Annual status report 2010 East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery
Annual status report 2010– East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery
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Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 1
Fishery Profile 2009–10
Key species
Commercial–sea mullet, shark, whiting, bream, flathead tailor, small mackerels, threadfins, barramundi and garfish
Recreational–whiting, bream, trevally, flathead, dart, tailor, barramundi, grunters, threadfins and small mackerels
Total number of commercial licences in 2009–10
485 net fishery symbols, 1543 line fishery symbols and 414 charter licences
Total harvest from all sectors
7928 t
Commercial licences accessing the fishery in 2009–10
406 with net fishery symbols, 360 with line fishery symbols and 210 charter licences
Commercial harvest
4843 t
Fishery season
Annual seasonal closures apply to barramundi fishing between 1 Nov and 1 Feb. A general seasonal fishing closure applies to near shore waters between Indian Head and Waddy Point, Fraser Island, from 1 August to 30 September to protect spawning tailor.
Recreational harvest (2005)
In 2005 approximately 3000 t harvested and 4400 t released
Fishery symbols
‘N’, ‘S’, ‘L’ or ‘K’ fishery symbols
Indigenous harvest
No estimate available
Monitoring undertaken
Fisheries Long Term Monitoring Program. Grey and spotted mackerels, sand whiting, yellowfin bream, dusky flathead, tailor, barramundi and sea mullet.
Charter harvest
85 t
Fishery Observer Program days monitored in 2009–10
97 days
Allocation between sectors
The ECIFFF commercial sector contributes the majority of the total harvest of mullet, small mackerels and shark on the Queensland east coast. The recreational harvest is likely to substantially exceed the commercial harvest of a number of species: notably sand, northern, goldenline and trumpeter whiting, tailor, bream, flathead and trevally.
Accreditation under the EPBC Act
Yes1–Expires: 28 February 2012
Total exports
Export markets for mullet roe, shark and small mackerel products. No estimate available.
Logbook validation
Logbook validation for S symbol hoders conducted by onboard observers.
Commercial Gross Value of Production (GVP)
$19.6 million
Quota managed (1 July to 30 June each year)
Total allowable commercial catch (TACC) limits: Sharks and Rays (600 t), grey mackerel (250 t), spotted mackerel (240 t) and tailor (120 t)
1 Wildlife Trade Operation approval granted 28 February 2009. Approved under Part 13 of the EPBC Act subject to conditions applied under section 303FT. Management arrangements also accredited under Part 13a.
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 2
Key fish resources Stock status
Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) Sustainably Fished
Comments: Commercial catches are stable and within historical levels. There is a good range of fish lengths and ages in
several years of sampled populations. Studies of barramundi in the Fitzroy catchment indicate harvest levels are below
sustainable yield estimates.
Bream–yellowfin (Acanthopagrus australis) Sustainably Fished
Comments: Commercial catches and catch rates are stable. Good representation of ranges of fish lengths and ages in the
sampled populations over time. Total mortality estimates are below upper limits. Precautionary management arrangements
introduced on 1 March 2010 increase the proportion of female fish that are likely to have spawned before recruiting to the
fishery.
Bream–other (Acanthopagrus spp. and Rhabdosargus sarba) No assessment made
Comments: The Queensland commercial fishery mainly harvests yellowfin bream although pikey bream (A. berda) is a major
component of the recreational catches in north Queensland. Should commercial or recreational interest in other bream
species increase significantly, these may be considered in future assessments of stock status.
Dart (Trachinotus spp.) No assessment made
Comments: Reported commercial catches are low, however the recreational fishing survey indicted 120 t of dart were
harvested in 2005. Catches of dart will be monitored and a threshold harvest level be developed for inclusion in the
Performance Measurement Systems (PMS) for the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF).
Flathead–dusky (Platycephalus fuscus) Sustainably Fished
Comments: Commercial catches and catch rates are stable. Fishery predominantly harvests female fish. Nearly all male and
large fecund female fish are protected by minimum and maximum size limits. Conservative bag limits are also in place. Age
and length information indicate healthy stocks.
Flathead–other (Platycephalus spp.) No assessment made
Comments: The commercial fishery mainly harvests dusky flathead. Should commercial or recreational interest in other
flathead species increase significantly, these may be considered in future assessments of stock status.
Garfish (Hemiramphidae) No assessment made
Comments: The complex comprises five distinct species across a number of different habitats. No reasonable assessment of
stock status could be made for the complex given this diversity. Attempts will be made to separate the commercial and
recreational reporting of these species with a view to assessing individual species in subsequent stock status workshops.
Javelin (Pomadasys spp.) Uncertain
Comments: Grunter (= javelin) is a complex of important recreational species, especially in north Queensland. Although
commercial catches and catch rates are steady, the magnitude of the recreational catch on a regional basis is not known at
this stage. The stock status is ‘uncertain’ until an updated recreational harvest estimate is available.
Mackerel–grey (Scomberomorus semifasciatus) Uncertain
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 3
Key fish resources Stock status
Comments: There is uncertainty in the assessment of current catch trends and stock status given the commercial fishery
fundamentally changed with the introduction of new conservative quota management arrangements on 1 July 2009. Only two
years of routine biological data (length of fish caught in the fishery) were available which is insufficient to assess trends.
Mackerel–school (Scomberomorus queenslandicus) Uncertain
Comments: While it is likely that the school mackerel harvest is sustainable, there are contradictory signals in the
commercial catch rates for the net and line sectors. The status of school mackerel is ‘uncertain’ until there is greater
confidence in the commercial catch rate data and better quantification of the recreational harvest.
Mackerel–shark (Grammatorcynus bicarinatus) No assessment made
Comments: Commercial catch around 36 t in 2008–09. Shark mackerel reported in the recreational surveys was allocated on
a proportional basis from the unspecified mackerels; therefore there is not a lot of confidence in recreational harvest
estimates. No biological information available.
Mackerel–spotted (Scomberomorus munroi) Sustainably Fished
Comments: Predominantly a line fished species since 2004. Age, length, sex structure and mortality estimates are available.
Species-specific recreational estimate also available. Total mortality rate estimate indicates fishing is occurring at upper
levels.
Sea mullet (Mugil cephalus) Sustainably Fished
Comments: Stock is shared with New South Wales. Queensland’s catches are stable and within historical levels. Sea mullet
was recently assessed by New South Wales as ‘fully fished’ due to a long history of stable landings and catch rates for estuary
and ocean fisheries in both jurisdictions.
Shark–blacktip complex Common blacktip shark (Carcharhinus limbatus) and
Australian blacktip shark (Carcharhinus tilstoni); Shark–spot-tail shark (Carcharinus
sorrah)
No assessment made
Comments: Assessment of blacktip sharks and spot tail whalers is being undertaken by the Fisheries Queensland Shark
Working Group that has been established to provide advice to fisheries managers. An assessment of the commercial harvest
of sharks is planned at the end of 2010.
Tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix) Sustainably Fished
Comments: The tailor stock is shared with New South Wales and is considered ‘sustainably fished’. Preliminary results of a
recent stock assessment (2009) indicate that the combined Queensland–New South Wales total harvest of tailor is below the
estimated maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and above 50% of virgin biomass.
Threadfin–blue (Eleutheronema tetradactylum) Sustainably Fished
Comments: Commercial catches and catch rates are stable since 2002. Life history characteristics are resilient to fishing
pressure. There are no indications of stock declines.
Threadfin–king (Polydactylus macrochir) Uncertain
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 4
Key fish resources Stock status
Comments: No trend in commercial catches and catch rates. Highest catches occur in the Capricorn region. Recent research
suggests king threadfin may have highly localised populations and may be under high fishing pressure in some areas.
Sustainability reference points in the PMS are not monitored at a regional level so it is not possible to determine overall catch
trends or stock status at this time.
Trevally complex Carangidae spp. No assessement made
Comments: The commercial time series data includes many species with different life history characteristics; a meaningful
stock status assessment is not possible given the heterogeneity in this group. Better species resolution through commercial
logbooks or recreational diaries would not be achievable; information collected through the Fishery Observer Program will be
investigated over time to determine whether stock or risk assessments can be made in the future.
Whiting–sand (Sillago ciliata) Sustainably Fished
Comments: Commercial catches and catch rates appear stable. Comprehensive span of ages and lengths in the sampled
population and it is evident that reasonable recruitment is occurring. The minimum size limit is set at size-at-first maturity
which increases the opportunity for fish to spawn before recruiting to the fishery. Bag limits introduced on 1 March 2009.
Whiting–other (Sillago spp. other than S. robusta and S. ciliata) No assessement made
Comments: The commercial fishery mainly harvests sand whiting. Should commercial or recreational interest in other whiting
species increase significantly, these may be considered in future assessments of stock status.
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 5
Introduction The East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF) is
Queensland’s largest and most diverse fishery and
comprises commercial, recreational, charter and
Indigenous sectors. The commercial sector is
Queensland’s third most valuable commercial fishery,
targeting a number of fin fish species, using a variety of
different net fishing methods. Some species are also
taken commercially by hook and line.
This report covers fishing activity during the 2009–10
financial year for quota species and 2009 calendar year
for certain species monitored through the Fisheries Long
Term Monitoring Program. Changes to management
arrangements up to December 2010 are also reported.
eries Long
Term Monitoring Program. Changes to management
arrangements up to December 2010 are also reported.
