Spanish mackerel quota debate: Further consultation to determine result

An update over the heated Spanish mackerel debate has provided stakeholders with two key options moving forward. FIND OUT WHAT THEY ARE

A DECISION has not been made over the heated Spanish mackerel stock debate with two options being put forward for stakeholders to decide in a final consultation.

Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner announced in Cairns on Friday final feedback from recreational and commercial fishers would be open until Friday August 5.

“No decision has been made but doing nothing is not an option,” he said.

“Spanish mackerel stocks are historically low, and if we don’t take steps to rebuild their stocks it could be the end of this important fishery experiences in Queensland.”

Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner. Picture: Duncan Evans

“I’ve said from the outset that doing nothing is not an option so therefore we’ve put together as a result from the science and the inclusion of the consultation, two options.”

Option one would include a six week northern seasonal closure and a six week southern seasonal closure. While the second one would include a 12 week closure of both.

Big Fish Down Under charter boat operator Daniel McCarthy said any potential closure did not make sense.

“The reality is they only spawn in a couple of areas,” he said.

“I am all about protecting them in the area they are spawning which is Lucinda. They should ban it in an area like that definitely.

“But to have a blanket closure on half the state for six weeks at a time, or 12 weeks at a time is absolutely silly.”

Big Fish Down Under charter boat operator Daniel McCarthy Picture: Brendan Radke

Mr McCarthy said any future closure would have dire impacts on the commercial fishing industry.

“Spanish mackerel by their nature they don’t release very well, when you catch them the survivability after you release them is very poor,” he said.

“The unfortunate part about that is (after) releasing them, you are basically feeding them to the sharks.”

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said he hoped the next round of consultation would include all key stakeholders like commercial fishers, recreational fishers, fish and chip retailers, restaurants, and consumers.

“Commercial Spanish mackerel fishers are losing confidence in the industry; this is their livelihoods that are at stake,” he said.

Originally published as Spanish mackerel quota debate: Further consultation to determine result