The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has announced that expressions of interest are now open for members of a new fishing advisory group to help guide the management of the State’s marine scalefish fishery.
PIRSA said the new Marine Scalefish Fishery Management Advisory Committee (MSFMAC) would replace the Snapper Management Advisory Committee which was formed in October 2019.
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, David Basham said the formation of the MSFMAC was another important step in the historic Marine Scalefish Fishery reform program.
Mr Basham said a range of key reform changes, including the establishment of four fishing zones across the State; the adoption of a quota system for the priority species of snapper King George whiting, southern garfish and southern calamari; and a suite of measures to cut red tape, came into effect on 1 July.
“Our commercial fishing reforms are about strengthening the long-term financial and ecological sustainability of the industry and supporting regional jobs,” Mr Basham said.
He said the Government was seeking expressions of interest for the positions of independent chair, economist and scientist, along with nominations from the commercial charter boat, rock lobster and marine scalefish fishing sectors, Aboriginal traditional fishing sector and conservation sector.
“These will be three-year appointments to help the MSFMAC support commercial and recreational fishers working together for the future of the fishery,” he said.
Mr Basham said the Government would also ask the Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council (MRFAC) to nominate two recreational fishing representatives for membership on the MSFMAC.
More information on the expressions of interest process, which closes at 9am on Monday 2 August, can be accessed at this PS News link.
