Independent Onboard Monitoring (IOM) involves the use of onboard cameras (e-monitoring system) or fishery observers to independently validate commercial fishing interactions with protected species and bycatch. This approach compares data provided by fishers, such as logbook records, with independent sources like camera footage to assess the accuracy of the data and identify any differences.
By identifying discrepancies and verifying the accuracy of reported data, IOM ensures that the information used for fisheries management is both reliable and robust. This ensures high-quality, reliable data is used to support evidence-based fishery management decisions. It also provides transparency and builds trust with other regulators and the community, demonstrating that Queensland’s fisheries are managed sustainably.
Implementation of IOM across Queensland’s priority trawl fisheries is required to maintain Australian Government export approvals and ongoing access to valuable fishing grounds.
Final decision
The Queensland Government has approved implementation of an IOM program across high-priority trawl fishing vessels to ensure compliance with federal government export approvals. The program involves deploying electronic monitoring (e-monitoring) systems to independently validate commercial fishing data, particularly interactions with protected species.
A comprehensive regulatory impact analysis process was completed and a decision impact analysis statement (IAS) prepared, which outlines the government’s decision to mandate IOM on all active commercial fin fish trawl fishery (CFFTF) vessels and east coast otter trawl fishery (ECOTF) vessels that account for 90% of the fisheries effort. The government has committed to funding the program’s implementation costs over a 6-year period, as well as additional commitments to support its implementation and program outcomes.
The decision IAS, summary fact sheet and FAQs are available in the ‘Document library.’
Consultation process
A consultation IAS was published in mid-2025 to explore the option of implementing an IOM program, with stakeholder feedback gathered through face-to-face and online engagement activities over an 8-week period. A consultation report summarising industry submissions was prepared and the results and recommendations from this consultation process was used to inform the final IOM program in the decision IAS.
The consultation IAS and a summary fact sheet are available in the ‘Document library.’
Field trial
Since mid-2023, Fisheries Queensland and the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water have trialled e-monitoring systems on trawl vessels to inform the program’s design. The trials tested 6 camera systems across 11 vessels, with MRAG Asia Pacific contracted to review footage, validate protected species interactions, estimate bycatch and provide cost projections for the program. Thanks to the fishers who volunteered their time and vessels to test the equipment.
The field trial evaluation report and a summary fact sheet are available in the ‘Document library.’ A recording of the online information session is also available under ‘Videos.’
