Fisheries
Coronavirus support for commercial fishers
Information for Queensland’s commercial fishers affected by significant changes in market access associated with the coronavirus.
Reef line and spanner crab harvest strategies approved
The first two harvest strategies have been released after extensive development and consultation with stakeholders.
Changes to the Fisheries Act
Changes to the Fisheries Act 1994 took effect from 28 May 2019. This includes tougher penalties to combat black-marketing and a 20 m shark control exclusion zone.
Find a FAD and have a great fishing experience
Fish aggregating devices (FADS) are anchored offshore to attract fish – find out where they are and how to use them safely
Be safe. Be SharkSmart
With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the Queensland coastline is a great place to swim, surf, fish and go boating. It’s important to remember that sharks live along the Queensland coast, including estuaries, rivers, canals and streams.
Snapper and pearl perch CLOSED SEASON: 15 July - 15 August
Snapper and pearl perch are a no-take species for all recreational, charter and commercial fishers from 12.01am on 15 July 2020, until 11.59pm on 15 August 2020.
If you catch a snapper or pearl perch during the closure, use good catch and release techniques – handle the fish correctly, remove the hook if it’s in the mouth or lip, cut the line and leave the hook in place if it’s in the gills or gut, and release the fish as soon as possible. Snapper may also need to be treated for barotrauma.
There are plenty of other species to fish for during this closure, including pelagic species like mahi mahi that are attracted to fish aggregating devices (FADs) anchored off South East Queensland.
Visit coronavirus (COVID-19) support for agriculture and support for fisheries for the latest information. Read Queensland border restriction information for industry.
Our offices are closed but we are still open for business.
For enquiries, call 13 25 23, the Fishwatch hotline (1800 017 116), the National Emergency Animal Disease Hotline (1800 675 888) or the National Exotic Plant Pest Hotline (1800 084 881) or email us at info@daf.qld.gov.au.
East coast black jewfish fishery CLOSED
The annual catch limit for the east coast has been reached. Black jewfish is a no-take species on the east coast for all fishers for the rest of the 2020 calendar year.
