ARMA update May 2023: Draft Regulations out for consultation.
As outlined in last month’s newsletter, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is working hard to ensure the new fisheries legislation, the Aquatic Resources Management Act 2016 (ARMA), will come into effect on 1 November 2023.
In preparation to transition to the new Act, DPIRD has provided all sector bodies the following draft Regulations for their information and comment.
- Draft Aquatic Resources Management Regulations 2023 (draft general Regulations); and
- Draft Aquatic Resources Management (Abrolhos Islands) Regulations 2023
DPIRD has advised sector bodies that the purpose of releasing the draft Regulations is to present an opportunity for key stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the structure of the new legislation, identify any anomalies or questions regarding the transition of existing Regulations and provide feedback on areas of new policy.
Furthermore, DPIRD has recognised that the management plans for the Abrolhos Islands Reserve and Fish Habitat Protection Area will necessitate further consultation and review, which in turn is expected to drive further changes to the Regulations in coming years. In this regard, please note that the draft Regulations do not propose changes to regulation of tourism activities. These matters require further development in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Important note
Unfortunately, WAFIC does not have permission to publish both sets of draft Regulations on the WAFIC website however, DPIRD have advised that they will make both copies available upon request.
As such, please email DPIRD at [email protected] if you would like to obtain a copy of the draft Regulations, or if you would like to find out more information.
WAFIC’s process to provide feedback
WAFIC has established an ARMA Industry Working Group, which includes a broad range of industry experts and representatives across our sector and provides WAFIC with high level industry advice to assist with our representations to government regarding ARMA related policies, subsidiary legislation, communications and engagement.
WAFIC’s ARMA Industry Working Group has been briefed by DPIRD on the draft general Regulations and are now working towards providing high level feedback to DPIRD by 31 May.
DPIRD’s Stakeholder Reference Group have been briefed on the draft Abrolhos Regulations and it is understood the Bodies Corporate Committee will soon be briefed.
Feedback due
Please note that feedback and comments on the draft Aquatic Resources Management Regulations 2023 are due by 31 May 2023, and for the draft Aquatic Resources Management (Abrolhos Islands) Regulations 2023 by 8 June 2023.
All feedback is to be submitted via email to DPIRD at [email protected].
Again, please email DPIRD at [email protected] if you would like to obtain a copy of the draft Regulations, or if you would like to find out more information.
For general information about ARMA please see DPIRDs website here. For a copy of ‘ARMA FAQs’ please visit here.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Laura Orme at WAFIC, on [email protected]