The 2021 tiger prawn season officially opens on 1 August 2021 in the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF).
To ensure all operators are up to date with the NPF requirements the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) will be attending key ports to conduct pre-season briefings in late July 2021. Operators are encouraged to attend the briefings with AFMA Fisheries Officers, Fisheries Management Staff, and representatives from the Northern Prawn Fishery Industry (NPFI).
Pre-season briefings will be conducted at the following locations:
Port | Date and Time | Location |
Cairns | 3pm Saturday 24 July 2021 | Cairns – Austral Fisheries Office |
Darwin | 9am Sunday 25 July 2021 | Vibe Hotel Darwin Waterfront |
Karumba | 3pm Monday 26 July 2021 | Karumba – Raptis Office |
AFMA Fisheries Officers will be inspecting NPF vessels to check their compliance with the NPF Directions and Closures 2021 including; mandatory turtle exclusion devices (TEDs) and changes to the requirements for bycatch reduction devices (BRDs).
To provide NPF Operators with guidance on what to expect during a TED inspection, AFMA has produced a video that operators are encouraged to watch. TEDs are designed to help turtles swim out of fishing nets if they are accidentally caught. Find more information about TEDs on the AFMA website.
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The pre-season briefings will also provide operators and fleet managers an opportunity to discuss other changes to the NPF Directions and Closures 2021, such as; how to accurately report broodstock collection, vessel monitoring system requirements, logbook/e-logs and reporting obligations.
The NPF is one of Australia’s most valuable fisheries, therefore understanding and following the rules and regulations will ensure the future sustainability of the fishery.
