Western Trawl Fisheries
Statement of Management
Arrangements
November 2004
Important Note
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this document
is correct and accurate at the time of printing. However the information provided is
intended to serve as a guide only, and therefore AFMA shall in no way be liable for
any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from the use of or
reliance upon this document. The document is not intended to replace any operator’s
concession concerning the conditions under which they are required to operate.
Depending on the conditions attached to a concession, some of the items discussed
in this booklet may not apply to a particular fishing operation.
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
I
Table of Contents
1
Executive Summary............................................................................................................. 1
2
Background.......................................................................................................................... 2
2.1. Brief history of the Fishery ........................................................................................... 2
2.2.
3
Description of the Western Trawl Fisheries .................................................................. 4
Management Arrangements............................................................................................... 10
3.1.
Introduction................................................................................................................. 10
3.2.
Input and Output Controls .......................................................................................... 10
3.3.
Spatial controls............................................................................................................ 10
3.4.
Other impacts on management.................................................................................... 10
3.5.
Non-target species (bycatch and byproduct) arrangements ........................................ 11
3.6.
Compliance ................................................................................................................. 11
3.7.
Performance criteria and review of management arrangements................................. 11
3.8.
Alternative Management Arrangements and Future Directions ................................. 11
4
Cost Recovery.................................................................................................................... 12
5
References ......................................................................................................................... 12
Attachment 1 Fishing gears used in the Western Trawl Fisheries............................................ 13
Attachment 2 Permit area and conditions ................................................................................ 14
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
II
1 Executive Summary
AFMA is preparing Statements of Management Arrangements for all fisheries that do not
have statutory management plans. A Statement of Management Arrangements provides a
means of communicating the management regime for a fishery to all stakeholders,
including industry, government and the wider community. The Statement of Management
Arrangements for a fishery will also assist in the strategic assessment accreditation
process required under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
1999 (EPBC Act).
While not a statutory instrument, a Statement of Management Arrangements describes the
arrangements in place for the fishery, including relevant permit/licence conditions and
arrangements that have been agreed to at a policy level. This document provides a
Statement of Management Arrangements for the Western Trawl Fisheries (WTF).
AFMA manages WTF in a precautionary manner in accordance with objectives under the
Fisheries Management Act 1991. Specifically, WTF are managed through limited entry.
AFMA is developing a number of new monitoring initiatives designed to improve our
understanding of the WTF resources. New insights will enable AFMA to manage WTF in a
way that is consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development and
economic efficiency.
1
2 Background
2.1.
Brief history of the Fishery
The Western Trawl Fisheries (WTF) are composed of two fisheries, the North West Slope
Trawl Fishery (NWSTF) and the Western Deepwater Trawl Fishery (WDWTF) (Figures 1
and 2). Development of the fisheries began in the mid to late 1980’s. The NWSTF targets
scampi and deepwater penaeid prawns while the WDWTF targets bugs and
opportunistically takes a broad mixture of finfish. Demersal trawl is used in both fisheries.
Each fishery is managed individually through a common Management Advisory Committee
(MAC).
A draft Strategic Assessment Report for the WTF has been prepared and provides a
comprehensive fishery overview.
This report is available at AFMA’s website
(http://www.afma.gov.au/services/environment/stratassess/westtrawl.pdf).
Figure 1 Area of waters of the North West Slope Fishery.
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
2
Figure 2 Area of waters of the Western Deepwater Trawl Fishery.
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
3
2.2.
Description of the Western Trawl Fisheries
Operating
Methods
Period of
operation
Current
entitlements
NWSTF: Demersal crustacean trawl (Attachment 1)
WDWTF: Demersal crustacean and fish trawls (Attachment 1)
Permit holders generally access WTF on a part time or opportunistic
basis as an adjunct to other Commonwealth fisheries entitlements.
Fishing effort in the NWSTF is generally minimal during the months of
April, September and October while vessels operate in the Northern
Prawn Fishery. In contrast fishing occurs through out the year in the
WDWTF with a distinct increase in effort between June and August. This
increase in effort is primarily driven by seasonal closures in the Northern
Prawn Fishery.
NWSTF: 7 permits.
WDWTF: 11 permits.
Permits in both fisheries are issued for a five-year period. Permit holders
may nominate different vessels provided the number of vessels operating
at one time does not exceed the number of permit concessions.
Legislation
1. Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cwth)
2. Offshore Constitutional Settlement (OCS) Agreement between the
Commonwealth and Western Australian Governments
(Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. GN 4. 1 Feb 1995). Under
the arrangement AFMA has management responsibilities for all
species taken by trawl in waters between the 200 m mark and the
200 nm Australian Fishing Zone limit. The Western Australian
Government has management responsibility for all other species
taken by non-trawl methods, excluding tuna’s, to the seaward
boundary of the AFZ.
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
4
Principal
Species
NWSTF
1. Scampi (metanephropid). Dominant species include australiensis
scampi (Metanephrops australiensis), velvet scampi (M. velutins) and
boschmai scampi (M. boshmai).
