Commercial and charter fishing grants
The Queensland Government has provided up to $250,000 to support projects and programs in the commercial and charter fishing sectors that encourage or promote:
- behaviour change
- industry modernisation
- best practice
- innovation.
The Queensland Commercial and Charter Fishing Grants program supports and funds projects and programs that:
- mitigate ecological risks
- promote sustainable fishing practices to support research and best practice management.
The Guideline on Queensland's Commercial and Charter Fishing Grants Program outlines:
- the evaluation criteria
- how the program operates
- how funding is allocated.
In addition to the eligibility criteria, we also prioritise applications that address at least one of the following:
- complement Queensland's monitoring and research priorities
- fill information gaps on priorities identified in fishery harvest strategies
- find out about helping meet fishery Wildlife Trade Operation conditions by selecting the relevant fishery from Queensland-managed fisheries
- address high or medium risk components of ecological risk assessments
- link to the charter-fishing industry opportunities plan or charter-fishing action plan.
Eligibility
The following Queensland organisations are eligible for the grants:
- licensed commercial fishers
- charter fishers
- industry groups
- peak bodies
- universities
- councils
- statutory bodies
- government agencies
- incorporated bodies and associations.
Types of projects funded
Projects must fall into at least one of the following categories.
Trialling alternative gears, innovation and industry modernisation
For example, trialling new bycatch reduction devices (BRDs), developing and testing new fishing gear for improved efficiency, trialling of cameras or e-monitoring, researching methods to reduce predation by sharks.
Responsible and sustainable fishing practices and education
For example, promoting responsible fishing practices, developing and implementing best management practice (BMP), developing training program or videos for industry.
Promotion and industry-lead campaigns
For example, promoting Queensland sustainable seafood, commercial fisher mental well-being.
How to apply
Use our online form to apply for the commercial and charter grants. You will need to:
Submissions open Friday 1 December 2023 and close midnight Sunday 11 February 2024.
Applicants will be notified by March 2024 if their application is successful or unsuccessful.
Find other grants
Several funding opportunities and services exist in Queensland and across Australia, including:
- Advance Queensland programs and funds—delivers the Queensland Government's vision for the future and invests in a stronger Queensland, including programs and funding for entrepreneurs and startups and identifying business grants.
- Business Queensland—includes information about how to find grants and apply for grant funding in Queensland.
- AusIndustry—connects businesses and investors to information, grants, registrations and support to help businesses succeed in Australia, including a grants and programs finder.
More information
Email fisheriesgrants@daf.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.