Managing interactions with Dolphins in the Gillnet Hook and Trap Sector of the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery – Regulation Impact Statement – Australian Fisheries Management Authority

On 10 October 2012, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) announced a continuation of measures contained in previous temporary orders, aimed at protecting dolphins in the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery. The measures include the closure of an area to fishing by gillnets, increased monitoring requirements in specific areas and allows fishing by hooks in certain areas by some fishers. These measures will remain in place for twelve months allowing AFMA time to develop longer term management measures for the fishery. These measures are in response to a high number of dolphins deaths attributable to gillnet fishing. AFMA believe that without these measures the fishery’s accreditation and future operation could be at risk. The measures are estimated to reduce revenue in the fishery by a maximum of $2.5 million per annum, if operators decide not to fish elsewhere in the fishery. A Regulation Impact Statement was prepared by AFMA and approved by the Office of Best Practice Regulation.

• Managing interactions with Dolphins in the Gillnet Hook and Trap Sector of the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery RIS [ 4.5 MB]
• Managing interactions with Dolphins in the Gillnet Hook and Trap Sector of the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery RIS [ 1.1 MB]