♦ Life history traits of Australian scampi are characterised by low
fecundity, a prolonged incubation period, abbreviated larval
development and take 3-5 years to mature and recruit to the
fishery (Wallner and Phillips 1995).
2. Deepwater prawns (penaeid and carid). Dominant species include
pink prawn (Haliporoides sibogae), red prawn (Aristaeomorpha
foliacea), striped prawn (Aristeus virilis), scarlet prawn
(Plesiopenaeus edwardsianus), red carid (Heterocarpus
woodmasoni) and white carid (Heterocarpus sibogae).
Biological characteristics of deepwater prawns caught in NWSTF are
largely unknown. Distribution trends indicate depth and substrate
preference between some species (Wadley 1992). Red prawns
(Aristaemorpha foliacea) are likely to be mature from 18 mm and have a
longevity 4 – 5 years (Wadley 1992).
WDWTF
1. Bugs (Scyllaridae). Most likely species include white-tailed bug
(Ibacus altricrenatus) and deepwater velvet bug (I. Ciliatus
pubescens)
2. Snapper (Lutjanidae). Dominant species include northwest ruby fish
(Etelis carbunculus) and tang snapper (Lipocheilus carnolabrum)
3. Deepwater flathead (Neoplatycephalus conatus)
4. Mixed finfish. Dominant species include gemfish (Rexea solandri)
mirror dory (Zenopsis nebulosus), boarfish (Pentaceros spp) and oreo
species (Oreosomatidae).
Although limited research has been conducted on resources
exploited by the WDWTF it is widely acknowledge that a number of finfish
species are slow growing and long lived. These species include, but may
not be limited to, orange roughy (longevity over 100 years), oreo species
and eteline snappers (longevity over 25 years) (Garvey & Newman
1997).
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
5
Environment
and ecology
Continental slope demersal fish communities off Western Australia
incorporate a diverse range of tropical and temperate fauna. Major nearsurface and several intermediate flows adjacent to the slope influence the
community composition. In the WDWTF communities vary by depth and
latitude with highest densities occurring in the shelf break region (200400m) (Williams et al 2001). The composition of the mid-slope fauna in
the southern part of the WDWTF is potentially part of a wide ranging
Australasian mid-slope community shared with the Great Australian bight,
southeastern Australia and New Zealand (Williams et al 2001).
Limited information exists describing the topography of the Western
Australian continental slope. Topographic features vary from vast
undulating muddy areas to rough limestone substrates and steep-sided
canyons and pinnacles (Williams 1992). In the NWSTF trawl catches
have confirmed the presence of a range of sessile organisms including
feather stars, sponges and corals (Newman & Evans 2002).
Marine Protected Areas
In recognition of ecological importance a number of marine protected
areas have been declared within the waters of the Western Trawl
Fisheries. Commercial fishing is prohibited in these zones. These zones
are illustrated on Figures 1 & 2 for the NWSTF and WDWTF respectively.
NWSTF
ƒ Cartier Island Marine Reserve
ƒ Ashmore Reef Marine National Nature Reserve
ƒ Mermaid Reef Marine National Park
WDWTF
ƒ Ningaloo Marine Park
World Heritage Area
The Shark Bay World Heritage Area is adjacent to the WDWTF. Animals may
transit between the World Heritage area and the fishery (for example humpback
whales).
Fishery Status
Impact of fishing
on the
environment
The status of fish stocks exploited in the WTF is uncertain (BRS 2003).
Detailed studies of fishing induced habitat impacts have not been
conducted for the Western Trawl Fisheries. In order to identify any
potential impacts an Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) for the Effects of
Fishing is being conducted. This should be finalised in 2005. After
comprehensive consultation with stakeholders, management responses
to risks identified in the ERA will be assessed and implemented to meet
AFMA’s legislative objectives.
Alterations to benthic habitats caused by trawling may impact on deepsea crab stock productivity. Indirect interaction with resources may also
be occurring with the WCDSCF. This interaction is yet to be quantified.
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
6
Socio-economic
issues
Small production and variable value characterises the WTF. In 2004,
little fishing was carried out due to high operating costs.
According to the Australia Bureau of Agricultural and Resource
Economics (ABARE) the GVP for 2002/2003 was $627,500 and
$2,579,500 for the NWSTF and WDWTF respectively.
WTF are an important asset to fishing operators whose access to the
fisheries supplements concessions held in other Commonwealth
Managed Fisheries. Average boat crews for each fishing trip consists of
between four and six personnel in the NWST and WDWTF respectively.
Major ports used include Darwin, Port Hedland, Broome, Karumba,
Fremantle, Canarvon, Geraldton, Exmouth. Subject to market conditions,
product is both exported and sold domestically. Major export
destinations include, but are not limited to, the United States, Spain,
China and Japan. Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane constitute the
major domestic markets.
