Independent onboard monitoring in Queensland trawl fisheries

Being able to demonstrate the sustainability of Queensland trawl fisheries is essential to maintain existing, and obtain future, access to domestic and international seafood markets. Independent onboard monitoring is essential to do this.

Using onboard cameras that can record interactions with threatened, endangered and protected species during fishing operations has the potential to streamline mandatory reporting, reduce business costs and satisfy trade partners.

Independent onboard monitoring involves the use of electronic monitoring (e-monitoring) systems and/or onboard observers to monitor commercial fishing operations.

The process of comparing footage from e-monitoring systems or onboard observers with logbook information provided by fishers is a form of independent data validation.

E-monitoring systems are currently being used in other states and countries to help with independent data validation.

The use of independent onboard monitoring in Queensland high-risk trawl fisheries would promote transparency, helping to build community confidence in the sustainability of the fisheries and strengthen the industry's reputation for responsible fishing.

Field trial

Fisheries Queensland, in partnership with the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, ran an 18-month field trial to test the ability of onboard cameras and e-monitoring systems to detect interactions with threatened, endangered and protectedspecies and other bycatch during commercial trawl fishing activities. Thanks to those fishers who volunteered their time and their boats to test the equipment.

The field trial evaluation report and a summary fact sheet are available in the ‘Document library’, and a recording of the online information session is available under ‘Videos’.

Consultation

The results and recommendations from the field trial have been used to develop an impact analysis statement about options for independent onboard monitoring in Queensland trawl fisheries.

It is proposed that a program is implemented across 100% of commercial fin fish trawl fishery vessels, and east coast otter trawl fishery vessels that account for 90% of fishing effort, and that government covers all costs for the first 4 years.

The impact analysis statement and a summary fact sheet are available in the ‘Document library’.

Submit your feedback:

• complete the online survey (below)
• email datavalidation@dpi.qld.gov.au
• post to
  Independent onboard monitoring IAS
  Fisheries Queensland
  GPO Box 46
  Brisbane Qld 4001

Consultation closed 7 September 2025.