News and media

The Commission met for its 75th meeting via video conference on 12 and 13 November 2020.

This document provides a summary of the key discussions and decisions by the Commission. It is not a record of discussions and does not cover agenda items and discussions that are either routine or confidential.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) has announced that the 2020-21 Management and Research Levy arrangements for Commonwealth fisheries have been confirmed and the levy rates for the year have been set.

In a first for Commonwealth fisheries, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) has delegated legislative functions to industry as part of the co-management of the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF). In a step that represents additional trust in the existing co-management arrangements, the NPF Industry Pty Ltd (NPFI) can now approve the distribution of fishery data and respond to data requests relating to the fishery.

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) is reviewing the Upper-Slope Dogfish Management Strategy (the Strategy) and seeking your comments to inform this review.

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World Fisheries Day is celebrated on 21^st of November each year, highlighting the importance of maintaining the world's fisheries.

Media release from the Australian Border Force

An unlicensed fish receiver operating in the Torres Strait, was convicted in the Thursday Island Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 13 October 2020, for offences identified in late 2019. The man was found in illegal possession of 41.3 kilograms of processed sea cucumbers (also known as beche de mer) and operating an unlicensed fish receiving operation in the Torres Strait Protected Zone (TSPZ).

Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS) help the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) to monitor vessel position, course and speed of all 300+ Commonwealth fishing vessels. This helps to ensure that operators are complying with the rules and regulations for fishing in Australian waters.