Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

DECLARATION OF AN APPROVED WILDLIFE TRADE OPERATION – COMMONWEALTH EASTERN TUNA AND BILLFISH FISHERY, JUNE 2024

I, BELINDA JAGO, Branch Head, Ocean and Wildlife Branch, as Delegate of the Minister for the Environment and Water, hereby vary under paragraph 303FT(7)(b) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) the declaration of an approved wildlife trade operation dated 15 November 2023 for the Commonwealth Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery as defined in the management regime in force under the:

• Fisheries Management Act 1991 (Cth)
• Fisheries Management Regulations 2019 (Cth)
• Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery Management Plan 2020,

such that the condition specified in the Schedule to that declaration is varied as follows:

Delete the words:

Condition 5

By 30 July 2024, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority must:

a)      publish an updated Ecological Risk Assessment for the Commonwealth Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery using data that best reflects the management arrangements which the fishery currently operates within. The Australian Fisheries Management Authority should ensure the data used to inform the updated Ecological Risk Assessment includes fishing operations data collected since the implementation of electronic monitoring in the fishery

b)      continue to implement management actions to address and mitigate risks and impacts for species that are identified as high risk, including data collection for species that are assessed as high risk because of missing information.

and replace with the words:

Condition 5

By 19 February 2025, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority must:

a)      conduct and complete an updated Ecological Risk Assessment for the Commonwealth Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery and provide a copy of the completed assessment to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. The Ecological Risk Assessment must use data that reflects current management arrangements in the fishery, including fishing operation data collected since the implementation of electronic monitoring in the fishery.

b)      continue to implement management actions to address and mitigate risks and impacts for species that are identified as high risk, including data collection for species that are assessed as high risk because of missing information.

Dated this 10th day of June 2024

Belinda Jago

 ………….…….……………………….........

Delegate of the Minister for the Environment and Water

Notes:                                                                                                                                                                           

1. Under the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975, a person whose interests are affected by this decision may apply for a statement of reasons and for independent review of the decision. An application for a statement of reasons may be made in writing to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water within 28 days of the date of the declaration. An application for independent review may be made to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal on payment of the relevant fee within 28 days of the date of the declaration, or if reasons are sought, within 28 days of receipt of reasons. Further information may be obtained from the Director, Sustainable Fisheries Section, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Email: sustainablefisheries@dcceew.gov.au.