Australia's oceans face a variety of threats, and good regulation and knowledge are essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of the country's fisheries. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is responsible for conducting environmental assessments under federal law for fisheries that are seeking approval to export, or to operate in Commonwealth waters. Based on our experience conducting environmental assessments for more than 150 Australian fisheries, this presentation will illustrate trends in fishery management and emerging challenges for regulators and managers.
The department uses a range of scientific and fishery information to inform its environmental assessments. Given increasing expectations around social license to operate and increasing risks to species and ecosystems – the information the department needs to inform assessments and demonstrate sustainability are also evolving. We will look at how this information is collected, used, and how fisheries managers and the department balance risk, cost and catch in ensuring Australia’s fisheries remain sustainable for generations to come.