealth operators with electronic monitoring (EM) systems of their responsibility to return EM hard drives to AFMA.

In accordance with the licence conditions for each fishery, where the use of an EM system is mandated, operators must return hard drives to AFMA on the first landing of every month, within 24 hours of returning to port. Hard drives must be returned sooner if it reaches 80 per cent capacity.

Hard drives can be returned to AFMA using the prepaid return slip provided or posting to:

National Compliance Operations – EM team
PO Box 7051
Canberra BC, ACT 2610

AFMA Fisheries Officers are currently focusing on ensuring compliance with all licence conditions related to EM and urge all operators to return overdue hard drives without delay. 

Operators found not complying with their EM requirements may be subject to compliance action and risk large fines or prosecution. 

Operators must also ensure that cameras are clean and in good working order prior to undertaking any fishing activity. 

If you are having problems with your EM system, please contact Archipelago Asia Pacific (AAP) for support on 02 6162 1192. 

Successful management of our fisheries relies on the collection of data that accurately reflects fishing activities. Reviewing footage captured through EM helps AFMA verify the amount and type of fish caught, as well as interactions with threatened, endangered and protected species.     

Enquiries can be directed to the AFMA National Compliance Operations (Canberra and Lakes Entrance Operations) team via email Josh.froggatt@afma.gov.au or (02) 6225 5555.