Trawl fishery working group

This working group provides operational advice on the management of the east coast otter trawl fishery.

• 19-20 October 2017

  The trawl fishery working group met for the first time in Brisbane on the 19th and 20th of October.

  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 fishery.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an outline of the current status of the fishery. The working group noted that all stocks are sustainable under the Status of Australian Fish Stocks report, with the exception of scallops. A recent stock assessment indicated that scallop biomass was approximately 6% and there was discussion about the adequacy of the management response in 2016.

  The working group were concerned about the current management arrangements for scallops and specifically asked to amend the agenda to include a discussion on scallops. The working group noted with extreme disappointment the impracticality of changing the arrangements for the upcoming season. The working group has strongly recommended a change to the scallop closure be put in place early in 2018, to amend the closure to be from 1 April 2018 to 3 Jan 2019, to support the recovery of the stock. There were mixed views around also introducing a prohibition of scallop nets during the closure but the working group didn’t want this component to prevent a change to the closure time. However, some members of the working group wanted Fisheries Queensland to also include a review of the use of scallop nets during the scallop closure. The working group noted that the results of the current surveys are required to determine if further management action would also be required to rebuild the stock in the longer term. The working group requested the results of the survey be provided as soon as they are available and the Expert Panel and Government be informed of their concerns for future discussion and to inform future management arrangements.

  Fisheries Queensland provided information on the Monitoring and Research Plan, which outlines where the initial investment in monitoring and data under the Strategy will be focused. The working group expressed an interest in being more involved in the design of surveys and other monitoring activities.

  The working group discussed the Queensland Harvest Strategy Policy and Guideline. 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 to develop harvest strategies and will be consulting with broader fishery stakeholders as development progresses.

  The working group discussed current issues in the trawl fishery. Members noted key issues around economic efficiency, job satisfaction, mental health and wellbeing, stewardship, return on investment, managing excess capacity and managing the ecological risk of fishing. The working group noted community expectations and will continue to manage interactions with protected species and minimise the risk of fishing on the environment.

  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 working group identified the following aspirations for the fishery:

  • Ensure sustainability and look to maintain a higher biomass to improve stock resilience and economic efficiency
  • Improve economic performance by optimising catch to maximise market value as well as improving market access and innovation.
  • Maximise social outcomes through improved job satisfaction, social acceptance of the trawl fishery and security of access.
  • Enhance management performance by simplifying management structures to improve flexibility and ensure cost effectiveness.

  The working group was then asked to identify management units which will define the scope of the harvest strategy. Noting the Strategy’s preference to manage at the stock level, the working group identified that a regional approach reflecting the key stocks would best achieve this. It was also noted that in some regions, multiple stocks would need to be managed and advice from the Expert Panel would be desirable.

  There was significant discussion around the management reform options that would enable the fishery to be managed to achieve these objectives and management units. The working group considered catch quota, which is the preferred option under the Strategy. However, given the variable nature of the species and recent examples from Northern Prawn Fishery the working group recommended against catch quota at this stage. The working group discussed a range of options around the allocation or non-allocation of effort units and/or T1 licences to support the regional approach. The working group did recommend that if allocated, units should be tradable (ie through buying or leasing) to enable fishers to move in the future. The working group recommended that the regional approach with allocated effort units would be the best option presented to date to maximise economic outcomes, ensure sustainability and achieve the objectives of the Strategy, which was released by the Queensland Government in June 2017 to guide the reform of Queensland’s fisheries. The working group noted the aim for an operational harvest strategy by 2020. The working group made it clear that further discussion and proper consultation is required to set effort caps for each of the regions and identify the best approach for the individual allocation process, and this must be resolved before harvest strategies can be operational.

  The next working group meeting will be in February 2018 to refine the management units and management framework options for consultation. The working group wished to emphasise that Fisheries Queensland will be undertaking further consultation with all industry stakeholders in early 2018 to talk about the options for regional management units and allocation of effort units. If needed a teleconference, in December 2017, will be held ahead of proposed consultation.

