News Release - Spanish mackerel changes proposed

[QLD_Fisheries]

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/news/NewsReleases/12539.html

The information contained in this document is distributed by the Queensland Government for information purposes only. All reasonable steps have been made to ensure the information is accurate at the time of publication. For more information visit the DPI Fishweb site at http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb

[Jack_Lives_Here]

19 May, 2003

Major changes proposed for Queensland’s east coast Spanish mackerel fishery
The Department of Primary Industries is proposing major reforms to the State’s east coast Spanish mackerel fishery to protect and conserve this valuable resource for future generations of Queenslanders.

The proposals are outlined in the Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) Combined Fisheries Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) and Draft Public Benefit Test, currently released for public comment.

The major proposals include:

A decrease in the recreational possession limit of Spanish mackerel from 10 to three fish which will also apply to charter fishing trips. However, the exemption that allows recreational fishers on extended commercial tours (of greater than 48 hours) to retain twice the possession limit will remain;
Imposing a total allowable catch (TAC) on the commercial sector to a maximum of about 620 tonnes;
Limiting the number of commercial fishing licences able to participate in the fishery via the application of minimum catch criteria between 1998 and 2002; and
Allocating individual transferable quotas to those operators who have demonstrated an historical involvement in the fishery.
QFS policy officer Stephanie Slade said the proposals were aimed at helping to sustain and protect east coast Spanish mackerel stocks.

Ms Slade said recent research into Spanish mackerel stocks indicated the fishery was fully exploited at current levels.

“The number of spawning fish is also likely to be low given Spanish mackerel is an aggregating species, increasing its vulnerability to overfishing during spawning periods,” she said.

“The research further indicates that the distribution of these aggregations on the east coast has also contracted over the past 30 years.”

Ms Slade said another major cause of concern was the potential for fishing effort to transfer to the Spanish mackerel fishery following the implementation of strict new management arrangements for Queensland’s coral reef fin fish fishery.

“The Draft Fisheries (Coral Reef Fin Fish) Management Plan 2002 proposes, among other measures, to limit participation in the coral reef fin fish fishery, increasing the potential for effort transfer to other fish species which could be disastrous for Spanish mackerel stocks,” she said.

Ms Slade said it was important to act now and protect the fishery before it was too late.

“It would be negligent to ignore the growing body of evidence and allow fishing effort directed at Spanish mackerel to increase dramatically,” she said.

“If nothing is done, it could be too late and this valuable resource would be lost.”

Ms Slade encouraged all members of the community to have their say about the proposals.

Full details of the proposed management arrangements outlined in the Combined Fisheries Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) and Draft Public Benefit Test 2003 are available from the DPI Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb or from the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23. All comments must be received in writing by 5pm on Monday, June 16.

[Lucky_Phill]

This proposal is as good as done. That doesn't mean we don't get a hold of the RIS and fill it out and submit it.

There is always areas where we can have our say.

Mine is on it's way , how about yours ?

Phill