Closures Review in the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF)

This dataset contains information on closures collected from various NPF Management meetings, from the 1970's to 2004 (see below). Information was collected on why closures were proposed, evidence presented, and reasons why the proposals were accepted, rejected or modified. Emphasis is placed on obtaining information on why a closure was instigated, and the reasons why closures undergo subsequent modification. Scientific research carried out within or near each closures is also listed. Data were collected for closures that already existed at the time of database creation (2004), and it is planned that data collection will be ongoing, subject to funding and personnel availability. The data collected is linked to an existing GIS database containing spatial information on gazetted closures. Data sources for the historical review included: NORPAC/ NORMAC agendas and minutes, 1982 - 2004; Northern Fisheries Council documentation; Closures Task Force /Closure Committee minutes; Departmental Correspondence; Government Gazettes; AFMA NPF Directions; NPF publications (e.g. Pownall, 1994); Meeting notes kept by some research representatives on the above committees. The project objectives were: a. Identify the reasons for the designation of each closure and any information from research surveys that are available to evaluate the reasoning (including instances where no information exists). b. Develop agreed criteria to classify the different types of closures in the fishery. c. Develop and document protocols and criteria to be used to review (change or remove) an existing closure. d. Develop and document protocols and criteria to be used to establish new closures in the fishery. e. Provide Industry with succinct information that allows the consideration of the implementation, success and future advantage of the current closures.