AFMA begins six-month trial of new monitoring device for fishing vessels

The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) is undertaking a six-month trial (to December 2023) of the use of a new e-monitoring device to meet standard VMS requirements inside the Australian Fishing Zone (AFZ).

Operators in the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery (ETBF), Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery (WTBF), and the Gillnet Hook and Trap (GHaT) Sector of the Southern and Eastern Scale fish and Shark Fishery (SESSF) are eligible to take part in the trial providing they meet the following requirements:

• Their vessel operates wholly within the AFZ (i.e., no fishing is conducted on the High Seas).
• The monitoring unit remains switched on at all times, including when the vessel is in port.

Operators wishing to take part in the trial are asked to contact the AFMA VMS team at ausvms@afma.gov.au or (02) 6225 5555.