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The objectives of the Fisheries Management Act 2007 (the Act) make it clear that the sustainable management of our fisheries resources is paramount and that it is only within a sustainable management framework that these resources can be developed for the benefit of the community as a whole.
Protection from over-exploitation is set out as the primary principle of the legislation. The Act also sets out a number of other principles that need to be weighed up when making decisions under the legislation, including the requirement to explicitly allocate access to aquatic resources between users of the resource and provide for optimal utilisation and equitable distribution of aquatic resources between user groups. Development of new resources and value adding of existing resources is encouraged.
The principles that guide decision-making under the Act also require that commercial, recreational and Aboriginal traditional fishing activities be fostered and that aquatic ecosystems on which fisheries rely for their productivity are not endangered or irreversibly damaged.
The success of wild fisheries management in South Australia to date can be attributed to the science-based and precautionary approach taken to management decisions. This has occurred through close, transparent and formal consultation with industry groups and the broader community through Fishery Management Committees and other processes.
The co-management approach continues under this Act with the establishment of a Fisheries Council to provide advice to the Minister on the management of fisheries, whether for commercial use, recreational use, or for Aboriginal traditional fishing purposes.
The Fisheries Council is expertise-based and has ten members appointed by the Governor, plus the Director of Fisheries as an ex-officio member. The Council has a broad advisory role and key responsibility for the preparation and maintenance of fishery management plans.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN
FOR THE LAKE EYRE BASIN FISHERIES
The Fisheries Council of South Australia has prepared a draft management plan and summary report for the Lake Eyre Basin Fisheries. Pursuant to s44(3)(b) of the Fisheries Management Act 2007 the Fisheries Council is releasing the draft plan and report for public consultation for a period of three months.
A public meeting will be held for the draft Lake Eyre Basin Fisheries management plan on Wednesday 30 May 2012 at the North Adelaide Golf Course, Strangways Terrace North Adelaide from 7.00pm to 8.30pm and Wednesday 6 June 2012 at the Port Augusta Golf Club, Hamilton Road, Port Augusta from 7.00pm to 8.30pm. Please register your attendance by 23 May 2012 by emailing kylie.leppa@sa.gov.au or calling (08) 8226 8103.
A public hearing will also be held at the conclusion of the public consultation period on Thursday 23 August 2012 at Level 14, 25 Grenfell Street Adelaide from 10.30am - 11.30am, in which interested persons may appear to be heard in relation to the draft management plan and the submissions received. Please register your attendance by 16 August 2012 by emailing, merilyn.nobes@sa.gov.au or calling (08) 8226 2065.
The Fisheries Council invites interested persons and organisations to make written submissions by 17 August 2012. The draft plan and report, together with any written submissions received, will be available for inspection at Level 14, 25 Grenfell Street, Adelaide, during business hours.
Copies of the draft plan, report and feedback forms are available in the management plan section on this website or contact Kylie Leppa, Executive Officer, Boards and Committees, Fisheries and Aquaculture on (08) 8226 8103.
Catherine Cooper
CHAIR
FISHERIES COUNCIL OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA
