East coast Spanish mackerel proposed management and harvest strategy changes

The proposed amendments to the harvest strategy (in the ‘Document library’) have been approved.

The total allowable commercial catch will increase from 165 t to 250 t. We will contact commercial fishers directly in early 2026 to discuss their quota allocations and the commencement date.

On 1 January 2026, the recreational boat limit will increase to 4 fish per boat with 4 or more people on board.

NOTE: The 75 cm minimum size limit, seasonal closures, charter fishing trip limits and individual recreational possession limit of one fish per person will remain the same.

Recreational fishers can keep up to date with the latest rules by downloading the Qld Fishing 2.0 app.