Marine aquarium fish and coral fisheries working group

This working group provides operational advice on the management of Queensland’s marine aquarium fish fishery and coral fishery.

• 12 March 2018

  The Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral Fisheries working group met for the first time in Cairns on 12 March 2018.

  The working group was provided an overview of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy (the Strategy). The members discussed the key policy objectives and how their input will be used to shape the future management of the Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral fisheries.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an outline of the current status of the fishery.  The working group discussed both fisheries and agreed that the information provided was correct.

  Fisheries Queensland provided information on the Monitoring and Research Plan and Social and Economic Monitoring, which outlines where the initial investment in monitoring and data under the Strategy will be focused. Working group members discussed the importance of collecting social data which measures the perception of the broader community of the fishery over time. It was identified that the future direction of research and monitoring would be guided by the harvest strategies.

  The working group discussed the Queensland Harvest Strategy Policy and Queensland Harvest Strategy Guidelines. The members noted that a harvest strategy would provide more certainty by outlining predetermined management actions based on agreed indicators for fishery performance. Fisheries Queensland will assist the working group with developing the harvest strategies and will undertake consultation with broader fishery stakeholders as development progresses.

  The working group members discussed current issues in the Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral fisheries. Members noted the need to overview current historical input and output controls and the need to highlight Wildlife Trade Operations requirements within the harvest strategy for coral. Other issues that were of concern to the working group included compliance, international trade threats, data quality, concentrations of fishing effort on high target coral species and the ability to rapidly respond to fishery independent threats such as climate change.

  The working group noted that commercial harvest boats would require vessel tracking by the end of 2020 and was shown an example vessel tracking unit. The members identified issues relating to the operationalisation of vessel tracking including the ability to transfer between vessels. Members also expressed interest in implementing vessel tracking units throughout their industry sooner than 2020.

  To start the harvest strategy process, the working group was asked to identify key fishery objectives to set out the direction and aspirations for the fishery. The following draft objectives were recommended by the working group to:

  • ensure sustainability for target species
  • minimise localised concentrations of effort
  • effectively respond to changing environmental and habitat conditions
  • ensure resource sustainability
  • ensure ecosystem resilience
  • maximise the value of tradable units by managing excess capacity
  • maintain and improve market access for Wildlife Trade Operations
  • foster stewardship
  • ensure fisheries management is meeting the expectations of community
  • improve data to improve better management decisions
  • reduce complexity of fishing rules .

  The members discussed management reform options that would enable the fishery to be managed to achieve these objectives. The working group agreed that a review of all licence conditions and Queensland legislation is necessary, with a specific focus on which input and output controls are still relevant for the fisheries. Compliance and localised concentrations of effort of key high target coral species were identified by the group as important issues that need to be considered in the development of the harvest strategies, and a strong focus on aligning harvest fisheries with other commercial fisheries was considered to be of benefit into the future. Members also highlighted the value in operators aligning themselves with the representative industry body.

  The working group was concluded with a discussion around the next steps that need to be taken for transitioning the Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral fisheries to a harvest strategy framework.

  The next working group meeting is scheduled for June to refine the objectives and management review options. Fisheries Queensland will be seeking the views of all stakeholders throughout the process.

  Members

  • Fisheries Queensland (Chair- Kimberly Foster)
  • Commercial fishing (Darren Brighton, Alan Cousland, Alex Doll, Ryan Donnelly, Nic Dos Santos, Daniel Kimberley, Rob Lowe, Ros Paterson, Lyle Squire)
  • Science (Morgan Pratchett)
  • Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Randall Owens)

• 9-10 July 2018

  The Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral Fisheries working group met for the second time in Brisbane on the 9 and 10 of July.

  The working group accepted the previous meeting minutes and noted the progress of the meeting action items. An update of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy (the Strategy) was provided. Josh Davis from The Department of Environment and Energy provided some information about the Wildlife Trade Operation approval process for exporting fisheries and Martin Russell from Parks Australia delivered a presentation on the implementation of the Coral Sea Marine Park.

  Fisheries Queensland reported on feedback received on the proposed Fisheries Act amendments and updated the working group on how the future legislation review will affect the Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral Fisheries.

  The working group noted the fishery management objectives developed at the previous meeting and endorsed out of session, noting the objectives will be refined as the harvest strategy is developed.

