Members sought for Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery Management Advisory Committee

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) is seeking applications for member positions for the Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery (BSCZSF) Management Advisory Committee (ScallopMAC).  

The BSCZSF operates in the Bass Strait between Tasmanian and Victorian/New South Wales border west through Bass Strait to the Victorian/ South Australian border. The fishery is managed by AFMA, however Victoria and Tasmania also manage scallop fisheries out to 20nm off their respective coastlines. The target species is the commercial scallop (Pecten fumatus) with very small quantities of doughboy scallop (Chlamys asperrima) caught. 

ScallopMAC is the principle forum where issues relating to the Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery are discussed, problems identified and possible solutions developed. 

The appointments will be from 1 May 2021 until 1 May 2024.  Information about MAC member roles and how to apply is provided below: 

Management Advisory Committees are statutory bodies that provide AFMA with management advice. They report to the AFMA Commission on policy and operational matters 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. MAC advice is used to inform AFMA’s management decisions. Records from past meetings can be found on AFMA’s website. 

AFMA’s policy document Fisheries Management Paper 1 (FMP 1) – Management Advisory Committees provides information about the roles of MACs and their members. This document is available on the AFMA website 
 

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 and fisheries economics; and  
• Environment/Conservation. 

How do I apply for MAC membership? 

To be considered for Industry positions on ScallopMAC please submit a written expression of interest (no more than one page) outlining your relevant experience and/or qualifications.  

For all other positions please submit your curriculum vitae and a brief cover note summarising your relevant experience, qualifications and reason for your application using the relevant selection criteria for the position you are interested in detailed in section 3.5 of Fisheries Management Paper Number 1 to guide your application. 

Selection Process 

Applications will be assessed by a selection panel against the selection criteria described in the document FMP 1 – Management Advisory Committees. 

How do I submit my application? 

Applications need to be submitted to AFMA by close of business 11 February 2021 by post or email to: 

Post:       Julie Cotsell  

                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 Heather Johnston on (02) 5155 6412 or email Heather.Johnston@afma.gov.au if you require further information about ScallopMAC and its positions.