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
7
Resource competition
Commercial fisheries
Fisheries that operate in the same area of waters as the WTF include the
Commonwealth managed:
ƒ Southern and Western Tuna and Billfish Fisheries (STBF & WTBF),
ƒ Small Pelagic Fishery (SPF)
and State managed:
ƒ Shark Bay Snapper Fishery (SBSF)
ƒ West Coast Deep-Sea Crab Fishery (WCDSCF)
ƒ Northern Demersal Scalefish Fishery (NDSF)
Resource competition with Commonwealth managed fisheries is
negligible as the SPF and tuna fisheries target pelagic species using
fishing gear and methods that do not interact with the benthos. Limited
resource sharing may be occurring however with an adjacent
Commonwealth managed fishery. Similar species are caught in the
WDWTF and the Great Australian Bight Trawl Fishery (GABTF). A
detailed investigation into the extent and significance of potential stock
sharing impacts is yet to be conducted. Uncertainties in stock
distributions and validity of species lists available to the WDWTF
represent current analysis difficulties.
Resource sharing does exists with State managed fisheries on varying
scales. Similar species are caught in the SBSF, WCDSCF and NDSF.
Comparatively, WTF yields are tangibly lower and relative catch
composition varies significantly. Dominant species caught in WTF differ
to those targeted in both the SBSF and WCDSCF.
Recreational fisheries
Recreational fishing effort has not been investigated for the entire
expanse of the Western Trawl Fisheries. Limited recreational effort in the
Shark Bay Snapper Fishery and the offshore zone of the Northern
Demersal Scalefish Fishery have been reported (Penn 2002).
Environmental conditions and gear requirements are likely to preclude
many recreational fishers from targeting offshore, deepwater demersal
resources.
Indigenous fisheries
A Memorandum of Understanding between Australia and Indonesia 1972
(reviewed in 1989) defines areas within the NWSTF as accessible to
traditional Indonesian fishers (Figure 1). Interaction between the fisheries
is negligible as NWSTF operators fish deep waters surrounding the
shallow shoals and reefs targeted by traditional fishers.
Under this MOU, the Australian Government refrains from applying its
laws regarding fisheries to Indonesian traditional fisherman who conduct
their operations in accordance with the understandings.
Other
The North West Shelf is an area of high oil and gas productivity. The
grounds of the NWSTF, while in deeper slope waters, regularly undergo
exploration including seismic activity and explorative well drilling.
Regular seismic surveys and testing wells occur as a result. Similar
activity is occurring in the waters of the WDWTF.
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
8
Research –
Current
knowledge
Latest fishery research includes:
1. Demersal finfish resource assessment survey of the north-west slope
of Western Australia (Newman & Evans 2002).
This study was not completed due to insufficient industry participation
due to non-economic viability. Preliminary results indicate the presence
of a number of high value species but suggests productivity may be low
due to life characteristics and inherent densities. Potentially some of
these species are at the edge of their geographical limit. Further research
is needed to produce more reliable results.
2. Stock assessment of ruby snapper (Etelis carbunculus) (Hunter
2001).
Despite data uncertainties, Hunter (2001) recommended a precautionary
approach be adopted by treating harvest levels as overfishing. Hunter
(2001) also suggested that snapper aggregations targeted by the fishery
may be associated with spawning periods therefore exacerbating the
potential for stock depletion.
3. Diversity and community structure of the demersal fish fauna of the
continental slope off Western Australia (Williams et al 2001).
This study is the first to investigate the continental slope demersal fishfauna off Western Australia. Fish communities were found to be diverse,
dominated by benthic feeders, low in density and stratified both vertically
and latitudinally. Community patterns are a likely function of ocean
currents and latitudinal range.
Research being
1. Ecological Risk Assessment on the Effects of Fishing (ERA)
undertaken
AFMA has commissioned CSIRO to conduct an Ecological Risk
Assessment of Fishing Impacts (ERA) in the Western Trawl Fisheries.
The ERA is designed to evaluate fishing induced impacts on ecological
systems by identifying high-risk activities and recommending risk
management responses.
Data collection
programs
Catch data is recorded in logbooks for the WDWTF (SWT01) and
NWSTF (NWS03) as specified in permit conditions. Logbook data
includes weight of target species caught, location and depth of each trawl
shot and an estimate of total bycatch (kilograms).
1. Observer program.
AFMA has developed an observer program for the WTF that was
implemented in 2004 (Stanley 2004). The observer program has been
designed to improve the accuracy and scope of fisheries data collected.
The program also collects biological information on target and by-catch
species. It is intended for this observer program to be ongoing.
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
9
Research needs
•
Based on recommendations presented in the ERA, research directions
will be identified. Research needs will be evaluated in the context of all
major ecological components including:
i)
Target,
ii)
byproduct/bycatch,
iii)
habitats,
iv)
threatened, endangered and protected species (TEP) and
v)
ecological communities
More information on the above aspects of the fishery is provided in the Draft Environmental
Assessment
Report
Western
Trawl
Fisheries
available
on
the
website
(http://www.afma.gov.au/services/environment/stratassess/westtrawl.pdf).
