Spanish mackerel on the chopping block as government prepares to cut commercial catching rates

Commercial catch limits on spanish mackerel are expected to be harshly restricted under new proposals.

Frustrated commercial fishing heads have called on the state government to front up and answer questions over the data behind a planned cut to one of North Queensland’s favourite dishes.

East coast spanish mackerel came under close scrutiny after a new methodology of assessing fish biomass determined only 17% of spanish mackerel biomass was left.

A proposal being considered by Fisheries Queensland could see the commercial take for thespecies reduced by as much as 90 per cent.

The proposal was brought up by Queensland Fisheries during a teleconference on December 15 with industry representatives from the Queensland Seafood Industry Association.

Frustrated QSIA representatives challenged the department to provide answers about how the biomass of the fishery could have fallen to 17 per cent as the most recent stock assessment claims.

QSIA CEO Eric Perez said that if the commercial catch rate was reduced by 70-90 per cent, the effects would be felt far and wide.

“It’ll affect retailers and wholesalers and it won’t just be in Queensland. It’ll be nationwide. It’s a fish that is in demand across the whole country.”

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto backed the industry, saying if the current assessment is accurate, the fishery had been mishandled.

reefkatter

“At worst, this suggests the fishery has been grossly mismanaged by the Government for the last 20 years,” Mr Dametto said.

A Fisheries Queensland spokesman said the organisation was satisfied that the independent review had resulted in the best information available.

“The Sustainable Fisheries expert panel has looked at the review process and is very satisfied with its conduct, and that the findings are the best available information.

“This latest stock assessment gives us much more updated information to guide future management actions.”

The spokesman said that the organisation would contact a community consultation process before proceeding with catch restrictions.

“Commercial and recreational fishers and other stakeholders will all be able to have their say on future management actions before any final decisions are made by government.

“It’s clear that the biomass needs rebuilding, and Queenslanders want a sustainable fishery in the future.”

Townsville-based fish and chips retailer and Doctor of Fisheries Science Renae Tobin said the numbers relied on a lot of assumptions, but were cause for quick action if true.

“Certainly some changes would have to be made at that point. However, QSIA has a good point that this should have been acted on sooner,” Dr Tobin said.

Dr Tobin said the outlook for the fish biomass itself was fairly positive, but the impacts on commercial fishers would be felt.

“Spanish mackerel are really fast growing and quick to reproduce, but from a fishery perspective, that’s a big cut for a very long time.

“At a small business level, they’ll likely have to start using other products, whether that means imported or a cheaper local product, who knows.”

Originally published as Spanish mackerel on the chopping block as government prepares to cut commercial catching rates