Gillnet fishing onboard camera field trial

The gillnet fishing onboard camera field trial aims to test the ability of onboard cameras, control systems and software (also known as e-monitoring) to detect interactions with threatened, endangered and protected (TEP) species during commercial gillnet fishing activities.

The use of onboard cameras promotes transparency, helping to build community confidence in the sustainability of Queensland’s fisheries and strengthen the industry's reputation for responsible fishing.

This field trial will be run during 2025 and allow fishers to actively shape how the technology is tested, ensuring that any future equipment is practical and tailored to meet the specific needs of their fishing operations:

• It will focus on priority gillnet fishing symbols, as most interactions with TEP species happen in these fisheries
• N3, N12 and N13 (Gulf of Carpentaria inshore fishery)
• N15 (east coast inshore fishery).
• If there are not enough gillnet fishing participants to complete the trial, systems may also be tested on similar small vessels involved in other remote multi-day fishing operations (e.g. crab fisheries).
• Cameras will be installed on boats to capture footage of the net setting, net servicing and catch sorting process.
• Equipment will be tested across different fishing methods and boat types and layouts to make sure it doesn't interfere with day-to-day fishing operations.
• Participation is voluntary and all costs associated with the field trial will be covered by the Queensland Government.
• The privacy and data of field trial participants will be protected.

For more information see the ‘Document Library’, ‘Gallery’ and ‘Videos’ sections (right).