Conversion Factor and Fishstock Code changes from 1 April 2007
A number of changes to conversion factors and fishstock codes for oreos and rays come into effect on 1 April 2007.
Oreos
The Fisheries (Conversion Factors) Amendment Notice 2007, which comes into effect on 1 April 2007, sets conversion factors for oreo species in the dressed (DRE) landed state as follows:
The Fisheries (Conversion Factors) Amendment Notice 2007, which comes into effect on 1 April 2007, sets conversion factors for oreo species in the dressed (DRE) landed state as follows:
- Smooth oreos (SSO) - 2.15
- Black oreos (BOE) - 2.35
- Warty oreos (WOE) - 2.35
- Spiky oreos (SOR) - 2.35
Previously, there was only a generic dressed conversion factor for oreos (OEO) of 2.25. Following consultation with stakeholders during the 2006 sustainability review, MFish agreed to set separate conversion factors for oreo species, based on there being a clear and significant difference in the conversion factors for dressed smooth and black oreos. The conversion factors for spiky and warty oreos were set at the same rate as for black oreos, as these three species are considered to be similar to each other.
The changes to conversion factors could not be implemented for the 1 October 2006 fishing year, as it was also necessary to amend the Fisheries (Reporting) Regulations 2001 to allow for separate oreo fishstock codes to be used on catch effort returns and monthly harvest returns. This means that OEO can now only be used on MHRs and therefore counted against ACE, the species specific code (i.e. SSO, BOE, WOE, SOR) must be used on catch effort forms and LFR returns.
This change is to be given effect by the Fisheries (Reporting) Amendment Regulations 2007, which will also come into effect on 1 April 2007.
The changes to conversion factors could not be implemented for the 1 October 2006 fishing year, as it was also necessary to amend the Fisheries (Reporting) Regulations 2001 to allow for separate oreo fishstock codes to be used on catch effort returns and monthly harvest returns. This means that OEO can now only be used on MHRs and therefore counted against ACE, the species specific code (i.e. SSO, BOE, WOE, SOR) must be used on catch effort forms and LFR returns.
This change is to be given effect by the Fisheries (Reporting) Amendment Regulations 2007, which will also come into effect on 1 April 2007.
Rays
The Fisheries (Conversion Factors) Amendment Notice 2007 also sets a conversion factor of 2.65 for rays landed in the wings state (WRS).
This change is designed to address an oversight in the Notice, which previously only set a conversion factor rate for skate species. The wings conversion factor for rays has been set at the same rate as that for skates, reflecting the anatomical and processing similarities between the two types of species.
Definitions of the dressed and wings landed states may be found in the Fisheries (Conversion Factors) Notice 2005.
For further information, contact: Robert Johnston, MFish Operations, Ph: (04) 470 2670.
The Fisheries (Conversion Factors) Amendment Notice 2007 also sets a conversion factor of 2.65 for rays landed in the wings state (WRS).
This change is designed to address an oversight in the Notice, which previously only set a conversion factor rate for skate species. The wings conversion factor for rays has been set at the same rate as that for skates, reflecting the anatomical and processing similarities between the two types of species.
Definitions of the dressed and wings landed states may be found in the Fisheries (Conversion Factors) Notice 2005.
For further information, contact: Robert Johnston, MFish Operations, Ph: (04) 470 2670.