{"id":"F2005B02463","name":"Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery Management Plan 2003","slug":"southern-and-eastern-scalefish-and-shark-fishery-management-plan-2003","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":32758,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2005B02463-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Area of Commonwealth South East Trawl Sector","content":"## 4 Area of Commonwealth South East Trawl Sector\n\n    The area of the Commonwealth South East Trawl Sector is the part of the AFZ that is within the area bounded by a line beginning at the intersection of the outer limit of the coastal waters of New South Wales with the parallel of latitude 33 34 54 S, and running progressively as described in the following table (excluding any coastal waters).\n\n| Item | Description                                                                                                                                                     |\n| ---- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| 1    | East along that parallel to its intersection with the meridian of longitude 156 10 04 E                                                                      |\n| 2    | South along that meridian to its intersection with the outer limit of the AFZ                                                                                   |\n| 3    | Generally southerly and westerly along that outer limit to its intersection south of Australia with the meridian of longitude 138 08 05 E                    |\n| 4    | North along that meridian to its intersection with the outer limit of the coastal waters of South Australia                                                     |\n| 5    | Generally easterly and northerly along the outer limit of the coastal waters of South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales to the point where the line began |\n\n## 5 Area of East Coast Deepwater Trawl Sector\n\n    The area of the East Coast Deepwater Trawl Sector is the part of the AFZ bounded by a line beginning at 24 29 54 S, 154 40 04 E, and running progressively as described in the following table (excluding waters within 25 nautical miles of the coastline of Lord Howe Island and Balls Pyramid at low water).\n\n| Item | Description                                                                                                                   |\n| ---- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| 1    | South along that meridian to its intersection with the parallel of latitude 29 59 54 S                                     |\n| 2    | South‑westerly along the geodesic to 33 34 54 S, 153 16 58 E                                                            |\n| 3    | East along that parallel to its intersection with the meridian of longitude 156 10 04 E                                    |\n| 4    | South along that meridian to its intersection with the outer limit of the AFZ                                                 |\n| 5    | Generally south‑easterly and northerly along that outer limit to its intersection with the parallel of latitude 24 29 54 S |\n| 6    | West along that parallel to the point where the line began                                                                    |\n\n## 6 Area of Tasmanian Rock Lobster Sector\n\n    The area of the Tasmanian Rock Lobster Sector is the part of the AFZ bounded by a line beginning at 39 59 55 S, 140 57 59 E, and running progressively as described in the following table.\n\n| Item | Description                                                                                                                        |\n| ---- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| 1    | South along that meridian to its intersection with the outer limit of the AFZ                                                      |\n| 2    | Generally southerly, easterly and northerly along that outer limit to its intersection with the parallel of latitude 39 11 54 S |\n| 3    | West along that parallel to its intersection with the meridian of longitude 143 40 05 E                                         |\n| 4    | South along that meridian to its intersection with the parallel of latitude 39 59 55 S                                          |\n| 5    | West along that parallel to the point where the line began                                                                         |\n\n## 7 Area of South Australian Coastal Waters Sector\n\n    The area of the South Australian Coastal Waters Sector is the coastal waters of South Australia.\n\n## 8 Area of Tasmanian Coastal Waters Sector\n\n    The area of the Tasmanian Coastal Waters Sector is the coastal waters of Tasmania.\n\n## 9 Area of Victorian Coastal Waters Sector\n\n    The area of the Victorian Coastal Waters Sector is the coastal waters of Victoria, except the following areas, as described in Schedule Seven of the National Parks Act 1975 of Victoria, as in force at the commencement of this Management Plan:\n\n(a) Bunurong Marine National Park;\n\n(b) Ninety Mile Beach Marine National Park;\n\n(c) Point Addis Marine National Park;\n\n(d) Point Hicks Marine National Park;\n\n(e) Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park;\n\n(f) Wilsons Promontory Marine National Park.\n\nPart 3 Zones of the fishery\n\n1 Gemfish and deepwater shark eastern zone\n\n    The gemfish and deepwater shark eastern zone of the fishery is the part of the fishery that is within the area bounded by a line beginning at the southernmost intersection of the meridian of longitude 146 22 00 E with the coastline of Victoria at low water, and running progressively as described in the following table (excluding waters within 25 nautical miles of the coastline of Lord Howe Island and Balls Pyramid at low water).