  The Trawl Working Group members are: Fisheries Queensland (Chair – Scott Spencer), commercial fishing (Richard Taylor, Jim Newman, Neil Mogensen, Barry Ehrke, Steve Murphy, Nick Schulz, Glen Duggan, Scott McLay, Bill Marsh and Kev Adams), WWF- Australia (Jim Higgs) recreational fishing (David Bateman) and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Rachel Pears).

• 25 January 2018

  The second meeting of the trawl working group was held by teleconference on 25 January 2018.

  The working group reviewed a set of trawl fishery objectives which set out the vision for the fishery and will guide management of the fishery. The objectives were based on those identified by members at the first working group meeting, while also taking into consideration relevant strategic objectives outlined through the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017-2027 (the Strategy). Working group members discussed the draft objectives and recommended that further input on the objectives was required prior to them being released for consultation. Members noted that these initial objectives should remain high-level, with more specific operational objectives to be defined as harvest strategies are developed. It was also noted by members that the objectives should remain consistent with the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy and should not lose sight of the key elements of the strategy. Further feedback is being provided out of session to refine these objectives.

  Working group members discussed possible reform options for the trawl fishery, including management units. Members confirmed a number of proposed reform options that will form the basis of the first round of engagement with all fishery stakeholders, starting in mid-March. It was noted that no decisions have been made and further feedback from all stakeholders will be critical. Additional reform options and issues were raised, including other ways of dealing with latent effort, flexibility and conversion factors. The working group will consider a final draft of a reform options discussion paper at the March working group meeting. Members noted that feedback on the discussion paper will be critical in informing the development of a harvest strategy.

  Working group members also talked about boat replacement policies and buybacks as other options, noting that there is no government funding available for buybacks.

  Fisheries Queensland discussed the steps and timeframes for the reform process, harvest strategy development and engagement with all stakeholders during 2018. The working group noted the importance of a range of engagement steps with broader fisheries stakeholders. The working group identified the need to meet with northern fishers prior to the season opening on 1 March 2018 given the discussion paper is not scheduled for release until March 2018.

  Working group members asked when results from the scallop monitoring survey could be expected. Fisheries Queensland informed members that results of the scallop survey would be discussed at the March working group meeting and that data was currently being analysed from the surveys and compared against historical survey results, but that information would be released as soon as available.

  The next working group meeting is scheduled for the 5 & 6 March 2017 to be held jointly with the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel. This meeting will aim to endorse an engagement package for initial engagement on management units and reform options for the fishery. Working group members also asked for scallop management to be included at the next meeting and requested updated information on the recent scallop survey to inform this discussion.

  The Trawl Working Group members are: Fisheries Queensland (Chair – Scott Spencer), commercial fishing (Richard Taylor, Jim Newman, Neil Mogensen, Barry Ehrke, Steve Murphy, Nick Schulz, Glen Duggan, Scott McLay, Bill Marsh and Kev Adams), WWF Australia (Jim Higgs), recreational fishing (David Bateman) and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Rachel Pears).

• 6 March 2018

  The third meeting of the trawl fishery working group was held in Brisbane on 6 March 2018. The purpose of this meeting was to endorse a discussion paper and to recommend management options for the scallop fishery. A discussion paper is to be distributed for broader stakeholder feedback at the end of March with extensive consultation to follow until May/June via a range of communication methods including face to face meetings, online surveys and individual feedback forms.

  A monitoring and research update was presented to the group. Members noted the key monitoring investments for the trawl fishery included fishery independent trawl surveys for scallops and eastern king prawn recruitment, which also looked at juvenile snapper and blue swimmer crabs. The survey at the end of 2017 shows that eastern king prawn recruitment was maintained and similar catch rates could be expected for the 2017/18 fishing season. The working group noted survey designs are being reviewed, and felt positively about new technologies being used to improve efficiency. Some members felt that the monitoring of by-catch and by-product, such as squid and cuttlefish, would prove beneficial for ongoing management of the fishery and should be considered.