Fishery description Fishery description The area of the ECIFFF includes all Queensland tidal
waters east of longitude 142°31'49'' east, other than tidal
waters of waterways that flow to the sea west of
longitude 142°31'49'' east. Different commercial fishery
symbols allow different gear to be used commercially in
different areas: ‘N’ symbols allow the use of mesh, haul
(seine), and tunnel nets in inshore, estuarine and
offshore waters (Figure 1); ‘K’ symbols allow the use of
seine nets from ocean beaches (Figure 2); and ‘L’ fishery
symbols allow the use of line fishing gear throughout the
fishery area (Figure 3).
The area of the ECIFFF includes all Queensland tidal
waters east of longitude 142°31'49'' east, other than tidal
waters of waterways that flow to the sea west of
longitude 142°31'49'' east. Different commercial fishery
symbols allow different gear to be used commercially in
different areas: ‘N’ symbols allow the use of mesh, haul
(seine), and tunnel nets in inshore, estuarine and
offshore waters (Figure 1); ‘K’ symbols allow the use of
seine nets from ocean beaches (Figure 2); and ‘L’ fishery
symbols allow the use of line fishing gear throughout the
fishery area (Figure 3).
Fisheries Queensland created a new ‘S’ symbol on 1 July
2009 to allow commercial fishers to target sharks and
rays using line or net apparatus. Fishers without a S
symbol are restricted to a possession limit of ten net-
caught and four line-caught sharks. This target fishery is
subject to a competitive total allowable catch limit of
600 t divided into a 480 t northen (north of Baffle Creek)
and a 120 t southern component. Detailed information on
the management arrangements for ECIFFF can be found in
the Guidelines for commercial operators in the East
Fisheries Queensland created a new ‘S’ symbol on 1 July
2009 to allow commercial fishers to target sharks and
rays using line or net apparatus. Fishers without a S
symbol are restricted to a possession limit of ten net-
caught and four line-caught sharks. This target fishery is
subject to a competitive total allowable catch limit of
600 t divided into a 480 t northen (north of Baffle Creek)
and a 120 t southern component. Detailed information on
the management arrangements for ECIFFF can be found in
the Guidelines for commercial operators in the East
Coast Fin Fish Fishery (DEEDI 2009).
The ECIFFF is a multi-species, multi-sectoral, multi gear
fishery. Gear permitted in the commercial fishery
includes mesh, haul (seine), tunnel and cast nets as well
as hook and line. Most commercial fishers prefer to use
net sizes that selectively catch fish of a certain size to
meet market demand and to avoid size regulated
species. The number of nets permitted to be used, mesh
size and length is dependent on the species being
targeted and whether the fisher is operating in near-
shore or offshore waters. Permitted net and line fishing
gears are currently prescribed under the Fisheries
Figure 2: ECIFFF Ocean Bea
Regulation 2008.
Figure 1: ECIFFF Net fishery areas.
ch fishery areas
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 6
Fishing methods
Recreational gear includes cast nets, small seine (bait)
nets and hook and line. Recreational fisheries are boat-
or shore-based.
Indigenous communities use traditional subsistence
fishing methods for traditional and customary purposes
to supply product solely for community use, as well as
recreational fishing practices to catch ECIFFF species.
The commercial fishery comprises a number of types of
both shore-based and boat-based fishing operations that
differ fundamentally on the basis of the fishing gear used
to target regionally important species.
Key species
The following background information was adapted from
Williams (2002).
Barramundi
The barramundi (Lates calcarifer) is a large predatory fish
species that can grow to 150 cm total length (TL), 60 kg
and over 30 years of age. It is found in coastal regions of
tropical Australia and throughout much of the Indo-West
Pacific and is dependent on fresh and estuarine waters
to complete its life cycle. Barramundi generally spawn
around river mouths and the post-larvae and juveniles
migrate to nearby coastal swamps, lagoons and
upstream freshwater areas that serve as protected, food
rich nursery habitats.
Tropical sharks
Commercial harvest of sharks consists mainly of whaler
sharks, in particular the Blacktip whaler species complex
(Carcharhinus limbatus + tilstoni)2and Spot tail whaler
(Carcharhinus sorrah). The sharks that dominate the east
coast fisheries generally attain sexual maturity at over
1 m in total length at around three to four years of age.
They are live bearing, generally producing three to five
pups during summer months after a 7–12 month
gestation. Tropical shark species generally have an Indo-
West Pacific distribution.
2 A recent genetics research study has shown that the Australian blacktip and the common blacktip whalers are hybridizing along much of the Queensland east coast. (Jessica Morgan and Jenny Ovenden, DEEDI, pers comm. 2010). This makes identification of the species without detailed examination impossible at sea.
Grey mackerel
Grey mackerel (Scomberomorus semifasciatus) is a
pelagic species endemic to waters across northern
Australia and adjacent Papua New Guinea and larvae and
juveniles are dependent on estuarine and inshore
habitats (Cameron & Begg 2002). They are a fast growing
species with fork length (FL) at first maturity for females
of 65–70 cm FL and males of 55–60 cm FL at between one
and two years of age.
Spotted mackerel
Spotted mackerel (Scomberomorus munroi) are pelagic
predators that feed exclusively on open water baitfish
(anchovies, herring and pilchards). They are distributed
across the northern coast of Australia to Coffs Harbour in
central New South Wales. They are a schooling species
preferring the clear oceanic-influenced waters as
juveniles and adults.
Spotted mackerel undertake a major seasonal migration
along the east Queensland coast and appear to form a
single stock. They spawn in northern Queensland waters
between August and October then migrate south. They
are fast growing, with length at first maturity for females
estimated at 61 cm and males at 50 cm total length (TL)
at about two years of age.
Yellowfin bream
Yellowfin bream (Acanthopagrus australis) are found in
the coastal and estuarine waters of the eastern coast of
Australia from Queensland to Victoria. In southern
Queensland yellowfin bream spawn between May and
August in the vicinity of surf bars. They reach minimum
legal size (23 cm TL) at around three to five years of age.
The proportion of female yellowfin bream increases with
fish size. The smallest mature female yellowfin bream are
usually found at about 24 cm TL, and males at a slightly
smaller size. Yellowfin bream are omnivorous, eating
small crustaceans, molluscs and fish as well as algae,
seagrass and mangrove leaf litter.
Whiting
There are four main species in the ‘inshore whiting’
group. The species are golden-lined (Sillago analis),
sand (S. ciliata), trumpeter (S. maculata) and northern
(S. sihama) whiting.
Golden-lined whiting spawn between July and March.
Spawning areas and times are similar to that of the sand
whiting. Juveniles and adults both inhabit areas of mud-
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 7
sandy substrate. Total length at first maturity of golden-
lined whiting is around 22 cm, which corresponds to an
age of two to three years.
Sand whiting school and spawn from September to
March. Juvenile and adolescent sand whiting prefer
shallow waters in rivers and creeks over seagrass beds,
and adjacent mangroves. Adults share these juvenile
habitats, but tend to move to deeper water as they grow.
Estimated total lengths at first maturity for male and
female sand whiting range from 20 to 28 cm. Age at
maturity is about two to three years.
Trumpeter whiting spawn between July and February with
a peak in September–October. Juvenile fish are most
abundant in estuaries and shallow water, especially in
seagrass beds during the summer months. They move
into deeper water as they mature. Length at first maturity
has been estimated at 13 cm total length for males and
14 cm for females in southern Queensland, and 20 cm in
New South Wales.
Northern whiting most likely spawn during September to
October. They have rapid growth, attaining sexual
maturity at 15 to 20 cm at about one to two years of age
and have a maximum size of about 30 cm.
Flathead
Flathead are found along the entire coast of Queensland.
Dusky flathead are dependent on estuarine and inshore
coastal habitats throughout their life cycle. Dusky
flathead are reasonably fast growing in subtropical and
tropical waters, with length at first maturity for females
being 45 cm total length (three years old). Females grow
to a greater size and at a faster rate than males. The
commercial and recreational harvests are dominated by
dusky flathead (Platycephalus fuscus) with bar-tailed
flathead (P. endrachtensis and P. indicus) and sand
flathead (P. arenarius) also caught.
Sea mullet
Sea mullet (Mugil cephalus) are distributed through most
coastal waters and estuaries from Townsville to the New
South Wales border. They inhabit inshore marine waters,
estuaries, lagoons, and rivers. They school and spawn in
schools from March to September.
Tailor
Tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix) is a schooling, migratory
species of fish occurring in waters south of Fraser Island
on the east coast and Onslow on the west coast (Kailola
et al. 1993). Tailor mature in their second year of life,
when many enter the fisher and are highly fecund. Tailor
can grow to about 120 cm TL (12–14 kg).
Main management methods used
Fisheries Queensland manages the commercial,
recreational and Indigenous components of the ECIFFF
through the Queensland’s Fisheries Act 1994 and the
Fisheries Regulation 2008.
Closures to various forms of fishing are also in place
under Queensland and Commonwealth marine parks
legislation.
A number of changes to the management of the fishery
were approved in 2009 and included new and amended
bag and size limits, new netting arrangements and
improvements to the management of shark resources.
These measures were developed in close consultation
with stakeholders and the Australian Government over
two years and will significantly improve sustainable
management of the fishery. Fisheries Queensland
published “Guidelines for commercial operators in the
East Coast Fin Fish Fishery” (DEEDI 2009) to provide
commercial fishers with a summary of management
arrangements as implemented post 1 March 2009.
Catch statistics Commercial
The ECIFFF operated under new management
arrangements for the first time in 2009–10. The most
significant changes that impact on overall catches relate
to the restricted harvest of sharks3 and grey mackerel, all
of which are now subject to precautionary a Total
Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC). While it is too early
to compare catch trends for these species under the new
arrangements with previous years (a minimum three
years of data required), this section provides a snapshot
of fishery performance in 2009–10.
The ECIFFF has seen a substantial decrease in overall
harvest in 2009–10 compared with previous years (Figure
3), commensurate with the implementation of new more
precautionary management arrangements. The overall
harvest decreased by 22% to 4843 t in 2009–10. The
majority of the decrease (68%) comprised the TACC
managed grey mackerel (- 251t) and shark (- 467t).
3 The term ‘shark’ refers to all Chondrichthyan fishes which includes all sharks, rays and chimaeras.
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 8
Figure 3: Total estimated commercial catch and effort for the ECIFFF 2001–02 to 2009–10 (Source: Fisheries Queensland CFISH database 31 January 2011).
Mullet species continue to be the most harvested
species in the ECIFFF by weight (Table 1). Other important
key species (whiting, bream, flathead tailor, spotted and
school mackerel, and barramundi) were all within the
range of catches from the previous three years while king
and blue threadfins were slightly lower.
Sharks and rays
In late 2010, Fisheries Queensland reviewed performance
of the fishery for sharks under the new licence
arrangements implemented on 1 July 2009. A preliminary
report was reviewed by the independent Shark Panel
established by Fisheries Queensland to oversight
implementation of the new management arrangements.
The final report was provided to SEWPaC to meet the
requirements of Condition 8 of the WTO.
The report presented catch and effort data for the period
1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010 and assessed:
• compliance with the total allowable commercial catch
(TACC)
• the species composition of catch
• changes in operating behaviour (e.g. targeting,
methods employed, regions fished).
The following provides a summary of the report findings.
From 1 July 2009 to 30 June 2010, fishery logbooks
recorded approximately 500 t of shark catch (Table 2).
The introduction of more restrictive management
arrangements controlling the harvest of sharks have
reduced catches substantially from previous years
(Table 3).
Reported logbook weights for shark (501 t) varied slightly
from those reported through quota usage (508 t). This is
not unexpected given that logbook weights are estimated
only. Quota usage quantities are based on more accurate
weights measured on land when product is unloaded.
0
5000
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20000
25000
30000
35000
40000
2001-2002
2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
2009-2010
Effo
rt (d
ays)
0
1000
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Catc
h (t
)
Effort (net) Effort (line) Catch (t)
The proportion of sharks harvested using line and net
methods was similar to previous years; 95% (475 t) of
shark catch by net and 5% (25 t) by line. The catch
proportion between regions was also similar to recent
years. The northern region (waters north of Baffle Creek)
accounted for 77% of shark catch and the southern
region (waters south of Baffle Creek) accounted for 23%.
New, more detailed shark logbooks commenced on 1 July
2009 and have provided far greater resolution of the
harvest of different species encountered than previous.
The acceptance and use of the new logbooks can be
partially demonstrated by the substantial reduction in
the reporting of ‘unspecified’ shark catch which has
dropped from 584 t in 2008–09 to 82 t in 2009–10
(Table 1).
Excluding the unspecified species component of shark
catch (10% of northern net catch and 5% of southern net
catch), the dominant shark taxa taken by net were
blacktip whaler and graceful shark complex;
hammerhead sharks (including scalloped); spinner
shark; spot-tail shark; and milk, sharpnose and
hardnose sharks (Figures 4 and 5). The range of
dominant species compares favourably with previous
research results and the major species are currently
listed as priority species for assessment.
Fisheries Queensland conducted a validation exercise
based on a full year of at-sea observations of S symbol
holders in late 2010. It found that shark species were
being identified and reported reasonably accurately
overall. There were some exceptions however. Notably,
the exercise noted a degree of confusion in fishers’
separation of black tip reef sharks from black tip whalers
in logbook entries, with the latter regularly reported by
some fishers working in reef areas as black tip reef
sharks. It is therefore likely that the catch of black tip
reef sharks reported in 2010 is an over-estimate.
Fisheries Queensland is continuing its education
program in at-sea shark identification with a particular
focus on improving this situation.
The review of shark and ray harvest in the ECIFFF
concluded that, based on current catch and effort levels,
the fishery is performing wthin its sustainability
performance targets, with no immediate need for an
alteration to existing management interventions.
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 9
Table 1: Composition of commercial harvest in the ECIFFF from 2006–07 to 2009–10 (Source: Fisheries Queensland CFISH database 31 January 2011). Note: Interpretation of species specific harvest of shark prior to 2009–10 should consider the changed reporting arrangements resulting from the introduction of a shark specific logbook for S symbol holders. Reporting of shark harvest prior to this date was less specific with no requirements of fishers to record species level information.
Total (net, line) in tonnes Common name/group
2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10
Bait fish 197 (196,1) 168 (168,<1) 163 (163,<1) 127 (126,<1) Barracuda 9 (9,<1) 5 (4,<1) 5 (4,<1) 6 (5,<1) Barramundi 239 (239,0) 285 (285,0) 307 (306,<1) 234 (234,<1) Bonito 52 (39,13) 10 (5,5) 21 (10,12) 42 (19,23) Bream 185 (184,1) 264 (264,<1) 171 (170,1) 165 (164,<1) Bream - butter 1 (1,0) 1 (1,<1) 2 (2,0) 3 (3,0) Catfish 17 (17,<1) 19 (18,<1) 23 (23,<1) 16 (16,<1) Cod <1 (0,<1) <1 (0,<1) <1 (0,<1) 2 (0,2) Dart 63 (63,<1) 27 (27,<1) 30 (30,<1) 27 (27,<1) Estuary cod 8 (<1,8) 10 (<1,9) 9 (<1,9) 6 (<1,6) Fish - unspecified 82 (68,15) 66 (62,5) 70 (62,8) 76 (69,6) Flathead 76 (76,<1) 67 (66,<1) 66 (65,<1) 57 (56,1) Garfish 180 (180,0) 168 (167,<1) 174 (174,<1) 146 (145,<1) Grunter 29 (29,<1) 32 (31,<1) 28 (26,2) 22 (19,4) Guitarfish 1 (<1,<1) 4 (3,<1) 1 (<1,<1) 15 (14,<1) Jewfish - unspecified 16 (13,3) 28 (24,4) 39 (29,10) 18 (10,8) Luderick 12 (12,<1) 16 (16,<1) 14 (14,0) 20 (20,0) Mackerel - grey 350 (343,7) 356 (350,6) 444 (438,6) 193 (181,12) Mackerel - school 144 (107,38) 129 (107,22) 141 (119,22) 136 (114,21) Mackerel - shark 49 (<1,49) 33 (<1,33) 52 (<1,52) 51 (2,49) Mackerel - spotted 59 (6,53) 26 (4,22) 73 (8,66) 100 (12,88) Mackerel - unspecified 2 (<1,2) 9 (<1,9) 9 (1,8) 5 (<1,5) Mangrove jack 2 (1,<1) 7 (5,1) 12 (9,4) 5 (2,3) Milkfish 10 (10,0) 1 (1,0) 1 (1,0) 4 (4,0) Mullet 1587 (1587,<1) 1835 (1835,0) 1862 (1861,<1) 1754 (1754,<1) Queenfish 122 (121,<1) 108 (108,<1) 130 (129,<1) 128 (126,2) Ray - unspecified 8 (8,<1) 30 (30,<1) 17 (17,<1) 5 (4,<1) Sardine 9 (7,2) 15 (15,<1) 4 (4,<1) 6 (6,<1) Scad 21 (13,8) 16 (13,3) 27 (22,5) 19 (15,4) Scat 10 (10,0) 9 (9,0) 10 (10,0) 9 (9,0) Shark - blacktip reef - - - 27 (27,<1) Shark - blacktip whalers and graceful 222 (206,16) 244 (239,5) 212 (208,4) 171 (161,10) Shark - bull and pigeye 8 (7,<1) 10 (10,<1) 32 (32,<1) 20 (19,<1) Shark - creek whaler - - <1 (<1,0) 4 (4,<1) Shark - dusky - - <1 (<1,0) 3 (2,<1) Shark - hammerhead 7 (7,0) 153 (153,<1) 152 (151,<1) 47 (45,3) Shark - milk, sharpnose and hardnose 2 (2,0) <1 (<1,0) 2 (2,0) 18 (17,<1) Shark - scalloped hammerhead 112 (111,<1) 16 (16,<1) - 19 (19,<1) Shark - snaggletooth and weasel - - - 3 (3,<1) Shark - spinner <1 (<1,0) <1 (<1,0) 2 (2,0) 38 (38,<1) Shark - spot tail 6 (6,0) 8 (8,0) 7 (7,0) 21 (20,<1) Shark - tiger 9 (8,<1) 3 (3,<1) <1 (<1,<1) 18 (18,<1) Shark - unspecified 62 (40,22) 72 (43,28) 57 (34,23) 24 (16,8) Shark - whaler unspecified 565 (544,21) 577 (574,3) 527 (525,2) 58 (57,<1) Shark - white cheek 2 (2,0) 2 (2,0) 3 (3,0) 4 (4,0) Silver biddy 12 (12,0) 9 (9,0) 12 (12,0) 6 (6,0) Tailor 82 (82,<1) 107 (106,<1) 107 (106,2) 118 (114,4) Threadfin 6 (4,2) 13 (13,<1) 13 (12,<1) 6 (6,<1) Threadfin - blue 178 (178,<1) 181 (181,<1) 173 (173,<1) 152 (151,<1) Threadfin - king 147 (147,0) 185 (185,<1) 174 (174,<1) 135 (135,<1) Trevally 158 (61,97) 116 (62,54) 120 (52,69) 140 (64,76) Tuna 46 (23,23) 27 (13,14) 55 (31,24) 43 (25,18) Wahoo 4 (<1,4) 3 (<1,3) 10 (7,3) 4 (0,4) Whiting 296 (296,<1) 268 (267,<1) 290 (289,1) 339 (339,<1) Wolf herring 15 (14,<1) 12 (12,<1) 16 (15,<1) 10 (10,<1) Minor species (< 2t per species) 46 (44,2) 36 (33,3) 29 (26,3) 19 (16,3)
Grand Total 5528 (5135,393) 5787 (5549,238) 5900 (5559,341) 4843 (4472,370)
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 10
Table 2: Reported catch and effort for shark and ray species on the Queensland east coast by method and logbook type for 2009–10 (Source: Fisheries Queensland CFISH database, 4 November 2010).
Logbook Type Method Licences Days Number Weight (t)
LF (general line fishing) Line 119 712 1594 10
SR (shark/ray) Line 19 275 3465 15
SR (shark/ray) Net 123 3228 77131 438
NC (net/crab) Net 143 1528 Not reported 37
Table 3: Reported net and line catch (tonnes) for shark and ray species in the ECIFFF by region, logbook type and method from 2006–07 to 2009–10 (Source: Fisheries Queensland CFISH database, 4 November 2010).
Authority Region Method 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 S-symbol North Line 6 5 5 12 Net 672 771 654 340 Combined 678 776 659 352 South Line 3 11 60 3 Net 141 123 86 98 Combined 144 134 146 101 Subtotal 821 910 805 453 No S-symbol North Line 13 18 14 6 Net 47 71 78 27 Combined 60 89 92 32 South Line 41 13 12 5 Net 83 102 59 11 Combined 124 114 71 16 Subtotal 184 204 163 48 Total 1005 1114 968 501
41%
16%
10%
7%
5%
5%
3%
3%3%
3% 1% 1%
Blacktip whaler complexHammerheadsUnspec whalersBlacktip reef sharkSorrah (spot-tail) whalerTiger sharkGuitarfishes shovelnoseSpinner sharkPigeye & bull sharksMilk, sharpnose, hardnose sharksCreek whalerWhitecheek sharkWhite tip reef sharkDusky whalerLemon sharkUnspec raySnaggletooth & weasel sharksShark raySpotted eagle rayUnspec sawfishSliteye sharkSandbar sharkGrey reef sharkWinghead sharkMako sharkFossil shark
Figure 4: Composition by weight of net caught shark and ray species in the northern quota region in the ECIFFF (Source: Fisheries Queensland CFISH database, 4 November 2010).
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 11
Spinner sharkBlacktip whaler complex
27%
26%9%
7%
5%
5%
4%
3%
3%
3%3% 2% 1%
Milk, sharpnose, hardnose sharksPigeye & bull sharks Unspec whalers
Blacktip reef sharkSorrah (spot-tail) whaler
HammerheadsSnaggletooth & weasel sharks
Unspec rayGuitarfishes shovelnose Dusky whalerScalloped hammerhead Sliteye sharkCreek whaler Lemon shark
Colclough's SharkFossil shark
Eagle rayWhitecheek shark
Mako sharkBlind shark
Nervous sharkWobbegong
Figure 5: Composition by weight of net caught shark and ray species in the southern quota region in the ECIFFF (Source: Fisheries Queensland CFISH database, 4 November 2010).
Recreational
Refer to the 'Recreational' section of the 2008 ECIFFF
Annual Status Report (ASR) for estimated weights of
ECIFFF species caught by recreational fishers based on
the Recreational Fishing Information System diary
surveys conducted in 1997, 1999, 2002 and 2005.
Fisheries Queensland commenced a new statewide
recreational fishing survey of both participation and also
catch and effort in 2010. This survey will provide timely,
robust data about the recreational harvest of major
ECIFFF species by Queenslanders4. The results of this
survey will be available in 2012.
Charter vessels
The total charter catch reported through logbooks has
been stable since 2007–08 (Figure 6). Approximately
14% more fish were released than harvested in 2009–10
(Figure 6). This matches the 10 year average of 14%.
Trevally5, unspecified mackerel, tuna, spotted mackerel
4 Catches by interstate and international tourists and other visitors will not be obtained from this survey but was estimated in the 2000–2001 National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey (Henry and Lyle 2003). 5 The trevally species group represents all trevally caught along the east coast of Queensland and is likely to also include some reef associated trevally species.
and barramundi were the top five inshore species groups
most often caught by the recreational fishers on charter
boats in 2009–10 (Figure 7). The greatest increase in the
reported harvest of individual species was for spotted
mackerel which has increased by approximately 9 t since
2008–09. Shark (unspecified) continues to be a minor
component of charter harvest and release.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
2001-2002
2002-2003
2003-2004
2004-2005
2005-2006
2006-2007
2007-2008
2008-2009
2009-2010
Catc
h (t
)
Retained Released
Figure 6: Reported charter harvest of inshore species and release total estimates in the ECIFFF from 2001–02 to 2009–10 (Source: Fisheries Queensland CFISH database 15 February 2011).
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 12
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80Tr
eval
lyM
acke
rel -
uns
peci
fied
Tuna
Mac
kere
l - s
potte
dBa
rram
undi
Fish
- un
spec
ified
Mac
kere
l - s
hark
Tailo
rBr
eam
Man
grov
e ja
ckQ
ueen
fish
Mac
kere
l - s
choo
lGr
unte
rEs
tuar
y co
dW
ahoo
Flat
head
Scad
Thre
adfin
Shar
k - u
nspe
cifie
d
Repo
rted
cat
ch (t
)
Retained Released number of fin fish species through the Fisheries Long
Term Monitoring Program (LTMP) to complement the
information obtained from commercial logbooks and
recreational fishing diaries for various Queensland
fisheries. These data include length, sex and age
composition of the retained catch. Species monitored in
the ECIFFF include barramundi, tailor, sea mullet, spotted
and grey mackerel, yellowfin bream, whiting (sand,
golden-lined and trumpeter) and dusky flathead. ASRs
for the ECIFFF aim to provide general information on the
sampling programs currently underway as well as
detailed data summaries for a few species when
available. Recent biological data from 2009 include
those for barramundi, tailor and spotted mackerel.
Figure 7: Reported catch of inshore species by charter vessels in 2009–10 (Source: Fisheries Queensland CFISH database 15 February 2011).
Indigenous
Bream, whiting and flathead There are no estimates available of inshore fin fish
catches by Indigenous fishers within the ECIFFF area for
2009–10. Limited information is available on past
Indigenous fish catches throughout the northern part of
the fishery area from the National Recreational and
Indigenous Fishing Survey conducted in 2000/2001 and
released in 2003 (NRIFS) (Henry and Lyle 2003).
Biological data have been collected routinely for
yellowfin bream, sand whiting and dusky flathead since
2006 to estimate the length, age and sex structure of the
retained catch of these species (Table 4).
Dusky flathead
There appears to be little difference in the age
distributions of dusky flathead between the commercial
and recreational sectors (Figure 8). The distributions
terminate at age group 8, due to the regulated upper size
limit of 75 cm. Variation in year class strength is evident
in the distributions, with the three year age group in
2007, following through to the four and then five years
age groups in 2008 and 2009.
Spatial issues/trends
Fisheries Queensland scientists participate in the New
South Wales Resource Assessment Workshop on an
annual basis to ensure that species with cross
jurisdictional stock boundaries are considered in
sustainability assessments and management
arrangements.
Socio-economic characteristics and trends Sand whiting
Gross Volume of Production (GVP) in the ECIFFF
decreased in 2009–10 in response to the decreased
(quota managed) harvest of grey mackerel and shark
(2007–08: $23.1 million; 2008–09: $23.9 million; 2009–
2010: $19.6 million). The GVP is calculated on the price
paid to fishers at the first point of sale (i.e. beach price).
The commercial sector tends to catch younger sand
whiting than the recreational sector (Figure 9). The
proportions of age group 3, 4 and 5 year old fish have
remained relatively constant for the years 2007 to 2009.
The lack of strong and weak year classes is evident in the
proportion of age group 2 fish progressing to age group 3
the following year. Biological and ecological information Yellowfin bream
Monitoring programs Yellowfin bream have a highly variable length for a given
age, which results in a particular year class not being
fully available to the fishery until it reaches and age of 6
or 7 years (Figure 10). High proportions of fish in the age
groups of 4 and 5 years (all fish this age not yet caught in
the gear but likely to be mature), indicate annual
recruitment to the stock is occurring. There is also
evidence of variation in year class strength, in particular
the 7 year age class in 2007.
Fishery Dependent Sampling
Commercial fishery catch and effort information for the
ECIFFF continues to be monitored through the
compulsory daily logbooks in the commercial and charter
sectors.
Fisheries Queensland collects biological data for a
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 13
Table 4: Summary of fishery dependent catch sampling from 2006–2009 for yellowfin bream, sand whiting and dusky flathead.
Figure 8: Age frequency distribution per fishery sector of dusky flathead from 2007 to 2009. The charter sector was excluded from analysis due to low the numbers of fish measured.
Figure 9: Age frequency distribution per fishery sector of sand whiting from 2007 to 2009. Note that the charter sector was xcluded from analysis due to low the numbers of fish measured.
Commercial Recreational Charter Species Year
No. of
catches
No. of fish
measured
No. of
catches
No. of fish
measured
No. of
catches
No. of fish
measured
No. of
fish aged
2006 10 881 23 71 - - -
2007 87 4565 687 2666 35 184 287
2008 94 3721 742 2884 26 120 288
Yellowfin
Bream
2009 74 3020 720 2906 10 46 316
2006 10 1291 9 39
2007 106 11333 256 1234 4 6 306
2008 107 8194 310 1097 2 3 360
Sand
Whiting
2009 93 7706 296 1365 4 8 380
2006 14 421 19 40 - - -
2007 103 2050 435 830 29 29 260
2008 116 1887 406 674 21 21 283
Dusky
Flathead
2009 79 1047 377 659 10 13 270
Dusky Flathead - 2007
0.000.100.200.300.400.50
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Prop
ortio
n Commercial
Recreational
Dusky Flathead - 2008
0.000.100.200.300.400.50
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Prop
ortio
n Commercial
Recreational
Dusky Flathead - 2009
0.000.100.200.300.400.50
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8Age Group (yrs)
Prop
ortio
n Commercial
Recreational
Sand Whiting - 2007
0.00
0.20
0.40
0.60
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Prop
ortio
n Commercial
Recreational
Sand Whiting - 2008
0.00
0.20
0.40
0.60
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Prop
ortio
n Commercial
Recreational
Sand Whiting - 2009
0.00
0.20
0.40
0.60
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12Age Group (yrs)
Prop
ortio
n Commercial
Recreational
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 14
range with a primary peak at 700 mm.
commercial fishing method for grey mackerel in 2008–09 and 2009–10.
Figure 10: Age frequency distribution per fishery sector of yellowfin bream from 2007 to 2009. Note that the charter sector was excluded from analysis due to low the numbers of fish measured.
Grey mackerel
Monitoring of east coast grey mackerel commercial
landings began in July 2008. Samples are collected from
three regions to ensure coverage of the major stocks
found north and south of Bowen as well as the
convergence area off Bowen. From 2010, additional effort
has been placed in the Bowen region to increase
samples from this region for assessment purposes. Table
5 provides a summary of data collected by the monitoring
program. The age structure of the landings is not yet
available. The LTMP plans to have age data available for
input into a stock assessment scheduled for late 2011.
A bimodal size structure was evident for grey mackerel
landings from the north-east in 2008–09 with peaks in
the 650 mm and 800 mm (FL) size classes (Figure 11). The
subsequent year was more evenly distributed across all
size classes from 650 to 800 mm. Grey mackerel landed
from the north-east region ranged from 450 to 900 mm
while the south-east region ranged from 550 to 1050 mm.
A bimodal size frequency was also evident in the south-
east region during 2009–10 with a primary peak at the
650 mm size class and a smaller secondary peak in the
800 mm size class.
Size frequencies of grey mackerel landings from
recreational catches indicate that most fish landed
during 2008–09 ranged from 450 to 900 mm although
sample size was low (Figure 12). A larger sample from
2009–10 showed most fish in the 650 to 900 mm size
Figure 11: Length frequency distribution by
Yellowfin Bream - 2007
0.00
0.10
0.20
0.30
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Prop
ortio
n
Commercial
Recreational
Yellowfin Bream - 2008
0.00
0.10
0.20
0.30
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Prop
ortio
n Commercial
Recreational
Yellowfin Bream - 2009
0.00
0.10
0.20
0.30
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16Age Group (yrs)
Prop
ortio
n Commercial
Recreational
0
10
20
30
40
400450
500550
600650
700750
800850
900950
1000
1050
Perc
enta
ge
Gill Net LineNorth-east region 2008-09
0
10
20
30
40
400450
500550
600650
700750
800850
900950
1000
1050
Perc
enta
ge
Gill Net LineSouth-east region 2008-09
0
10
20
30
40
400450
500550
600650
700750
800850
900950
1000
1050
Fork Length (50mm size class)
Perc
enta
ge
Gill Net LineSouth-east region 2009-10
0
10
20
30
40
400450
500550
600650
700750
800850
900950
1000
1050
Perc
enta
ge
Gill Net LineNorth-east region 2009-10
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 15
able 5: Summary of grey mackerel monitoring 2008–09 and 2009–10. T
Number of catches sampled Number of fish measured
Recreational Commercial Recreational Commercial Region Year
ne Spea ne Net ne SpeaLi r
fishing
Li Li r
fishing
ne NetLi
2008–09 4 3 4 23 24 28 1 2 North-east
2009–10 6 - 21 1 13 - 149 59
2008–09 13 - 1 18 - 6 - Bowen
2009–10 34 - 1 53 - 2 -
2008–09 5 1 8 26 566 6 1 76 South-east
2009–10 8 1 5 34 12 2 41 615
Figure 12: Length frequ ution for the recreat nal
nd has collected barramundi
n in a
t
al harvest of barramundi
in Queensland is dominated by 3–6 year old fish. In the
North East Coast sampling area there is a bimodal age
distribution peaking in the 8–11 year age group (Figure
14). The bimodal age distribution may be attributed to
stronger age groups or to a market for smaller size
barramundi early in the year when catches are high and
fishers being less discriminatory on fish size later in the
barramundi fishing season.
The age distribution of samples from the recreational
fishery was found to be similar to that of the commercial
fishery in the North East Coast (data not present here).
This distribution may also be attributed to a strongre age
Figure 13: Fisheries LTMP barramundi sampling areas
0
10
20
30
40
400450
500550
600650
700750
800850
900950
1000
Perc
enta
ge
Grey mackerel 2008-2009
0
10
20
30
40
400450
500550
600650
700750
800850
900950
1000
Fork Length (50mm size class)
Perc
enta
ge
Grey mackerel 2009-2010
group or targeted fishing.
ency distrib iocatch of grey mackerel in 2008–09 and 2009–10.
Barramundi
Fisheries Queensla
recreational and commercial biological informatio
revised program since 2007 (Table 6). The program
collects samples from three regions for Queensland
barramundi defined by Keenan (1994) (Figure 13).
Samples from the North east coast and Central coas
sampling areas from commercial and recreational
fisheries are presented here.
The recreational and commerci
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 16
asurements obtained in the commercial and recreational fishery during
frequency distribution for barramundi sampled from the commercial fishery in the 2008 and 2009 fishing seasons.
Fisheries Queensland has monitored tailor since 1999. A
species. The number of fish measured in the recreational
s increased annually from 2007 to 2009
er
y fish
,
class strength is evident in the fishery with the two year
old age group in 2007 and 2008 moving through the
Table 6: The number of catches sampled and barramundi meFisheries Queensland monitoring.
Figure 14: Age
Tailor
stock assessment is currently being finalised for this fishery as three year olds in 2008 and 2009.
sector ha
(Table 7). In the commercial ocean beach and estuarine
sectors, the number of catches sampled and the numb
of fish measured peaked in 2008.
The age structure of the tailor catch is dominated b
in the two year old age group for all sectors of the fishery
with very few fish aged four or above (Figure 15). Year
Number of
catches measured Number of fish measured
Region Year
Commercial Recreational Commercial
Number of
otoliths Recreational
2007 31 1 781 3 596
2008 51 17 1208 30 750 Central
coast 2009 62 45 571 51 446
2007 18 27 315 33 165
2008 82 113 1106 154 849 North east
coast 74 163 1992 278 2009 873
2007
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1 2 3 4 5 6
Prop
ortio
n
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 17
Figure 15: Age frequency distribution for tailor by fishery sector (combined regions) for 2007, 2008 and 2009 sampling years. Proportions have been weighted for harvest in each region using CFISH data for each year and RFISH data from 2005.
Table 7: Number of representative tailor catches sampled and number of fish measured for each sampling year by fishery sector, and the number of otoliths aged by sampling year. Recreational figures are inclusive of charter caught fish.
Year Fishery Sector
Number of
catches
sampled
Number of
fish
measured
Number
of fish
aged
Recreational 477 3908
Ocean Beach 9 1623 2007
Estuarine 73 2417
514
Recreational 633 5902
Ocean Beach 28 2684 2008
Estuarine 79 2762
660
Recreational 634 6326
Ocean Beach 13 1171 2009
Estuarine 75 2442
599
At-Sea Observing
Estuarine The Fisheries Observer Program (FOP) conducted at-sea
observation on S endorsed vessels, including N4
operators, during the 2009–10 financial year period. The
data collected were presented to the Shark Panel in
November 2010. The Shark Panel were satisfied with the
level of observer coverage presented, and with the
detailed level of information related to the harvest of
sharks. Fisheries Queensland plan to have a report on
shark catches in the fishery and on observed interactions
with species of conservation interest over this period
publicly available by mid 2011.
Ocean BeachRecreational
2008
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1 2 3 4 5 6
Prop
ortio
n
EstuarineOcean BeachRecreational
In addition to observing net fishing activities, the
observers carried out major extension work among
commercial fishers to assist in understanding of the
changes brought in to management arrangements
including the higher level of detail required in logbooks.
This included: 2009
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1 2 3 4 5 6
Age Group (yrs)
Prop
ortio
n
• Seven hands-on shark identification workshops for S
symbol holders along the east coast and at the annual
Gulf of Carpentaria Fishing Association Meeting.
EstuarineOcean BeachRecreational
• Six hands-on shark identification workshops for
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers.
• Assisting fishers with logbook completion at sea, call-
in protocols for quota reportingand other 'new'
compliance areas that were introduced as a result of
the new ECIFFF management arrangements.
The educational role of the FOP continues as the program
enters its second year of observation in this fishery.
Interactions with protected species
Species of Conservation Interest (SOCI) logbook data
indicate that interactions with turtle species occur more
frequently than with other protected species (Table 8). A
similar pattern occurred in 2008. The number of fatal
interactions in 2009–10 for all SOCI species combined
was very low (6%) although there were more dugong
deaths in nets than were released alive.
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 18
Table 8: Reported interactions with species of conservation interest during 2009–10. (Source: Fisheries Queensland CFISH database 1 March 2011).