\n\n| Item | Description                                                                                                                                                                    |\n| ---- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| 1    | South along that meridian to its intersection with the northern coastline of Tasmania at low water                                                                             |\n| 2    | Generally easterly, southerly, westerly and northerly along the coastline of Tasmania at low water to its westernmost intersection with the parallel of latitude 42 00 00 S |\n| 3    | West along that parallel to its intersection with the outer limit of the AFZ                                                                                                   |\n| 4    | Generally southerly, easterly and northerly along that outer limit to its intersection with the parallel of latitude 24 29 54 S                                             |\n| 5    | West along that parallel to its intersection with the meridian of longitude 154 40 04 E                                                                                     |\n| 6    | South along that meridian to its intersection with the parallel of latitude 29 59 54 S                                                                                      |\n| 7    | South‑westerly along the geodesic to 33 34 54 S, 153 16 58 E                                                                                                             |\n| 8    | West along that parallel to its intersection with the outer limit of the coastal waters of New South Wales                                                                     |\n| 9    | Generally southerly along that outer limit to its intersection with the boundary between the adjacent areas of New South Wales and Victoria                                    |\n| 10   | North‑westerly along that boundary to its intersection with the south‑eastern coastline of mainland Australia at low water                                                     |\n| 11   | Generally westerly along the coastline of Victoria at low water to the point where the line began                                                                              |\n\n## 2 Gemfish and deepwater shark western zone\n\n    The gemfish and deepwater shark western zone of the fishery is the part of the fishery that is within the area bounded by a line beginning at the intersection of the meridian of longitude 115 08 06 E with the 200 metre isobath south of Australia, and running progressively as described in the following table.\n\n| Item | Description                                                                                                                                                            |\n| ---- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| 1    | South along that meridian to its intersection with the outer limit of the AFZ                                                                                          |\n| 2    | Generally easterly and south‑easterly along that outer limit to its first intersection with the parallel of latitude 42 00 00 S                                     |\n| 3    | East along that parallel to its intersection with the western coastline of Tasmania at low water                                                                       |\n| 4    | Generally northerly and easterly along the coastline of Tasmania at low water to its northernmost intersection with the meridian of longitude 146 22 00 E           |\n| 5    | North along that meridian to its southernmost intersection with the coastline of Victoria at low water                                                                 |\n| 6    | Generally westerly along the southern coastline of mainland Australia at low water to its intersection with the boundary between South Australia and Western Australia |\n| 7    | South along that boundary to the outer limit of coastal waters south of Australia                                                                                      |\n| 8    | Generally westerly along the outer limit of the coastal waters of Western Australia to its intersection with the meridian of longitude 125 00 05 E                  |\n| 9    | South along that meridian to its intersection with the 200 metre isobath                                                                                               |\n| 10   | Generally westerly along that isobath to the point where the line began                                                                                                |\n\n## 3 North‑eastern remote zone\n\n    The north‑eastern remote zone of the fishery is the part of the fishery that is within the area bounded by a line beginning at the intersection of the outer limit of the coastal waters of New South Wales with the parallel of latitude 33 34 54 S, and running progressively as described in the following table.\n\n| Item | Description                                                                                                                                             |\n| ---- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| 1    | East along that parallel to its intersection with the meridian of longitude 156 10 04 E                                                              |\n| 2    | South along that meridian to its intersection with the outer limit of the AFZ                                                                           |\n| 3    | Generally southerly along that outer limit to its intersection with the parallel of latitude 39 30 00 S                                              |\n| 4    | West along that parallel to its intersection with the meridian of longitude 146 22 00 E                                                              |\n| 5    | North along that meridian to its southernmost intersection with the coastline of Victoria at low water                                                  |\n| 6    | Generally north‑easterly along the coastline of Victoria at low water to its intersection with the boundary between New South Wales and Victoria        |\n| 7    | South‑easterly along the boundary between the coastal waters of New South Wales and Victoria to its intersection with the outer limit of coastal waters |\n| 8    | Generally northerly along the outer limit of the coastal waters of New South Wales to the point where the line began                                    |\n\n## 4 Cascade Plateau zone\n\n    The area of the cascade plateau zone of the fishery is the part of the fishery that is within the area bounded by a circle with its centre at 43 55 06 S, 150 28 11 E, and a radius of 15 nautical miles.","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Orange roughy eastern zone","content":"## 5 Orange roughy eastern zone\n\n    The orange roughy eastern zone of the fishery is the part of the fishery that is within the area bounded by a line beginning at the intersection of the meridian of longitude 146 22 00 E with the northern coastline of Tasmania at low water, and running progressively as described in the following table.