  Fisheries Queensland provided information on the additional investment in social and economic monitoring under the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy. Working group members noted that a workshop with experts had been held to identify social and economic indicators and the requirements to roll-out a successful monitoring program. Fisheries Queensland will be engaging working group members and stakeholder’s out-of-session for their input when identifying priority indicators. The working group suggested collection of social and economic information should focus on sector–wide data and indicators and not individual business data as such. It was considered essential that Fisheries Queensland make clear how collection and use of these data could benefit the sector throughout the engagement process.

  Working group members were provided an update on the status of the vessel tracking trial. Members noted the release of the vessel tracking policy and guidelines and discussed feedback received from stakeholders as part of public consultation. Key concerns were to do with costs, privacy and malfunction of tracking devices. Fisheries Queensland advised they are engaging external consultants to conduct an audit of the safeguarding of fishers’ private location data to ensure appropriate checks and balances are in place and to identify any further improvements. It was also raised that older tracking devices on some trawl vessels may be approaching the end of their lifetime and require updating. The costs and implications associated with this will be discussed further at future working group meetings with the opportunity for commercial fishers to raise their concerns and provide advice. Fisheries Queensland is drafting an update to existing VMS users on the possible changes to existing satellite services and the timelines around these.

  The working group discussed a draft discussion paper and provided feedback. They recommended some layout and content changes to make the paper easier to read and to make the management options clear to understand  The major concern of working group members was in ensuring equity and fairness across fishing businesses, with particular concern for the impacts that the management options may have on small-scale fishing businesses. The Working Group agreed that a major driver of any change to existing management should be to ensure that adequate tools are available to prevent adverse impacts from activation of potential fishing effort that is currently not being used. Some industry members again raised buybacks as a fairer method of reducing latent effort however the working group was advised that no funding is available for further buybacks.

  Working group members acknowledged the draft management regions and the management options to be consulted on in the discussion paper. A large amount of feedback was provided and a number of issues were raised which Fisheries Queensland will amend prior to the release of the discussion paper. It was noted that no decisions have been made and that the discussion paper is simply the basis for the initial round of engagement. Feedback from consultation on the discussion paper will be presented to the working group to provide advice on a preferred management option or alternative and develop a draft implementation plan, including allocation methods where relevant, for review by the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel in July 2018.

  The working group noted that commercial sector allocation is required if the allocated effort unit option is implemented in the fishery. The working group considered a number of allocation method options to be included into the discussion paper, including used units being allocated based on their history and inactive units being spread across the fishery in a number of ways (e.g. equally across the regions; across the regions based on fleet averages). Principles of consistency, fairness, equity and increased benefits were generally supported.

  A recent assessment found scallop stocks had fallen to 6 percent biomass. Working group members were asked to provide a recommendation on management action to support the rebuilding of the scallop stock. Fisheries Queensland presented results from the 2017 fishery independent scallop survey (sampling in October 2017) and scallop logbook catches from 1990-2018 for the working group’s consideration. Survey results indicated very low abundance of 0+ and 1+ scallop densities (compared to previous survey years), and concluded its likely biomass remains very low. Working group members provided information based on their own experiences fishing for scallops during 2017-2018 with anecdotal reports of good recruitment throughout the fishery and improved catch rates. Some of the commercial fishers felt that there had been improvements in the stock levels based on catches experienced.

  Members noted that standardised commercial catch rates (including data to April 2017) had improved marginally but still remained very low. More recent logbook data (incomplete but including January 2018) showed an increase in the total scallop catch and catch rates so far in 2018. However, the working group also noted that while some areas sampled had very high catches of scallops the survey results were poor compared to previous years. The high catch survey areas were supported by similar results in the commercial logbook data with an area off Fraser Island producing over 60% of the catch during November 2017. The working group also noted that an updated formal stock assessment for scallops would be produced in 2018. This assessment will provide an updated biomass estimate for the stock. The working group acknowledged that without an updated stock assessment making management decisions was not easy.

