Members sought for various AFMA Resource Assessment Groups
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) is seeking applications for upcoming vacant member positions on a number of its Resource Assessment Groups (RAGs), specifically the:
- Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery Resource Assessment Group (ScallopRAG);
- Small Pelagic Fishery Resource Assessment Group (SPFRAG);
- Southern Squid Jig Fishery Resource Assessment Group (SquidRAG);
- Sub-Antarctic Resource Assessment Group (SARAG); and,
- Tropical Tuna Resource Assessment Group (TTRAG).
The appointments will be from 1 July 2022 until:
- 31 March 2027 for ScallopRAG; and
- 30 June 2027 for SPFRAG, SquidRAG, SARAG and TTRAG.
What do RAGs do?
AFMA’s RAGs 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 AFMA 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 AFMA in its role to regulate commercial fishing of Commonwealth fisheries.
A key output of RAGs is the provision of recommended biological catches (RBCs) and biological fishing effort levels. When requested, RAGs evaluate alternative harvest options proposed by MACs. Evaluation could include advising on the impact over time of different harvest strategies (for example, the time required for a particular fish stock to reach a reference point), stock depletion or recovery rates, the confidence levels of the fishery assessments and risks to the pursuit of fishery objectives. RAGs are also required, where relevant, to evaluate and report on economic and compliance factors affecting the performance of fisheries.
Additionally, RAGs provide an avenue for consultation between industry members, fishery managers, fishery economists, fishery scientists and other interest groups.
RAGs are appointed by the AFMA CEO under the policy Fisheries Administration Paper 12 – Resource Assessment Groups (FAP 12). Additional information for individual RAGs, including records from past meetings, can be found on AFMA’s website.
AFMA’s policy, FAP 12, provides information about the roles of RAGs, the Chair and members. FAP 12 is available on the AFMA website.
Who should apply for RAG membership?
Appointments to RAGs are based on relevant expertise and members are sought for the following positions:
| Position type | Resource Assessment Group (RAG) |
|---|---|
| Industry (various) | ScallopRAG (2), SPFRAG (1), SquidRAG(2), SARAG (2), TTRAG (2) |
| Scientific (various) | ScallopRAG (2), SPFRAG (2), SquidRAG(2), SARAG (4), TTRAG (5) |
| Economic (various) | ScallopRAG (1), SPFRAG (1), SquidRAG(1), TTRAG (1) |
| Conservation (various) | SPFRAG (1) |
| Recreational/Charter (various) | SPFRAG (1) and TTRAG(1) |
How do I apply for a RAG member position?
To be considered for a RAG member position please submit your curriculum vitae and a brief cover note (no more than 500 words) specifying the RAG(s) and member position (s) you are applying for and addressing the relevant criteria under section 4.2 of FAP 12 including summarising your relevant experience, qualifications and reason for your application.
What is the selection process?
Applications will be assessed by a selection panel against the selection criteria described in FAP 12.
How do I submit my application?
Applications need to be submitted to AFMA by close of business Thursday 31 March 2022 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 Steve Hall on (02) 6225 5341 or email Steve.Hall@afma.gov.au if you require further information about the role of RAG members and the selection process.