\n\n| Item | Description                                                                                                     |\n| ---- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| 1    | North along that meridian to its intersection with the parallel of latitude 39 30 00 S                       |\n| 2    | East along that parallel to its intersection with the outer limit of the AFZ                                    |\n| 3    | Generally southerly along that outer limit to its intersection with the parallel of latitude 43 10 00 S      |\n| 4    | West along that parallel to its easternmost intersection with the eastern coastline of Tasmania at low water    |\n| 5    | Generally northerly and westerly along the coastline of Tasmania at low water to the point where the line began |\n\n## 6 Orange roughy southern zone\n\n    The orange roughy southern zone of the fishery is the part of the fishery that is within the area bounded by a line beginning at the easternmost intersection of the eastern coastline of Tasmania at low water with the parallel of latitude 43 10 00 S, and running progressively as described in the following table.\n\n| Item | Description                                                                                                                |\n| ---- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| 1    | East along that parallel to its intersection with the meridian of longitude 149 30 00 E                                 |\n| 2    | South along that meridian to its intersection with the parallel of latitude 45 00 00 S                                  |\n| 3    | West along that parallel to its intersection with the outer limit of the AFZ                                               |\n| 4    | Generally north‑westerly along that outer limit to its intersection with the parallel of latitude 42 00 00 S            |\n| 5    | East along that parallel to its intersection with the western coastline of Tasmania at low water                           |\n| 6    | Generally southerly, easterly and northerly along the coastline of Tasmania at low water to the point where the line began |\n\n## 7 Orange roughy western zone\n\n    The orange roughy western zone of the fishery is the part of the fishery that is within the area bounded by a line beginning at the southernmost intersection of the meridian of longitude 138 08 05 E with the coastline of South Australia at low water, and running progressively as described in the following table.\n\n| Item | Description                                                                                                                                                  |\n| ---- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| 1    | South along that meridian to its intersection with the outer limit of the AFZ                                                                                |\n| 2    | Generally south‑easterly along that outer limit to its first intersection with the parallel of latitude 42 00 00 S                                        |\n| 3    | East along that parallel to its intersection with the western coastline of Tasmania at low water                                                             |\n| 4    | Generally northerly and easterly along the coastline of Tasmania at low water to its northernmost intersection with the meridian of longitude 146 22 00 E |\n| 5    | North along that meridian to its southernmost intersection with the coastline of Victoria at low water                                                       |\n| 6    | Generally westerly along the southern coastline of mainland Australia at low water to the point where the line began                                         |\n\n## 8 Southern remote zone\n\n    The southern remote zone of the fishery is the part of the fishery that is within the area bounded by a line beginning at the intersection of the parallel of latitude 43 10 00 S with the meridian of longitude 149 30 00 E, and running progressively as described in the following table (excluding any waters within the orange roughy Cascade Plateau zone).\n\n| Item | Description                                                                                                               |\n| ---- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| 1    | South along that meridian to its point of intersection with the parallel of latitude 45 00 00 S                        |\n| 2    | West along that parallel to its point of intersection with the outer limit of the AFZ                                     |\n| 3    | Generally southerly and easterly along that outer limit to its intersection with the meridian of longitude 146 30 05 E |\n| 4    | North along that meridian to its intersection with the parallel of latitude 46 26 02 S                                 |\n| 5    | East along that parallel to its first intersection with the outer limit of the AFZ                                        |\n| 6    | Generally north‑easterly along that outer limit to its intersection with the parallel of latitude 43 10 00 S           |\n| 7    | West along that parallel to the point where the line began                                                                |\n\n## 9 South Tasman Rise zone\n\n    The South Tasman Rise zone of the fishery is the part of the fishery that is within the area bounded by a line beginning at the intersection of the parallel of latitude 46 26 02 S with the meridian of longitude 146 30 05 E, and running progressively as described in the following table.