3 Management Arrangements
3.1.
Introduction
WTF are managed in a way that is consistent with objectives outlined in the Fisheries
Management Act 1991. By establishing a statement of management arrangements
AFMA’s management strategies can be clearly articulated and made publicly accessible. A
statement of management arrangements will also provide a mechanism in which to
scrutinise and review management efficiency in response to changing fishery needs.
Management Arrangements will be directly implemented as in permit conditions and
amendments thereafter (Attachment 2).
3.2.
Input and Output Controls
1. Limited entry input
Limited entry has been enforced since 1996 and 1998 in the NWSTF and WDWTF
respectively. A total of 7 permits are endorsed in the NWSTF and 11 permits in the
WDWTF. No additional access has been granted.
2. Gear restrictions input
Codend mesh size may not exceed 50 millimetres for trawl gear used in the NWSTF. This
measure was implemented to discourage the targeting of demersal finfish.
3.3.
Spatial controls
WTF are currently not managed through spatial controls.
3.4.
Other impacts on management
Fishing effort is indirectly affected by participation of operators in adjacent fisheries and
restrictive weather conditions (most vessels are less than 25 meters in length).
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
10
3.5.
Non-target species (bycatch and byproduct) arrangements
Management arrangements are being implemented to ensure shark catch is consistent
with the NPOA sharks. This will include the retention of trunks with fins. Results from the
ERA will develop management responses to alleviate potential fishing impacts on these
species.
3.6.
Compliance
AFMA bases its fishery’s compliance budget on the expected level of activity in the fishery
(which is currently relatively low). AFMA relies on contractual arrangements with State
fisheries agencies to deliver field compliance. Vessel activity is monitored in the WDWTF
and NWSTF through compulsory fitting of a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS).
3.7.
Performance criteria and review of management arrangements
Management arrangements for the WTF are annually reviewed through consultation of a
wide range of stakeholders. WTF Management Advisory Committee (WESTMAC) is the
primary source of advice on the fishery and is responsible for maintaining communication
links between researchers, managers and other stakeholders. The WTF statement of
management arrangements will be reviewed within three years of coming into effect.
AFMA’s observer program and ERA process will improve data reliability and identify
management needs. Using this empirical data a comprehensive assessment framework
will be established. In adhering to a holistic approach, impacts on all key ecological
components will be considered.
3.8.
Alternative Management Arrangements and Future Directions
A number of alternative management arrangements will be considered following the
completion of the ERA and inclusion of verified observer data. Possible management
arrangements to be evaluated include, but are not limited to:
•
Spatial management
A number of species targeted in the WDWTF and NWSTF occur over a wide geographical
range however, distinct areas of high productivity are fished. Rotational closures may be
an efficient method to protect critical stock biomass. Particularly in the WDWTF where
snapper spawning aggregations may be targeted, spatial closures could significantly
protect spawning stocks.
Spatial closures could also provide an alternative to size limits. Low survivorship of
discarded deepwater species would undermine management benefits of size restrictions.
•
Gear restrictions
Gear restrictions may be applicable for regulating capture of bycatch species or important
size classes of target species.
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
11
•
Quota’s
Preliminary information indicates that a number of species exploited in the WTF have a
low production potential. Based on accurate research, catch quota’s could be identified as
a necessary management tool to preclude overfishing and facilitate long term
sustainability.
4 Cost Recovery
Costs are fully recovered in accordance with the Commonwealth Cost Recovery for
Commonwealth Fisheries policy.
5 References
Bureau of Rural Sciences (2003). Fishery Status Reports 2002-2003 - Resource
Assessment of Australian Commonwealth Fisheries, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia, Canberra.
Garvey. J.R. and Newman, S. (1997). Western Deep Water Trawl, pp. 95-99. In Fisheries
status reports 1996: Resource assessments of Australian Commonwealth Fisheries,
McLoughlin, K., Wallner, B. and Staples, D. (eds). Bureau of Resource Sciences,
Canberra.
Hunter, D. (2001). Stock Assessment of Ruby Snapper (Etelis carbunculus). University of
Queensland 121pp.
Newman, J.S. and Evans, D. (2002). Demersal finfish resource assessment survey of the
north-west slope of Western Australia.
Report to the Fisheries Research and
Development Corporation for project 1998/152. Department of Fisheries – Research
Division, Western Australia, pp 49.
Penn, J.W. (ed). (2002). State of the fisheries report 2001/2002. Department of Fisheries.
Western Australia, pp 210.
Stanley, B. (2004). North West Slope and Western Deepwater Fisheries Surveys – Project
Plan, Draft April 2004. Australian Fisheries Management Authority.
Wadley, V. (1992). The biology of scampi, prawns, carids, bugs and crabs exploited by
deepwater trawling, pp. 95-122. In The fisheries biology of deepwater crustacea and finfish
on the continental slope of Western Australia, Rainer, S.F. (ed). Final Report FRDC
Project 1988/74, 308pp.
