Let Our Fishers Fish

Concerns Over Future Of Wild-Caught Seafood Voiced

Fresh, wild-caught seafood has long been a cornerstone of coastal Queensland life — not just a staple on the dinner table, but a key economic driver for countless small businesses, regional communities, and family-run operations. Yet the future of this industry is looking increasingly uncertain, with rising regulatory pressure and economic headwinds threatening to reel in more than just fishers’ nets.

In a bid to hear directly from those on the frontline, Federal Member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability Andrew Willcox joined Federal Shadow Minister for Fisheries Senator Ross Cadell last week on a two-day listening tour across Mackay, Bowen, and the Burdekin.

The tour kicked off with a roundtable at Mackay Reef Fish Supplies, where commercial and recreational fishers from the region shared concerns around the phasing out of gillnet fishing and the impact of increasingly complex compliance requirements.

“At this initial meeting we discussed NX licences which allow commercial fishers to continue to use gillnets, which are being phased out over the next two years,” Mr Willcox said.

“The regulations being imposed on our fishermen and women are unrealistic, and this is why I have asked Senator Cadell to the region — to talk with these people who are just trying to earn a living while feeding the nation.”

The meeting painted a picture of an industry already committed to responsible and sustainable practices, including the use of quotas, zone management, vessel tracking, and on-board camera systems — yet still finding itself bogged down in red tape.

“Every time we reduce the numbers of fishers, the knock-on effects are enormous,” Mr Willcox said.

“The boat builders, ice makers, chandlery shops and many other small businesses, and our communities suffer.”

After meeting with Mackay fishers, the delegation travelled north to hold further sessions in Bowen and the Burdekin, joined by industry stakeholders from the Whitsundays through to Townsville. While regional nuances varied, the underlying message remained consistent.

“There is a common theme we are hearing,” Senator Cadell said.

“Our fishers are already leading the way with environmentally sustainable practices. They’re committed to doing the right thing and welcome working with cameras on board to show this.”

“But what they need is for government to cut the red tape, slash the paperwork, and let them get on with the job of fishing. Gillnet fishing needs to be allowed so we can continue to enjoy fresh wild-caught seafood.”

The tour comes at a pivotal moment for Queensland’s fishing sector, with industry players calling for smarter policy that balances environmental stewardship with economic sustainability.

“Our fishers are already carrying out environmentally sustainable practices,” Mr Willcox said.

“The best thing that government can do is reduce the red tape — and let the fishers fish.”

Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox and Shadow Minister for Fisheries Senator Ross Cadell meet with Mackay commercial and recreational fishers at Mackay Reef Fish Supplies as part of a two-day listening tour across regional Queensland

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