  No members were of the opinion that the rebuilding has been sufficient to warrant no further management action. However, the working group was split on how to proceed.  Some members felt that the most effective course of action could not be decided until all logbook data was returned, as they suspect catch rates have improved in more recent months, and that it was difficult to discuss management changes without this information. However, they acknowledged low biomass means fishing may have an increased risk on the stock.

  Some members supported the closure of the fishery as soon as possible until the biomass has rebuilt well above an overfished level. These members pointed to evidence indicating that it is unlikely the stock has rebuilt sufficiently to warrant continued fishing and to do so is jeopardising the fishery’s future, including jobs, and is not supported by the objectives of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy or considerations of environmental sustainability. Other members felt this option would not be supported by the wider commercial sector.  Industry members also suggested that the benefits to the stock of the winter closure will take a year to be realised. Any improvement in recruitment from the 2017 spring won’t be seen in surveys or in the fishery until 2018/19 summer fishing season. Due to the improved catches in 2017/2018 and the potential social and local community impacts through job losses in the wider fishing industry some working group members felt extending the closure until December or January was preferable. There was no clear preference for what management change should be implemented for the scallop fishery. It was noted that these views discussed at the working group along with the current data (existing stock assessment and recent survey and logbook data) should be considered by the Expert Panel to provide advice on urgently.

  The next working group meeting is scheduled for late June – early July 2018 to draft an implementation plan for the preferred management option. Fisheries Queensland will be seeking the views of all stakeholders through face-to-face consultation, expected to take place throughout April-June 2018.

  The Trawl Working Group members are: Fisheries Queensland (Chair – Scott Spencer), commercial fishing (Richard Taylor, Jim Newman, Neil Mogensen, Barry Ehrke, Steve Murphy, Nick Schulz, Glen Duggan, Scott McLay, Bill Marsh and Kev Adams), WWF Australia (Jim Higgs), recreational fishing (David Bateman) and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Rachel Pears).

• 19-20 July 2018

  The fourth meeting of the trawl working group was held in Brisbane on 19 and 20 July 2018. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss consultation feedback on the trawl fishery reform and to recommend a management package for further analysis and advice from the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel.

  Mr Ted Woodham joined the group as a member in recognition of the need to ensure consideration of special arrangements applying in the Moreton Bay fishery.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the implementation of the ;Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017-2027. Actions completed under the Strategy included the release of ERA guidelines; release of a reallocation policy and tenders being awarded for automation of commercial fishing information and a commercial fishing app.

  Members were advised that the Government had decided not to extend the winter scallop closure this year due to concerns over effort shift into Eastern King Prawn fishery and recent signs of recovery in the scallop fishery. The scallop season opening will remain at 1 November in 2018. It was noted that formal advice will be provided to all trawl authority holders in the next month. The Government will review whether further action is needed once an updated stock assessment is released later in 2018/early 2019. Some non-commercial members of the working group were of the view that further management action is required to rebuild the scallop stock in a timely fashion. It was noted that the scallop decision reinforces the need to develop and implement harvest strategies that establish pre-determined reference points and responses.

  Results of consultation on the discussion paper were presented. This included information from the online survey, face-to-face meetings and email responses. There were 72 responses to the online survey on trawl fishery reform, with a broad range of responses. The working group felt this was a poor response rate and recommended better engagement platforms be used for future consultation; noting the survey was simply one method of consultation. The working group generally agreed small group meetings were productive and well-received, but were open to the idea of holding additional port meetings in the future as a means of Fisheries Queensland explaining some of the background and concepts better.

  Annie Jarrett, CEO of the Northern Prawn Fishing Industry, attended the meeting and presented on the experience of fishing rights and reform in the Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF). There were a number of parallels and learnings for the Queensland east coast trawl fishery, particularly focusing on setting a shared vision and objectives and making hard decisions early.

  The working group noted consultation provided minimal feedback on the draft management objectives. Management objectives were endorsed by the working group, noting they are overarching fishery objectives with more specific operational objectives to be developed for each of the harvest strategies.

