south east management advisory committee (semac) meeting ... · attendees name membership chair...

South East Management Advisory Committee (SEMAC)

Meet ing 28

Meet ing Minutes

Date: 18 January 2017

V e n ue : Au s t r a l i a n F i s h er i es M an a ge me n t Au t h o r i t y,

C a n b er r a

8 :3 0 am – 4 :00 pm ( AE S T )

Attendees Name Membership

Chair

Diane Tarte Chair

Members

Anissa Lawrence Environment conservation member

George Day AFMA member

Ronald Scott Industry member

Sandy Morison Scientific member Shane Dugins Industry member

Simon Boag Industry member

Invited participants

Christian Pyke Great Australia Bight Trawl Sector invited participant

Debbie Wisby Industry invited participant (via telephone)

Frances Seaborn State invited participant

Sarah Jennings Economics invited participant

Observers

Georgia Langdon AFMA

Melanie Ryan AFMA

Executive Officer

Giverny Rodgers AFMA

Apologies

Gerry Geen Industry member

Agenda Item 1.1 Welcome and Apologies

The Chair opened the meeting at 8:36 and welcomed participants. The Chair acknowledged the

traditional owners past and present, and recorded apologies from Gerry Geen. Members were

advised the meeting was being recorded to assist with the preparation of the minutes; there were

no objections.

The MAC noted that AFMA had commenced the process for appointing a recreational member to

SEMAC. The conservation member questioned process for appointing a member and the MAC

noted that this is a Commission decision.

The MAC noted that chairs of resource advisory groups normally attend this total allowable catch

(TAC) setting meeting of the MAC. At this meeting Mr Sandy Morison represented South East

Resource Assessment Group (SERAG) and Shark Resource Assessment Group (SHARKRAG)

and Mr Christian Pyke represented Great Australian Bight Resource Assessment Group

(GABRAG).

AFMA observers in attendance were Georgia Langdon and Melanie Ryan.

Agenda Item 1.2 Adoption of Agenda

The agenda (Attachment A) was adopted with item 3.2, questions on industry update to be moved

to before item 3.1, questions on the environment update.

Agenda Item 1.3 Declaration of interests

The MAC reviewed the table of members’, invited participants’ and observers’ standing

declarations as outlined in the revised Fisheries Management Paper 1 (FMP 1). The Chair asked

participants to declare any specific conflicts of interest with items on the agenda or to declare

conflicts of interest that were not recorded in the provided table. Following any specific conflicts of

interest, the Chair requested that each member leave the meeting while the MAC discussed

whether the conflict should preclude them from participating in the agenda item. Following

consideration by the MAC, the member was invited to re-join the meeting.

The conservation member raised the broad issue of industry members using inside

knowledge gained at SEMAC for business benefits and the chair noted importance of

meeting confidentiality.

The following conflicts were flagged:

Mr Scott noted conflicts with agenda items 2.1 and 2.2. The MAC discussed the

conflict, recognising Mr Scott’s knowledge and valuable contribution, the MAC

agreed Mr Scott should participate in the discussion and recommendations.

Mr Dugins noted conflicts with agenda items 2.1 and 2.2. The MAC discussed the

conflict, recognising Mr Dugins’ knowledge and valuable contribution, the MAC

agreed Mr Dugins should participate in the discussion and recommendations.

Mr Boag noted a potential conflict of interest with agenda items 2.1 and 2.2. The

MAC discussed the conflict, recognising Mr Boag’s knowledge and valuable

contribution, the MAC agreed Mr Boag should participate in the discussion and

recommendations.

Mr Pyke noted conflicts of interest predominantly with agenda items relating to

western gemfish. Industry members raised concerns regarding potential future

dealings in conflict of interest species (south east) by Mr Pyke in his role as

managing director of Fisheries Asset Brokers. The chair reminded MAC members of

the confidentiality clause and emphasised Mr Pyke’s confidentiality obligations to

him when he returned to the room. Information discussed during MAC meetings

cannot be disclosed or used by members prior to the release of the meeting minutes

to the AFMA website. The MAC recognised Mr Pyke’s knowledge and valuable

contribution, the MAC agreed Mr Pyke should participate in the discussion and

recommendations.

Ms Wisby noted a potential conflict of interest in her fisheries private consultancy

work with industry who may wish to purchase south east quota in the future. The

chair again noted the confidentiality requirements of MAC members and highlighted

to the member their obligations in this regard. Information gained in the meeting

cannot be disclosed or used prior to the release of the meeting minutes to the

AFMA website. The MAC recognised Ms Wisby’s knowledge and valuable

contribution, the MAC agreed Ms Wisby should participate in the discussion and

recommendations.

An updated table of declared conflicts of interest is at Attachment B.

Agenda Item 1.4 Actions arising from previous meetings

A consolidated list of outstanding action items from previous SEMAC meetings was circulated to

the MAC. The MAC discussed the items and any progress to date (Attachment C).

The following points arose from the discussion:

Item 1: An industry member noted that although a paper on stock structure had been

presented to SERAG, that this would not be sufficient to address management

arrangements issues. The AFMA representative responded by clarifying that the SERAG

paper composed the first step in a larger revised project. The project will identify and

develop potential improved management strategies for species appropriate for regionalised

management based on them having separate stocks (pink ling, blue warehou and jackass

morwong). The next step is to address management strategies through the MAC and will

require significant consideration. Blue eye may be added to a second stage of the project in

the future depending on the outcome of stock structure work.

Item 3: Issues with electronic logbooks not allowing operators to use multiple discard codes

was addressed for CatchLog Trading, however an industry member raised concerns that

the OLRAC system was still unable to code differently for live release discards. The option

is currently present but not usable.

