Rebuilding the Queensland saucer scallop fishery

Project overview

During the consultation in late 2025, the Queensland Government sought community feedback on proposed reforms to rebuild and manage saucer scallop (Ylistrum balloti) in the east coast otter trawl fishery – 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.

The consultation report is available in the ‘Document library’, along with the report on the fishery-independent scallop survey co-delivered with industry, 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 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 recommended that commercial scallop fishing resume in some parts of the east coast otter trawl fishery under an adaptive management approach.

The following management arrangements will take effect from midday 1 March 2026.

General fishery changes

Fishers must:

  • monitor central and southern offshore total allowable commercial catch (TACC) limits
  • only take saucer scallops in 1 region (central or southern offshore) during a fishing operation
  • not remove saucer scallop meat from the shell at sea
  • report saucer scallop catch before landing
  • return to a relevant port area or a landing place to unload saucer scallops within 36 hours of a regional TACC being reached, or 18 hours after the close of the season at midday on 1 May
  • fully unload all saucer scallops and give a weight notice before returning to sea.

Central region

Saucer scallops in this region will be managed under a TACC limit of 167,776kg whole-shell weight and a possession limit of 3,500kg whole-shell weight (equivalent to approximately 100 baskets).

Southern offshore region

Saucer scallops in this region will be managed under a TACC of 248,609kg whole-shell weight. 

Southern inshore region

Saucer scallops will remain no take in this region, as the 2025 fishery survey revealed that the biomass was still low (below the 20% limit reference point for the fishery).

More information

Find out more about the new management arrangements and reporting requirements.