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Annual Operational Plan 2021-2022 afma.gov.au /AustralianFisheriesManagementAuthority
ANNUAL OPERATIONAL PLAN 2021-2022
Contents
Contents ................................................................................................................................................... 2
AFMA Values............................................................................................................................................. 3
2021-2022 in focus .................................................................................................................................... 4
AFMA’s Performance Framework ............................................................................................................... 6
Performance Measures.............................................................................................................................. 7
Resources and Performance Monitoring ..................................................................................................... 8
Budget .................................................................................................................................................. 8
Staff Resources ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Performance Monitoring ........................................................................................................................ 8
1. Management of Commonwealth fisheries consistent with principles of ecologically sustainable
development ......................................................................................................................................... 9
2. Maximise net economic returns to the Australian community from the management of Commonwealth
fisheries............................................................................................................................................... 11
3. Compliance with Commonwealth fisheries laws and policies and relevant international fishing obligations
and standards...................................................................................................................................... 14
4. Deliver effective, cost efficient and accountable management of Commonwealth fisheries resources..... 17
Regular activities 2021-22 ........................................................................................................................ 22
Plans of Management .............................................................................................................................. 24
AFMA managed fisheries ...................................................................................................................... 24
Jointly managed fisheries...................................................................................................................... 24
Contact Us .............................................................................................................................................. 24
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AFMA Values
In all our relationships AFMA staff abide by the Australian Public Service values of being:
• Impartial – we are apolitical and provide advice that is frank, honest, timely and based
on the best available evidence
• Committed to service – we are professional, objective, innovative and efficient
• Accountable – we are open and accountable to our stakeholders across the Australian
community
• Respectful – we respect all people, including their rights and their heritage
• Ethical – we demonstrate leadership, are trustworthy, and act with integrity.
These values support our collaborative efforts with commercial, recreational and Indigenous fishers
and other stakeholders across the Australian community to ensure ecologically sustainable and
economically efficient Commonwealth fisheries.
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2021-2022 in focus
We are pleased to present the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) 2021-22
Annual Operational Plan (AOP). The plan sets out the actions AFMA will take to deliver AFMA’s
goals in line with our rolling Corporate Plan 2021-2024.
AFMA will ensure fisheries management arrangements developed are consistent with
Commonwealth Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy and Commonwealth Bycatch Policy. AFMA’s
investment in science and applying the results informs decision making on fish stocks and the
impact of commercial fishing on the broader marine environment. AFMA will continue to
commission regular independent stock assessments for all key commercial species. We will also
continue to promote the investigation of new ways of assessing fish stocks.
COVID-19 and the resultant government and community responses have necessitated changes to
AFMA’s business, and this will persist in 2021/22. These changes apply across a range of aspects
of AFMA business, including workforce management; changes to our physical operation, especially
in respect of observers, compliance officers and domestic and international travel; and revised
decision making procedures and norms. AFMA will continue to uphold our legislated objectives
and government policy while continually looking for innovative ways to deal with COVID-related
challenges and support the fishing industry to do likewise.
The Australian Government has announced significant new resources for AFMA over the next four
years to modernise and integrate our key data management systems and to support greater
utilisation of internal business intelligence by both government and industry. This work builds on
and enhances our ongoing delivery of the Agency Data Capture platform. Funding announced will
also facilitate a large step-up in our independent monitoring program, including through additional
electronic monitoring and greater harnessing of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Work
will begin in earnest during 2021-22 and continue in the out-years, delivering substantial benefits to
both AFMA and the fishing industry, including through decreased regulatory burdens. AFMA will
approach these tasks through co-design and close consultation with industry and government
stakeholders.
AFMA aims to improve monitoring and reporting on our economic objective. In the coming year we
will develop a fisheries management paper that sets out the legislative and policy background to
AFMA’s economic objective (‘maximising the net economic returns to the Australian community
from the management of Australian fisheries’) and define terms that are to be used in future
discussions about this objective, including identifying the indicators on which AFMA’s performance
against this objective is to be assessed.
Compliance remains important for AFMA to ensure that the rights of licensed fishers are not
eroded or diminished and that the Australian community fully realises the benefits from a
management regime that delivers sustainability and profitability. To continue to operate an effective
domestic compliance regime using measures that are proportionate to the risks involved AFMA
will:
revise and implement the annual National Compliance and Enforcement Program
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broaden the scope of compliance and enforcement measures within the legislation AFMA
administers which are available for application
implement penalty provisions in legislation and making fisheries management
arrangements more uniform and understandable.