  Working group members noted the release of the harvest fisheries discussion paper and provided comments on the key issues such as aligning commercial harvest fishing licences with commercial boat fishing licences, standardising quota management across all harvest fisheries, simplifying input control rules. Some key issues to work through are the use of tenders, number of fishers to harvest per licence and expressing quota in kg. Industry identified the importance of workplace health and safety requirements when reviewing fishing rules. Industry have agreed to provide Fisheries Queensland with a formal submission.

  The working group reviewed the existing Performance Measurement System and 2013 Coral Ecological Risk Assessment to inform appropriate indicators, reference points, triggers and decision rules for the development of the harvest strategy.

  The working group identified a tiered approach would be suitable to manage species within the fisheries using historical catch and industry information. Possible knowledge gaps, along with monitoring and research requirements were identified and Fisheries Queensland has committed to supplying a letter of support for the FRDC coral project. Members identified that industry needs to continue to work to develop field surveys to inform the harvest strategy and to make use of the existing fisheries catch data.

  The working group was concluded with a discussion around the next steps that need to be taken for transitioning the Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral Fishery to a harvest strategy framework. Industry has agreed to provide some additional data review out of session to support the harvest strategy development and Fisheries Queensland will build an initial draft out of session.

  The next working group meeting is tentatively scheduled for November.

  The Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral Fisheries Working Group members are: Fisheries Queensland (Chair- Kimberly Foster), commercial fishing (Darren Brighton, Alan Cousland, Alexander Doll (apology), Ryan Donnelly, Nicholas Dos Santos (apology), Daniel Kimberly, Robert Lowe, Ros Paterson, Lyle Squire), science (Morgan Pratchett) and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Randall Owens).

• 13-14 November 2018

  The Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral Fisheries working group met for the third time in Townsville on 13 and 14 November.

  The working group noted the progress of the meeting action items. An update of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy (the Strategy) was provided, including a summary of the Year 1 progress report.

  Fisheries Queensland provided information on the socio-economic data collection project as part of the Strategy and discussed a shortlist of social and economic indicator groups that might be applicable to the Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral fisheries. Working group members noted a tender will be released later this to complete the work required in 2019. Industry identified the need to better understand the public perception of their fisheries.

  Fisheries Queensland provided a summary of the current management framework and rules for both fisheries and discussed with the working group possible future management arrangements. Industry highlighted the importance of workplace health and safety requirements when reviewing fishing rules.

  The working group reviewed the draft harvest strategy and further developed performance indicators, reference points and decision rules for each of the operational management objectives. Members discussed the use of average catch history rather than catch rates and catch per unit effort as indicators to inform decision rules due to fishery market drivers and fishing harvest practises. Members recognised that industry needs to develop field surveys to inform abundance on key species and implementation of the tiered harvest strategy. In doing this industry identified the need to review catch reporting.

  All working group members acknowledged the importance of integrating the harvest strategy, industries Stewardship Action Plan and the Great Barrier Marine Park Authority’s incident response plan to respond to environmental incidents in a timely and appropriate manner.

  The working group also discussed simplifying the quota composition to accurately reflect the fishery and this is to be supported by more species level reporting. Members discussed vessel tracking and the enhancement it will provide to compliance and is supportive of early adoption to improve confidence in the fishery.

  The working group was concluded with a discussion around the next steps that include harvest strategy workshops with the Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral Fishery in early 2019.

  The next working group meeting is tentatively scheduled for February.

  The Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral Fisheries Working Group members are: Fisheries Queensland (Chair- Kimberly Foster), commercial fishing (Darren Brighton, Alan Cousland, Alexander Doll, Ryan Donnelly, Nicholas Dos Santos, Daniel Kimberly, Robert Lowe (apology), Ros Paterson, Lyle Squire(apology), science (Morgan Pratchett) and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Randall Owens).

• 7-8 March 2019

  The Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral Fisheries working group met for the fourth time in Brisbane on 7 and 8 of March.

  The working group reviewed the draft harvest strategy and fishery objectives.  A key focus was on refining the reference points and decision rules for Tier 1 and Tier 2 species in this fishery. The management of Scolymia and Euphyllia as Tier 1 species in the harvest strategy was robustly discussed, particularly the ecological, economic and social importance of these species.  All members agreed to maintain Scolymia australis as a Tier 1 species and move all Euphyllia species to Tier 2 reflecting the different harvesting and risks to these species.

  Members identified that industry needs to commit to develop field surveys to inform the harvest strategy, particularly for Tier 1 species, and to make better use of the existing fisheries catch data. The working group noted that there is an existing commitment to undertake surveys to support the FRDC approved project “Establishing baselines and assessing vulnerability of commercially harvested corals across northern Australia”, which would contribute important science information for the harvest strategy. It was also noted that if these are not completed within agreed project milestones the funding would likely be lost. Pro-vision Reef undertook to seek commitment from operators to complete the surveys in the nominated areas.

  The working group listened to presentations from Workplace Health and Safety’s Dive Unit and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority that outlined the rules and regulations relating to boating and diving safety. Fisheries Queensland also presented an update on the vessel tracking and the requirements that will apply to coral (D symbol) and marine aquarium fish (A1 only) harvest fisheries from 1 January 2020.

  Fisheries Queensland provided the working group with an update on the regulatory review and outlined changes that relate to the harvest fisheries including; primary and tender vessel lengths, tender limits in the coral fishery, tender and primary attendance distance, the separation of fishing authority and quota allocations in the coral fishery and standardisation of all quota managed fisheries reporting requirements.

  All members were asked to review the current logbook and reporting requirements for the Queensland Coral Fishery and provide comment to Fisheries Queensland where changes could be made to better inform the harvest strategy decision rules. Members agreed that all Tier 1 and 2 species as well as noted ‘driver’ species (species important to consumers) should be reported to a species levels with accurate weights and numbers in the logbooks.

  The working group discussed the current coral quota categories and the proportion of Acroporidae and Pocilloporidae corals reported in the ‘Other’ coral quota category. Fisheries Queensland agreed to draft possible reference points and decision rules in the harvest strategy to ensure that harvesting is not an unacceptable risk to species from these Families.  The working group noted that industry-funded science and surveys would assist in managing perceptions around the harvest of these species.

  Fisheries Queensland discussed with the working group the current definition of aquaculture and how it potentially captures some post-harvest practises being used by commercial coral fishers. It was noted by the working group there was increasing interest in aquaculture of corals. The working group discussed options for excluding certain activities involving the cultivation of marine aquarium fish and coral collected under a harvest licence as aquaculture. Based on this advice Fisheries Queensland will develop an interim policy to provide clarification on what activities would be considered aquaculture.

  The working group was concluded with a discussion around the next steps that need to be taken for transitioning the Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral Fishery to a harvest strategy framework and the proposed industry regional workshops in May 2019. Industry agreed to attend workshops where possible and suggested Brisbane, Mackay and Cairns as suitable locations.

  The next working group meeting is tentatively scheduled for May.

  The Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral Fisheries Working Group members are: Fisheries Queensland (Chair- Kimberly Foster), commercial fishing (Darren Brighton, Alan Cousland, Alexander Doll (apology), Ryan Donnelly, Nicholas Dos Santos (apology), Daniel Kimberly (apology), Robert Lowe, Ros Paterson, Lyle Squire, science (Morgan Pratchett) and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Randall Owens).

• 20-21 May 2019

  The Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral Fisheries working group met for the fifth time in Mackay on 20 and 21 of March.

  Role of the working group: The Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral Fisheries working group will provide advice on the operational aspects of managing the Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery and the Queensland Coral Fishery and the development of a harvest strategy consistent with the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy. The current focus is the harvest of live coral and aquarium fish to export for the ornamental aquarium industry.

  The working group discussed proposed changes to the Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery and Queensland Coral Fishery rules as outlined in the discussion paper soon to be released for public consultation. Discussed changes included harvest fisheries licence and boat mark arrangements, transhipment of product between commercial harvest fishing vessels and the use of commercial fisher licences within harvest fisheries. The working group agreed that these proposals should be consulted on more broadly.

  Fisheries Queensland updated the working group on the feedback received from members regarding the current definition of aquaculture and policy development to manage the activity. The working group noted the proposal to include all asexually fragged coral attached to plugs and all sexually reproduced coral as aquacultured product in the upcoming consultation. The working group had mixed views and encourage all licence holders to submit formal comments on the paper.

