Commercial and charter fishing grants
The Queensland Government has provided up to $250,000 to support projects and programs that encourage or promote behaviour change, industry modernisation, best practice, and innovation in the commercial and charter fishing sectors.
The Queensland Commercial and Charter Fishing Grants Program aims to support and fund projects and programs that mitigate ecological risks and 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 and how funding is allocated.
Eligibility and types of projects funded
The grants are open to licensed commercial fishers, charter fishers, industry groups, peak bodies, universities, councils, statutory bodies, government agencies, and incorporated bodies and associations in Queensland.
The grants aim to deliver new or improved industry modernisation, research and innovation by introducing behaviour change, ecological risk management and best practice management that meet at least one of the following criteria:
| Criteria | Project examples |
|---|---|
| Trialling alternative gears, innovation and industry modernisation | Trialling new bycatch reduction devices (BRD’s), 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 | Promoting responsible fishing practices, developing and implementing best management practice (BMP), developing training program or videos for industry |
| Promotion and industry-lead campaigns | Promoting Queensland sustainable seafood, commercial fisher mental well-being |
In addition to meeting the broad criteria outlined above, the Queensland Government prioritised applications that address one or more 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.
How to apply
All applications for the commercial and charter grants must be made through the online form.
Applications dates for the 2022 grants program are also available on the online application portal.
Applicants will be notified by February 2023 if their application is successful or unsuccessful.
External funding opportunities in Queensland and across Australia
Several funding opportunities and services exist in Queensland and across Australia which may be suitable for establishing aquaculture facilities, including:
- Advance Queensland programs and funds Advance Queensland delivers the Queensland Government's vision for the future and invests in a stronger Queensland. This includes programs and funding for entrepreneurs and start-ups and identifying business grants.
- Business Queensland
Includes information about how to find grants and apply for grant funding in Queensland - AusIndustry
A service to connect businesses and investors to information, grants, registrations and support to help businesses succeed in Australia. AusIndustry includes a Grants and programs finder.
More information
Email fisheriesgrants@daf.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.