Item 4: The AFMA member clarified that the final western gemfish research report will be

available in the first half of 2017

Item 5: The MAC noted that a pre-meeting of the Trawl Advisory Group (TAG) was held to

establish membership and terms of reference and will go to the Commission with the view

to commencing from 1 May.

Item 6: An industry member raised the option of decreasing review of electronic monitoring

(EM) footage. The MAC noted that this could be a possibility in the future with development

of the program. An AFMA project is currently underway on EM review and risk rating

fishers. The conservation member noted that the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the

Department Of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Commonwealth Scientific and

Industrial Research Organisation have conducted similar risk rating projects in the past. An

Action item 28.1: AFMA

AFMA to present to the next MAC meeting a project plan and timeline for moving forward with

management strategies for pink ling, blue warehou and jackass morwong.


AFMA to advise on pink ling east/west management arrangements for 17/18 at next MAC

meeting.


AFMA to contact OLRAC to amend system to comply with terms of reference.

industry member noted the value of expansion of EM to fulfil a greater function, e.g. fish

measurement. AFMA is currently reviewing data needs for the fishery in consultation with

the RAG and scientific advisors.

Item 9: An industry member commented that a factory trawl operator should be included in

discussions of seabird mitigation on factory freezer vessels by the TAG. The conservation

member noted that a conservation member should also be present.

Item 11: The AFMA member directed the MAC to catch data for snapper by Commonwealth

GHaT fishers. He noted that snapper catch in Victorian waters did not appear to be

significant enough to warrant further action on trip limit arrangements but sought MAC

comment on the issue. An industry member suggested that as a red tape reduction, trip

limits should be removed as they lead to discarding of potentially valuable market fish. The

MAC noted that shared management arrangements for snapper mean that AFMA cannot

adjust management arrangements without state consultation. The MAC noted that

removing limits could encourage targeting. The AFMA member noted that discards are not

currently significant, however AFMA is happy to consider an industry proposal for revised

management should they wish to take further action. Given the current low catches of

snapper by Commonwealth vessels, revising trip limits was not recognised as a

management priority at this time.

Item 14: The AFMA member noted that a full levy model was made available to the MAC on

GovDex as of 17/01/2017.

Item 15: The AFMA member noted that the SESSF is due for new Ecological Risk

Assessment (ERA) next financial year. The fisheries management strategy, a compilation

document including all management arrangements, will follow on from the ERA. An annual

report will then be conducted against the fisheries management strategy.

Item 16: The AFMA member noted that due to current low midwater trawl effort in the SET

this project had not been prioritised however it is still to be completed.

Item 17: The executive officer noted that current EM coverage in the GHaT is ~11 per cent.


AFMA will present to the MAC in its May meeting a reflective review of the EM program as it

stands in addition to an updated review of overseas experience and future possibilities for EM

within the gillnet, hook and trap (GHaT) fishery.

Agenda Item 2.1 SESSF TAC recommendations for 2017-18

The Chair introduced the agenda item. The MAC’s discussion, recommendations and any dissenting views for the 2017-18 TACs are provided in Table

1.

Table 1: MAC discussion, recommendations and any dissenting views for the 2016-17 TACs

The MAC noted that bight redfish and deepwater flathead will not be discussed by SEMAC as they have been considered by GABMAC.

The MAC noted changes to state discards which are now based on a weighted four year average.

Item Species Discussion MAC recommendation and any dissenting views

Alfonsino The AFMA member introduced the item and highlighted the following:

• The MAC noted that catch was low because of no effort in this

area of the fishery.

• The industry member noted that management arrangements

make harvesting difficult between the Southern and Eastern

Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF) and the high seas.

The MAC endorsed:

• Extension of 3 year MYTAC to a 4th year.

• The AFMA TAC recommendation of 1017t.

• The recommended 10 per cent

undercatch and overcatch.

Blue eye

trevalla

The AFMA member introduced the item and highlighted the following:

• The RAG recommended a single year TAC due to stock structure

work being finalised this year.

• The RAG advised that the RBC is likely to be conservative as it

does not take into consideration Orca depredation.

• An industry member noted that they would prefer a step up 50%

approach for stability in the fishery (increase of 48 t).

• The MAC noted that the primary objective of a stepped up

increase in order to achieve stability in the fishery.

The MAC endorsed:

• The MAC chose not to accept the AFMA

recommendation and instead adopted a

more conservative, step up approach.

• The MAC recommended a reduced

increase in TAC to 458t.




• Underlying issues such as stock structure work and international

experience may affect future recommendations and support a

more conservative approach.

• The MAC noted that a step up approach posed no risk to blue

eye trevalla (BET) stocks.

• An industry member noted that they would like to see a tier one

assessment for BET with a view to Marine Stewardship Council

(MSC) certified in the future.

• Industry noted that research is currently being undertaken on

Orca degradation.

Blue grenadier The AFMA member introduced the item and highlighted the following:

• Catches of blue grenadier triggered a breakout rule (less than

70% of TAC was caught).

• SESSFRAG noted that this trigger was for commercial reasons

rather than stock concerns – no factory freezer boat had fished

in the fishery in recent years.

• Winter Fishery is currently MSC certified.

The MAC endorsed:





Blue warehou The AFMA member introduced the item and highlighted the following:

Catch in 2015/16 of 2 t was extremely low.

The RAG noted that the area of catches has been decreasing.

The RAG advised that there was no indication that industry is

targeting blue warehou.

Current catches are not impeding recovery.

An industry representative noted that the AFMA

recommendation does not allow targeting but ensures data on

The MAC endorsed the AFMA incidental TAC

recommendation of 118t.


bycatch is collected, even if operators have a small number of

statutory fishing rights.

The AFMA representative reminded the MAC that there is

currently a project underway looking at under caught TAC and

stock rebuilding. It is important that the project includes

recreational catch given the high recreational catch of blue

warehou.