\n\n| Item | Description                                                                                                     |\n| ---- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| 1    | South along that meridian to its intersection with the outer limit of the AFZ                                   |\n| 2    | Generally north easterly along that outer limit to its intersection with the parallel of latitude 46 26 02 S |\n| 3    | West along that parallel to the point where the line began                                                      |\n\n## 10 GAB eastern zone\n\nThe GAB eastern zone is the part of the fishery that is within the Commonwealth GAB Trawl Sector and east of the meridian of longitude 136 E.\n\n## 11 GAB Albany zone\n\nThe GAB Albany zone is the part of the fishery that is within the area formed by a line beginning at the intersection of the meridian of longitude 118andthe parallel of latitude   S and running progressively as described in the following table.\n\n| Item | Description                                                                                                  |\n| ---- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| 1    | South along the meridian of longitude 118  to the intersection with the parallel of latitude 35  S |\n| 2    | East along the parallel of latitude 35  S to the intersection with the meridian of longitude 118    |\n| 3    | North along the meridian of longitude 118 to the parallel of latitude 35  S                       |\n| 4    | Generally westerly to the point where the line began                                                         |\n\n## 12 GAB Esperance zone\n\nThe GAB Esperance zone is the part of the fishery that is within the area formed by a line beginning at the intersection of the meridian of longitude 125 and the parallel of latitude   S and running progressively as described in the following table.\n\n| Item | Description                                                                                                       |\n| ---- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| 1    | South along the meridian of longitude 125 to the intersection with the parallel of latitude 34  S          |\n| 2    | Generally easterly to the intersection of the meridian of longitude 126 20 E and the parallel of latitude 34 S |\n| 3    | North along the meridian of longitude 126 20 E to the intersection with the parallel of latitude 33 46 S      |\n| 4    | Generally westerly to the point where the line began                                                              |\n\n  \n\nSchedule 2 Quota species\n\n(section 3)\n\n| Item | Quota species                                            | Scientific name                                              |\n| ---- | -------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ |\n| 1    | Blue eye trevalla                                        | Hyperoglyphe antarctica                                      |\n|      |                                                          | Schedophilus labyrinthicus                                   |\n| 2    | Blue grenadier                                           | Macruronus novaezelandiae                                    |\n| 3    | Blue warehou                                             | Seriolella brama                                             |\n| 4    | Flathead                                                 | Platycephalus aurimaculatus                                  |\n|      |                                                          | Platycephalus richardsoni                                    |\n|      |                                                          | Platycephalus bassensis                                      |\n|      |                                                          | Platycephalus caeruleopunctatus                              |\n|      |                                                          | Platycephalus speculator                                     |\n| 5    | Gemfish (eastern)                                        | Rexea solandri                                               |\n| 6    | Gemfish (western)                                        | Rexea solandri                                               |\n| 7    | Jackass morwong                                          | Nemadactylus macropterus                                     |\n| 8    | John dory                                                | Zeus faber                                                   |\n| 9    | Pink ling                                                | Genypterus blacodes                                          |\n| 10   | Mirror dory                                              | Zenopsis nebulosa                                            |\n| 11   | Ocean perch                                              | Helicolenus species                                          |\n| 12   | Redfish                                                  | Centroberyx affinis                                          |\n| 13   | Royal red prawn                                          | Haliporoides sibogae                                         |\n| 14   | School whiting                                           | Sillago flindersi                                            |\n| 15   | Silver trevally                                          | Pseudocaranx georgianus                                      |\n| 16   | Silver warehou                                           | Seriolella punctata                                          |\n| 17   | Orange roughy (eastern)                                  | Hoplostethus atlanticus                                      |\n| 18   | Orange roughy (western)                                  | Hoplostethus atlanticus                                      |\n| 19   | Orange roughy (southern)                                 | Hoplostethus atlanticus                                      |\n| 20   | Orange roughy (Cascade Plateau)                          | Hoplostethus atlanticus                                      |\n| 21   | School shark                                             | Galeorhinus galeus                                           |\n| 22   | Gummy shark                                              | Mustelus antarcticus                                         |\n| 23   | Elephant fish                                            | Members of the Families Callorhinchidae and Rhinochimaeridae |\n| 24   | Saw shark                                                | Pristiophorus cirratus                                       |\n|      |                                                          | Pristiophorus nudipinnis                                     |\n| 25   | Alfonsino                                                | Beryx splendens                                              |\n| 26   | Bight redfish                                            | Centroberyx gerrardi                                         |\n| 27   | Deepwater flathead                                       | Platycephalus conatus                                        |\n| 28   | Orange roughy (GAB Albany and Esperance zones)           | Hoplostethus atlanticus                                      |\n| 29   | Deepwater shark (eastern)                                | Centroscymnus coelolepis                                     |\n|      |                                                          | Centroscymnus crepidater                                     |\n|      |                                                          | Centroscyllium kamoharai                                     |\n|      |                                                          | Centroscymnus owstonii                                       |\n|      |                                                          | Proscymnodon plunketi                                        |\n|      |                                                          | Dalatias licha                                               |\n|      |                                                          | Deania calceus                                               |\n|      |                                                          | Deania quadrispinosa                                         |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus bigelowi                                          |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus brachyurus                                        |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus dianthus                                          |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus dislineatus                                       |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus evansi                                            |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus fusus                                             |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus baxteri                                           |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus lucifer                                           |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus molleri                                           |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus pusillus                                          |\n| 30   | Deepwater shark (western)                                | Centroscymnus coelolepis                                     |\n|      |                                                          | Centroscymnus crepidater                                     |\n|      |                                                          | Centroscyllium kamoharai                                     |\n|      |                                                          | Centroscymnus owstonii                                       |\n|      |                                                          | Proscymnodon plunketi                                        |\n|      |                                                          | Dalatias licha                                               |\n|      |                                                          | Deania calceus                                               |\n|      |                                                          | Deania quadrispinosa                                         |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus bigelowi                                          |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus brachyurus                                        |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus dianthus                                          |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus dislineatus                                       |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus evansi                                            |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus fusus                                             |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus baxteri                                           |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus lucifer                                           |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus molleri                                           |\n|      |                                                          | Etmopterus pusillus                                          |\n| 31   | Oreodory                                                 | Allocyttus niger                                             |\n|      |                                                          | Allocyttus verrucosus                                        |\n|      |                                                          | Neocyttus rhomboidalis                                       |\n|      |                                                          | Neocyttus