  The working group noted consultation feedback did not oppose the proposed management regions, as long as there was still flexibility for commercial fishers to move between regions. The working group endorsed the proposed management regions, however a small number of fishers felt a simpler model would be for North and South management regions (in addition to Moreton Bay).

  The working group discussed three management options, based on feedback from consultation, including:

  1. Effort caps for each region – unallocated units
  2. Effort caps for each region – units allocated to regions (conversion factor adjusted only if required)
  3. Effort caps for each region – units converted to nights and allocated to regions

  During consultation, Option 1 (unallocated effort caps) received the majority of support through port meetings and emails. However, the online survey responses showed a slight preference for Option 2 (Effort caps allocated to regions), albeit with some concerns about the impact of conversion factors applied during the allocation process. Option 3 (Effort caps converted to nights) was a new idea not included in the discussion paper. In addition to these, the working group requested further discussion on options for buybacks as a precursor to implementing any management option.

  The working group discussed the implications of each of the management options in terms of satisfying the trawl fishery and Sustainable Fisheries Strategy objectives. Members also discussed the need to recognise the context within which considerations on the reform process are made. It was noted that members should be aware of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy, the operation of the fishery in the GBRWHA and the Commonwealth approval process when considering possible reform options.

  The working group agreed that more work was needed to reiterate the drivers for reform to industry, explain to individual fishers about the allocation process and how effort caps would be set. In particular, fishers should be advised that the effort caps are likely to be set at or above current effort levels based on the best available information from previous stock assessments which suggest most of the prawn stocks are fished at or below maximum sustainable yield already. However effort may be adjusted as part of the harvest strategy. A conversion factor would not be applied when allocation occurs. The working group felt that the risk of latent effort being activated would be reduced as a result of the allocation of effort units to the regions.

  Recommended management package

  Members agreed to the following recommended management package for consideration by the Expert Panel, noting that further analysis and investigation is needed in some areas:

  1. Implement 5 management regions (See Attachment 1)
  2. Effort caps for each region, to be adjusted through harvest strategy if needed (See effort cap estimates in Attachment 2). Not all members supported the implementation of regional effort caps.
  3. Allocate existing effort units to regions based on history (and equal allocation for inactive units). This was the general preference of the working group, but some members supported not allocating effort units and instead using conversion factors or other methods to slow fishing effort as it approaches the effort cap.
  4. Consider removing the 70 hull unit limit (while maintaining the 20 metre maximum limit). Review and extend the existing hull unit / effort unit relationship.
  5. To address the working group’s concerns around the unused T1s, implement a 2:1 T1 surrender for new boats and/or a buyback of T1s to establish an appropriate fleet size.
  6. Consider removing the current horsepower limit.
  7. Ensure there is flexibility for timing of opening/closing seasons as part of the harvest strategies. This could include new closures in certain areas as suggested in consultation but would require more discussion as part of the harvest strategy development.
  8. A further Moreton Bay meeting would be held to discuss the option to establish a new Moreton Bay symbol and effort cap for Moreton Bay. Convert all Moreton Bay fishers to effort units. The working group agreed to absorb the M1 units into the T1 fishery meaning M1/T1 fishers could retain their east coast entitlement as well as access Moreton Bay. Remove the boat replacement policy once effort units are established.
  9. Develop a harvest strategy for Moreton Bay bugs. A stock assessment to be prioritised.
  10. The working group supported the recommendation of the crab working group that the trawled blue swimmer crab catch to be limited to 10% of the total allowable commercial catch. This would be constrained through trips limits, triggers to reduce trip limits when coming close to the 10% and no take once reach the limit.
  11. Recreational boat limit on prawns of 2 times the individual possession limit (similar recommendation to the inshore working group) to help address black marketing.

  The working group received a presentation on the range of indicators that could be used for harvest strategies, ranging from catch data, to standardised catch rates, to simple off the shelf models, to more complex stock assessment models. The information will help develop the harvest strategies later in 2018.