An industry member raised concerns about seismic surveying

significantly impacting on blue warehou stocks.

Deepwater

shark (eastern)


Deepwater sharks (eastern) had not triggered any breakout rules

to review the existing MYTAC.

Catches have been well below TAC (30%).

AFMA management recommended a 1 tonne reduction to

account for catch taken in the 2016 fishery independent survey.

The MAC endorsed:





Deepwater

shark (western)


Based on industry and MAC advice TAC has been held below

what it could be in order to maintain stability in catches.

The MAC endorsed:





Action Item 28.5: AFMA

Mr Day to circulate under caught TAC and stock rebuilding

research project proposal.


Elephant fish The AFMA member introduced the item and highlighted the following:

The MAC noted that Elephant fish had not triggered any

breakout rules.

Currently within 3 year MYTAC period.

Significant discards.

Ongoing concern with discards was noted by the MAC.

The MAC endorsed:

• Continuation of the MYTAC

• the AFMA TAC recommendation of 114t



• The breakout rules as recommended by

SharkRAG.

Tiger Flathead Brigid Kerrigan, AFMA manager of Manager South East Trawl, Great

Australian Bight Trawl and Coral Sea Fishery introduced the item and

highlighted the following:

The 2013 assessment estimated the stock at 50% whilst the 2016

assessment (presented to the RAG in November 2016) estimated

the stock at ~43%. Differences between the assessments were

due to additional catch data, FIS data, sensitivities introduced to

model, variations to recruitment and natural mortality.

Revised estimates of recruitment were a key factor affecting the

model.

The November RAG recommended using an average of 3 year

RBC to set the TAC. This resulted, after accounting for discards

The MAC endorsed:

• A one year RBC of 3089t.

• The revised AFMA TAC recommendation

of 2712t.

• the recommended 10 per cent

undercatch and overcatch;

• updated stock assessment in 2017

on the basis that:


AFMA to refer MAC concerns surrounding accounting for

discards of elephant fish back to SharkRAG, questioning

whether the 15% discount factor can be moderated. Note

potential relevance of maximum economic returns form the

fishery as a whole and the high level of protection given to

elephant fish via closures.


and state catches, in a 347 t drop in the TAC between 16/17 and

17/18.

Industry provided feedback and proposed an alternative step

down scenario where the TAC would be reduced by 50% of that

recommended by AFMA (50% reduction of 347t).

CSIRO ran projections of 3 different scenarios for reducing the

TAC and in the process identified an error in the original RBC

calculations based on estimated 2016 catch. The original RBCs

were based on a slight underestimate of 2016 catch. This has

now been corrected.

RAG met by teleconference (12 Jan 2017) to consider the results

of the projections (3 scenarios were tested – refer to Agenda

paper). A corrected base case was presented based on average

of 3 year RBC that resulted in a TAC of 2500 t, a total reduction

of 382 t from 2016-17.

The RAG recommended a single year RBC; the flathead

assessment is updated in 2017; gear survey of Danish Seine fleet

is conducted and results included in 2017 assessment.

An industry representative raised concerns with mesh size in

Danish seiners (gear type selectivity) not being incorporated into

models. Industry proposed a revised assessment that could be

more readily accepted by industry.

Industry proposed a 50% implementation of the reduction,

pending the updated assessment taking into consideration gear

selectivity (changes in mesh size) and potentially, the impact of

new fishers on catch rate.

The RAG has provided three options in terms of TAC

recommendations, all single year. The options were the RBC

1. A Danish seine gear survey is conducted to allow

updated estimates of the seine fleet's gear

selectivity;

2. the step down approach would lead to a very

small increase in the stock depletion compared to

the 362 tonnes TAC reduction implied by

application of the Harvest Control Rules;

3. the originally proposed reduction in the

flathead RBC would have a major economic

impact (ca $2.0m per annum) in a year with high

levies;

4. the stock is above the management target with

minimal risk of falling below the limit reference

point;

5. more explicitly addressing industry concerns

promotes ownership in, and stewardship over, the

fishery which will likely result in other industry led

unrelated gains.

The MAC also recommended that the potential

impacts on the CPUE of new entrants in the

Danish seine fishery be explored (noting that

standardisations are already in place and the RAG

has stated that the effect is likely be minimal).


resulting from base case, a 50% cut in first year, or a 33% cut in

first year.

Dr Kerrigan noted that all of the options presented to the MAC

have the stock approaching but still (just) above target. Due to

this, the MAC would be able to recommend the option that best

achieved management objectives.

The scientific member noted that he was comfortable with the

proposals put forward by the MAC from a sustainability

perspective.

The MAC recommended a 1-year RBC of 3089 t which is giving

effect to a TAC reduction of 50% of that resulting from the base

case RBC of 2886 tonnes (refer to table 3 of MAC Agenda Paper);

a gear survey; and updated stock assessment in 2017.

An industry member noted concerns with the cost of a one year

assessment to industry.

Gemfish

(eastern)


The 2008 assessment model for eastern gemfish was updated,

however limited new data was available and assessment was not

progressed.



MAC supports the need for a revised assessment

as soon as feasible.


AFMA to conduct a survey of Danish seine vessels to provide

data on the timing and nature of changes to fishing gear to

allow for updated estimates of the seine fleet's selectivity for

tiger flathead.


While the updated assessment was not accepted there was no

indication of stock recovery.

AFMA is looking to conduct an updated assessment as soon as

possible.

Gemfish

(western)


Data limitations restricted assessment of this species.

GABRAG considered a tier 1 assessment, a tier 4 assessment (for

CTS component of stock only) including discards and a tier 4

assessment excluding discards.

