LOCAL cray fisherman Joel Redman has been appointed to the state’s new Fisheries Reform Advisory Committee, which will guide development of a reform package for the industry.
The 13-person advisory committee will work with the commercial sector and the State Government to explore potential reforms, including introducing zones, fleet rationalisation and the introduction of a modernised fisheries management system.
The committee will be the main source of advice to the State Government on a new management framework on the marine scalefish industry.
The complex fishery targets more than 60 species of fish using a range of gear types in coastal waters.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said while the reform specifically related to the commercial fishery, all sectors would benefit through improving outcomes for iconic species, including snapper, garfish, King George whiting and squid.
“The new committee has 12 members chosen for their expertise and fair representation across the commercial sector, as well as a member providing a recreational fishing perspective, an independent economist, technical fisheries management and science experts and an independent chair,” he said.
“A technical working group will support the advisory committee with analysis of the available information and fishery data and evaluating possible options for zoning, licence reduction and a more modernised fisheries management framework.”
Membership of the committee was determined by the minister with reference to advice from a selection panel involving a Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) representative, the independent chair and a representative of the Marine Fishers Association.
As the advisory committee develops reform options, consultation will be undertaken with all licence holders to ensure all fishers have the opportunity to have input to the reform process.
Periodic updates on the commercial reform will be posted to the PIRSA website.