species                                            |\n| 32   | Ribaldo                                                  | Mora moro                                                    |\n| 3334 | Smooth oreodory (Cascade Plateau)Smooth oreodory (other) | Pseudocyttus maculatusPseudocyttus maculatus                 |","sortOrder":1}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":8,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Based on the text provided, the instrument confines itself to defining spatial boundaries for sectors/zones of the fishery and listing quota species. Those are core, central functions of a fisheries management plan. There is no textual evidence here that the plan has materially broadened its subject‑matter beyond its original purpose of geographically delimiting management areas and identifying quota species. (This assessment assumes no external amendments or later provisions beyond the material supplied.)"},"complexity_factors":["Multiple distinct spatial sectors and 12 named zones (Sections 4–12, Part 3 zones 1–12)","Large number of coordinate references (many meridians/parallels and intersection points) requiring GIS mapping","Use of natural and technical references: 200 metre isobath, outer limit of the AFZ, coastlines at low water, geodesic segments","Several conditional exclusions (e.g. exclude waters within 25 nm of Lord Howe Island and Balls Pyramid, exclude coastal waters)","Cross-reference to external legislation and historical snapshots (Schedule Seven of the National Parks Act 1975 ‘as in force at the commencement’)","Special geometric definition (Cascade Plateau circle with centre and 15 nm radius)","Schedule 2 contains ~34 listed quota items with multiple scientific names and zone-specific entries to track","Phrases that introduce interpretive ambiguity (e.g. “generally easterly”, “generally southerly”)","Drafting inconsistencies/typographical issues in Schedule 2 numbering (suggests need for administrative clarification)"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this instrument does (mechanics)**\n\n- The document divides the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery into named spatial sectors and zones by giving precise boundary descriptions (latitude/longitude points, meridians, parallels, isobaths and references to the outer limit of the AFZ — the Australian Fishing Zone) (see Sections 4–12 and Part 3, Zones 1–12).\n- It sometimes excludes small areas inside those boundaries (for example, waters within 25 nautical miles of Lord Howe Island and Balls Pyramid are excluded from some zones) and creates a circular zone (Cascade Plateau) described by centre coordinates and a 15 nautical mile radius (Part 3, zone 4).\n- It identifies which marine areas count as particular coastal waters sectors (South Australian, Tasmanian, Victorian coastal waters) and cross-references the National Parks Act 1975 as it stood at the Management Plan’s commencement for specific Victorian marine parks (Section 9).\n- Schedule 2 lists the fish species that are managed by quota under the Plan, with common and scientific names (e.g. orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus appears for multiple zones) (Schedule 2, section 3).\n\n**Who this affects**\n\n- Commercial fishers operating in the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery, including holders of fishing permits and individual transferable quotas (ITQs) for species listed in Schedule 2.\n- Quota-holders and licence-holders whose rights and access depend on which sector or zone they operate in.\n- Fisheries managers and regulators (for example, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority) responsible for enforcing spatial rules, monitoring catches, setting total allowable catches (TACs) and issuing approvals.\n- State governments to the extent the Plan refers to state coastal waters and marine parks (coordination is needed where Commonwealth zones meet or exclude coastal waters).\n\n**Why it matters (policy function and practical effect)**\n\n- The Plan creates legal spatial boundaries that determine where Commonwealth fisheries management rules apply and where particular quota and effort controls, spatial closures or sector-specific measures can be enforced (Sections 4–12; Part 3 zones 1–12).  That defines market access: who can fish what, where.\n- By listing quota species (Schedule 2), the Plan identifies which species are subject to quota management. That enables regulators to set catch limits, allocate quota, and monitor compliance for those species.\n- The Plan also creates specific spatial exceptions (e.g. excluded coastal waters, national park areas as at commencement), which affect where commercial fishing is permitted and where it is prohibited or regulated differently (Section 9 and various zone exclusions).\n\n**Stated purposes and how they translate into incentives and costs**\n\n- The Plan is presented as a tool to allocate and manage access to fish resources by geography and species (see the area and quota schedules). If successful, those mechanisms allow managers to set TACs and apply zone-specific controls.\n- Who pays: commercial fishers bear most direct compliance costs — navigation and positioning systems to stay inside/outside zones, monitoring and logbooks, potential loss of access where zones or exclusions apply. Quota-holders pay through quota costs and any reductions in TAC. The regulator bears enforcement and mapping costs.\n- Who decides: the Plan fixes the spatial framework and species list. Fisheries managers (statutory agencies) exercise judgment within that framework: they set TACs, allocate quota, issue licences, and enforce rules. State agencies may make complementary rules for coastal waters referenced in the Plan.\n\n**Trade‑offs, implementation risks and likely behavioural effects**\n\n- Mapping and compliance burden: many boundaries are defined by coordinates, meridians, parallels, geodesics, 200‑metre isobaths and “outer limit of the AFZ.” That creates a practical need for accurate GIS charts and onboard navigation equipment. The language also uses phrases like “generally easterly” or “generally southerly,” which require authoritative mapping guidance to avoid disputes (see multiple zone descriptions in Part 3).