Given data limitations, a weight of evidence approach, using

both Tier 1 and Tier 4 assessments, was used by the RAG in

forming its advice.

An industry member raised concern about the quality of data in

the tier 1 assessment. This concern was supported by the

scientific member.

The MAC found it difficult to understand how the proposed RBC

had been derived and expressed concern over a lack of clarity

about the basis for the advice from GABRAG.

MAC noted that there was little risk of stock declining below the

limit reference point.

An industry member questioned the GAB trigger limits. The

AFMA member advised that this is being reviewed.

An industry member raised the option of staying with the

existing TAC of 247t because of the uncertainty around the

assessment. However, he was comfortable with the MAC’s

recommendation provided the Harvest Strategy Framework

triggers were reviewed.

The MAC endorsed:

• A three year MYTAC commencing in

2017/18 with a TAC of 199t




the RAG.

• Triggers should be reviewed in harvest

strategy framework.

• The MAC urge a revised assessment with

improved data as soon as it becomes

available.


A sub-committee of the RAG is currently being formed to address

data shortages for this species. A three year MYTAC is being

recommended to allow time for additional data collection before

the next assessment.

Gummy shark The AFMA member introduced the item and highlighted the following:

Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), South Australia

and Victoria are allocated a portion of the TAC. This allocation is

deducted from the RBC in setting the TAC.

SA has exceeded allocation in recent years. The AFMA member

advised that the MAC may wish to consider this when making a

recommendation.

The scientific member suggested that if states exceed their

allocation an overfishing classification could be incurred if the

RBC is exceeded.

SA have advised that they are changing their management

arrangements to remain under their allocation.

An industry member questioned how discards were

incorporated into the model. The scientific member advised that

this is the weighted average of the last four years.

An industry member raised concerns that the reduced TAC could

be driven based on poor catches in Bass Strait stocks and not

reflect the fishery overall. The scientific member noted that area

contributions to the model are proportionate to fishing in that

The MAC endorsed:

• A 3 year MYTAC commencing in 2017/18.





AFMA to review western gemfish trigger limits within the

GABTF.


area. They also noted that RBCs are stable within the fishery.

Decreases in the RBC this year are reflective of natural

mortality/end of a recruitment pulse.

Industry members proposed arrangements with South Australia

and Victoria to ensure their allocation were not exceeded and

that costs of assessments were shared based on catches. AFMA

noted that this will be taken into consideration when negotiating

arrangements with the states.

Jackass

morwong


The MAC noted that Jackass morwong had triggered the

breakout rule as CPUE for the eastern stock was below the 95

per cent confidence interval of CPUE predicted in the most

recent assessment.

This was likely to be due to an overestimate of recruitment.

Catches have been low in relation to TAC.

The proposed increase in quota reflects a change in discards.

Jackass Morwong have been recommended for inclusion in the

declining and non-recovering stocks project.

The MAC endorsed:

• Continuation of the MYTAC.

• The AFMA TAC recommendation of 513t




the RAG.

John dory The MAC noted that John dory had not triggered any breakout rules to

review the existing MYTAC.

The MAC endorsed:





Mirror dory The AFMA member introduced the item and highlighted the following:

SERAG reviewed an updated tier 4 assessment for mirror dory.

The MAC endorsed:

• The recommended single year TAC.


The RAG has recommended a single year TAC due to large cyclical

changes in mirror dory stock size and catches.




Ocean perch The AFMA member introduced the item and highlighted the following:

Ocean perch is assessed as inshore and offshore species.

The TAC is based on offshore species.

The MAC noted that ocean perch had not triggered any breakout

rules to review the existing MYTAC.

Discussion with the RAG in relation to the data plan to do a tier

1 assessment for offshore ocean perch. This was supported by

an industry member due to high discards and inability to target.

The MAC endorsed:





Orange roughy

(cascade)


Catches for this species were low in 2015/16

No new information was available to the RAG to change its

recommendation.

Orange roughy (cascade) is not a rebuilding species and have

been assessed as being well above target.

The conservation member noted correspondence from

Australian Marine Conservation Society in relation to orange

roughy (Attachment D).

The MAC endorsed:





AFMA to develop with the RAG a data plan to allow for a tier

1 assessment for offshore ocean perch.


Orange roughy

(eastern)


An acoustic biomass survey which was a condition of the current

MYTAC was completed by SETFIA in 2016 and reported to the

RAG to inform next assessment

A 100 per cent under catch is in place for this species to allow

operators to avoid conducting shots which risk taking them over

quota in one season.

The MAC endorsed:




undercatch and 10 per cent overcatch.

Orange roughy

(southern)


No proposed changes to MYTAC.

Assessment for the eastern stock be updated with next eastern

zone assessment.

The MAC endorsed:

• The AFMA TAC recommendation (Pedra

Branca of 35t.

• The AFMA incidental TAC


Orange roughy

(western)

No new information was available to SERAG to support amending their

advice.



Smooth

oreodory

(cascade)


Smooth oreodory (Cascade) had not triggered any breakout rules

to review the existing MYTAC.

Catch and effort were low in 2016.

Low effort resulted in low data availability and therefore did not

support a review of the TAC.

The MAC endorsed:

• The AFMA TAC recommendation of 150 t

until catches reach at least 10 t at which

time the fishery would be reviewed.



Smooth

oreodory

(other)


Species is under a tier 5 assessment (depletion based stock

reduction analysis) which allows new method of assessment for

data poor fisheries not based on CPUE.

The MAC endorsed:






Oreo dory,

basket


• The oreo (basket) breakout rule (more than 70 per cent of TAC

caught) had been triggered.

• The MAC noted that this was understandable due to an increase

in fishing effort in the deeper water.

• The RAG had no concerns with the sustainability of this stock.

• Proposed to extend MYTAC for an additional year

• An industry member questioned what proportion of the catch is

made up of spikey oreos. The member suggested that if a large

portion of the catch is made up of spikey they should be

considered for removal from the basket oreos.

The MAC endorsed:





Pink ling The AFMA member introduced the item and highlighted the following:

AFMA recommends 1154 tonne TAC continuing the second year

of the existing three year MYTAC.

SlopeRAG in 2015 noted that constant catch projections

suggested that catches below 550 tonnes posed low risk to the

stock. SETFIA continues to manage eastern zone proportion of

catch. 2016-17 nominal eastern TAC is 404t.

The MAC endorsed:





Redfish The AFMA member introduced the item and highlighted the following:

No new assessment was conducted in 2016.

Catches last season were 50% of the incidental catch TAC.




Current catches would allow for rebuilding of the stock, if

average recruitment was occurring.

The redfish rebuilding strategy was implemented in 2016.

Ribaldo The AFMA member introduced the item and highlighted the following:

No sustainability concerns or breakout rules triggered.

Proposing to continue 3 year MYTAC for an additional year.

The MAC endorsed:





Royal red prawn The AFMA member introduced the item and highlighted the following:

No breakout rules had been triggered in 2016.

The MAC endorsed:





Sawshark The AFMA member introduced the item and highlighted the following:

The MAC noted that the breakout rule ‘if total mortality

(including discards, state catch and recreational catch) is lower

than 50 per cent of the most recent RBC’ had been triggered.

The MAC noted that CPUE was noisy but flat and did not have

concerns for stock sustainability.

The MAC endorsed:

• Continuation of the MYTAC of 442t.



School shark The AFMA member introduced the item and highlighted the following:

Standardised trawl CPUE while not of itself a reliable index of

abundance, was showing sustained increase.

No concerns were raised by the fishery independent survey.




CSIRO are currently updating close kin genetics project to be

finalised in 2017.

School whiting The AFMA member introduced the item and highlighted the following:

The increase in recommended TAC reflects reduced state

catches.

An assessment scheduled for this year.

The MAC endorsed:

• Continuation of the long-term TAC.




Silver trevally The AFMA member introduced the item and highlighted the following:

Catches of silver trevally have declined and are well below TAC.

No breakout rules were triggered.

SERAG has proposed to extend the TAC for an additional year.

The MAC endorsed:





Silver warehou The AFMA member introduced the item and highlighted the following:

An industry member questioned the vulnerability of the stock

and noted that they want to see a new assessment after 3 years

and no extension of the MYTAC in the future.

SLOPERAG proposed a step down to the 600t TAC over two

years.

The MAC endorsed:





• An assessment in the final year of MYTAC

with no extension.


AFMA to conduct a review of industry compliance on school

shark targeting and report back to the MAC.


Non-quota

species.

The AFMA member noted no catch due to no effort in this area of the

fishery.

The MAC endorsed:

Continuation of non-quota TACs for boar

fish and orange roughy of 200t and 50t

respectively.

Agenda Item 3.1 Industry update

The Chair noted the paper “Industry update” and invited questions and comments from members.

The following arose from the discussion:

Trawl

o Mr. Boag presented the MAC with the latest draft communications between SETFIA

and the Commission in progressing the development of a TAG.

o It is proposed that the TAG will compose of SETFIA and non SETFIA members and

will address AFMA and SETFIA objectives related to reducing complexity and cost

in management and increasing transparency (via publishing of minutes) to the

Australian public.

o The need for the group has been discussed at previous Commission meetings.

o The MAC noted that the respective roles of the MAC and the TAG should be

clarified and the letter should focus on the role of the TAG rather than anyone’s

dissatisfaction with the previous functions of the MAC.

o An industry member noted that MAC should take more of an overarching role and

that the TAG would provide more industry specific advice and will have more of an

operational focus.

o Mr Boag noted that the TAG may provide an annual performance report on the

fishery to the Commission.

o State, recreational and environmental representatives may attend TAG discussions

as required.

o Mr Scott stated his interest in becoming part of the TAG as a representative from

the autoline fishery. This proposal was supported by Mr. Boag.

o The scientific member expressed support for the TAG.

GHaT

o The industry member noted the issue of large spider crab aggregations which were

impacting on gummy shark catches, particularly in western Bass Strait.

o The AFMA member raised the issue of VMS/EMS overlap. AFMA compliance are

undertaking a VMS tender which provides for reduced duplication between VMS

and EMS.

Squid

o The MAC noted that prices are good and demand is high.

Agenda Item 3.2 Environment update

The Chair noted the paper “Environment update” and invited questions and comments from

members.


The conservation member raised concerns regarding an increase in

recorded seabird catches after the introduction of EM. Ryan Keightley, AFMA

acting Manager of the GHaT, clarified that recent increases were driven by

two large gillnet events involving shearwaters and that the species would be

identified when publicly reported.

A potential code of practice for reducing seabird interactions in the GHaT is

currently being developed by AFMA and the seabird working group.

The conservation member questioned whether the demersal longline Threat

Abatement Plan (TAP) was breached in 2016 winter?

The MAC noted that Paul Ryan (AFMA) would circulate a summary of the progress

of AFMA’s climate change and ecological risk assessment projects to the MAC

(Attachment E).

Agenda Item 3.3 Managers Update

The Chair noted the paper “Managers update” and invited questions and comments from

members.


It was clarified that general items (agenda items1, 3 and 4) are split between

the fisheries and specific items allocated to the fisheries involved. The AFMA

member noted that he would be happy to receive alternative allocation

proposals. An industry member commented that he would like to see autoline

separated, however this falls under GHaT cost centres.

Agenda Item 4.1 Other Business

The next MAC meeting will be held on 24 February 2017. This date may be revised to an earlier

start of Thursday afternoon to accommodate large agenda.

