Far North fisho’s ominous ‘black market’ warning as gillnet ban kicks in across Queensland

Fresh wild barramundi fillets are hard to find after the “botched” rollout of a controversial fishing licence scheme, a Far North MP says.

Barramundi season has started but many commercial fishing operators’ applications for NX licences have been unsuccessful, Queensland Seafood Industry Association chair Allan Bobberman said. Image: istock

The Far North seafood industry has attacked the Queensland government’s “botched” rollout of a controversial fishing licence scheme they claim is costing jobs and hurting the region’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

But Fisheries Minister Mark Furner has defended the program, arguing that the sector has been consulted with on changes to gillnet fishing practices for more than 25 years to create a sustainable industry.

Following shock reforms to gillnet fishing on the Great Barrier Reef last year, commercial operators were urged to apply for 40 new NX licences to catch wild barramundi ahead of the season starting on February 1.

But just 22 licences have been granted so far with Queensland Fisheries still processing applications that have yet to meet the criteria.

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto says the NX licences should have been rolled out prior to the start of the barramundi season. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Member for Hinchinbrook Nick Dametto said boats remain docked despite the approvals due to unclear rules set out in the licensing guidelines.

“Even the ones that have been granted NX licences still aren’t on the water because the conditions are so ambiguous,” Mr Dametto said.

“The fishos say it’s unclear whether they need a camera on their vessel, or an observer onboard.

“Secondly, who pays for all this stuff? None of this has been clearly outlined.”

A wild barramundi shortage could lead to . Picture: Blair Jackson

The failed rollout is hampering other industries as a result, Mr Dametto said.

“There’s very limited stock for your fishmongers and restaurants right now,” he said.

“When people come to Cairns or Port Douglas they want to taste wild, locally caught produce and it’s just not available.

“The alternatives are imported or a farm product but a lot of people just won’t buy that.

“The market’s been caught short because of this botched rollout.”

Cardwell-based fisherman, Allan Bobberman, said he applied for an NX licence but was told he didn’t qualify under the new scheme.

“The whole thing is shambolic,” the Queensland Seafood Industry Association chair said.

“The bottom line is this industry is sustainable and it’s been around for 100 years.

“The wholesalers and retailers can’t sell our iconic seafood and it’s the consumers that are being denied the seafood of their choice.

“It makes you wonder what will we feed people at the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games?”

Mr Bobberman estimated that six licences had been issued to fishermen from Rollingstone to Cape Bedford.

“But I’ve spoken to a few fishermen who are thinking about handing them back already,” he said.

“It’s virtually unworkable. They’ve reduced the area we can fish dramatically. There’ll be areas that are oversubscribed as a result.

“There’s a lot of coastline that cannot be fished now.”

Fisheries Minister Mark Furner says the fishing industry has been consulted with over an extended period regarding changes to gillnet fishing in Queensland. Picture David Clark

Queensland Fisheries Minister Mark Furner said the new licences aimed to protect threatened species while ensuring the sector remained viable.

“These measures are about a sustainable future for the industry,” Mr Furner said.

“Industry and stakeholder engagement on the risk to threatened species from gillnets has been ongoing over many years, starting in 1997 when the dugong protection areas were first declared.

“Directly affected commercial licence holders have received an email or letter with information about their individual circumstances.”

But the lack of wild seafood could have unintended consequences, Mr Bobberman warned.

“Right now we’ve got a shortage and when you’ve got a shortage you create a black market, don’t you?” Mr Bobberman said.

About 240 Queensland gillnet licences were wiped out last year, replaced by 40 strict ‘NX’ licences.

Originally published as Far North fisho’s ominous ‘black market’ warning as gillnet ban kicks in across Queensland