Rebuilding the Queensland saucer scallop fishery

Project overview

Proposed reforms to rebuild and manage saucer scallop (Ylistrum balloti) in the east coast otter trawl fishery aim to ensure the long-term sustainablity of saucer scallop stocks and meet the Australian Government wildlife trade operation export approvals for the fishery, while balancing the needs of commercial fishers.

During the consultation in late 2025, the Queensland Government sought community feedback on these proposed reforms – the consultation report is now available in the ‘Document library’.

In addition, the report on the fishery-independent scallop survey co-delivered with industry has been released (available in the 'Document library'), which assessed more than 450 sampling sites throughout the southern inshore, southern offshore and central regions.

Feedback received through the consultation and the results of the scallop survey have informed a 5-year saucer scallop rebuilding strategy (also available in the ‘Document library’).

Along with the results of the scallop survey, all feedback received has been considered to determine future management arrangements for the fishery.

The 5-year scallop rebuilding strategy recommends that commercial scallop fishing resume in some parts of the east coast otter trawl fishery under an adaptive management approach.

The strategy recommends that:

  • legislation be amended to open the central region for scallop fishing with a total allowable commercial catch (TACC) of 167,776kg (to be implemented through a possession limit)
  • the southern offshore region remains open with a TACC of 248,609kg
  • the scallop fishery remains closed (no take) in the southern inshore region, as the 2025 survey revealed that the biomass was still low (below the 20% limit reference point for the fishery).