Ecosystem impacts
Commercial net fisheries generally target high order
predator fish species and use highly selective fishing
gear types that typically results in small amounts of
bycatch. Due to the low levels of discards, there is
limited potential to supplement additional food
resources for other marine species through discarding.
Given the scale of current fishing activities spatially and
temporally, it is likely that ECIFFF discards present only a
minor ephemeral food source for opportunistic
scavenging species. Long term changes in relative
abundances of these species as a result of discard
provisioning seem unlikely. The nature of the fishing gear
means that limited interaction with the seabed and
associated habitat occurs in this fishery.
Sustainability Assessment Performance against fishery objectives
The Performance Measurement System (PMS) for the
ECIFFF was implemented on 1 July 2009 following
extensive consultation with stakeholders. An
assessment of the fishery in meeting its management
objectives is provided in Table 9. The ECIFFF PMS can be
found at
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/documents/Fisheries_Sustai
nableFishing/ECIFFF-Perf-Measure-System.pdf
Table 9: Performance measures and outcomes for the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery.
Performance measure Performance
General fishery
Commercial net fishing effort
The number of days fished in the net commercial
fishery exceeds 28 150 days in any year.
Not triggered
Effort in the net fishery did not exceed 28150 days over the
previous three years
Year Days 2007–2008 27 314 2008–2009 26 125 2009–2010 22 562
Recreational harvest
The total annual recreational harvest weight exceeds
4 000 tonnes in any year.
Not measured
The latest estimate of recreational harvest was made in 2005.
Fisheries Queensland commenced a new statewide recreational
fishing survey in 2010. The results will be publicly available in
2012.
Logbooks
The percentage of logbooks correctly completed is
less than 95%.
Not triggered
Line fishers: >99% compliance
Net fishers: >99% compliance
(see Compliance section for further detail)
Species Injured Whole
Dead
Whole
Live
Total
Dolphins -
unspecified - - 1 1
Dugong - 3 2 5
Green turtle - 1 119 120
Leatherback turtle - - 1 1
Loggerhead turtle - 1 3 4
Sawfish -
freshwater 2 2 - 4
Sawfish - narrow - 1 6 7
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 19
Performance measure Performance
Retained species: target and by-product
All shark
1) Maintain commercial harvest of shark at a
precautionary level.
1a) The commercial annual harvest exceeds the
legislated TACC: 480 t north of Baffle Creek or 120 t
south of Baffle Creek; and
1b) There is a reduction in commercial harvest rate
above 30% over 3 years.
1c) There is a significant change in species
composition of the commercial and/or recreational
catch.
2) Constrain recreational and charter harvest to
within historical levels.
2a) There is a change in recreational harvest or
release above 50% between consecutive surveys; and
2b) There is a change in charter harvest rate above
30% over 3 years.
1a) Triggered–south only
Region Harvest Performance
North 387 t Not triggered
South 121 t Triggered
Total 508 t TACC = 600t
The southern zone quota triggered by one tonne in 2009–10.
Fisheries Queensland monitored harvest regularly through out
this effort year and advised the Shark Panel of the likelihood of
this minor overrun before the end of the quota year. The Shark
Panel agreed that this overrun was acceptable considering the
minor quantities involved and that the total TACC was not likely
to be reached.
Fisheries Queensland is collecting more detailed, species
specific information on the harvest of sharks through logbooks
for S symbol holders through the observer program and relevant
research projects. These data will be incorporated into future
stock assessments to ensure harvest of major shark species in
the ECIFFF remains sustainable.
1b) Not measured
There are no data currently available to assess changes in the
commercial harvest rate for shark species. A minimum of three
years of data is required. New more detailed shark fishery
logbooks able to provide this level of species specific
information were only implemented from 1 July 2009.
1c) Not measured
There are no data currently available to assess changes in the
species composition of the shark catch for either sector. A
minimum of three years of data is required from the fishery and
additional research is also underway. Fisheries Queensland’s
recent assessment of the shark catches noted that the major
species caught in 2009–10 were similar to previous research
results.
2a) Not measured
Fisheries Queensland commenced a new statewide recreational
fishing survey in 2010. The results will be publicly available in
2012.
2b) Not triggered
Charter fishery harvest rates for sharks (a single reporting
category) decreased by 11% from 2007–08 to 2009–10.
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 20
Performance measure Performance
3) Maintain historical proportions of the harvest
between S symbol holders and non S symbol
holders.
The ratio of non S symbol to S symbol landings
exceeds 0.1.
4) Reduce illegal finning at sea.
The percentage of vessels with illegally finned sharks
in possession is more than 5%.
3) Not triggered
The ratio of total landings by non S to S symbol holders in
2009–10 was 0.1 (1:10).
4) Not triggered
No offences relating to illegal finning were detected in 2009–10
(see Compliance section for further detail).
Bait species
1) Maintain commercial harvest of garfish and
other bait species at current levels.
A change in commercial harvest or harvest rate of
garfish or other specified bait species/species groups
above 30% over 3 years.
2) Constrain effort in the commercial bait fishery at
precautionary levels.
Annual effort increases by more than 10% over 2
consecutive years for individual bait species, or the
bait fishery as a whole.
1) Triggered
Catches of the following species/groups changed by more than
30% since 2007–08 (see table below):
Australian anchovy, giant herring, longtom, rainbow runner,
sardines and silver biddies.
Note the very low total catches of some of these species (eg
rainbow runner). Catches of these species have been variable
over the last three years. There was a 19% decline in the
reported harvest of bait species overall.
Table showing change in harvest (t) of major bait species/groups in the ECIFFF from 2007–08 to 2009–10.
2) Triggered
Only one species showed greater than 10% increase over 2
consecutive years–see table below. With such low effort levels
(max. 3 days difference between years) Fisheries Queensland
do not consider these changes warrant further investigation.
Group 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10 % change
Australian anchovy 0.2 1.6 0.1 -36
Bait fish–other 167.6 163.3 126.6 -24
Barracuda 4.6 4.8 5.8 25
Garfish 167.6 174.3 145.5 -13
Giant herring 0.1 0.1 0.1 -34
Longtom 0.6 0.2 0.1 -76
Rainbow runner 0.0 0.1 0.2 449
Sardine 15.2 3.9 6.3 -58
Scad 16.0 27.1 19.0 19
Silver biddy 9.3 11.8 5.7 -39
Wolf herring 12.0 15.6 9.9 -18
Total 393.2 402.8 319.4 -19
Group 2007–08 2008–09 200–10 % Yr1 % Yr2
Giant herring 1 4 6 300 50
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 21
Performance measure Performance
Barramundi, threadfin and grunter
1) Maintain commercial harvest of barramundi,
threadfin and grunter at current levels
A change in commercial harvest or harvest rate of
barramundi, grunter, king threadfin or blue threadfin
above 30% over 3 years.
2) Maintain recreational catch of barramundi,
threadfin and grunter at sustainable levels.
A change (increase or reduction) in recreational
harvest OR release of barramundi, grunter, king
threadfin or blue threadfin above 30% over two
estimate years.
1) Triggered—threadfin (unspecified) catch only
Catch
Harvest of threadfin (unspecified) in 2009–10 decreased by 51%
from 2007–08. This is within the range of harvest since 2001–
02 (from 4.4 to 13 t) and does not warrant further immediate
investigation. Over the same period, harvest of barramundi and
grunter (unspecified) decreased by 18 and 30% respectively.
Standardised catch rate
Changes in catch rates (kg/100 m net/day) for these species
decreased over the three year period, ranging from 5% to 17%.
2) Not measured
The latest estimate of recreational harvest was made in 2005.
Fisheries Queensland commenced a new statewide recreational
fishing survey in 2010. The results will be publicly available in
2012.
Whiting, bream and flathead
1) Maintain commercial harvest of whiting, bream
and flathead at current levels.
A change in commercial harvest or harvest rate of
whiting, bream or flathead above 30% over 3 years.
2) Maintain recreational catch of whiting, bream,
flathead and mangrove jack at sustainable levels.
A change (increase or reduction) above 30% in
recreational harvest OR release of whiting, bream,
flathead, or mangrove jack over consecutive surveys.
1) Triggered—bream (catch only)
Commercial harvest of bream (all species combined) in 2009–
10 decreased by 37% from 2007–08. Over the same period
catch rate (kg/100 m net/day) doubled. At the 2010 Stock
Status workshop an expert panel assessed yellowfin bream (the
major bream species) as ‘sustainably fished’. A further
assessment of these species is planned for mid 2011.
Commercial harvest of flathead decreased by 14% and whiting
increased by 27% over the same three year period and changes
in catch rates were below the 30% threshold.
2) Not measured
The latest estimate of recreational harvest was made in 2005.
Fisheries Queensland commenced a new statewide recreational
fishing survey in 2010. The results will be publicly available in
2012.
Mullet, tailor and dart
1) Maintain commercial harvest of mullet, tailor
and dart at current levels.
a) Annual commercial landings of sea mullet (from
Qld and NSW) exceed the recommended total
allowable catch of 3620 t (Bell et al. 2005); and
b) Annual commercial tailor landings exceed the
legislated 120 t TACC; and
1a) Not triggered
Total commercial landings (Qld and NSW combined) of mullet
(3590 t) were lower than the recommended total allowable
catch. No estimate is available for 2009–10 for NSW catches.
Stock of sea mullet is shared with New South Wales.
Queensland’s catches are stable and within historical levels.
Sea mullet was recently assessed by New South Wales as ‘fully
fished’ due to a long history of stable landings and catch rates
for estuary and ocean fisheries in both jurisdictions.