Important agenda items will include:

SPF TACs

SPF harvest strategy

Pair trawling

Dolphin strategy stage two

Pink ling management

With no other items of business raised, the Chair thanked all participants and closed the meeting at

approximately 3:55 pm.


AFMA to clarify if the seabird TAP was breached in the previous monitoring period, or is likely

to be breached in the current period.

Attachment A

South East Management Adv isory Commit tee (SEMAC)

#28

Wednesday 18 January 2017 – Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Canberra

8:30 am – 4:00 pm (Australian Eastern Standard Time)

Draft Agenda

ITEM Day 1 Time allocated:

1 Preliminaries 60 minutes

8:30 – 9:30 am

1.1 Welcome and apologies Chair

1.2 Acceptance of agenda Chair

1.3 Declarations of interest All Action

1.4 Actions arising from previous meetings Chair Paper

2 Business

2.1/2.2 SESSF TAC recommendations for 17-18 George Day

Paper 1 hour

9:30 am – 10:30 pm

Morning tea 10:30 – 10:45 am

2.1/2.2 SESSF TAC recommendations for 17-18 (cont.)

George Day

Paper 1 hour 45 mins

10:45 – 12:30 pm

Lunch 12:30 – 1:00 pm

2.1/2.2 SESSF TAC recommendations for 17-18 (cont.)

George Day

Paper 1 hour 30 mins

1:00 – 2:30 pm

Afternoon tea 2.30 – 2.45 pm

3 Updates (tabled as papers) 2:45 – 3:45 pm

3.1 Questions on Environment update Chair Paper 20 minutes

3.2 Questions on Industry update Paul Ryan Paper 20 minutes

3.3 Questions on Managers update George Day

Paper 20 minutes

4 Other business and close of meeting 10 minutes

4.1 Next meeting Chair

Attachment B


#28

Agenda item 1 Preliminaries

Agenda Item 1.3 Declarations of interest

Declared Interest - Last updated: 11 January 2017

Members

Ms Anissa

Lawrence

Independent consultant. Director of TierraMar.

Conservation member on SharkRAG

Undertakes environmental work with Southern Shark Industry Alliance on an ad-

hoc basis. Undertakes contracts for a number of Conservation NGOs, government

departments, non-government agencies on a range of fishery related matters.

Provides environmental advice to industry associations. No pecuniary interest.

Director of OZFISH Unlimited Ltd.

President of the SEA LIFE Trust (ANZ).

Director of FISHI International.

Ms Diane Tarte SEMAC Chair - No interest whether pecuniary or otherwise.

Mr George Day AFMA - Senior Manager Demersal and Midwater Fisheries. No interest whether

pecuniary or otherwise.

Mr Gerry Geen A partner in Seafish Tasmania Pty Ltd that holds approximately 60 per cent of

the SPF Jack Mackerel SFRs, 70 per cent of the Redbait (east) SFRs, 30 per cent

of Blue Mackerel (east) SFRs and significant quota holdings in the western zone.

Seafish Tasmania Pty Ltd owns a Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Trawl

Boat SFR and currently leases a GAB Trawl Boat SFR.

A Director of Seafish Tasmania Pelagic Pty Ltd which is also a member of SETFIA.

Executive committee member of the Small Pelagic Fishery Industry Association.

A Director of the Commonwealth Fisheries Association.

Mr Les Scott I, Ronald Leicester Scott (Les) in my capacity as a member of the South East Advisory Committee (SEMAC) provide below a disclosure of my interests that conflict or could conflict with the proper performance of my functions as a member of the SEMAC:

Managing Director: Petuna Sealord Deepwater Fishing P/L an Australian resident company which holds various fishing rights in, and operates vessels in the SESSF, GHAT, East Coast Deepwater Fishery, Coral Sea and International fisheries operating a vessel under an Australian Flag;

Consultant to: Australian Longline P/L an Australian resident company which holds various fishing rights in, and operates vessels in the Australian Sub-Antarctic fisheries (Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Macquarie Island Fisheries) and waters under the jurisdiction of CCAMLR; and

Advisor to PG&UM Rockliff – Petuna Fisheries who hold various fishing rights in the SESSF, GHAT, Commonwealth and State (Tasmania) Scallop Fishery, East Coast Tuna Fishery, Off Shore Fisheries and Tasmanian State Fisheries.

My pecuniary interest is limited to the extent of: an employee of the company’s

and partnership disclosed.

Mr Sandy Morison Director of Morison Aquatic Sciences.

Chair of SERAG, SharkRAG, and Tropical Rock Lobster Working Group.

Contracted by government departments, non-government agencies and

companies for a range of fishery related matters including research and MSC

assessments of AFMA managed and other fisheries (by SCS Global Service).

No pecuniary or other interest.

Mr Shane Dugins Chair of the Sustainable Shark Fishery Association. Shareholder and Director of a

Fishing Company that holds: Commonwealth SFRs including Shark and Scalefish

quota SFRs, Victorian and Tasmanian licenses and Victorian Crayfish quota.

Representative of the Sustainable Shark Fishing Association.

Mr Simon Boag Executive Officer South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association (SETFIA)

Non-beneficiary Director of two fishing companies in the SESSF.

Member Victorian Fisheries Advisory Council.

Industry member on both ShelfRAG and SlopeRAG.

SETFIA receives funding from various bodies to complete projects.

Involved in the delivery of industry training courses through East Gippsland

TAFE. Undertakes contracts as an independent consultant. On the

Commonwealth Fisheries Association Board.

Invited participant

Mr Christian Pyke Great Australian Bight Industry Association (GABIA) Executive Officer; Industry

member on GABRAG (TBC); GABIA receives funding from various bodies to

complete projects; Provision of independent consultancy service to Australian

seafood industry; Managing Director of Fisheries Asset Brokers; No pecuniary

interest.