  The working group reviewed the final Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery and Queensland Coral Fishery harvest strategies. A key focus was on refining the reference points and decision rules for Tier 1 and Tier 2 species and localised concentrations of effort. The working group agreed to endorse the final draft with discussed modifications and noted that this final draft is set for public consultation later in the year. To manage targeting of Tier 1 species the working group supported a spawning closure for Homophyllia (nee Scolymia) species next quota season, prior to the implementation of the harvest strategy.

  The working group was concluded with a discussion around the next steps required to transition the Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral Fishery to a harvest strategy. New arrangements are subject to consultation and would commence 1 July 2020.

  The next working group meeting is tentatively scheduled for September.

  The Marine Aquarium Fish and Queensland Coral Fisheries Working Group members are: Fisheries Queensland (Chair- Kimberly Foster), commercial fishing (Darren Brighton (apology), Alan Cousland, Alexander Doll, Ryan Donnelly, Nicholas Dos Santos, Daniel Kimberly, Robert Lowe, Ros Paterson, Lyle Squire, science (Morgan Pratchett) and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Randall Owens).

• 30-31 August 2021

  The reappointed Coral and Marine Aquarium Fish Fisheries working group met for the sixth time online on 30 and 31 August 2021.

  Fisheries Queensland provided a general update on the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy (the Strategy) and recent legislation changes that impact the fisheries as well as the new standardised commercial fishing reporting requirements that will commence on 1 September 2021. Working group members asked questions regarding the reporting process, including pre-trip notices, logbook, prior reporting and weights notice completion timeframes.

  The working group noted the recently released harvest strategies for the aquarium fish fishery and the coral fishery and the status of the Wildlife Trade Operations (WTO) export approval for the coral fishery, which is in place until 30 October 2021. The strict and challenging timeframes associated with the upcoming WTO requirements were discussed and Industry members advised they remained very concerned about implications of meeting and maintaining WTO requirements.

  Members raised concerns with meeting the current WTO conditions, noting there were significant potential issues with the content of the draft Implementation Plan (the draft Plan). It was raised that if the future management of the fishery was in-line with the plan, it was likely to have a major economic impact on all coral fishers, and some fishers may no longer be able to viably operate. It was also noted that continuation of the fisheries export approval was paramount for the fishery to remain economically viable as export is a major component of the fishery. In light of this, the scientific member and some industry members identified that the approved Coral Harvest Strategy may no longer align with the ongoing review of the national Non-Detriment Finding (NDF) process, which necessary to obtain export approval of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) listed species.

  The working group reviewed the draft Plan, being a requirement of condition 7 of the current WTO conditions, due for submission to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) on 30 September 2021. The draft Plan includes details of proposed species-specific harvest limits and how they would be enforced, a program to independently characterise species catch composition for those corals managed at genus level, revision of the Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) for the fishery, mechanisms for responding to environmental disturbance and a traceability framework to distinguish captive bred corals (referring to the practice of fragging corals after harvest) from wild harvested corals.

  Details of how to implement species-specific harvest limits was discussed and industry members raised concerns that proposed catch limits outlined in the draft Management Assessment of Australian Coral Fisheries – Queensland Coral Fishery, August 2021 (the report) commissioned by DAWE would significantly restrict the collection of driver coral species (commercially important) within the fishery. The scientific member noted that new and more precautionary catch limits stated in the report were proposed to address 1) significant growth in harvest levels for some species and 2) increasing frequency of environmental disturbances, which will otherwise undermine positive NDF determinations, at least until detailed assessments of sustainability are completed.

  Members highlighted that some of the proposed harvest limits in the report were different to the triggers and harvest limits for the management of Tier 1 and 2 corals under the QCF harvest strategy. There was no consensus on how best to resolve this, however working group members mostly agreed to follow recommendations of the Scientific Member to introduce more precautionary catch limits for some species of concern. It was agreed that the harvest strategy will require review to align the final Implementation Plan submitted to DAWE. The science and environment representatives on the working group also warned that WTO commitments will need to be particularly compelling given increased national and international scrutiny on the management of the GBR and associated pressures. Industry members requested Fisheries Queensland seek advice from DAWE on whether a staged approach to the implementation of catch limits would be acceptable, given the significant amount of change and impact.

  The working group discussed the mechanisms for enforcing harvest limits, including various input and output controls (quota management). It was identified that quota management is the only way to ensure that the harvest of a species does not exceed a pre-determined limit. Industry members raised concerns about a ‘race to fish’ if competitive catch limits were imposed, under the existing individual transferrable quota (ITQ) management system, for a variety of high value, driver coral species. Reallocating the existing ITQ management was discussed, and the complexities of the reallocation process, legislation requirements and time constraints involved. Fisheries Queensland also explained the reporting and enforcement complexities associated with managing high volumes of species that are difficult to identify. Noting that this component and the ‘race to fish’ issues were not relevant to the immediate priority task of submitting an agreed implementation plan to DAWE a commitment to reconvene the working group was made to discuss quota management options as well as piece to weight harvest limit conversions for all CITES listed coral species/genera, once the Implementation Plan had been submitted to DAWE.

  Fisheries Queensland outlined the proposed revision of the ERA for the fishery, including a timeline and likely process to be undertaken.

  The working group discussed potential options of how to independently characterise species composition of catch. Potentially prohibitive costs of site visits and data analysis as well of the lack of availability and suitability of coral experts to complete the work were identified as challenges. The working group recommended that introducing species-level reporting in the fishery logbook would provide the best option for defining catch composition and would also support improved analysis of the fishery in the future.

  Fisheries Queensland summarised historical processes the fishery enacted in response to environmental disturbances, and all agreed that future responses would require continued collaboration between GBRMPA, Industry and Fisheries Queensland. The working group agreed the best option was to use the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) pre-summer workshops to inform potential risks of environmental disturbance for the coming summer and in the event of a disturbance, GBRMPA would provide environmental exposure maps with the working group, to be considered before potentially triggering the Management Response Mechanism within the Provision Reef Stewardship Action Plan. Potential management responses would be managed via an industry led moratorium or if longer term action was required Fisheries Queensland agreed it could consider commercial fishing licence conditions or fisheries amendment declaration as implementation options.  All working group members agreed that clear communication around consideration of risks and action taken was required and the working group communique process through Fisheries Queensland and Provision Reef website were best placed to facilitate this.

  The working group discussed potential mechanisms to identify and quantify post-harvest practises such as fragging and on-growing wild caught corals before export. Fisheries Queensland proposed two options; a research project to quantify what happens to corals post-harvest, or a production return audit process similar to already existing aquaculture authority holder requirements. Members discussed how to finance a research project and the ongoing requirements required to facilitate a traceability framework as well as the additional reporting requirements a production return would include. Each option would need to successfully report the number and accurate weight of each species per fishing season that are exported. Industry Members agreed to discuss with colleagues the proposals and inform Fisheries Queensland.

  The working group noted that draft Plan including harvest limits would be released for consultation, by Fisheries Queensland, to all coral fishers with feedback to be considered by the working group ahead of submission to DAWE by 30 September 2021.  Given the tight timeframes, it was noted that only a short consultation period could be provided, of up to 5 business days. Industry members also noted that DAWE, through Fisheries Queensland, has disseminated the draft report for the Management Assessment of Australian Coral Fisheries – Queensland Coral Fishery for comment by 7 September 2021. Industry are encouraged to review the report and provide relevant feedback.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on compliance within the industry, noting that compliance for QBFP is good and for the 2020/21 year the compliance rate was 94%.

  The next working group meeting will be held on 27 September to discuss feedback from the coral industry on the draft Implementation Plan and finalise it to be submitted to DAWE by 30 September 2021.  This will be followed by a working group meeting tentatively scheduled for 18 October to discuss the WTO conditions proposed by DAWE for the coral fishery, should they be available.

  The Coral and Marine Aquarium Fish Fisheries Working Group members are: Fisheries Queensland (Chair – Kimberly Foster, Danielle Stewart, Jenny Keys, Samantha Miller, Graeme Broughall (QBFP)), Environment (Jessica Stella (GBRMPA)), commercial fishing (Daniel Kimberley, Darren Brighton, Dean Pease, Don Gilson, Lyle Squire, Ros Patterson), science (Randall Owens, Morgan Pratchett).