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 22
Performance measure Performance
c) Annual commercial tailor landings are not greater
than 50% of the legislated TACC; and
d) A reduction in commercial harvest or harvest rate of
mullet, tailor and dart above 30% over 3 years.
2) Constrain recreational harvest to within
historical levels.
A change (increase or reduction) above 30% in
recreational harvest OR release of tailor and dart over
two consecutive surveys.
1b) Not triggered
Total landing of tailor (118 t) did not exceed the TACC.
1c) Not triggered
Total landing of tailor comprised 97.5% of the TACC.
1d) Triggered – mullet and dart (catch rate only)
Mullet (unspecified) harvest rate increased by 60% since 2007–
08 while catches have decreased by 4%. Sea mullet (Mugil
cephalus) comprise the largest catch by weight of all species in
the ECIFFF and was recently assessed as ‘Sustainably fished’ at
the 2010 Stock Status expert workshop. Although the majority
of harvest of mullet is reported as ‘unspecified’, it is likely this
mostly comprises sea mullet. Fisheries Queensland plan to
reassess the stock status of sea mullet in mid 2011.
Dart harvest and harvest rate has decreased by 1% and 31%
respectively since 2007–08.
Both harvest and harvest rate for tailor increased by 10% over
the same period.
2) Not measured
The latest estimate of recreational harvest was made in 2005.
Fisheries Queensland commenced a new statewide recreational
fishing survey in 2010. The results will be publicly available in
2012.
Grey and school mackerel
1) Maintain harvest of net caught grey mackerel
and school mackerel at current levels.
1a) Annual commercial grey mackerel landings exceed
the legislated 250 t TACC; and
1b) Annual commercial grey mackerel landings are not
greater than 50% of the legislated TACC; and
1c) A reduction in commercial harvest or harvest rate
of net caught grey mackerel or school mackerel above
30% over 3 years.
1a) Not triggered
Annual landings of grey mackerel (193 t) did not exceed the
TACC.
1b) Not triggered
Annual landings of grey mackerel reached 77% of the TACC.
1c) Triggered for grey mackerel (catch only)
Grey mackerel harvest in 2009–10 decreased by 46% from
harvest levels in 2007–08. Over the same period catch rate
(kg/100 m net/day) increased by 7%. This decrease in catch of
grey mackerel was expected given the introduction of the TACC
of 250 t in 2009–10 when the previous three years’ catches had
exceeded 300 t. This is also impacted on by the shark TACC as
both species are often caught at the same time. The TACC
represents a 30% reduction from previous catch levels.
There is likely to be a period of adjustment in the fishery
following the recent significant management changes. The
harvest of grey mackerel is regularly reviewed by Fisheries
Queensland through the annual Stock Status Assessement
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 23
Performance measure Performance
2) Maintain harvest of net caught school mackerel
at sustainable levels.
[Future measure] Further performance indicators
linked to outputs of regional (South East Qld) stock
assessment for spotted mackerel.
program and their biology monitored through the LTMP to
ensure the fishery is sustainable. Fisheries Queensland do not
intend to investigate this reference point triggering further but
will maintain a watching brief on the species through the Stock
Status Assessment program.
2) Not measured–future potential measure to be considered. A
stock assessment of spotted mackerel is scheduled for 2012.
Spotted, school, shark mackerel and trevally
Maintain commercial harvest of spotted mackerel,
school mackerel, shark mackerel and trevally at
current levels.
Maintain recreational harvest of spotted mackerel
and school mackerel at sustainable levels
1a) Annual commercial spotted mackerel landings
exceed the legislated 140 t TACC; and
1b) Annual commercial spotted mackerel landings are
not greater than 50% of the legislated TACC
2a) The combined catch of spotted mackerel from all
sectors exceeds the recommended catch limit of 296 t
(age based production model versus historical proxy
method (Begg et al. 2005)); and
2b) The biomass of the east coast spotted mackerel
stock is estimated to be less than 40% of virgin
biomass (Begg et al. 2005 reported a range between
33–63%) in subsequent stock assessments; and
2c) The combined catch of spotted mackerel from all
sectors exceeds the legislated TACC, and
2d) A change in commercial harvest or harvest rate of
school mackerel, shark mackerel or trevally above
30% over 3 years.
3) A change in recreational harvest OR release above
30% over 2 estimate years for spotted mackerel,
school mackerel, shark mackerel or trevally.
1a) Not triggered
Annual landings of spotted mackerel (100 t) did not exceed the
TACC.
1b) Not triggered
Annual landings of spotted mackerel reached 71% of the TACC.
2a) Not measured
There are no recent recreational estimates of harvest to provide
a combined catch level:
• Commercial line and net landings:100 t
• Charter landing: 11 t
• Recreational: no estimate for 2009–10.
2b) Not measured
There are no current estimates of available biomass to measure
against this indicator.
2c) Not measured
As for 2a there are no estimates of recreational harvest to
provide a combined catch level.
2d) Triggered
Commercial harvest of shark mackerel in 2009–10 (50 t)
increased by 53% compared with 2007–08. Over the same
period, school mackerel and trevally catches increased by 5%
and 21% respectively.
The significance of the increased harvest of shark mackerel will
be considered at the 2011 Stock Status Assessment program.
3) Not measured
The latest estimate of recreational harvest was made in 2005.
Fisheries Queensland commenced a new statewide recreational
fishing survey in 2010. Results will be publicly available in 2012.
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 24
Performance measure Performance
Other species
Maintain harvest of other species at current levels
There is an increase or decrease in the combined
harvest from all sectors above 30% over two estimate
years (for which estimates from all sectors are
available).
Not measured
The combined commercial and charter harvest of species other
than the target and by-product mentioned above decreased by
2% from 2008–09 to 2009–10.
The latest estimate of recreational harvest was made in 2005
and is not considered relevant to 2010.
Bycatch and protected species
1) Minimise the percentage of commercial catch
that is bycatch.
1a) The percentage weight and/or number of teleost
and elasmobranch bycatch species in the total
commercial catch should not exceed levels in Halliday
et al. (2001) by 20%; and
1b) The percentage of bycatch increases in each
consecutive year over three years.
2) Minimise the recreational and charter bycatch of
species that have high release mortalities
Any increase in the release rate (number released as a
proportion of the total caught) of species with high
release mortalities over two consecutive annual
estimates in the recreational or charter sector.
1a) Not measured
No systematic bycatch monitoring programs were implemented
in 2009–10 that covered the commercial barramundi, spotted
mackerel, ocean beach and grey mackerel/shark sectors. FOP
resources were dedicated to observing S symbol holders in the
ECIFFF and overall species composition of the observed catch is
expected to be available in mid 2011.
1b) Not measured – see above
2) Triggered–tailor (charter only)
The release rate increased from 42% to 81% from 2008–09 to
2009–10.
Not measured for recreational harvest as there are no recent
data. Results from the next State Wide Recreational Fishing
Survey underway in 2010–11 will be available in 2012.
1) Minimise interactions between protected
species and net and line gears in the ECIFFF.
Total number of interactions within each category of
protected species exceeds the maximum annual
number of interactions recorded in 2005 and 2006.
1) Triggered–sawfish and dugong only
Maximum no. recorderd
for
2005–2006
2009–10 Species
group
Net Line Net/Line
Triggered
Sea snakes 17 0 0 No
Sea turtles 294 0 125 No
Cetaceans 1 4 1 No
Marine birds 3 0 0 No
Dugong 2 0 5 Yes
Sawfish 0 0 11 Yes
Sharks 0 0 0 No
The triggering of the measure for sawfish should not be
interpreted as a real increase. Sawfish were regulated as a no-
take species in 2009. Prior to this date, fishers were allowed to
retain sawfish which were recorded in logbooks under ‘shark’.
Fisheries Queensland will continue to educate fishers on safe
handling and release of sawfish from fishing gear to limit the
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 25
Performance measure Performance
2) Enhance survival of released protected species
in the net and line gears in the ECIFFF.
Percentage of each category of protected species
released alive falls below 90%.
3) Maintain high compliance with proposed net
attendance rules and recognised Bycatch
Reduction Devices (BRDs).
a) Percentage of compliance with net attendance
rules does fall below 95%; and
b) Percentage uptake/compliance with recognised
BRDs does not fall below 80%.
4) Review the risk level to SOCI species.
A species is assigned a higher EPBC or National
Conservation Act 1992 (Qld) risk ranking.
number of fatal interactions that occur in the ECIFFF.
In relation to dugong, Fisheries Queensland has been working
with industry to address these interactions with a desire to
minimise them. In the Bowling Green Bay region new measures
are being considered to close an area to net fishing and further
restrict the gear that may be used in another area to minimise
interactions between nets and dugong and to provide greater
opportunity for dugong survival should they interact with nets.
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) has
also funded a research project looking at the application of
breakaway panels in nets that collapse if struck by a large
animal. Fisheries Queensland will consider the results of the
research in the future management of net fishing in
Queensland.
2) Triggered
Species group No. of interactions % alive Triggered
Cetacean: 1 100 No
Dugong 5 40 Yes
Sea Turtles 125 98 No
Sawfish 11 73 Yes
See comments relating to sawfish and dugong above.
3a) Not triggered
A total of 33 offences related to net attendance were reported in
2009–10: this equates to a compliance rate of 95% of all units
inspected.
3b) Not measured
There are no BRDs defined for the fishery. Research is being
undertaken to develop gear modifications to reduce bycatch in
nets.
4) Not triggered
There were no changes to the conservation status or risk
ranking for listed species with which the ECIFFF interacted.
Ecosystem impacts
Maintain ecosystem structure
A change in similarity measures relating to the
species composition of the catch by sub-fishery/gear.