Wallner, B.G. and Phillips, B. F. (1995). Development of a trawl fishery for deepwater
metanephropid lobsters off the northwest continental slope of Australia: designing a
management strategy compatible with species life history. ICES mar. Sci. Symp., 199:
379-390.
Williams (1992). Continental slope fishes from western and north western Australia.
Abstract In Australian Marine Sciences Association Annual Conference. 5-8 July 1992:
Mandurah, Western Australia. 69.
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
12
Williams, A., Koslow, J.A. and Last, P. (2001). Diversity, density and community structure
of the demersal fish fauna of the continental slope off Western Australia (20 to 35oS). Mar.
Ecol. Prog. Ser., 212: 247-263.
Attachment 1 Fishing gears used in the Western Trawl
Fisheries
Diagram 1. Typical components of demersal crustacean trawl used in the Northern Prawn
Fishery (illustration by G. Day, AMC)
Spider chains
Headrope
Body
Bridle
Groundchain
Footrope
Codend
Sweep
Seam
Wings (upper & lower)
Otter board
Diagram 2. Typical components of a demersal fish trawl in operation (adapted from FAO
1987)
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
13
Attachment 2 Permit area and conditions
Generic North West Slope Trawl Fishery Permit Area
That part of the Australian fishing zone within the area bounded by the line:
a)
commencing at the intersection of the meridian of Longitude 114 degrees 00 minutes East
by the parallel of Latitude 21 degrees 37 minutes South;
b)
running thence northerly along the geodesic to the outer limit of the Australian fishing zone;
c)
thence north easterly along the outer limit of the Australian fishing zone to the point of
Latitude 13 degrees 13 minutes South, Longitude 118 degrees 29 minutes East;
d)
thence generally south easterly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 13 degrees 56
minutes South, Longitude 120 degrees 01 minutes East;
e)
then generally north easterly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 13 degrees 15
minutes South, Longitude 121 degrees 49 minutes East;
f)
then generally north easterly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 12 degrees 30
minutes South, Longitude 123 degrees 06 minutes East;
g)
thence following a line each point of which is twelve miles distant from the nearest base
point of the territorial of Ashmore Island to the point 12 degrees 19 minutes South,
Longitude 123 degrees sea 21 minutes East;
h)
thence generally north easterly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 11 degrees 55
minutes South, Longitude 125 degrees 00 minutes East;
i)
thence south westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 13 degrees 19 minutes
South to its intersection by the meridian of Longitude 124 degrees 00 minutes East;
j)
thence west along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 13 degrees 19 minutes South,
Longitude 123 degrees 49 minutes East;
k)
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 13 degrees 35 minutes
South, Longitude 123 degrees 37 minutes East;
l)
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 14 degrees 00 minutes
South, Longitude 123 degrees 36 minutes East;
m)
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 14 degrees 03 minutes
South, Longitude 123 degrees 25 minutes East;
n)
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 14 degrees 13 minutes
South, Longitude 123 degrees 10 minutes East;
o)
thence west along the parallel of Latitude 14 degrees 13 minutes South, to its intersection
by meridian of Longitude 122 degrees 53 minutes East;
p)
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 14 degrees 56 minutes
South, Longitude 121 degrees 42 minutes East;
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
14
q)
r)
s)
t)
u)
v)
w)
x)
y)
z)
aa)
ab)
ac)
ad)
ae)
af)
ag)
ah)
ai)
aj)
ak)
al)
am)
an)
ao)
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 15 degrees 00 minutes
South, Longitude 121 degrees 38 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 15 degrees 23 minutes
South, Longitude 121 degrees 25 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 15 degrees 36 minutes
South, Longitude 121 degrees 08 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 15 degrees 47 minutes
South, Longitude 120 degrees 59 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 16 degrees 20 minutes
South, Longitude 120 degrees 50 minutes East;
thence south along the meridian of Longitude 120 degrees 50 minutes East, to its
intersection by the parallel of 16 degrees 48 minutes South;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 17 degrees 00 minutes
South, Longitude 120 degrees 47 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 17 degrees 12 minutes
South, Longitude 120 degrees 35 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 17 degrees 39 minutes
South, Longitude 120 degrees 10 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 17 degrees 55 minutes
South, Longitude 119 degrees 11 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 18 degrees 01 minutes
South, Longitude 119 degrees 00 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 19 degrees 00 minutes
South, Longitude 117 degrees 14 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 19 degrees 09 minutes
South, Longitude 116 degrees 50 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 19 degrees 11 minutes
South, Longitude 116 degrees 28 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 19 degrees 17 minutes
South, Longitude 116 degrees 05 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 19 degrees 30 minutes
South, Longitude 115 degrees 50 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 19 degrees 40 minutes
South, Longitude 115 degrees 25 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 19 degrees 55 minutes
South, Longitude 115 degrees 14 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 20 degrees 03 minutes
South, Longitude 115 degrees 03 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 20 degrees 15 minutes
South, Longitude 114 degrees 55 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 20 degrees 35 minutes
South, Longitude 114 degrees 47 minutes East;
thence southerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 20 degrees 53 minutes South,
Longitude 114 degrees 43 minutes East;
thence south along the meridian of Longitude 114 degrees 43 minutes East to its
intersection by the parallel of Latitude 21 degrees 00 minutes South;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 21 degrees 30 minutes
South, Longitude 114 degrees 06 minutes East;
thence south-westerly along the geodesic to the point of commencement.
