The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) plans to implement statutory fishing right conditions for longline fishing in the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery (ETBF) that will make it compulsory for vessels to carry fishing line cutters and de-hookers.

AFMA Senior Management Officer David Power displays the line cutter and de-hooker that will be handed out to operators during port visits in the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery

AFMA Senior Management Officer David Power displays the line cutter and de-hooker that will be handed out to operators during port visits in the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery

Fishing line cutters and de-hookers can be used by fishers to safely and effectively remove bycatch species caught on longlines, thereby improving the survival of these species.

To assist operators to comply with the new requirements AFMA will be distributing line cutters and de-hookers at port visits in the ETBF but in future all vessels will be required to purchase and carry the prescribed line cutters and de-hookers.

The port visits will take place between 29 June-1 July 2011 at Mooloolaba, Forster, Coffs Harbour, Port Stephens and Sydney, depending on the location of the ETBF fleet.

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