Great Australian Bight Trawl Sector Management Advisory Committee

The Great Australian Bight Trawl Sector Management Advisory Committee (GABMAC) is the principal forum where issues relating to the sector are discussed, problems identified and possible solutions developed. GABMAC also provides an avenue for consultation between industry, managers, researchers, environment/conservation and state government officers. GABMAC continues to be AFMA's main source of advice on the management of the Fishery. GABMAC holds an annual public meeting each year. MACs are a major source of advice to AFMA, reflecting the experience and expertise of the range of stakeholders with interest in the fishery or fisheries covered by the MAC. MACs play a vital role in helping AFMA to fulfil its legislative functions and effectively pursue its objectives by acting as the main advisory body and link between AFMA and those with an interest in the fishery . The Committees also provide advice to AFMA on a variety of issues including fisheries management arrangements, research, compliance and management costs. In general, MACs provide a forum where issues relating to a fishery are discussed, problems identified and possible solutions developed. The outcomes of these deliberations determine the recommendations that the MAC will make to the AFMA Commission. Generally, MACs are made up of members from commercial industry, fisheries management, the recreational fishing sector, the scientific community, the environment/conservation sector and, in some instances, the state governments.