Generic North West Slope Trawl Fishery Permit Conditions
1.
FISHING IN THE NORTH WEST SLOPE FISHERY
A Fishing Permit allows fishing for scampi of the family Nephropidae, prawns, other crustaceans,
squid and fish in the area by the method known as trawl.
2.
METHODS AUTHORISED UNDER THIS FISHING PERMIT
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
15
A Fishing Permit allows the use of a trawl net of which the codend mesh size does not exceed 50
millimetres.
3.
TRANSHIPPING OF FISH
A Fishing Permit allows the transhipping of fish taken in the area to boats authorised to receive fish
in the area.
4.
FISH TAKEN WITH ANOTHER BOAT
A Fishing Permit allows the carrying of fish received from boats authorised to trawl in the area.
5.
CARRIAGE OF OBSERVERS
The holder of a fishing permit must, if requested by AFMA or its delegate, carry and facilitate the
carriage of observers on the boat.
If requested by AFMA to carry observers,
a.
a fishing permit holder must provide AFMA with at least 7 days notice prior to the boat
leaving port to commence fishing in the North West Slope Fishery. Notice is to be provided
by sending a message by facsimile to the Observer Administrator, AFMA, on international
facsimile number 612 62723730. The notification must include the name of the port of
departure and an estimated time and date of departure,
b.
a fishing permit holder must provide a copy to AFMA of:
i.
the boat's current Classification Society Survey Certificate, which certifies that the
boat is fit to operate in the North West Slope Fishery; and
ii.
the masters certificate of competency,
c.
if AFMA assesses the boat as not safe to carry an AFMA observer, then the fishing permit
holder will not have met the requirements of this condition.
[Note: If AFMA deems the boat unfit for observer coverage, AFMA is required to provide detailed
written notification to
the fishing permit holder of that decision]
d.
observers must be provided with:
i.
reasonable access to all areas and facilities of the boat necessary to collect data,
samples and other information necessary to allow an independent assessment of
the total catch and effort and interaction with the environment;
ii.
a satisfactory grade of accommodation and provisioning, preferably on a single
basis and of an equivalent standard to a junior officer on board;
iii.
reasonable daily access to the boat's radio or satellite communication facilities to
permit the observer to make scheduled communications with AFMA or its agents;
iv.
medical care to an adequate standard; and
v.
a safe and healthy living and working environment in which the observers are free
from harassment and undue influence,
e.
observers must be assisted in facilitating the:
i.
collection of scientific data and samples as requested by AFMA;
ii.
recording the number, types and circumstances of interactions with seabirds,
reptiles or mammals; and
iii.
reporting of boat activity in the area of operation,
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
16
f.
a fishing permit holder is required to meet the costs of observers as invoiced by AFMA.
Failure to meet these costs in full may result in the withdrawal of observer services and/or a
fishing permit being suspended.
6.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The holder of a fishing permit must ensure that relevant information about fish taken in the area of
the North West Slope Fishery is accurately and fully recorded and submitted in the logbook titled
North West Slope Daily Fishing Log (NWS03) in accordance with the General Information and
Instructions for completion of that logbook dated June 2003.
7.
LICENCE SPLITTING
Fishing permit conditions to prevent automatic licence splitting
(1)
Subject to sub-condition (3) below, the boat that may be used for the fishing activity must
be the boat that is nominated for the purposes of, or specified in, other fishing
authorisations in the package held by the fishing permit holder.
(2)
Subject to sub-condition (3) below, a fishing permit is non-transferable unless other fishing
authorisations in the package held by the fishing permit holder are also transferred to the
same transferee.
(3)
This condition does not apply in relation to the following fishing authorisations:
NONE (a fishing permit holder may apply to have a fishing authorisation specified here).
(4)
In these conditions, "authorisation" means a fishing permit granted under the Fisheries
Management Act 1991 or permission to fish, however described, granted to the fishing
permit holder by a State or Territory.
(5)
In this condition, "package" means:
8.
(a)
two or more fishing permits granted under the Fisheries Management Act 1991
which have the same numeric identifier as this fishing permit, or
(b)
one or more fishing permits granted under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 with
the same numeric identifier together with any fishing authorisation(s) granted by a
State or Territory which are recognised by the State or Territory as being linked to
the Commonwealth permit(s) and which are not excepted under subcondition (3).
