Moreton Bay working group

The Moreton Bay Working Group trials a regional approach to fisheries management. The working group provides advice on the operational aspects of managing a range of fisheries and sharing fisheries resources within a defined geographic area i.e. Moreton Bay.

• 28 September 2018

  The first meeting of the Moreton Bay Working Group discussed a range of local matters to start the process of trialling a regional management approach to fisheries management in this area.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an overview on the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017-2027. The working group noted the progress report on implementing the Strategy and in particular that work to improve engagement had been identified.  The working group was advised that where Moreton Bay specific-issues cross over between working groups, Fisheries Queensland will facilitate the transfer of information, questions & advice.

  Fisheries Queensland provided the working group with an overview of the current status of the Moreton Bay fishery to inform discussion.  The working group noted that a range of Aboriginal fishing, commercial fishing and recreational fishing occur and all have benefits to the South East Queensland community. There remains some uncertainty around the amount of commercially caught finfish that is retailed to SEQ as opposed to Sydney or other similar markets.  The working group sought some additional data around species, fisheries and areas of catch.

  The working group considered an appropriate geographic boundary for the Moreton Bay Regional Management Trial.  After discussion around what best represents the Moreton Bay fishery, the working group recommended the trial apply to the following area: the northern, eastern and southern Moreton Bay Marine Park ‘outer’ boundaries and the tidal waters of rivers flowing in to this area (e.g. Brisbane River).  Freshwater fisheries will not be considered as part of this process.

  The working group identified the cultural, ecological, social, & economic values for the Moreton Bay fishery.  The Quandamooka People’s unbroken connection with Moreton Bay was acknowledged.  It was noted that despite the conflict all members agreed that improvement was needed and it was important that all sectors be part of the solution.  The working group expressed it wants this process to have a positive outcome so as to maximise the value of this uniquely important fishery to all.

  The working group members discussed current issues, including:

  • Ecological issues such as localised depletion of certain species, bycatch from fishing, impact of bait netting by all sectors, lack of research and information to support decision making specific to Moreton Bay.
  • Economic issues such as maintaining viable commercial fishing, associated recreational fishing businesses and charter businesses, security of access, shifts in markets and demand is changing fishing practices and in some species creating black marketing issues, white spot disease, better management of fishing bycatch and waste.
  • Social issues such as conflict, acknowledgement of traditional fishing and country, maintaining access to local seafood, operating a fishery within the Moreton Bay Marine Park, recreational and charter fishing satisfaction, improving training requirements for commercial fishers, getting younger people involved in fishing and better education to promote voluntary compliance and responsible fishing by all.

  All members agreed that there were a number of non-fisheries management issues that will influence the future of the fishery including water quality, coastal and port development, habitat impacts, pollution, erosion, boat wash and siltation. The working group acknowledged that fishery productivity in Moreton Bay is also heavily affected by environmental factors like river flow and coastal habitat, which have been heavily modified.

  To start the regional management process, the working group was asked to identify key fishery objectives to set out the direction and aspirations for managing the Moreton Bay fishery. While some progress was made, further work is required on developing cultural, ecological, social and economic objectives.

  A further working group meeting was scheduled for December 2018 to refine the objectives and regional management options. No decisions have been made and Fisheries Queensland will be seeking the views of all stakeholders throughout the regional management trial process.

  The Moreton Bay Working Group members are: Fisheries Queensland (Chair – Scott Spencer), QYAC (Cameron Costello), commercial fishing (Michael Wood, Greg Saviage, Mark Kleinschmidt), recreational fishing (Judy Lynne, Dr Barry Pollock, Martin Cowling,), science (Norm Good), charter (Mathew Hubbard). Apologies: Brett Depper, Matthew Vujica, Jason Thomson, Mark Templeton, Paul Maxwell

• 14 December 2018

  The second meeting of the Moreton Bay Working Group was held in Brisbane 14 December 2018. The purpose of this meeting was to refine fishery objectives and discuss initial options for trialling a regional management approach in Moreton Bay.

  Working group members discussed the value and importance of fishing in Moreton Bay across traditional, commercial and recreational sectors. Members agreed that improved consumer awareness and country-of-origin/production method (wild-caught or farmed) labelling would provide more value to product caught in Moreton Bay, most of which is sold and consumed in the south-east corner.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017-2027. Members noted that harvest strategy development for the trawl, crab and east coast inshore fisheries was being progressed by the fishery-specific working groups. The working group was also advised that the Queensland Government is currently considering management changes for these fisheries with information expected to be communicated to stakeholders in early 2019.

  The Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation representatives advised that the traditional owners from the Kabi Kabi and Yugembir groups have expressed interest in the regional management trial and should be invited to share their knowledge and participate.