• 1 December 2021

  The Coral and Marine Aquarium Fish Fisheries working group met for the seventh time online on 1 December (Day 1) and will again meet on 10 December 2021 (Day 2).

  The working group (WG) discussed condition 7a of the Wildlife Trade Operations (WTO) approval. It was mentioned that DAF had sent a letter to all coral fishers stating that the Queensland Government is unable to put any limits on this year’s catch and it was up to industry to come together to keep catch under control. Industry confirmed there is an industry led voluntary no-take for species of concern that have already reached the catch limit that will apply from 1 July 2022, and numerous fishers have committed to no longer taking these species of concern. It was also noted that there are some challenges attempting to meet this voluntarily. The WG requested that Fisheries Queensland (FQ) promote the fact that the fishery is doing everything it reasonably can to meet this condition. To facilitate this, Fisheries Queensland will continue to send letters out to fishers keeping them informed of the level of catch for any species of concern. The WG recommended that DAWE be invited to the January 2022 WG meeting.

  FQ discussed different options for implementing the new harvest limits for the 2022-2023 season. Options included Prescribed Competitive Catch (PCC), Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) or a combination of the two. The WG felt that a combination of PCC and ITQ was probably the best with species of concern found in Attachment B plus some other important species to be ITQ’d, and the rest PCC. The WG will look at species that they consider should be ITQ’d (including the Attach B Species). The WG will discuss these species at the 10 December meeting ahead of public consultation with fishers in the new year.

  FQ provided a range of samples of indicative quota amounts for the 2022-23 fishing season for Acropora spp. and Cycloseris cyclolites based on a proportional quota allocation option. For C. cyclolites, a current specialty quota holding of 1.2 tonne could have an allocation of approximately 11.99 kg and this will be the same for other species that have been given 600 kg total quota under the WTO. These types of scenarios will influence decisions about whether a species should be managed by an ITQ or PCC.

  The WG discussed that if ITQ is going to be used, how would it be implemented? WG members stressed that the process needed to be fair and all options considered. FQ advised that the allocation process used had to maintain relative economic position of authority holders. It was noted that allocation processes apply to authority holders and not to lessees. The WG agreed that two options would need to be looked at – quota allocation based on catch history or proportional quota holding. It was agreed that equal quota allocation (e.g. 600 kg divided by the number of licence holders) would not be considered. It was noted that there was no current proposal for a minimum quota holding.

  FQ reiterated that there are major concerns with catch history in this fishery and do not think it can be used but committed to look at the catch history of a 4-year period from 1 July 2016 and provide information on what are the issues with the data at the January WG meeting.

  Some members raised addressing latent effort as part of the allocation process. The WG agreed to discuss latent effort further at the January WG meeting when the allocation process approach is narrowed down ahead of consultation. FQ noted that if latent effort was to be looked at and removed, the process is a complicated one and would likely take over 9 months. The WG stressed the importance of the fishery legislatively meeting the catch limit requirements by 1 July 2022. However, opinion is divided as to whether there should be a push to have some ITQ in place by 1 July 2022 to avoid a competitive fishing situation that could occur under a PCC.  It is recognised by all that it is highly challenging to meet this timeframe.

  GBRMPA representative gave an update on the annual GBRMP Pre-summer workshop held on 23 Nov 2021. Sea surface temperatures on the Reef were 1-2 degrees higher than long term averages, which increases the likelihood of bleaching. The Bureau of Meteorology declared a La Niña, the climate driver typically associated with wet conditions for eastern and northern Australia over summer. The WG wanted to encourage coral and MAFF fishers to download the Eye on the Reef App so they can provide information to GBRMPA on the health of the reef. It will also help the coral fishery meet the WTO condition number 9 – dealing with disturbances on the reef. The GBRMPA representative will provide compliance updates in future meetings in relation to Marine Park permit conditions.

  FQ provided an update for the scheduled ecological risk assessment for coral and advised it was currently on target to meet condition 8 of the WTO.

  WG members raised concerns about the current sale docket requirements for the MAFF and Coral fisheries. An agenda paper will be added to the January WG meeting to discuss the issues and QBFP will be advised that there are specific challenges regarding weighing product.