BOAT NOMINATIONS
Fishing permit conditions to prevent the same boat being shared by two holders of separate fishing
concessions
(1)
(2)
A fishing permit is subject to the condition that the use of the boat that is nominated for the
purposes of a fishing permit is authorised only if the boat is not nominated as the boat to be
used by another person under:
(a)
a fishing permit granted under the Act, or
(b)
an authorisation to fish, however described, granted to the permit holder by a State
or Territory.
This condition does not apply in relation to the following fishing authorisations:
NONE (a fishing permit holder may apply to have a fishing authorisation specified here).
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
17
Generic Western Deep Water Trawl Fishery Permit Area
That part of the Australian fishing zone that is within the area bounded by a line:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)
m)
n)
o)
p)
q)
r)
s)
t)
u)
v)
w)
x)
y)
z)
aa)
commencing at the point of Latitude 21 degrees 37 minutes South, Longitude 114
degrees 00 minutes East;
running thence south westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 21
degrees 41 minutes South, Longitude 113 degrees 57 minutes East
thence south westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 21 degrees 48
minutes South, Longitude 113 degrees 51 minutes East
thence southerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 22 degrees 01 minutes
South, Longitude 113 degrees 47 minutes East
thence southerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 22 degrees 12 minutes
South, Longitude 113 degrees 45 minutes East
thence south westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 22 degrees 50
minutes South, Longitude 113 degrees 26 minutes East
thence south westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 23 degrees 20
minutes South, Longitude 113 degrees 13 minutes East
thence south westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 23 degrees 36
minutes South, Longitude 113 degrees 02 minutes East
thence south westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 24 degrees 06
minutes South, Longitude 112 degrees 37 minutes East
thence south westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 24 degrees 25
minutes South, Longitude 112 degrees 25 minutes East
thence south westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 24 degrees 39
minutes South, Longitude 112 degrees 19 minutes East
thence southerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 25 degrees South,
Longitude 112 degrees 14 minutes East
thence southerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 25 degrees 33 minutes
South, Longitude 112 degrees 12 minutes East
thence southerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 26 degrees South,
Longitude 112 degrees 18 minutes East
thence south easterly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 26 degrees 24
minutes South, Longitude 112 degrees 30 minutes East
thence south easterly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 26 degrees 50
minutes South, Longitude 112 degrees 44 minutes East
thence south easterly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 27 degrees 20
minutes South, Longitude 112 degrees 55 minutes East
thence south easterly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 27 degrees 55
minutes South, Longitude 113 degrees 10 minutes East
thence south easterly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 28 degrees 35
minutes South, Longitude 113 degrees 29 minutes East
thence south easterly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 29 degrees South,
Longitude 113 degrees 46 minutes East
thence south easterly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 29 degrees 54
minutes South, Longitude 114 degrees 25 minutes East
thence south easterly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 30 degrees 40
minutes South, Longitude 114 degrees 41 minutes East
thence south easterly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 31 degrees 14
minutes South, Longitude 114 degrees 55 minutes East
thence southerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 31 degrees 48 minutes
South, Longitude 115 degrees 01 minutes East
thence south easterly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 31 degrees 58
minutes South, Longitude 115 degrees 13 minutes East
thence south westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 32 degrees 16
minutes South, Longitude 115 degrees 05 minutes East
thence south westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 32 degrees 53
minutes South, Longitude 114 degrees 41 minutes East
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
18
ab)
ac)
ad)
ae)
af)
ag)
ah)
ai)
aj)
ak)
al)
thence south westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 33 degrees 10
minutes South, Longitude 114 degrees 34 minutes East
thence south westerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 33 degrees 30
minutes South, Longitude 114 degrees 29 minutes East
thence southerly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 34 degrees South,
Longitude 114 degrees 27 minutes East
from there southerly along the geodesic to Latitude 34 degrees 20 minutes south,
Longitude 114 degrees 30 minutes east; and
from there south-easterly along the geodesic to latitude 34 degrees 41 minutes
south, Longitude 114 degrees 40 minutes east; and
from there south-easterly along the geodesic to Latitude 34 degrees 52 minutes
south, Longitude 114 degrees 50 minutes east; and
from there south-easterly along the geodesic to Latitude34 degrees 58 minutes
south, Longitude 115 degrees east; and
thence south easterly along the geodesic to the point of Latitude 35 degrees 01
minute South, Longitude 115 degrees 08 minutes East;
thence south along the meridian of Longitude 115 degrees 08 minutes East to its
intersection by the outer limit of the Australian Fishing Zone
thence generally north westerly along the outer limit to its intersection off the north
west coast of Australia by the meridian of Longitude 114 degrees 00 minutes East;
thence south along that meridian to the point of commencement.
Generic Western Deep Water Trawl Fishery Permit Conditions
1. Fishing Method
A Fishing Permit allows fishing in the area of waters by the fishing method known as trawling.
2. Carrying and Transhipping
A Fishing Permit allows:
a) the transhipping of fish taken in the area of waters specified to a boat authorised to
receive fish in the specified area of waters; and
b) the receipt of fish from a boat authorised to take fish in the area of waters specified
A Fishing Permit allows the carrying of fish that have been transhipped under specified conditions.