\n- Concentrated benefits / diffuse costs: quota species and spatial exclusivity concentrate economic value in quota-holders; smaller or non-quota fishers may face higher costs or displacement. Where a species is quota-managed in one zone but not in another, fishers may reallocate effort (substitution effects) across zones or into non‑quota species.\n- Administrative complexity and enforcement: cross-jurisdictional boundaries with state coastal waters and references to historical versions of the National Parks Act require coordination and record‑keeping (Section 9). Enforcement must reconcile Commonwealth boundaries with state rules at the low-water coastline and with protected areas described “as in force at the commencement”.\n- Market effects: spatially-defined quota systems can raise entry costs (quota purchase or lease), affect competition between firms operating in different zones, and change incentives about where to invest in gear and vessels.\n\n**Notable textual or drafting points that affect operation**\n\n- Several zones exclude waters within 25 nautical miles of specified islands (e.g. Lord Howe Island) — this creates pockets where Commonwealth rules do not apply and where state/territorial arrangements matter (see Sections 5 and Part 3, zone 1).\n- Use of natural features (200‑metre isobath) and geometric constructs (circle around Cascade Plateau) means managers need authoritative bathymetry and GIS definitions to implement the text precisely (Part 3, zones 2 and 4).\n- The species list is detailed and multi‑zonal: the same species (for example orange roughy) is listed separately for different zones, which enables zone-specific quotas but increases administrative tracking (Schedule 2).\n- Minor drafting/numbering anomalies appear in the Schedule (final item numbering and duplicate lines), which may require administrative clarification when referenced (Schedule 2 end)."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This appears to be the original 2003 Management Plan establishing the foundational geographic and species framework for the fishery. The scope remains focused on its original purpose: defining fishing areas and quota species for the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery. No evidence of scope creep beyond the initial fisheries management intent."},"complexity_factors":["Extensive use of precise geographic coordinates (degrees, minutes, seconds) requiring specialist navigation knowledge to interpret","Multiple overlapping and adjacent zones with subtle boundary differences (e.g., gemfish eastern vs western zones share boundaries but differ in exclusions)","Cross-references to external legislation (National Parks Act 1975 of Victoria) for excluded areas","Technical maritime terminology throughout (meridians, parallels, geodesics, isobaths, low water marks, outer limits)","Conditional exclusions within zones (e.g., 'excluding waters within 25 nautical miles of Lord Howe Island', 'excluding any coastal waters')","32 quota species with multiple scientific names per entry, some species split across different zones (eastern/western/southern/Cascade Plateau distinctions for orange roughy and gemfish)","Table-based legislative structure requiring readers to mentally map sequential boundary descriptions across multiple items"],"plain_english_summary":"This legislation sets out the **geographic boundaries** for Australia's Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery, which is one of the country's largest commercial fishing operations.\n\n**What it does:**\n- **Divides the ocean into specific fishing sectors** (like the South East Trawl Sector, East Coast Deepwater Trawl Sector, and coastal waters sectors for SA, Tasmania and Victoria)\n- **Creates detailed zones** for managing specific fish stocks (such as gemfish, orange roughy, and deepwater sharks)\n- **Lists quota species** — the fish that commercial fishers are allowed to catch under strict limits (including blue eye trevalla, flathead, gummy shark, and orange roughy)\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- Commercial fishers operating in Commonwealth waters off southern and eastern Australia (from southern Queensland around to Western Australia)\n- Fishing businesses that hold quotas for the listed species\n- State governments (NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, SA) whose coastal waters border these fishing areas\n\n**Why it matters:**\nThis Management Plan prevents overfishing by clearly defining where boats can fish and which species are subject to catch limits (quotas). The precise coordinates ensure fishers know exactly which rules apply to their location, while the quota system helps protect fish populations from collapse — particularly vulnerable deepwater species like orange roughy that grow slowly and live for decades.\n\n**Key terms explained:**\n- **AFZ** (Australian Fishing Zone): The offshore waters where Australia controls fishing rights, generally extending 200 nautical miles from the coast\n- **Coastal waters**: The area within 3 nautical miles of the shore, usually managed by states rather than the Commonwealth\n- **Quota species**: Fish that can only be caught in limited amounts, with each fisher holding a specific allocation"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/southern-and-eastern-scalefish-and-shark-fishery-management-plan-2003","history":"/api/acts/southern-and-eastern-scalefish-and-shark-fishery-management-plan-2003/history","analysis":"/api/acts/southern-and-eastern-scalefish-and-shark-fishery-management-plan-2003/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/southern-and-eastern-scalefish-and-shark-fishery-management-plan-2003/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/southern-and-eastern-scalefish-and-shark-fishery-management-plan-2003/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/southern-and-eastern-scalefish-and-shark-fishery-management-plan-2003/documents"}}