  A discussion on net free zones was requested by recreational members. Fisheries Queensland advised that a net free zone is a reallocation and the Reallocation of Fisheries Resources Policy applies.  It requires any proponent proposing a reallocation to prepare a cost-benefits analysis and where commercial fishing access is affected outline a funding proposal for the payment of compensation. The working group was advised that there is currently no Government funding allocated for net free zones or licence buybacks.

  Commercial members reiterated that compulsory weekend closures and fishing rules are already in place for the commercial sector, in addition to green/yellow zones that limit commercial access in this region.

  Working group members refined values and issues into cultural, ecological, social and economic groups. Members identified a number of issues regarding habitat, development and environmental influences on fisheries productivity that were not regulated under the Fisheries Act 1994 but were important to Moreton Bay being a world-class fishery. Members supported collaboration between sectors to provide advice on any developments which may impact fisheries in Moreton Bay and advocate for improvement across Government.

  The working group engaged in an activity to prioritise issues in the fishery based on being within scope of the Fisheries Act, valuable and achievable. Members agreed to finalise the prioritisation of issues out-of-session.

  The working group developed a list of draft fishery objectives to guide the development of regional management in Moreton Bay. Members agreed the aim of the trial is to implement regional management to protect cultural, social, ecological and economic values as identified. A number of objectives were drafted including: improving the understanding of cultural values, reducing conflict (within and between sectors), improving stewardship and satisfaction with fishing, maintaining access to Moreton Bay seafood, minimising the risk of localised depletions, reducing waste/bycatch, advocating for improved habitat and rehabilitation and maintaining current viable fishing businesses. These objectives will be further considered at the next working group meeting.

  The working group broke up into sectoral groups to brainstorm initial ideas for regional management which would meet the draft objectives. Members were asked to identify a preferred solution to each issue, conditions to be met, ability for it to be implemented, potential impacts on each sector, data requirements and the strengths, weaknesses and risks. These ideas will be further developed by the working group next meeting into options. The working group agreed further work was required to investigate localised depletion concerns, look at options for shared responsibility for the resource and to identify key groups to work with on habitat protection.

  The next working group is scheduled for February 2019 to finalise objectives and discuss the proposed options for regional management.

• 15 February 2019

  The third meeting of the Moreton Bay Working Group was held in Brisbane 15 February 2019. The purpose of this meeting was to endorse fishery values, issues and objectives and continue discussions on options for trialling a regional management approach in Moreton Bay. Ian Tibbetts, chair of the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel, attended the meeting to answer working group questions and provide information on the role of the Expert Panel to date.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017-2027. Members noted that the Directions Paper on Fisheries Reform had been released with a number of management changes identified for the trawl, east coast inshore fin fish and crab fisheries. This involves things like splitting fisheries into regions, setting regional catch or effort limits, and Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQs) for some key species in the crab and east coast inshore fin fish fisheries. Fisheries Queensland advised there would be further opportunities for stakeholders to have their say over the next 6-12 months during consultation on draft regulatory changes.

  In relation to net free zones, the working group noted that there was no current proposal from government to establish a net free zone in Moreton Bay. Instead, the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy includes an action to pilot regional management in a key location to assess the benefits and limitation of regional specific management arrangements.  It was decided that Moreton Bay would be a suitable area for the trial.

  The working group endorsed a list of cultural, ecological, social and economic values and issues to guide discussions on regional management options for Moreton Bay. Some additional cultural values and issues included to capture the cultural significance of Moreton Bay to Traditional Owners and the need for better information and engagement. Black-marketing was also identified as a major issue by all stakeholders, noting that all sectors are involved in this organised illegal activity. The working group recommended education on what constitutes black-marketing and the impact of it on the value of fisheries resources may help reduce non-compliance. Members noted the inter-related nature of these.

  The working group prioritised each of the issues grouping them in either high, medium or low priorities. The working group identified habitat protection and rehabilitation as a priority issue for the Moreton Bay fishery, noting that it is not entirely within the scope of Fisheries Queensland and will require a whole-of-government approach to achieve change. All members strongly advocated for collaboration between agencies and governments to protect and rehabilitate Moreton Bay.  Members agreed that improvement in this area alone would make a significant contribution to maintaining the values of Moreton Bay. The working group recommended this issue be referred to the Expert Panel for advice on how best to advocate for change in this area.

  Members endorsed cultural, ecological, economic and social objectives for the Moreton Bay fishery. A number of new cultural objectives were included as well as new objectives to advocate for resourcing to fill knowledge gaps and to protect vulnerable spawning aggregations for some species.

  The working group engaged in an activity to scope a range of options for Fisheries Queensland, Traditional Owner groups, recreational fishers and commercial fishers to pursue to achieve the objectives. These included things like:

  • Improved education for all stakeholders
  • Reviewing permitted species, size and possession limits
  • Advocating for habitat protection and rehabilitation
  • Improved understanding of local seafood markets
  • Memorandum of Understanding with QYAC
  • Improved education of fishers on areas important for cultural heritage
  • Improved understanding of Moreton Bay sustainable catch levels and impacts of fishing
  • Education on what constitutes black-marketing
  • Education on best practice fishing; Codes of Practice
  • Education on catch and release; most suitable gear types.
  • Improved fisheries input into catchment management plans
  • Education and promotion on how to prepare Moreton Bay fish product

  The working group agreed that out of session they would consider key conflict issues and report to the next working group with possible solutions and trade-offs for further consideration.  The working group also noted that the impact of changes would need to be considered and would also be subject to public consultation.