3. Fishing Permit Requirements
A Fishing Permit, or a true copy of a Fishing Permit, must be carried on board the boat at all times.
4. Observers and Reporting
A Fishing Permit holder must, if requested by AFMA:
a) facilitate the carriage of observers, and provide reasonable facilities for
those observers; and
b) allow the collection of scientific data and samples; and
c) provide a report on all operations conducted in the fishery.
5. ICVMS
The boat must be fitted with an Integrated Computer Vessel Monitoring System (ICVMS) or a
Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) which:
a) includes, or consists of, a Vessel Monitoring System of a type that has
been approved by AFMA; and
b) is operating at all times, unless:
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
19
i) the procedures set out in specified conditions are being followed; or
ii) prior arrangements are entered into with AFMA.
If the boat is fitted with an ICVMS and the boat is being used for fishing, then a test message will
be transmitted to the boat each day by AFMA. The test message will be transmitted between 0630
and 0700 UTC and will contain words "AFMA Monitoring System Test".
[Note: Operators should avoid transmitting from the ICVMS each day between
0630 and 0700 UTC]
If the boat is fitted with a VMS and the boat is being used for fishing, then:
a) AFMA must be advised of the following details about a representative on
land to communicate with AFMA and the boat, namely:
i) the representative's name and address; and
ii) the representative's contact telephone and facsimile numbers; and
iii) the name of the boat which the representative will communicate with;
b) the representative must at all times be available to receive messages from
AFMA and communicate with the boat and must co-operate with AFMA
in passing on messages to the boat;
c) the representative must be contacted each day from the boat and during
the contact:
i) advice must be requested from the representative about whether
or not the VMS is operational; and
ii) every effort must be made for that advice to be received on the
boat.
[Note: This paragraph requires that an attempt be made to contact the
representative and receive the advice, regardless of whether the VMS is known
to be operation or not]
If:
a) the AFMA test message in is not received by the ICVMS by 0700 UTC; or
b) the representative advises by radio that the VMS in not functioning or that advice is not
received; or
c) the representative's advice cannot be received on the boat; then the master of the boat
must:
i) immediately give a position report and give further position reports every 8 hours
afterwards to Link communications on (03) 9625 4483 including:
a) the name and distinguishing symbol of the boat;
b) the position of the boat;
until the ICVMS or the VMS is confirmed to be operational by way of:
i) confirmation received on the; or
ii) advice about the VMS received from the representative.
If it is not possible to make any one or more of the further position or acknowledgment of any of
those reports is not received, then the master of the boat must:
a) immediately stow the fishing gear and take the boat directly to a port; and
b) as soon as possible, report to AFMA that the boat is being, or has been, taken to port with
gear stowed, due to failure of the boat's VMS.
6. Logbooks
The Fishing Permit holder must ensure that details of each fishing day the boat is used to trawl in
the fishery are entered into the Eastern Finfish Trawl Daily Fishing Log (EFT01) or the Southern
and Western Finfish Trawl Daily Fishing Log (SWT01) and that the relevant pages are forwarded to
AFMA in accordance with the instructions in the logbook.
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
20
7. Licence Splitting
Fishing Permit conditions to prevent automatic licence splitting
a) Subject to sub-condition c), the boat that may be used for the fishing activity specified in a
fishing permit must be the boat that is nominated for the purposes of, or specified in, other
fishing authorisations in the package held by a permit holder.
b) Subject to sub-condition c), a permit is non-transferable unless other fishing authorisations in
the package held by the permit holder are also transferred to the same transferee.
c) This condition does not apply in relation to the following fishing authorisations:
NONE (a permit holder may apply to have a fishing authorisation specified here).
d) In these conditions, "authorisation" means a fishing permit granted under the Fisheries
Management Act 1991 or permission to fish, however described, granted to the permit holder
by a State or Territory.
e) In this condition, "package" means:
i)
ii)
two or more fishing permits granted under the Fisheries Management Act 1991
which have the same numeric identifier as this fishing permit, or
one or more fishing permits granted under the Fisheries Management Act 1991 with
the same numeric identifier together with any fishing authorisation(s) granted by a
State or Territory which are recognised by the State or Territory as being linked to
the Commonwealth permit(s) and which are not excepted under subcondition c).
8. Boat Nominations
Fishing permit conditions to prevent the same boat being shared by two holders of separate fishing
concessions.
a) A permit is subject to the condition that the use of the boat that is nominated for the purposes of
a permit is authorised only if the boat is not nominated as the boat to be used by another person
under:
i)
a permit granted under this Act, or
ii)
an authorisation to fish, however described, granted to the permit holder by a State or
Territory.
b)
This condition does not apply in relation to the following fishing authorisations:
NONE (a permit holder may apply to have a fishing authorisation specified here).
Western Trawl Fisheries Statement of Management Arrangements – November 2004
21