Members sought for Management Advisory Committees

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) is seeking applications for members on three Management Advisory Committees (MACs):

• the Northern Prawn Fishery MAC (NORMAC);
• Tropical Tuna Fisheries MAC (TTMAC); and
• Sub-Antarctic Fisheries MAC (SouthMAC).

The term of appointment is for three years, commencing 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2024.

More information about MACs, role of members 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, 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. MAC advice is used to inform AFMA’s management decisions and records from past meetings can be found on AFMA’s website.

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

NORMAC is the principal forum where fisheries management issues relating to the Northern Prawn Fishery are discussed, problems identified and possible solutions developed. The committee meets one to two times each year.

TTMAC is the principal forum where fisheries management issues relating to the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery, the Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery and the Skipjack Tuna Fisheries are discussed, problems identified and possible solutions developed. The committee meets two times each year.

SouthMAC is the principal forum where fisheries management issues relating to the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Fishery and the Macquarie Island Toothfish Fishery are discussed, problems identified and possible solutions developed. The committee meets two times each year.

These MACs also provide an avenue for consultation between industry, managers, researchers, environment and conservation groups, and government officers.

Appointments to MACs are based on relevant expertise and members are sought for the following positions:
 

How do I apply for MAC membership?

To be considered for industry member positions on a MAC please submit a written expression of interest (no more than one page) identifying the MAC you are nominating for and outlining your relevant experience and/or qualifications.

For all other member positions please submit your curriculum vitae and a brief cover note (no more than 500 words) identifying the MAC position you are nominating for, addressing the relevant criteria under section 3.5 of FMP 1 for the position and summarising your relevant experience, qualifications and reason for your application.

Selection Process

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

How do I submit my application?

Applications need to be submitted to AFMA by close of business 28 May 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 Natalie Couchman on (02) 6225 5382 or email Natalie.Couchman@afma.gov.au if you require further information about the role of MAC members and the selection process.