To counter pressures from illegal foreign fishing, AFMA will work with key partners such as
Maritime Border Command to implement multifaceted strategies to monitor and eliminate illegal,
unreported and unregulated (IUU) foreign fishing in Australian waters and on the high seas where
Australia has an interest. During 2021-22 we will undertake a review of international risks to
Australia’s fisheries management regime and update AFMA’s International Compliance and
Engagement Program. We will also update legislative instruments that reflect Australia’s
international fisheries obligations under international law.
Our continued participation in fisheries capacity building programs and information sharing with
neighbouring countries in the South East Asian region and the Pacific, and support of Australia’s
participation in key regional and international fishing bodies, will also enhance the level and quality
of action taken against IUU fishing.
AFMA’s costs impact on the level of industry profitability. Accordingly, a key focus for AFMA in
2021-22 will be to identify and implement initiatives that deliver efficient and cost-effective
management. We will also undertake a comprehensive review of our Cost Recovery
Implementation Statement in conjunction with the peak industry body.
Another key focus for AFMA in 2021-22 will be managing our relationships with commercial,
recreational and Indigenous stakeholders and the general public through the continued
implementation of a Stakeholder Engagement Framework and associated Communication Plan.
Benchmarking, utilising pop-up and annual surveys, working groups/interviews with key
stakeholders as well as collaboration with other government agencies will be activities during
2021-22. Of particular focus will be the new government directive for AFMA to take into account
interests of recreational and Indigenous fishers when managing commercial fisheries. Together
with enhancement of our current communication channels and exploring and implementing new
relevant channels to gain greater stakeholder feedback, will ensure that all of our relationships are
managed effectively and with transparency.
These and other regular activities identified elsewhere in the AFMA AOP for 2021-22 underscore
our commitment to cost-effectiveness, stakeholder engagement and accountability, reflecting the
importance of applying AFMA’s resources to best effect.
Helen Kroger Wez Norris
Chairman, AFMA Commission Chief Executive Officer
Accountable Authority of AFMA
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AFMA’s Performance Framework
Each year AFMA is required to prepare three planning documents and a performance reporting
document. In addition, AFMA undertakes an annual self-assessment of its regulatory operations
and performance. This AOP must be read in conjunction with AFMA’s Corporate Plan 2021-24 (the
Corporate Plan) and the Portfolio Budget Statement 2021-22 (PBS) for the Agriculture, Water and
the Environment portfolio. The AOP details the actions that AFMA will undertake during 2021-22 to
address the areas of focus in pursuing the corporate goals identified in the PBS and Corporate
Plan.
Portfolio Budget Statement Corporate Plan
The PBS describes the financial The Corporate Plan describes, in
resources that AFMA expects to use over greater detail than the PBS,
the next four years. The PBS also details AFMA’s corporate goals,
AFMA’s strategic direction and the strategies, and focus over the next
manner in which AFMA will measure four financial years.
performance over the next four financial
years.
Annual Operational Plan
The AOP explains the actions that AFMA will
undertake over the next 12 months to pursue the
areas of focus and deliver on the goals and
strategies identified in the Corporate Plan.
Annual Report/ Annual Performance Statement
The Annual Performance Statement is included as part of
AFMA’s Annual Report. The statement provides an
assessment of the extent to which AFMA has succeeded in
achieving its purpose.
