Call for Public Comment - Varying the Threat Abatement Plan 2006 for the incidental catch (or bycatch) of seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations

Overview

The Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities is calling for public comment on the proposed variation to the Threat Abatement Plan 2006 for the incidental catch (or bycatch) of seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations. This consultation is in response to the need to address the key threatening process of seabird bycatch in Australian waters, which is listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The proposed variation outlines research, management and other actions aimed at mitigating the impact of longline fishing operations on seabirds. Submissions are invited until 31 October 2013, with instructions and the consultation paper available via the Department’s website. This initiative seeks to gather insights from stakeholders to refine and enhance the measures intended to protect seabirds, reflecting a commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable fishing practices.

Scope and Application

The C2013G01137 (Gazette) relates to the proposed variation of the Threat Abatement Plan (TAP) 2006 for the incidental catch (or bycatch) of seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations in Australian waters. This Act applies to all entities and individuals involved in oceanic longline fishing operations, as well as any other stakeholders with an interest in the conservation of seabirds and the sustainability of the fishing industry. The scope of the Act encompasses the geographic and jurisdictional reach of Australian waters, ensuring that measures are implemented to mitigate the impact of fishing on seabirds across the entire national maritime zone. The consultation process for the proposed variation of the TAP is open to public comment, inviting input from interested parties to help refine the strategies and actions outlined in the draft. This process ensures a collaborative approach to environmental management and reflects the commitment to reducing the bycatch of seabirds. The Act does not explicitly mention exclusions or exemptions, but the consultation process allows for consideration of any specific circumstances or sectors that may need to be addressed. The application of the TAP can be extended or restricted through subordinate instruments, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to emerging data and technological advancements in fishing practices.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Gazette C2013G01137 pertain to the public consultation process for varying the Threat Abatement Plan (TAP) 2006, which was initially established to address the incidental catch of seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations (section 1). This consultation paper invites written submissions from interested groups and individuals, seeking their input on the proposed changes to the TAP (section 2). The objective of these variations is to outline further research and management actions aimed at mitigating the impact of longline fishing on seabird populations within Australian waters (section 3). The Act imposes certain obligations on parties who are required to provide their submissions within the specified three-month period, which concludes on 31 October 2013 (section 4). Submissions can be sent via email to seabirdTAP@aad.gov.au or by post to the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Australian Antarctic Division (section 5). Furthermore, individuals and groups are encouraged to review the consultation paper available on the Department's website and follow the provided instructions to complete their submissions (section 6). There are no explicit offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance with the consultation process as outlined in the Gazette. However, the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities may consider the feedback and input received during the consultation when making decisions about the variation of the TAP (section 7). Additionally, the final decision on the variation of the TAP will be based on the best available scientific evidence and will take into account the potential impact on both seabird populations and the fishing industry (section 8).