Not measured
Information neccessary to measure against this indicator were
not collected due to the change in focus of the Fisheries
Observer Program.
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 26
Current sustainability status & concerns
The stock status of 20 key target and by-product
species/species groups in the ECIFFF were assessed by
an expert panel in 2010. The panel determined eight of
the species/species groups to be ‘sustainably fished’,
four were considered ‘uncertain’ and for a further eight
where no assessment was made. Some concerns were
raised regarding the susceptibility and local issues for
king threadfin population in the 2010 assessment—this
is further discussed in the ‘Recent research and
implications’ section below.
Assessing stock status is an annual process and
represents Fisheries Queensland’s primary method for
determining the sustainability status for all major
species/species groups. Further detail regarding the
assessed status of each species is presented earlier in
this report. Additional information on these species and
on the stock status procedures can also be found at
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/28_16916.htm
In addition to the stock status process, quantitative
population modelling to inform sustainability
assessment is regularly undertaken for some major
target species (inc. quota species) in the fishery.
Barramundi, tailor, mullet and spotted mackerel have
been assessed over recent years. Population modelling
of grey mackerel and commercially important shark
species is scheduled to commence in 2011 and 2012
respectively.
Research Recent research and implications
Recent research suggests king threadfin may have highly
localised populations and may be under high fishing
pressure in some specific local areas (Welch et al. 2010).
These concerns were discussed at the stock status
meeting in 2010.
Sustainability reference points in the PMS are not
designed to be used at a regional level so it has not been
possible to provide estimates of local catch or catch
trends. A review of the PMS is planned for 2011 and will
consider the feasibility of developing regional reference
points.
Collaborative research
Fisheries Queensland identifies and advertises its
priority research needs through the Queensland Fisheries
Research Advisory Board to the FRDC as well as through
other major multi-annual research plans such as the
recentl completed MTSRF program. There were several
collaborations with other research agencies and
universities on a number of research projects in the
reporting year. These included:
• Determination of management units for grey mackerel
fisheries in northern Australia.Fisheries Research and
Development Corporation Project No 2005/010 ((Welch
et al. 2009).
• Defining the stock structure of northern Australia’s
threadfin salmon species. Fisheries Research &
Development Corporation, Project 2007/032. (Welch et
al. 2010).
• A Quantitative Ecological Risk Assessment of Sharks
and Finfish of Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area
Inshore Waters. A tool for fisheries and marine park
managers: identifying species at risk and potential
mitigation strategies. Marine and Tropical Sciences
Research Facility Project 4.8.4 Evaluation of the
impacts from industry and community uses on inshore
biodiversity.
• Defining life history traits of fishery targeted
elasmobranches and finfish within the Great Barrier
Reef World Heritage Area. Critical information for
sustainable management. Marine and Tropical
Sciences Research Facility Project 4.8.4 Evaluation of
the impacts from industry and community uses on
inshore biodiversity.
• Whose fish is it anyway? Investigation of co-
management and self-governance solutions to local
issues in Queensland`s inshore fisheries Fisheries
Research & Development Corporation, Project
2009/211. McPhee Research Consultants P/L.
• Habitat ecology of the bull shark, Carcharhinus leucas,
on urban coasts in Eastern Queensland, Australia. Phd
Thesis J Werry.
Outcomes of these research projects are considered in
annual Stock Status Assessment meetings, referenced in
population modelling and inform reviews of the
management of Queensland’s fisheries.
Fishery management Compliance report
Line component
During the 2009–10 financial year, 13 952 units (this
total includes all recreational and commercial line
components of fisheries on the east coast of
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 27
Queensland), including 99 commercial fishing vessels,
were inspected in the line component of the ECIFFF.
Offences are reported as either a Fisheries Infringement
Notice (FIN); Caution (FIN Caution or official caution
issued by Legal); or Prosecution (to proceed by complaint
summons).
A total of 326 offences were detected during the course
of these inspections corresponding to a compliance rate
of 98% on units inspected (Table 10). Of these offences,
ten were by the commercial sector comprising of five
operators.
Net component
During the 2009–10 financial year, 733 units, including
331 commercial fishing vessels, were inspected in the net
component of the ECIFFF. A total of 108 offences were
detected during the course of these inspections
corresponding to a compliance rate of 89% on units
inspected (Table 11). Nine prosecution offences recorded
here are still pending. Of these offences, 42 were by the
commercial sector comprising of 26 operators.
Table 10: Offences recorded in the line component of the ECIFFF for 2009–10.
Offences Caution FIN Prosecution Unattended equipment
Commercial fisher take/possess regulated fish. 2 1
Commercial fisher takes/possesess up to 3 fish regulated by size or up to 3 fish more than the regulated number.
1 4
Contravene a regulated fishing apparatus declaration (rec fisher). 7
Fail to give required information to the Chief Executive in stated way or by stated time. 1 3
Fail to produce a document required to be available for immediate inspection. 1 1
Purchase, sell, possess, use a net that is a commercial fishing apparatus. 1 1 3
Recreational fisher contravenes a regulated waters declaration. 11 5
Recreational fisher takes or posseses regulated fish. 137 137
Contravene a condition of an authority involving use of fishing apparatus 1
Fail to obtain or keep required information in the approved form (not related to abalone) 2
Possess coral reef fin fish not in a permitted form. 1
Take/possess/sell fish regulated by form 1
Take/possess/sell fish regulated by number 1
Take/possess/sell fish regulated by size 2
Fail to comply with regulated fishing apparatus or regulated fishing declaration 2
Table 11: Offences recorded in the net component of the ECIFFF for 2009–10.
Offences Caution FIN Prosecution Unattended Equipment
Commercial fisher contravenes a regulated waters declaration 1 1
Commercial fisher take/possess regulated fish 2 1
Contravene a condition of an authority involving boat marks 1 1
Contravene a condition of an authority involving quota requirements 2
Contravene a condition of an authority involving use of fishing apparatus 4 7
Contravene a regulated fishing apparatus declaration (rec fisher) 3
Fail to give required information to the Chief Executive in stated way or by stated time 1 6
Fail to produce a document required to be available for immediate inspection 1 1
Purchase, sell, possess, use a net that is a commercial fishing apparatus 4 14 5
Rec fisher contravenes a regulated waters declaration 1
Recreational fisher takes or posses regulated fish. 1 2
Commercial fisher take/possess up to 3 fish regulated by size or up to 3 fish more than the regulated number
1
Conduct charter fishing w/out charter licence/undertake commercial fishing while auth suspended
1
Contravene a regulated fishing method declaration (crab hook, jagging, underwater breathing apparatus)
3
Holder of authority fail to give written particulars of a change to prescribed circumstances within
1
Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 28
Offences Caution FIN Prosecution Unattended Equipment
Interference with aquaculture activity or fishing apparatus 1 1
Contravened a condition of an authority 4
Fail to comply with regulated fishing apparatus or regulated fishing declaration 5 27
Provided false, misleading or incomplete documents 2
Take/possess/sell fish regulated by gender 1
Take/possess/sell fish regulated by size 1
Use or possess a restricted thing to take fish 1
Changes to management arrangements in the reporting year
Fisheries Queensland published Guidelines for
commercial operators in the East Coast Finfish Fishery to
provide stakeholders with a summary of management
arrangements as implemented from 31 March 2009.
Online copies of the booklet can be viewed on the
internet at
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/documents/Fisheries_Comm
ercialFisheries/Commercial-Fisheries-handbook.pdf
No additional changes to the management arrangements
were made in 2009–10.
Communication and education
Fisheries Queensland’s Fisheries Observer Program
conducted ‘hands-on’ shark identification workshops in
2009 for commercial fishers and Queensland Boating
and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) officers across the state.
The workshops aim to:
• Provide fishers retaining sharks and QBFP officers with
expert training in shark identification, so they can
accurately fulfill their responsibilities and duties
accordingly (e.g. completion and compliance checks of
logbooks and monitoring regulated shark species).
• Provide fishers with an opportunity to meet
Queensland fisheries observers face-to-face and
address any concerns they may have with regard to
participating in the Fisheries Observer Progra;
• Provide a forum with direct links to fisheries
management to highlight and address stakeholder
concerns.
Complementary management
Fisheries Queensland continues to work with NSW
fisheries management officers on complementary
arrangements for shared stocks. In particular, the two
management agencies have discussed complementary
size and bag limits for species caught in both
jurisdictions. The fishery agencies have also agreed to
seek mutual beneficial approaches to meeting
recommendations for management attached to Wildlife
Trade Operation approvals under the Commonwealth
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
Act 1999. Fisheries Queensland and NSW Fisheries have
also discussed management of shark stocks on the east
coast.
References
Cameron, D & Begg, G 2002, Fisheries biology and interaction in the northern Australian small mackerel fishery. Final report to Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Projects 92/144 & 92/144.02, Department of Primary Industries, Queensland.
DEEDI 2009, Guidelines for commercial operators in the East Coast Finfish Fishery, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Brisbane.
Henry, GW & Lyle, JM 2003, The National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey, FRDC Project No. 99/158, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra.
Kailola, PJ, Williams, MJ, Stewart, PC, Reichelt, RE, McNee, A & Grieve, C 1993, Australian Fisheries Resources., Bureau of Resource Sciences, Department of Primary Industries and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.
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Annual status report 2010–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 29
Information compiled by
Anthony Roelofs
Acknowledgements
Tara Smith, Dr Jonathan Staunton-Smith, Sue Helmke, Jason
McGilvray, Lenore Litherland, Stuart Hyland, Nadia Engstrom,
Kate Yeomans, Mark Lightowler, Dr Malcolm Dunning.
Front cover image
Barramundi (Lates calcarifer)