Regulator Performance Framework
AFMA Commission Quarterly Reports
Section Plans
Figure 1 AFMA's performance framework
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Performance Measures
Measure Target:
1. The number of stocks for which management measures No change or increase
are based on species-appropriate scientific assessment
2. The percentage of species assessed as ‘residual High Risk’ No change or decrease
under Ecological Risk Assessment
Management of 3. The number of AFMA-only stocks assessed as ‘subject to Zero
Commonwealth overfishing’ in the ABARES Fishery Status Report
fisheries 4. AFMA advocates measures in relevant negotiations to
consistent with address stocks shared with states and territories that are Qualitative assessment
principles of assessed as ‘overfished’ or ‘subject to overfishing’ in the
ecological ABARES Fishery Status Report
sustainable 5. Status of Wildlife Trade Operations (WTOs) under the
development Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act All WTOs maintained
1999 (EPBC Act)
Maximise 6. The number of stocks with target reference points based No change or increase
net economic on MEY, an agreed proxy thereof or a multi-stock harvest
returns to the strategy
Australian 7. Net Economic Return, as assessed in the ABARES Status of Positive trend over
community from Fish Stocks Report previous 3 years
the management of
Commonwealth
fisheries
8. Treatment of identified domestic compliance risks as >90 percent of NCEP
outlined in the National Compliance and Enforcement performance targets met
Compliance with Program (NCEP)
Commonwealth 9. Incidence level of illegal foreign fishing vessels operating Lower than previous 10
fisheries laws and
in the Australian Fishing Zone year average
policies and
10. Compliance rate with international obligations as
relevant
international assessed in Regional Fisheries Management Organisation >90 per cent
fishing obligations (implemented by AFMA)
and standards
≤ 2005-06 once adjusted
Deliver 11. Cost recovery budget for CPI
effective, cost
efficient and 12. Corporate overheads compared to total budgetANNUAL OPERATIONAL PLAN 2021-2022 Resources and Performance Monitoring Budget In the delivery of these actions as well as undertaking more regular business in 2021-22, AFMA has budgeted for a total expenditure of $45.642 million, comprising $39.850 million in Departmental expenditure and $5.792 million on Administered activities (related to our role in the whole of government effort in detecting and deterring illegal foreign fishing). Of the Departmental expenditure, approximately $15.8 million (40 per cent) is expected to be recovered from the fishing industry, under a levy or fee for service basis. Staff Resources During 2021-22, AFMA will focus attention on developing and deploying our workforce capabilities strategically and continue to strengthen abilities in line with our future business needs. AFMA will implement a workforce plan that identifies the agency’s workforce capacity and capability to meet the measures and targets outlined in the Corporate Plan, now and into the future. The plan will include initiatives that respond to the challenges identified by AFMA during the next few years and, importantly, areas of focus specifically concerned with strengthening the people-related infrastructure of the organisation. AFMA aims to nurture a culture of continuous improvement in all aspects of people management through recruitment and retention strategies, redesign and restructure, change management, strong learning and development programs, improving diversity, developing networks that support employees and building a positive workplace culture. An effective workforce plan will deliver a diverse, robust and flexible workforce so that AFMA can respond quickly and efficiently to changes in government policy and legislation. Performance Monitoring Monitoring progress and accountability in delivering these outputs is a key responsibility for AFMA staff. Individual performance agreements and periodic reviews by managers, committees, Senior Executives, the Commission and stakeholders all help ensure that we remain on target. AFMA’s individual staff performance framework will be reviewed and revised this year. Each quarter the AFMA Commission will receive a report on progress against the strategic actions contained in this AOP. AFMA has substantially reviewed and amended the measures and performance indicators detailed in our Corporate Plan. Enhanced application of internal business metrics will also inform decisions by the Senior Executive and drive AFMA’s operating performance. In undertaking the actions listed in this AOP, we will continue to liaise with peak industry bodies such as the Commonwealth Fisheries Association (CFA) and use Management Advisory Committees (MACs) and Resource Assessment Groups (RAGs), along with other sector- specific bodies, including those for recreational and Indigenous fishers, to consult with stakeholders and obtain and disperse scientific, economic and other expert advice to address Commonwealth fisheries issues. Securing Australia’s fishing future AFMA.GOV.AU 8 of 24
1. Management of Commonwealth fisheries consistent with principles of ecologically
sustainable development
Related
Strategy Area of Focus Activities 2021-22 Measure
(primary)
1.1 Development and 1.1.1 Fisheries management Review harvest strategies in the Northern Prawn, Bass 1, 3, 4, 5, 6,
implementation of arrangements developed and Strait Central Zone Scallop and Small Pelagic Fisheries. 7
management arrangements implemented are consistent with
that enables the sustainable Commonwealth Fisheries Harvest Revise harvest strategies in the Southern Squid Jig and
Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fisheries
harvest of fish resources. Strategy Policy and Commonwealth
(SESSF).
Bycatch Policy.
1.1.2 Update AFMA’s Ecological Risk Revise and update Ecological Risk Management guiding 2
Management Framework to reflect documentation and processes.
improvements in supporting risk
assessment processes and improve
efficient application across fisheries.
