Move to lift Spanish mackerel catch limit - but not everyone is happy about it

Far North Queensland fishers may soon be able to catch twice as many Spanish mackerel as is currently allowed.

The recreational boat limit is set to double to four mackerel from two, while commercial fishers will likely be able to catch more than double the current yearly quota, rising from 165 tonnes to 250 tonnes. 

The State Government said the latest stock assessment had “found the population was now likely to have doubled” since 2021, so it wanted to “restore fairness” for fishers.

But conservation group the Australian Marine Conservation Society today condemned the proposed changes as “short-sighted” and “risky”.

Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said the proposed changes struck a balance between allowing fishers and seafood eaters to enjoy Spanish mackerel while continuing to protect the fishery for future generations. 

“The Crisafulli Government is delivering positive outcomes for the fishing sector based on robust and reliable scientific processes,” Minister Perrett said.  

“We said we would support Queensland’s fishing sector by only legislating scientifically backed changes to regulation – and that’s what we are doing.”

But AMCS Great Barrier Reef fisheries campaign manager Simon Miller said the move was setting a “dangerous precedent”.

“We have a key fish stock showing long-term declines over the last decade,” Mr Miller said.

“Management of Spanish mackerel still requires a precautionary approach until we see stronger evidence of stock recovery.”