jaybee
27-11-2003, 04:20 PM
26 November, 2003
New take and possession limits for Spanish mackerel will be introduced from December 13, affecting both recreational and commercial fishers.
The new regulations follow extensive consultation between the Department of Primary Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS), industry and the public.
From December 13 the take and possession limit for Spanish mackerel will reduce from 10 to three fish.
Both recreational anglers and those commercial operators who are not authorised to take Spanish mackerel commercially must comply with the new limits.
Recreational fishers on extended charter boat tours of more than 48 hours duration will be able to retain twice the take and possession limit.
Other changes scheduled for the fishery include limiting the number of Spanish mackerel commercial fishing authorities on east coast line licences from February 1, 2004.
From July 1 next year, a total allowable catch of 620 tonnes will apply for commercial operators who will also have to report and tag their catch before landing.
QFS reef line manager Mark Elmer said the reforms were aimed at helping to sustain and protect east coast Spanish mackerel stocks.
Mr Elmer said recent research into Spanish mackerel stocks indicated the fishery was fully exploited at current levels.
“Spanish mackerel is an aggregating species, increasing its vulnerability to overfishing particularly during spawning periods,” he said.
“The research further indicates that the distribution of these aggregations on the east coast has also contracted over the past 30 years.”
Mr Elmer said another cause of concern was the potential for fishing effort to transfer to the Spanish mackerel fishery following the implementation of the new coral reef fishery management arrangements.
“The new regulations limit participation in the coral reef fin fish fishery, increasing the potential for effort transfer to other fish species which could be disastrous for Spanish mackerel stocks,” he said.
“The Spanish mackerel regulations are aimed at alleviating this potential increase in fishing pressure.”
New take and possession limits for Spanish mackerel will be introduced from December 13, affecting both recreational and commercial fishers.
The new regulations follow extensive consultation between the Department of Primary Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS), industry and the public.
From December 13 the take and possession limit for Spanish mackerel will reduce from 10 to three fish.
Both recreational anglers and those commercial operators who are not authorised to take Spanish mackerel commercially must comply with the new limits.
Recreational fishers on extended charter boat tours of more than 48 hours duration will be able to retain twice the take and possession limit.
Other changes scheduled for the fishery include limiting the number of Spanish mackerel commercial fishing authorities on east coast line licences from February 1, 2004.
From July 1 next year, a total allowable catch of 620 tonnes will apply for commercial operators who will also have to report and tag their catch before landing.
QFS reef line manager Mark Elmer said the reforms were aimed at helping to sustain and protect east coast Spanish mackerel stocks.
Mr Elmer said recent research into Spanish mackerel stocks indicated the fishery was fully exploited at current levels.
“Spanish mackerel is an aggregating species, increasing its vulnerability to overfishing particularly during spawning periods,” he said.
“The research further indicates that the distribution of these aggregations on the east coast has also contracted over the past 30 years.”
Mr Elmer said another cause of concern was the potential for fishing effort to transfer to the Spanish mackerel fishery following the implementation of the new coral reef fishery management arrangements.
“The new regulations limit participation in the coral reef fin fish fishery, increasing the potential for effort transfer to other fish species which could be disastrous for Spanish mackerel stocks,” he said.
“The Spanish mackerel regulations are aimed at alleviating this potential increase in fishing pressure.”