The Public Consultation period on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority “Draft Policy on Fish Aggregating Devices and Artificial Reefs” ends 13th April 2023.

AFTA urges members and the broader recreational fishing community to review the a Draft Policy on Fish Aggregating Devices and Artificial Reefs and to make submissions.

Important to note:  AFTA recognises that currently there are no Fish Attracting Devices (FAD’s) or purposed Artificial Reefs (AR) within the GBRMP, there are of course reefs, artificial in nature, that have come to being through the tragic loss of vessels and aircraft throughout time.

AFTA recognises the importance of the GBR, the need for sustainability and acknowledge that sustainability comes through protection of both the reef itself and the fish stocks.

Consultation feedback being considered:

The opportunity for the public to comment on a proposal is an important part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s environmental assessment and consultative processes. Interested parties are invited to contact us for more information or to make a written submission in relation to the proposal.

The below proposals are in different phases of the consultative processes.

Draft Policy on Fish Aggregating Devices and Artificial Reefs — Invitation to comment

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has prepared a Draft Policy on Fish Aggregating Devices and Artificial Reefs to provide clarity on its policy position regarding fish aggregating devices (FADs) and artificial reefs in the Commonwealth Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The draft policy harnesses multiple lines of evidence, as listed in the policy itself, including the best available science.

We now invite comments about the draft policy.

Consultation Period: Wednesday, 11 January 2023, until 5pm Thursday, 13 April 2023.

How to make a submission: Feedback can be emailed to consultation@gbrmpa.gov.au; or posted to Marine Park Policy, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, PO Box 1379, Townsville, Qld 4810.

Information about how the Reef Authority collects and handles personal information you provide as part of a public consultation process can be found in our privacy policy. See the Reef Authority’s Privacy Collection Notice below.

Contact us: If you wish to discuss the draft policy, you can contact the Marine Park Policy team at policyandplanning@gbrmpa.gov.au and we will arrange to call you directly.

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