Summary

Abstract: This paper updates the SIOFA Scientific Committee on Australia's bottom fishing impact assessment for the SIOFA area. We have revised the historic Australian fishing footprint to include a small amount of fishing effort which was not included in the original footprint presented to SIOFA (Williams et al. 2011; Delegation of Australia 2018), and take into account updated bathymetric data. We also provide an assessment of Australia's intention to undertake fishing using integrated weight longline to target Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) on Williams Ridge, according to CMM 2019/05, and potting for spiny lobsters (Palinurus spp. and Jasus paulensis) within its historical fishing footprint, from 2020/21. Recommendations (working papers only): It is recommended that the SC: • Notes that in accordance with CMM 2019/01, paragraph 23, the SC shall consider and provide advice on bottom fishing impact assessments (BFIA) submitted under paragraph 22b or 27b, whether each BFIA meets an appropriate standard in light of international standards and the SIOFA Bottom Fishing Impact Assessment Standard, and formulates this advice for Australia's updated BFIA.

Authors:Welsford D. Ziegler P. Maschette D. Sumner M. Published in: 2020 Category 2: International meeting papers Program area: Southern Ocean Ecosystems
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Welsford D., Ziegler P., Maschette D., Sumner M. (2020) Bottom Fishing Impact Assessment (BFIA) for planned fishing activities by Australia in the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) Area – 2020 Update, 5th Meeting of the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) Scientific Committee 30 March to 3 April 2020, La Reunion SC-05-17, 17pp; https://siofa.org/sites/default/files/documents/meetings/SC-05-17 BFIA-update-Australia.pdf;
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