The Queensland Government is considering a number of proposed management changes to expand freshwater and marine fishing capacity, and reduce impacts of fishing on the ongoing sustainability of our fisheries.
We are seeking feedback from fishers and other sectors in the community on the management options presented in the discussion paper (available in the ‘Document library’).
The discussion paper outlines management issues and sustainable management options for the following fisheries:
> Freshwater fisheries
- Increase the possession limit for silver perch in stocked impoundments
- Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme expansion and administrative changes
- Improve protection for Cooper Creek catfish and Mary River cod
- Changes to Murray cod management
> Tropical rock lobster fishery
- Extend the fishing season for all fishing sectors
> Black jewfish fishery
- Introduce a spawning closure for all fishing sectors
- Increase recreational possession and boat limits
- Improve viability of commercial fishing
> Crab fishery
- Introduce the use of shark excluder devices on crab pots in Port Musgrave
Different management options will have different benefits for sectors (e.g. recreational fishers, commercial fishers, tackle retailers and environmental organisations). Therefore, it is important to understand the preferences of people who have an interest in the affected fisheries so we can make a balanced decision.
No decisions have been made, and none will be made until after consultation.