  The next working group is scheduled for May-June 2019 to discuss proposed options for regional management.

  The Moreton Bay Working Group members are: Fisheries Queensland (Chair – Kimberly Foster), QYAC (Cameron Costello, Joel Bolzenuis), commercial fishing (Michael Wood, Greg Savige, Mark Kleinschmidt, Matt Vujica, Jason Thomson), recreational fishing (Judy Lynne, Barry Pollock, Martin Cowling), retailer (Mark Templeton), science (Norm Good), charter (Mathew Hubbard), conservation (Paul Maxwell).

• 2 December 2022: Workshop

  Moreton Bay Working Group members, and other select stakeholders, met in Brisbane for a Moreton Bay Fishery Workshop on 2 December 2022 to discuss the future of the Moreton Bay Working Group.

  There were three presentations throughout the workshop. Assoc Prof. Daryl McPhee (Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel member) provided attendees with a presentation on Moreton Bay and its history. Alex Campbell (Stock Assessment Manager, Fisheries Queensland) outlined the process of stock assessments and the schedule going forward. Cherelle Broughton (A/Fisheries Manager, Fisheries Queensland) provided an overview on harvest strategies.

  Attendees were invited to provide a general update from their respective sectors. These are summarised below.

  Commercial:

  • Trawl – Concerned with discarding dead fish product (bycatch) that could otherwise be retained and sold as byproduct.
  • Crab (mud crab) – Fishery is felt to be well managed, with the main concern being the interference of crab pots (a concern shared with recreational fishers). The crab catch rates are good, despite an increase in fishing effort (recreational and commercial).
  • Net – Recent changes to the fishery, implemented through the Harvest Strategy, can be difficult to understand, resulting in more time being taken to implement and comply with the new legislation. Total catch declines may be attributed to declining effort days and/or fewer commercial fishers.
  • In general, the commercial sector has been through significant change over the last 5 years.

  Recreational:

  • Wished to continue discussions with other sectors around the possibility of a net free zone in Moreton Bay.
  • Communicated the need for increased fish stocks to improve the overall recreational fishing experience.
  • Highlighted the importance of education in the recreational fishery, as well as organisations such as Women in Recreational Fishing (WIRF) and 2 Bent Rods that promote participation.
  • Fishing media is an important way to communicate education, research, regulations and other management actions.

  Charter:

  • Expressed a need for more charter representation in the Moreton Bay Working Group, and an eagerness to work with Working Group members now and into the future.

  Retail/Processing:

  • Communities are concerned that a significant proportion of fish flesh sold in Queensland is imported, as most Queenslanders want to buy local and Australian caught seafood.

  All attendees agreed there needs to be open dialogue, respect, and cooperation between each sector going forward. Attendees also agreed that future Moreton Bay Working Group membership should also include representatives from the boating industry, charter, marine parks, conservation, WIRF, oyster industry & traditional owners.

  Attendees noted that the Moreton Bay Working Group expression of interest (EOI) process will likely open in February 2023 (coinciding with the EOI processes for other Working Groups), with a meeting to be organised once membership is confirmed. Attendees also discussed the need for obtaining better recreational fishing data, as well as considered labelling and origin of seafood.

  Fisheries Queensland expressed that they would release an EOI for positions in the Moreton Bay Working Group by the end of February 2023 and release a schedule for future Working Group meetings once membership is confirmed. Fisheries Queensland has also committed to publish these workshop notes on the Moreton Bay Working Group communiques web page.

  Apologies for this meeting were: Darren Burns, Joel Bolzenius and Matthew Vujica.

  Attendees: Fisheries Queensland Chair – Dallas D’Silva, Principal Fishery Manager – Tony Ham, Senior Fishery Manager – Jeffrey Ikin, A/Fishery Manager – Cherelle Broughton, A/Fishery Manager – Connor McDougal,– Brett Depper District Manager QBFP - and Christopher Watts District Officer QBFP, Michael Wood, Greg Savige, Mark Kleinschmidt and Jason Thomson (commercial fishing), Judy Lynne, Barry Pollock, Martin Cowling, Liam Fitzpatrick (recreational fishing), Rhiannon Wordsworth and Samantha Beckmann, Women in Recreational Fishing),  Mark Templeton (retailer), Assoc Prof. Daryl McPhee Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel member, Norm Good (science), Mathew Hubbard (charter), Ben Collins (media) and David Bobbermen (QSIA).