For many years, Australians wanting to export Southern Bluefin Tuna have had to complete paperwork under the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT) Trade Information Scheme (TIS). One of the problems of the TIS was that it did not track domestic landings so Japan''s catch was not included.
From 1 January 2010, the SBT TIS will be replaced by the CCSBT’s new Catch Documentation Scheme (CDS), and the documents used in the TIS will no longer be recognised.
Unlike the TIS, the CDS will apply to all SBT domestically sold or exported, including those taken by Japan. Under the CDS, each fish - regardless of whether it is exported or not - will need to be tagged, weighed and measured, and have the correct accompanying documentation.
The new scheme will have impacts on fishers who catch SBT, people who sell SBT domestically, and those who export SBT.
The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) has written to SBT statutory fishing right (SFR) holders and fish receivers explaining the new arrangements and will be releasing new forms and a detailed information booklet shortly.
