Decision Record
1. Grant of scientific permit for Spanish mackerel survey research
1.1. The PZJA AGREED to grant a permit for scientific purposes to James Cook University (JCU) to enable the continuation of research in the Torres Strait Finfish (Spanish Mackerel) Fishery—except in waters adjacent to Ugar unless supported by the community—in accordance with section 12(1) of the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984;
1.2. The PZJA AGREED for the Chair to sign the permit for scientific purposes to give effect to the decision;
1.3. The PZJA NOTED that it was initially intended for the proposed research to be conducted in the 2015-16 fishing season however due to delays in granting the scientific permit the research was postponed until the 2016-17 fishing season;
1.4. The PZJA NOTED that on 19 September 2014 the PZJA granted a permit for scientific purposes to the JCU to conduct the first year of the research activities. That permit expired on 31 December 2014; and
1.5. The PZJA NOTED outcomes of native title notification undertaken in 2015.
2. Traditional inhabitant training program – issue of developmental permit
2.1. The PZJA AGREED to grant a Permit for Developmental Purposes under Section 12 of the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 to facilitate skills training for Traditional Inhabitants;
2.2. The PZJA AGREED for the Chair to sign the Permit for Developmental Purposes to give effect to the decision;
2.3. The PZJA NOTED that the applicant was granted a developmental permit for the same purpose on 11 November 2014. That permit expired on 31 December 2015;
2.4. The PZJA NOTED that the expired developmental permit authorised non-Traditional Inhabitants to be on board a vessel licenced to a Traditional Inhabitant to train Traditional Inhabitant crew; and
2.5. The PZJA NOTED that due to delays in the PZJA decision making process, AFMA authorised, through a variation to Mr Cedric Pearson’s Processor-Carrier C Boat Licence, an interim arrangement allowing a restricted level of training and operational support until the PZJA considers his developmental permit application.
3. Sunsetting instruments – trochus and Spanish mackerel
3.1. The PZJA AGREED to make the following instruments:
a. Fisheries Management Notice No. 13, Torres Strait Trochus Fishery, prohibitions relating to the taking, processing and carrying of trochus (gear and size restrictions); and
b. Fisheries Management Notice No. 14, Torres Strait Spanish Mackerel Fishery, prohibitions relating to the taking, processing and carrying of Spanish mackerel (gear and size restrictions and take and carry limit)
3.2. The PZJA AGREED for the Chair to sign the instruments to give effect to the decision above;
3.3. The PZJA NOTED that the instruments replace without change, a recently expired instrument for the trochus fishery (1 April 2016) and an instrument for Spanish mackerel fishery that is scheduled to expire on 1 October 2016
3.4. The PZJA NOTED that AFMA wrote to all trochus and Spanish mackerel licence holders and members of the finfish and hand collectable working groups inviting comment on the proposed remaking of the instruments; and
3.5 The PZJA NOTED the native title notification responses about the remaking of the instruments.