Ms Debbie Wisby

CEO of a fishing company based in Tasmania. Company/Director holds

Commonwealth squid jig SFRs and various Tasmanian licences.

Commonwealth Fish Receiver.

Member of Squid RAG, invited participant SEMAC, industry representative of

Tasmanian Scallop FAC.

Local Government Councillor.

Consultant for private enterprises on a range of fishery related matters.

Advisor to Fishwell Consulting for Squid project 2016/2017

Ms Frances Seaborn

No interest whether pecuniary or otherwise. Employed by the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE).

Dr Sarah Jennings Economics member on SERAG.

Economics coordinator, FRDC Social Science and Economics Research Program.

Member of AFMA Economics Working Group.

Independent economics consultant.

No pecuniary or other interest.

Executive Officer Dr Giverny Rodgers AFMA – Fisheries Management Officer, Demersal and Midwater Fisheries. No

interest whether pecuniary or otherwise.

Attachment C


#28

Agenda item 1 Preliminaries

Agenda Item 1.4 Actions arising from previous meetings

SEMAC 27

Action Item Member

to action

Agenda

Item in

which the

matter was

raised

Status

1 AFMA to investigate the possibility of

splitting pink ling quota into east and

west as a more permanent solution

to the current interim arrangements

of east and west management.

SESSF Agenda

Item 1.4

Underway.

Paper on stock

structure has been

presented to SERAG.

Paper to be

presented to SEMAC

asap.

2 AFMA to circulate the findings of the

investigation into: how other

countries manage redfish, and

circulate the finalised redfish

rebuilding strategy.

Trawl

team

Agenda

Item 1.4

Complete.

Sent via email 14

Dec 2016.

3 AFMA to work with CatchLog Trading

to fix the problem with electronic

logbooks which does not allow

operators to use multiple discard

codes, including ‘live release’ for

school shark.

GHAT

team

Agenda

Item 1.4

Complete.

Operators can split

discards by discard

reason.

4 AFMA to circulate the western

gemfish genetic research report to

the South East Resource Assessment

Group (SERAG) and the MAC once

finalised.

Trawl

team

Agenda

Item 1.4

Underway.

SERAG have seen

preliminary results.

Final report with

SEMAC in 2017.

5 AFMA to draft a paper for the next

TAG meeting on: protected species

reporting compared to industry

average and observer rates and the

consequences of non-reporting.

Trawl

team

Agenda

Item 1.4

Not complete.

First TAG meeting is

expected in May

2017.

6 AFMA to review the coverage of

electronic monitoring in the GHAT,

including for drop-lining, noting

overall coverage requirements for the

fishery.

GHAT Agenda

Item 1.4

Complete.

Of ~6500 gillnet

shots conducted in

2016, ~700 were

reviewed. This

provides a

percentage review

of ~11% which is

above the required

10% rate of review.

No drop lining is

currently being

reviewed. Numbers

are based on figures

available as of

November 2016.

7 AFMA to advise SEMAC of any

changes to New South Wales pink

ling management arrangements.

Trawl

team

Agenda

Item 1.4

Ongoing.

No new

developments since

SEMAC 27.

8 AFMA to consult with industry on the

cost allocation arrangements of the

MAC.

George

Day

Agenda

Item 1.4

Complete.

Will advise in

Managers update.

9 Seabird mitigation on large factory

freezer vessels should be discussed at

the upcoming TAG meeting, noting

the preference for consistency with

other fisheries.

Trawl

team

Agenda

Item 2.1

Not complete.

First TAG meeting is

expected in May

2017.

10 AFMA to investigate whether the

multiple species Maximum Economic

Yield (MEY) research project will

consider the impact of MEY targets

on discards.

Agenda

Item 2.1

Complete.

Will advise in

Managers update.

11 AFMA to consult with Victoria

regarding the trip limit arrangements

for snapper in the GHAT.

GHAT Agenda

Item 2.2

Complete

Average annual

retained catch of

3669.7kg and

discards of 313.6kg

(see attachment 1).

AFMA seeking MAC

advice on next steps.

12 AFMA to send the terms of reference

and membership for the TAG to

SEMAC, once finalised.

Trawl

team

Agenda

Item 2.2

Not complete.

Commission decision

to be made shortly.

13 Ms Seaborn to send 2015 and 2016

catch figures for Tasmanian squid to

SEMAC, when finalised.

Ms

Seaborn

Agenda

Item 2.2

Complete.

Sent to SEMAC

10.1.17 (see

attachment 2)

14 a) AFMA to amend the levy model to

ensure orange roughy is

proportioned to east and south.

b) AFMA to circulate the finalised

model to SEMAC, when levy

regulations are finalised.

Agenda

Item 3.2

Complete.

15 AFMA to circulate the re-assessment

schedule for all Commonwealth

fisheries.

Cadie

Artuso

Agenda

Item 3.3

Complete.

Sent via email 14

December 2016.

SEMAC 24

Action Item Member to

action

Status

16

AFMA to consider the proposal to remove

the ECDWTSEZ for the mid-water trawl

method in the SESSF.

AFMA (Trawl

team)

Not complete.

This will be investigated

by AFMA.

Previous SEMAC meetings

Action item Member to

action

Status

17

The AFMA Environment team to include

the percentage of independently audited

e-monitoring fishing days for the gillnet

sector in the future SEMAC protected

species reports.

AFMA

(Environment

team)

Complete.

Of ~6500 gillnet shots

conducted in 2016, ~700

were reviewed. This

provides a percentage

review of ~11% which is

above the required 10%

rate of review. No drop

lining is currently being

reviewed. Numbers are

based on figures

available as of

November 2016.