1.2 Invest in science and 1.2.1 Commission independent stock Stock assessments undertaken for tiger and redleg 1, 7
apply results to inform assessments for all key commercial banana prawns, blue eye trevalla, blue grenadier,
decision making on species at least once every [3/5] deepwater shark east and west, jackass morwong, john
dory, mirror dory, orange roughy – east, oreo smooth –
management of fish stocks years.
other, pink ling, silver trevally and silver warehou and an
and the impact of commercial
update for flathead.
fishing on the broader marine
environment. Support research for assessments such as NPF fishing
power, acoustic surveys for orange roughy and blue
Heading 1 – Insert Document Title Here AFMA.GOV.AU 9 of 24ANNUAL OPERATIONAL PLAN 2021-2022
Related
Strategy Area of Focus Activities 2021-22 Measure
(primary)
grenadier and biomass survey for the Bass Strait Central
Zone Scallop Fishery to inform Total Allowable Catch
(TAC) setting process.
1.2.2 Each stock assessment RAG meetings as scheduled. 1, 7
commissioned is reviewed by a RAG.
1.2.3 Continue development of new Support work underway through Fisheries Research and 1, 11
cost-effective methods and Development Corporation (FRDC) and SESSF RAG.
approaches to inform decision
making.
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2. Maximise net economic returns to the Australian community from the management of
Commonwealth fisheries
Related
Measure
Strategy Areas of Focus Activities 2021-22
(primary)
2.1 Implement management 2.1.1 Set TAC or Total Allowable Effort Set Total Allowable Commercial Catch limits for: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
arrangements that seek to (TAE) levels for all major fisheries in five species in the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery
maximise net economic accordance with the Commonwealth four species in the Western Tuna and Billfish
returns to the Australian Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy. Fishery.
community from the two species in the Heard Island and McDonald
sustainable management of Islands Fishery.
Patagonian Toothfish in the Macquarie Islands
Commonwealth fisheries.
Toothfish Fishery.
Southern Bluefin Tuna in the Southern Bluefin Tuna
Fishery.
two species in the Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop
Fishery.
34 stocks in the SESSF.
two stocks in the East Coast Deepwater Trawl
Fishery.
seven stocks in the Small Pelagic Fishery.
Set the TAE for:
the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF).
the Southern Squid Jig Fishery.
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Related
Measure
Strategy Areas of Focus Activities 2021-22
(primary)
2.1.2 Work with commercial fishers on Engage industry through existing consultative fora to 7, 11, 13
the delivery of AFMA’s Data Strategy identify enhancements to AFMA’s data systems and
including enhancements to database expand AFMA’s Business Intelligence capability
systems to support the efficient including exploring possible tools and self-service
management of resources. capability for industry.
2.1.3 Monitor the impact of MEY estimated for the Tiger and Banana prawn 6, 7
management measures on the fisheries within the NPF.
economic performance of AFMA’s key
Continue focus on improving AFMA’s economic/financial
commercial stocks1 in its major
information (quota trade prices) and consider fishery-
fisheries2 (those with Fisheries
specific economic indicators (including licence values).
Management Plans).
2.2 Improve monitoring and 2.2.2 Develop a fisheries management FMP – Net Economic Returns – Interpretation and 6, 7
reporting on AFMA’s paper (FMP) that sets out the Performance Management approved by Commission.
economic objective. legislative and policy background to
AFMA’s economic objective
1 Key commercial stocks of a fishery as defined by the Commonwealth Fisheries Harvest Strategy Policy and Guidelines.
2 Under AFMA’s risk-cost-catch framework, consideration is given to the level of management required and whether it is proportional to the risk and catch in the fishery. Setting and pursuing MEY targets or
proxies generally incurs greater management costs.
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Related
Measure
Strategy Areas of Focus Activities 2021-22
(primary)
(‘maximising the net economic returns
to the Australian community from the
management of Australian fisheries’)
and define terms that are to be used in
future discussions about this objective,
including identifying the indicators on
which AFMA’s performance against
this objective is to be monitored and
assessed.