  A further working group meeting was scheduled for September to consider the Expert Panel advice on the recommended management package, start drafting harvest strategies and review proposed regulatory changes to support implementation of the reforms.

  The trawl working group members are: Fisheries Queensland (Chair – Scott Spencer), commercial fishing (Richard Taylor, Jim Newman, Neil Mogensen, Barry Ehrke, Steve Murphy, Nick Schulz, Glen Duggan, Scott McLay, Bill Marsh, Ted Woodham and Kev Adams), Conservation representative (Jim Higgs), recreational fishing (David Bateman) and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Rachel Pears).

  Attachment 1 - Proposed Trawl Management Regions

  

  Attachment 2 - Example Regional Effort Unit usage, estimated Effort Caps and total regional allocation totals for the East Coast regions

  The allocation estimate shows the total number of effort units that would be allocated to each region using a 10 year history period and allocating unused units using an equal split between regions.

  Source: Trawl Fishery Discussion Paper

  Effort units	Northern trawl	Central trawl	Southern inshore trawl	Southern offshore trawl
  Total effort units used (active) in 2017	290 873	340 276	182 253	789 727
  MSY effort unit estimate	500 000	550 000	N/A	1 000 000
  Allocation Estimate using equal allocation of unused	572 744	585 098	565 098	960 841

• 25-26 October 2018

  The purpose of this meeting was to discuss expert panel feedback on the recommended management package, bycatch and protected species reforms, considering effort caps and allocation and starting harvest strategy development.

  The working group considered correspondence received from industry members and recognised their concerns. The current proposal for this fishery will allow T1 operators the flexibility to move between zones and there is no conversion factor proposed initially. Allocation would be based on the last 10 years history allowing most operators to continue to do what they have done.

  The meeting noted the preliminary information from the 2018 fishery independent scallop recruitment survey has been completed. Three vessels sampled 333 sites between Yeppoon and Double Island Point over 29 nights. The data from the survey will now be entered, checked and analysed and made publicly available in early 2019. It will inform an updated stock assessment which will be completed in early 2019. Initial observations from sampling staff indicate juvenile scallops were present throughout the survey area. In general, staff encountered more scallops than last year particularly the sampled areas between Hervey Bay and Yeppoon. Some tows yielded in excess of 4000 scallops, and were from both inside and outside of the scallop replenishment area’s. Information will be sent out to all trawl fishers in the next week. Members reiterated their ongoing concerns about rebuilding of the stock and their view that the winter closure should have been extended. Fisheries Queensland advised that all the scallop management arrangements would be reviewed in early 2019 once the stock assessment is updated to determine if further action is needed to recover the stock and inform the longer term harvest strategy.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017-2027 and progress on the Bill to amend the Fisheries Act 1994. The working group noted the progress report on implementing the Strategy and in particular that work to improve engagement was identified. The working group raised concerns about the proposed costs and polling rate associated with the trawl fishery moving to paying for polling on 1 January 2019. Fisheries Queensland has agreed to look at ways to reduce polling costs, look at alternative providers to support existing trawl units and provide information on why trawl needs to be at 15 minute polling intervals. The working group suggested an alternative option might be for Fisheries Queensland to hold the account with the polling providers and bill trawl fishers the cost of vessel tracking.

  Sean Pascoe attended the meeting as a member of the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel (Expert Panel) to provide feedback on the proposed management options. Sean advised that the Expert Panel believe the proposed management regions provides an important balance between flexibility to move while improving control on trawl effort. The Expert Panel have emphasized the need for management to be robust because there is a lot of variability between each of the proposed management regions.

  The working group discussed measures required to reduce bycatch and Species of Conservation Interest (SOCI) interaction and habitat impacts. The working group noted the need for continual improvement in managing bycatch and SOCI in the trawl fishery. Risk assessments have found that since the introduction of bycatch reduction device’s and turtle excluder device’s some high risk species are now a lower risk from trawl fishing which is a positive outcome. However, there are still a number of high risks species (sea snakes, small sharks and ray) and habitats that require consideration in the harvest strategies and managing effort is a direct way to minimise these risks. The working group agreed to focus on better reporting, information and innovation to minimise interactions for high risk species and investigate opportunities for new gear trials.

