Fish receiver inspection finds high compliance

Australian Management Fisheries Authority (AFMA) fisheries officers were deployed between 3-6 February 2014 to conduct fish receiver inspection and audit activity in Tasmania. Over the course of four days the officers covered 1500km and visited 28 fish receiver permit holders in nine different ports.

Compliance rates were generally high, but three minor offences were detected and another fish receiver was found to have been receiving fish without a fish receiver permit. This matter has been referred for further compliance action.

The officers spent time with each fish receiver permit holder explaining the importance of their role as independent verifiers of Commonwealth catch, as well as the importance of returning catch documentation to AFMA in a timely manner. An audit on previous month catch returns was conducted as part of these visits. Officers also spent time explaining the 28 day quota reconciliation policy with fish receivers and explained how important it was for fish receivers to lodge their verified weights with AFMA within the required timeframe.