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3. Compliance with Commonwealth fisheries laws and policies and relevant international
fishing obligations and standards
Strategy Area of Focus Activities 2021-22 Related
Measure
(primary)
3.1 Operate an effective 3.1.1 Complete risk assessments for the Apply current risk assessment to develop the 8
domestic compliance domestic compliance program and 2021-22 NCEP.
regime to reduce harm implement measures to address key threat Apply key performance indicators to monitor incident
using measures that are areas. trends to assess whether compliance levels are
proportionate to the improving, levelling out or declining.
risks. Use a mixture of education and stakeholder
engagement strategies to promote voluntary
compliance and undertaking remedial action where
necessary, including the issuing of cautions,
warnings, infringements notices and the prosecution
of offenders, to deter non-compliant behaviour.
Collaborate with other regulatory and law
enforcement organisations to deliver compliance
activities.
3.1.2 Broaden the scope of compliance Introduce a suite of legislative amendments to the 8
and enforcement measures within the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 and the Torres Strait
legislation framework AFMA administers. Fisheries Regulations 1985 to strengthen compliance
measures.
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Strategy Area of Focus Activities 2021-22 Related
Measure
(primary)
3.1.3 Implement penalty provisions in Complete the consequential legislative measures to 8
legislation and making fisheries give effect to the recently passed Regulatory Powers
(Standardisation Reform) Act 2021.
management arrangements more uniform
and understandable. Review key licensing policies applicable to the Torres
Strait.
3.2 Detect and deter 3.2.1 Implement multifaceted strategies to Undertake a review of international risks to 10
illegal foreign fishing. monitor and eliminate IUU foreign fishing Australia’s fisheries management regime and update
AFMA’s International Compliance and Engagement
in Australian waters and on the high seas
Program.
where Australia has an interest.
Update legislative instruments that reflect Australia’s
international fisheries obligations under international
law.
3.2.2 Increase engagement with other Contribute subject matter expertise to engagement 9
Australian government and non- programs led by Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade (DFAT) and Department of Agriculture, Water
government agencies to build on maritime
and the Environment (DAWE).
domain awareness picture to inform risk-
based approaches to IUU fishing threats. Continue to deliver the fisheries component of
Australia’s monitoring and surveillance of the
Australian maritime domain, including through
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Strategy Area of Focus Activities 2021-22 Related
Measure
(primary)
support for the Australian Government Civil Maritime
Security Program.
Apply alternative measures to deter illegal foreign
fishing.
3.2.3 Engage with neighbouring countries Support the work of the International Monitoring, 9
and support key regional and international Control and Surveillance Network, including
fisheries bodies. participating in its Global Fisheries Enforcement
Training Workshop.
Deliver the last year of the DFAT funded Pacific
capacity building program and deliver components of
further programs as they are rolled out.
Participate in multilateral international fisheries
monitoring, control and surveillance operations.
Collaborate with international partners to assist in
COVID-19 recovery and COVID-19 safe responses
related to fisheries.
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4. Deliver effective, cost efficient and accountable management of Commonwealth fisheries
resources
Related
Strategy Area of Focus Activities 2021-22 Measure
(primary)
4.1 Enhance business 4.1.1 Utilise key reporting metrics, as Conduct a comprehensive review of the Cost 11, 12
processes and systems, outlined in the Corporate Plan, to ensure Recovery Implementation Statement (CRIS) in
information flows and AFMA’s cost recovery framework is consultation with the CFA.
financial management underpinned by the principles of: efficiency Provide financial reports to the Commonwealth
arrangements to improve and effectiveness; transparency and fishing industry of actual and budget cost recovery
business efficiency. accountability; and stakeholder expenditure by AFMA CRIS activity groups and by
engagement. individual fishery.
Provide information sessions with the fishing industry
(as required) to step them through the CRIS
document and the formulation of activity costs.
Make details of industry feedback on the draft
budget and CRIS available to industry in the form of
a change request register.
Review the structure and content of AFMA
Corporate and Annual Operating Plan, including
performance metrics.
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Related
Strategy Area of Focus Activities 2021-22 Measure
(primary)
4.2 Increase AFMA’s 4.2.1 Continue to engage with consultative Work with industry to seek reduced costs of doing 11, 13
performance, forums through both video conference business through remote meetings wherever
accountability and facilities and face to face meetings, as possible.
stakeholder necessary, drawing on lessons learned
engagement. during the COVID-19 pandemic.
4.2.2 Build internal business intelligence Commence the implementation of AFMA’s Data 7, 11
capability to enhance evidence-based Strategy: implement a Client Relationship
decisions and reduce regulatory burden. Management system, enhance and/or replace key
AFMA systems, continued expansion of the Agency
Data Capture platform.
