“Middle-Ground For Mackerel”
A proposed years-long closure plan for Queensland’s Spanish mackerel fishery has been dropped by state government this week.
In a win for local fishermen, Queensland government have ceded their position that mackerel farming would go into complete closure for a period of years after data found mackerel stocks had dropped by 17 per cent of original ‘unfished’ levels.
Those figures were rebuked by fishermen across the state, who sent in more than 1400 submissions contradicting the claim.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said it had been ruled out because of the impact it would have on fishers, jobs, and communities.
Mr Furner said that, overwhelmingly, the fishing community wants action taken to rebuild these stocks for the future, but not through extended closure.
“At the request of the commercial fishing industry, we held direct meetings with commercial fishers and charter fishing operators who are most likely to be affected by future management changes to rebuild this fishery,” Mr Furner said.
“We have now carefully assessed everybody’s input to develop more detailed rebuilding options, which are needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery.”
The government is now seeking final feedback from fishers on options for rebuilding the mackerel – options which include reducing recreational and commercial catch limits, and seasons of closure to protect spawning fish.
Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm picked up the torch on the issue from local fishermen back in early May.
Ms Camm said the current solutions Queensland Government have floated are a “sensible outcome” which protects sustainability but listens to industry.
“I think what it demonstrated is that once we as a community stand up with a strong voice, government will listen,” Ms. Camm said.
“They wanted in particular the science behind the governments claims to be validated, because what they were seeing was not what was being reported.”
Queensland Government have stuck by their data which indicates the drop of 17 per cent, and Minister Furner said mackerel were at “historically low” levels.
“No decision has been made but doing nothing is not an option,” he said.
“If we don’t take steps to rebuild their stocks it could be the end of this important fishery.”
He asked stakeholders to consider the options carefully and identify which would work best for their circumstances.
A final decision and announcement on management actions will be made following this next consultation period, with management actions expected to be implemented from October.
Have your say at https://daf.engagementhub.com.au/spanish-mackerel-2022 . Consultation is open until Friday August 5.
Local fisherman Trevor Draper alongside his wife, Tina, met with Member for Whitsundays Amanda Camm in May to discuss the state governments plan to close Spanish mackerel fisheries across Queensland
