Logbook Notice No. 13 - Torres Strait Beche-de-Mer and Trochus Fishery Logs

Overview

The Torres Strait Fisheries Regulations Logbook Notice No. 13, enacted in 1999, addresses the need for standardised logging of fishing activities in the Torres Strait Beche-de-Mer and Trochus Fisheries. This legislative instrument was introduced by Mark Vaile, the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, under the authority granted by subregulations 11(1) and 11(2) of the Torres Strait Fisheries Regulations. The primary policy objective is to ensure that comprehensive and accurate records are maintained to facilitate the management and sustainability of these fisheries. The regulation mandates the use of the BD01 logbook for recording catch information in these fisheries, effective from the notice's commencement and until 31 December 2001. This standardised logging aims to support the overarching goals of the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 by providing necessary data for effective fisheries management.

Scope and Application

The Torres Strait Fisheries Regulations Logbook Notice No. 13 applies to boats used for fishing in the Torres Strait Beche-de-Mer or Trochus Fisheries. Specifically, it mandates the use of the BD01 log to record information about the taking of beche-de-mer and trochus shell in these fisheries. This requirement applies from the date of the notice's commencement until 31 December 2001. The notice extends to the geographic area of the Torres Strait, within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia, as defined under the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984. It does not specify any exclusions, exemptions, or thresholds within the text. The regulations are applicable to all vessels engaged in the specified fisheries within the stipulated period, ensuring standardised record-keeping practices. Copies of the required BD01 log can be obtained from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Thursday Island Office.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Logbook Notice No. 13 (BD01) provide specific requirements regarding the use of logbooks for recording catches in the Torres Strait Beche-de-Mer and Trochus Fisheries. According to section 4, if beche-de-mer are taken in the Torres Strait Beche-de-Mer Fishery or trochus shell in the Torres Strait Trochus Fishery, the BD01 log must be used to record this information from the date of commencement of this notice. Section 5 mandates that the BD01 log must be used in accordance with subregulation 12(1) of the Torres Strait Fisheries Regulations until 31 December 2001. Additionally, section 6 specifies where copies of the BD01 Log can be obtained, namely from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Thursday Island Office. The obligations and requirements imposed by the Act on parties involved in the Torres Strait Fisheries are quite specific. Firstly, as per section 4, all fishers taking beche-de-mer in the Torres Strait Beche-de-Mer Fishery or trochus shell in the Torres Strait Trochus Fishery must record their catch using the BD01 log. This logbook must be used from the date of commencement of this notice. Section 5 clarifies the time frame during which the BD01 log must be used, extending until 31 December 2001. Furthermore, section 6 ensures accessibility to the BD01 Log by providing the contact details for obtaining copies, which is crucial for compliance with the regulations. In terms of offences, penalties, or consequences for non-compliance, the legislative instrument does not explicitly detail penalties within the provided text. However, non-compliance with the specified requirements for using the BD01 log to record catch information may lead to enforcement actions under the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984. Potential consequences could include fines, legal action, or other administrative penalties imposed by the relevant authorities for failing to adhere to the regulations governing the Torres Strait Fisheries.