Attachment 1: Annual retained and discarded snapper catches for Victorian area of

waters* 2006-2016.

*Numbers are indicative only and may be an over estimation of the area of waters.

Year Retained (kg) Discarded (kg)

2006 3418 8

2007 3718 0

2008 3848 100

2009 5416 135

2010 3798 235

2011 4227 2

2012 4378 325

2013 2884 1135

2014 1940 12

2015 3004 966

2016 3736 532

AVE 3669.73 313.64

Attachment 2: Tasmanian Squid Catch (kg) in both calendar years broken down by gear

type for 2015 and 2016*.

Tasmania Weight (kg) Year

Raw Data by Calendar Year 2015 2016 TOTAL

GOULDS SQUID 14447.02 326308 340755.02

Auto Jig 13550 325932 339482

Danish Seine 72 43 115

Gillnet 1.02 1.02

Handline 326 50 376

Squid Jig 378 283 661

Spear 120 120

TOTAL 14447.02 326308 340755.02

And by 2015/16 Financial Year.

Tasmania Weight (kg)

Raw Data by Financial Year

GOULDS SQUID 2015/16

Jul-15 90

Aug-15 0

Sep-15 0

Oct-15 0

Nov-15 522

Dec-15 70

Jan-16 151822

Feb-16 156746

Mar-16 17632

Apr-16 60

May-16 21

Jun-16 27

TOTAL 326990

*Please note that the data is RAW and

has not gone through any

auditing/clean up process by IMAS,

therefore there may be slight changes

in the final numbers when the 2015/16

assessment has been completed.

Attachment D

17 January 2017

AMCS would like to reiterate our concern around non-incidental catch quotas being

allocated to Orange Roughy. We contend that considering the life history characteristics

making Orange Roughy vulnerable to overfishing, historical overfishing and the potential

damage to seamount habitat targeted fishing for this species is not justified. A minimum

target of 48% of unfished biomass being achieved in line with the current MEY target

reference points adopted by the fishery would be considered an appropriate minimum level

at which to trigger any consideration of targeted fishing TACs. We recommend the

rescinding of any targeted fishing TAC for this species until such time as stocks rebuild to

ecologically sustainable levels.

Attachment E

ERA/ERM Revitalisation Project

At the October 2016 AFMA Commission meeting, an update on the progress of the Ecological Risk

Management (ERM) Guide was provided. At that time, AFMA sought the Commission’s

endorsement of the directions to be taken in finalising the Guide and related documents. Most of

the remaining work was related to resolving residual issues with the Ecological Risk Assessment

(ERA) methodology and consulting with various RAGs and MACs – particularly those related to the

test fisheries – on the outcomes of their ERAs. The AFMA Commission endorsed this approach at

the October meeting and, since then, AFMA has been working to progress the ERA/ERM

Revitalisation Project with the aim of finalising it in time for the AFMA Commission to endorse it at

its April 2017 meeting.

ERAs have been carried out for the Small Pelagic Fishery (SPF) and the Eastern Tuna and Billfish

Fishery (ETBF), the two test fisheries for the ERA project. The results of the ETBF ERA were

considered by the Tropical Tuna and Billfish Fisheries RAG on 18-19 October 2016, just prior to

the last AFMA Commission meeting. The results of the SPF ERA were presented to the SPF

Scientific Panel on 15-16 December 2016. At these meetings, a number of issues regarding the

ERA methodology, particularly how it deals with cumulative impacts and protected species, were

raised. These issues, along with others identified by AFMA, will be the main focus of the next ERA

Technical Working Group meeting which is to be held on 16 February 2017. It is anticipated that

these issues will be resolved at this meeting and the ERA methodology finalised. If needed, the

ERAs for the two test fisheries will be regenerated prior to the AFMA Commission being presented

with a final ERM Guide at the April 2017 meeting. AFMA is also preparing a range of supporting

documents to sit alongside the ERM Guide. These include a policy paper, a communication

strategy and documents describing the ERM Guide in plain English for the general public and other

stakeholders.

Adaptation of Commonwealth fisheries management to climate change

The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) has provisionally approved an

AFMA-CSIRO project proposal “Adaptation of Commonwealth fisheries management to climate

change”.

The objectives of the project are:

1. To assess how well the existing Commonwealth fisheries management framework will cope with

climate change impacts.

2. To develop a methodology and approach for AFMA and other fisheries to adapt their regulatory

environment to climate change impacts on Commonwealth fisheries.

3. To develop strategies and priorities to account for effects of climate change in the management

of Commonwealth fisheries.

The overall methodology is a risk based assessment of the current fisheries management system

against expected climate change effects and in doing so identifying and prioritising residual risks

for further action.

The steps to be followed are:

1. Form a steering group (risk assessment consultant/CSIRO) to develop the risk assessment methodology for evaluating how well Commonwealth fisheries management handles climate change impacts on Commonwealth fisheries and to determine residual risks after AFMA fisheries management processes are applied. 2. Introduce the risk assessment framework and methodology to key stakeholders through a one day workshop. Key stakeholders will include: AFMA, DAWR, Commercial fishers, Recreational fishers, Indigenous fishers, science bodies other experts and interested resource managers. 3. Apply the risk assessment (quantitative/qualitative) to the Commonwealth fisheries management system to determine relative risks from climate change 4. Review the risk assessment results in a two day workshop with stakeholders (as above) 5. Report the outcomes of the risk assessments and workshops and focus on answering the following questions:

What are the residual risks and priorities that remain for the fisheries examined?

Recommend the next steps for the fisheries examined and a roadmap to deal with them.

Can the methodology be usefully employed across all fisheries?

Are the risk criteria appropriate for wider application or do they need improvement? If so

where?

south east management advisory committee (semac) meeting ... · attendees name membership chair...

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