4.2.3 Implement a co-management policy Consult with the CFA and other key fisheries peak 11,13
framework to help fishing industry groups bodies on a draft FMP for co-management. Finalise
engage with AFMA in sharing the FMP through its adoption by the AFMA
responsibilities for the sustainable Commission.
management of Commonwealth fisheries.
4.2.4 Implement AFMA’s Stakeholder Develop and implement strategies and tools to 13
Engagement Framework and enhance AFMA’s capability to monitor timely
Communications Plan. feedback from stakeholders.
Conduct benchmarking, pop-up and annual surveys.
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Related
Strategy Area of Focus Activities 2021-22 Measure
(primary)
Collaborate with other government agencies with
particular focus on recreational and Indigenous
fishers.
Participate/sponsor fisheries events that support
AFMA’s objectives and explore opportunities for
education campaigns.
4.2.5 Participate in the development of an Sponsor and support the FRDC project and continue Nil at this stage,
Indigenous fishing interest engagement to liaise closely with the FRC Indigenous Reference project will inform
strategy. Group. development of a
measure against
this objective.
4.2.6 Develop processes to enhance Work with key recreational fishing representatives to Nil at this stage,
recreational sector input to ensure that AFMA can obtain and understand project will inform
Commonwealth fisheries management.
recreational perspectives outside of issue-specific development of a
consultation through MACs. measure against
this objective.
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Related
Strategy Area of Focus Activities 2021-22 Measure
(primary)
4.3 Modernise and 4.3.1 Develop and broaden the Build on AFMA’s Agency Data Capture platform. 5, 6, 11, 12
integrate AFMA’s key application of independent
Consolidate and modernise AFMA’s internal business systems
data management electronic monitoring programs
that support fisheries management.
systems in line with across Commonwealth
AFMA’s Data Strategy to fisheries. Develop a scalable Technology Architecture that supports future
reduce regulatory use of artificial intelligence and machine learning capability
Enhance the Agency Data
burden, improve internal across AFMA’s business systems.
Capture platform, specifically
business intelligence and focusing on enhancing the Explore strategies to apply Business Insight (BI) methodology to
provide transparency of timely access of key data into support cost effectively manage Commonwealth fisheries.
data and information to AFMA. Progress the availability of data in the Microsoft Cloud, enabling
AFMA, the the use of a broader range of simplistic products allowing more
scientific/research staff to conduct business intelligence.
community, fishing
industry and the broader
Australian community.
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Related
Strategy Area of Focus Activities 2021-22 Measure
(primary)
4.3.2 Through the implementation of Deliver the Technology Architecture that supports 5, 6, 11, 12
AFMA’s Data Strategy, work with key AFMA Data Strategy outcomes, including the
government agencies (e.g., CSIRO, technical capability for sharing and accessing
ABARES, AMSA, AAD, BOM) to enhance relevant data across key government agencies to
AFMA’s ability to share and access support fisheries management decisions.
relevant data to maximise AFMA’s
capacity to achieve the agency’s
legislative objective.
4.3.3 Work through existing consultative Engage stakeholders through existing consultative 7, 13
arrangements to understand the needs of fora to identify key data and information sought by
stakeholders in relation to accessing and stakeholders and commence exploration of possible
utilising data for business purposes and to avenues for sharing this data.
reduce regulatory burden.