  It was resolved to continue coral fisher updates over TEAMS monthly, rather than fortnightly after the 9 December meeting so that the FQ team can focus on meeting WTO deliverables.

  The Coral and Marine Aquarium Fish Fisheries Working Group members are: Fisheries Queensland (Chair – Kimberly Foster, Danielle Stewart, Jenny Keys, Samantha Miller, Graeme Broughall (QBFP)), Environment (Jessica Stella (GBRMPA)), commercial fishing (Daniel Kimberley, Darren Brighton, Dean Pease, Don Gilson, Lyle Squire, Ros Patterson), science (Randall Owens, Morgan Pratchett - apology).

• 10 December 2021

  The Coral and Marine Aquarium Fish Fisheries working group met for the seventh time online on 1 December (Day 1) and again on 10 December 2021 (Day 2).

  On day 2 the working group (WG) discussed what species of coral should be considered for management under Individual Transferrable Quota (ITQ) to meet condition 6 of the Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) export approval for the Queensland Coral Fishery.

  FQ explained that the process of ITQ’ing species was difficult and takes significant time. Although the aim was to have some species ITQ’d for next fishing season, there is a chance that it may not be possible to have it in place for the 2022 season. Industry vehemently requested that FQ do everything in their power to put some of the important species into ITQ for next fishing season as they felt there would be catastrophic impact on industry if all species were harvested under competitive catch (race to fish) next year. However, some parts of industry remain concerned about progressing ITQs prior to 1 July 2022 given the short time frames and lack of time to fully consider the ramifications.

  Industry stressed that they had major concerns with possible errors in the Qld data that was used by DAWE to work out harvest limits in the WTO and similar concerns with gross export data submitted as part of annual CITES reporting. The WG noted that this has not yet been addressed and whilst a data validation program will be ongoing in FQ this may not address all of the issues.

  Industry raised concerns about investing in projects to determine biomass, that would hopefully enable a review of catch limits, without a decision-making framework and pre-agreed decision rules for setting catch limits, given the uncertainty around return from their investment. There was a consensus that traditional biomass-based estimates and reference points may not be appropriate for this fishery and that alternatives may need to be investigated. Industry would like more certainty on what levels of harvest may be allowed if they invested in projects. FQ noted that it was extremely hard to provide this certainty at this stage. The WG agreed it is necessary to revise the Harvest Strategy to set a more fit-for-purpose decision making framework.

  The WG debated which species to be shortlisted for ITQ analysis and agreed all species of concern listed in Attachment B of the WTO should be considered as well as Fimbriaphyllia divisa. Although there was discussion on whether Acropora spp. and Acanthophyllia deshayesiana should be included. List to be recommended at the January WG meeting and then put out for public consultation. Industry raised the issue regarding compliance and species identification and that FQ needed to review compliance strategies for this fishery with the new harvest limits. There was concern that some fishers may record high value species against other genera. It was agreed that ITQ’ing like species was not necessary the best tool to address compliance risk.

  The WG discussed the requirement under Condition 5 of the WTO coral export approval for a scientific program to independently characterise the species composition of Acropora species harvested in the fishery. FQ mentioned that the department will pay 50% of the cost for the Acropora project to meet condition 5a. and undertake the procurement. The WG discussed the suggested program requirements provided by Pro-Vision Reef and Scientific Expert. Part 1 (Establishing harvest levels for different species of Acropora spp.) is the minimum required to meet the WTO condition and the WG agreed to progress Part 1. However, it was also noted that efficiencies could be gained from delivery of multiple parts of the program by a single provider. For this reason, Part 2 (Improving accuracy and consistency in species reporting) and 3 (Field sampling to establish the distribution and abundance of major harvest species of Acropora spp.) will be included in DAF’s procurement application for discussion and recommendation at a future WG meeting.

  FQ will provide an update to the January WG meeting, this will include refinement of the project scope from the Scientific member and addition information on part 2 and 3 to enable a recommendation going forward. Preliminary advice will be requested from DAWE about the proposed approach.

  Under a 50% cost sharing arrangement the industry component will be recovered based on quota unit holdings, before 1 July using “other” coral quota, after 1 July 2022 it will likely be based on Acropora spp. ITQ if it moves to species level ITQ.

