Small Pelagic Fishery, Southern Squid Jig Fishery, Commonwealth Trawl Sector and Gillnet, Hook and Trap Sectors Management Advisory Committee

In 2009, the South East Trawl MAC (SETMAC) and the Gillnet Hook and Trap MAC (GHATMAC) were combined to form the South East Management Advisory Committee (SEMAC). SEMAC provides management advice to AFMA on the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF). In July 2010 SEMAC's role was expanded to include providing management advice for the Small Pelagic Fishery (formerly the responsibility of the SPFMAC) and the Southern Squid Jig Fishery (formerly the responsibility of the Squid MAC). 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. MACs 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. MACs are made up of members from commercial industry, fisheries management, the scientific community, the recreational fishing sector, the environment/conservation sector and, in some instances, the state governments.