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Regular activities 2021-22
Management of domestic commercial fisheries (Goal 1)
Implement bycatch programs, strategies and monitoring activities
Educate fishing operators on fisheries management requirements
Collaborate with science organisations to better understanding fish stock dynamics,
bycatch and the marine environment
Administer MACs, RAGs and other sector specific bodies
Assess fisheries under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
including export approvals, develop Threatened, Endangered and Protected (TEP) species
management strategies
Administer Economic Working Group and ERM Steering Group
Research management (Goal 1)
Administer AFMA’s research program and contracts including the AFMA Research
Committee, developing/reviewing specific fishery research plans through MACs and RAGs
and participating in the FRDC’s Commonwealth Research Advisory Committee (COMRAC)
process by providing advice and priorities for potential funding
Ongoing identification of strategic research needs, development of priority scopes and
assessment of new research proposals
Research contract management
Communication (Goal 1-4)
In line with AFMA’s Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Plan produce
a range of communication and media material associated with AFMA’s programs,
strategies, consultations, research and activities, to promote understanding and recognition
by industry, stakeholders and the general public of AFMA’s continuing effectiveness in
pursuing the management of Commonwealth fisheries (Goal 1)
Publish data to data.gov.au with links via the afma.gov.au website, and communicate its
public availability via AFMA news stories and social media channels (Goal 2)
Monthly planned communications via website, SMS and social media targeting specific
compliance messages and including any court outcomes and/or penalties and the results of
any major/joint operations (Goal 3)
Communicate AFMA’s projects and innovations, latest updates to fisher applications and
services and opportunities for stakeholder engagement through AFMA’s digital
communication channels (Goal 4)
Data collection and management (Goal 2)
Administer e-monitoring across the Commonwealth commercial fishing fleet
Administer the AFMA observer program
Administer the vessel monitoring program across the Commonwealth commercial fishing
industry and some State managed commercial fishing vessels
Review data collection methods and, as necessary, arranging independent fishery surveys
as inputs to setting recommended biological catches and TACs
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Review the electronic monitoring program and associated policies and procedures to
ensure the program remains fit for purpose as a fisheries monitoring tool
Take into account traditional, Indigenous and non-commercial fisheries activities (Goal 2)
Consult with Indigenous and recreational fishers and other stakeholders in the
management of Commonwealth commercial fisheries to ensure their interests are taken
into account
Input into defining international treaty standards and developing regulation activities (Goal 3)
Engage with regional and bilateral partners to inform Australia’s participation in international
processes
Domestic fisheries compliance enforcement activities (Goal 3)
Undertake compliance activities in accordance with AFMA’s risk based approach
Foreign fisheries compliance enforcement and capacity building (Goal 3)
Combat illegal, unreported and unregulated foreign fishing in the Australian Fishing Zone
and Torres Strait Protected Zone and in international waters where Australia has an interest
Policy support (Goal 4)
Provide and develop advice and policy in accordance with the Fisheries Management Act
1991, the Fisheries Administration Act 1991, and other relevant legislation
Liaise with State/Territory agencies and other organisations on broader marine resource
policies and management with a focus on cost effectiveness
Review existing internal Policies and Guidelines to ensure that they are consistent with
Commonwealth legislation
Licensing / registration and revenue collection (Goal 4)
Improve AFMA’s business processing and administration systems associated with
Commonwealth licensing arrangements, with a focus on fee for service arrangements
where it is cost-effective to do so
Enhance issuing and reconciling levies and recovering levies
Other contributors to effective, cost efficient and transparent management and regulatory
arrangements (Goal 4)
Support AFMA’s operational activities by delivering effective and cost-efficient services
including financial management, human resource management, legal services, corporate
governance support (including security and risk management services), property and facility
management
Identify and implement opportunities to reduce regulatory burden and to improve internal
business operations
Develop new Regulatory Performance Measures in line with the Commonwealth’s revised
Regulatory Performance Guidelines
Build on the implementation of the agency Electronic Document Records Management
System (EDRMS), to further align to the Government’s Building Trust in the Public Record
policy and improve information management and internal business processes
Securing Australia’s fishing future AFMA.GOV.AU 23 of 24ANNUAL OPERATIONAL PLAN 2021-2022
Develop an enterprise-wide Information Management Framework
Monitor systems and implementing initiatives to further strengthen the Cyber Resilience of
the AFMA network in line with the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s Information Security
Manual and Essential 8 recommendations
Review and update appropriate Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF)
documentation as required.
Plans of Management
AFMA managed fisheries
Management plans for fisheries are established under the Fisheries Management Act 1991. They
provide the rules which often include how quotas are determined, what fishing gear can be used
and where you can fish. The rules aim to maintain the sustainability of fish stocks and minimise
impacts on the marine ecosystem as a whole while maximising net economic returns from the
management of Commonwealth fisheries.
During 2021-22, AFMA does not intend to determine or otherwise institute additional plans of
management for fisheries solely managed by AFMA, although some actions may result in
amendments to existing plans.
Jointly managed fisheries
AFMA develops management plans for fisheries on behalf of the Protected Zone Joint Authority
under the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984.
Contact Us
For further information about our activities, functions and services, please:
Visit the AFMA website
Email: info@afma.gov.au
Phone AFMA direct on 1300 723 621
Securing Australia’s fishing future AFMA.GOV.AU 24 of 24You can also read