  The Coral and Marine Aquarium Fish Fisheries Working Group members are: Fisheries Queensland (Chair – Kimberly Foster, Jenny Keys, Samantha Miller, Imraan Esat, Graeme Broughall (QBFP)), Environment (Jessica Stella (GBRMPA)), commercial fishing (Daniel Kimberley, Darren Brighton, Dean Pease, Don Gilson, Lyle Squire, Ros Patterson), science (Randall Owens, Morgan Pratchett).

• 24 January 2022

  The Coral and Marine Aquarium Fish Fisheries working group met for the eighth time online on 24 January 2022 and welcomed the new chair. The working group (WG) endorsed the meeting minutes for meeting number six and meeting seven. An update on action items from previous meetings was given. Fisheries Queensland (FQ) continues to keep industry regularly informed of the current season’s harvest levels. This is to try and meet the Wildlife Trade Operations (WTO) requirement for this season.

  The WG recommended a list of species / genera to be included in the coral logbook for the 2023 fishing season to be sent to licence holders for consultation. This change is required as CITES requires reporting to either species or genera level. As a consequence, only corals listed in the logbook will be able to be harvested. The list will be sent out to the coral fishing industry for consultation.

  FQ advised that preliminary analysis has been undertaken that supports electronic reporting to be in place for the 2022-23 fishing season. This will require voluntary participation of fishers to test and support delivery of the system. The option to continue using the current reporting framework will still be in place to facilitate transhipment.

  FQ gave an update on what legislative options were available to meet the harvest limits set out in the current Coral WTO export approval conditions. To have Individual Transferrable Quotas (ITQ) in place for some corals a significant subordinate legislation change is required which takes up to 18 months. Options were explored by FQ to determine if an ITQ could be put in place by another means for the 2022-23 fishing season, however nothing suitable was able to be put in place. Legally enforceable harvest limits will be in place for all corals allowed to be harvested as required by WTO conditions. These harvest limits will be under a competitive catch situation for the 2022-23 fishing season.

  Industry expressed significant disappointment regarding the inability of the department to implement ITQ next season. The WG recommended that the coral fishing industry should be provided an opportunity to suggest possible input controls including triggers to slow down race to fish scenarios for the 2022/23 season. A consultation paper with suggested options will be released to the industry in the near future. This will require industry to provide feedback quickly to ensure arrangements are in place to meet WTO requirements.

  Although ITQ’s cannot be put in place for the 2022/23 fishing season, FQ is working on getting ITQ’s in place for the 2023/2024 season and the WG recommended a list of species to be put out for consultation to industry for consideration.

  Consultation feedback and final options will be taken to the WG for recommendation.

  Fisheries Queensland presented (de-identified) historic data for all licences for the period 2016 – 2020 so the WG could see the significant issues associated with potentially using the data to work out ITQ allocation. The members of the WG at the meeting agreed that the data was not reliable enough to use to work out a history-based reallocation of current quota to species/genus level. The consultation paper will include other viable options for consideration.

  FQ provided a quick update on the Ecological Risk Assessment process for the fishery which has begun with a vulnerability assessment. There are currently no concerns with meeting timeframes.

  FQ gave an update on the Acropora Project procurement, which is a requirement of Condition 5 of the WTO coral export approval. The costs have likely increased substantially, requiring additional governmental approval processes. Following the tender process FQ will liaise with industry on a 50/50 cost sharing arrangement The final project proposal will be sent to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment to confirm it will meet their requirements. It is noted that this project will be heavily reliant on industry participation.

  In summary the consultation paper that is soon to be released for quick turn-around, will include:

  • harvest species list for 1 July 2022 onwards
  • species list for ITQ for the 2023/24 season
  • possible input controls for the 2022/23 season to slow the race to fish.

  The Coral and Marine Aquarium Fish Fisheries Working Group members are: Fisheries Queensland (Chair – Michael Mikitis, Jenny Keys, Imraan Esat), Environment (Jessica Stella (GBRMPA)), commercial fishing (Daniel Kimberley, Don Gilson, Lyle Squire, Ros Patterson), science (Randall Owens, Morgan Pratchett).

  Apologies: Graeme Broughall (QBFP), Dean Pease, Darren Brighton (present for the first half of the meeting).