Draft Cross-endorsement Guidelines now open for public comment

The Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) has agreed to release the draft Guidelines for authorising cross-endorsement in areas of Australian jurisdiction of the Torres Strait Protected Zone (the draft Guidelines) for public comment.

These Guidelines have been prepared by AFMA and supported by the PZJA with the intention to provide guidance on the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s (AFMA) consideration of nominations from the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Government for PNG boats to be authorised to fish in a Protected Zone commercial fishery within areas of Australian jurisdiction, in accordance with the Torres Strait Treaty. This activity is commonly referred to as ‘cross-endorsement’.

The draft Guidelines outline the requirements for applying for cross-endorsement and the conditions that will apply. In doing so, the draft Guidelines are expected to assist the PNG Government and the fishing industry in the preparation of nominations for cross-endorsement.

The PZJA looks forward to hearing from stakeholders on the draft Guidelines. Download a copy of the draft Guidelines here. 

Make a written submission

All submissions need to be submitted to AFMA by close of business on 13 January 2023.

Submissions can be sent to:

            AFMA                                                                      
            PO Box 376
            Thursday Island QLD 4875
            Australia

            Or by fax to 07 4069 1277

            Or by email to fisheriesti@afma.gov.au

Please note that all written submissions will be made public unless confidentiality is requested.
 

Make a submission over the phone

If you wish to provide your views on the phone, please call the AFMA Thursday Island office on 07 4069 1990.