The release of the first SAFS reports in 2012 demonstrated the value and impact of national fisheries reporting. In order to build on this and establish a strategic, longer-term legacy it is critical that the process is evaluated and the next edition planned. The current proposal is critical to developing the mechanisms needed to establish the reports as on-going and build towards the broader elements of national fisheries status reporting.

This proposal builds on the investment in the inaugural reports, facilitating feedback from end-users and those directly involved in production. It also provides a forum for agreeing on processes for the second edition of the SAFS reports (tentatively scheduled for 2014) and future companion reports that will contribute to establishing national fishery status reporting.

While the initial reports focused on target species, there is a longer term need to build reporting frameworks on other aspects of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD), such as the effects of fishing on the marine environment, economic performance, governance and/or social good. Elements of this are already underway through complementary projects, and this proposal will identify and focus on the key gaps.

Complimentary projects with a national focus on fisheries include:

2010/061 ‘Development of a national harvest strategy framework’ (PIRSA)
2013/023 ‘Develop a draft Australian Standard for responsible fishing on vessels to improve public perception of the commercial fishing industry’ (SSA)
2012/746 ‘Seafood CRC: preliminary investigation of internationally recognised Responsible Fisheries Management Certification’ (Sydney-Fish-Market)
2013/024 ‘Professionalising industry - NSW pilot’ (Oceanwatch)
2011/513 ‘Status of key Australian fish stocks reports’ (ABARES)
Review of the Commonwealth policy on fisheries bycatch (DAFF)
Review of the Commonwealth Harvest Strategy Policy (DAFF)
2010/046 ‘Improving the Management of Bycatch: Development and Testing of Standards for the Effective Mitigation of Bycatch in Commonwealth Fisheries’ (ABARES)
2010/040 'National social objectives and indicators guide' (FRDC)