  The working group considered the Expert Panel’s advice on setting the initial effort caps based on current effort levels. The working group recommended that effort caps be set at or below Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) in line with the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy targets with each harvest strategy to establish a scheduled transition to Maximum Economic Yield. GBRMPA indicated their concern about a potential increase in effort within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and that caps set at MSY are much higher than current effort and may increase/reintroduce ecological risks. The working group noted that each management region should be consulted on the effort cap as part of the harvest strategy. It was noted that the Southern Inshore Region effort cap would need to be informed by the results of the next scallop stock assessment scheduled for early 2019.

  The working group recommended the following approach for allocating east coast trawl effort units into the four regions:

  • Active effort units would be allocated based on history using a 10 year history period
  • Unused effort units would be allocated based on halfway between equal split and fleet average (36%-Southern Offshore; 21%-Southern Inshore; 21%-Central; 22%-North)

  For Moreton Bay, there was no consensus on the preferred allocation approach and instead a number of options were outlined:

  • Option 1: 50/50 split between M1/M2 based on 10 year history. M1 75 base plus proportional history. M2 Equal Split (213 nights). Preferred by M1 fishers
  • Option 2: M1/M2 based on 10 year history. M1 50 base or max nights fished. M2 Based on existing access (260 nights). Preferred by M2 fishers
  • Option 3: M1 history based allocation of existing effort units (East Coast or Moreton Bay). M2 history based allocation.

  Option 1 & 2 include existing M1 effort units being managed on the east coast. Another alternative was for M1 to nominate the split of their existing effort units between Moreton Bay and East Coast.

  The working group recommended a number of regulatory changes be progressed to support the reforms and development of harvest strategies, including:

  • Remove the existing 70 Hull Unit requirement while retaining 20 meter maximum vessel length.
  • Remove maximum horsepower limit to improve efficiency and compliance challenges.
  • Extend Effort Unit Conversion Factor (EUCF) beyond 70 hull units based on the existing CSIRO work. Establish a periodic review of fishing power as part of harvest strategy and longer term consider if the EUCF should be based on each management region.
  • 2 for1 T1/T2 on new boats replacement policy.
  • Move to AMSA Certificate of Survey measurements to standardise, improve reliability and scrutiny of measurements.
  • Flexible closures (time/spatial) as a tool for harvest strategies
  • Remove Moreton Bay boat replacement policy while retaining 14 meter maximum vessel length.

  The working group reviewed an example harvest strategy and felt that there should be an aspiration to move to more real time and responsive management decisions and co-management with industry. The working group noted that regional workshops would be established over coming months to help develop the harvest strategies and review current controls/rules, logbooks and reporting.

  The next working group meeting is scheduled for February 2019 to discuss scallop management, continue to develop harvest strategies and reviewing proposed regulatory changes.

• 24-25 January 2019: Northern Region Harvest Strategy Workshop

  A workshop was held in Cairns on 24-25 January 2019 to discuss the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy, the Queensland Government’s Direction Paper on Fishery Reforms and draft a harvest strategy for the Northern Trawl Region.

  The workshop noted the proposed management changes for the East Coast Trawl Fishery, outlined in the Directions Paper, including splitting the fishery up into five management regions, allocating effort units to each region, establishing an effort cap for each region and developing harvest strategies.

  A number of fishing rules that have been identified for change were discussed. The workshop was generally supportive of removing the 70 Hull Unit Limit and Horsepower Restrictions. The workshop noted that to support these changes the existing Effort Unit Conversion Factor would be reviewed and updated. There were mixed views on a 2-for-1 boat replacement policy. Some fishers felt this would minimise the risk of increasing effort in the fishery, while others felt a boat replacement policy prohibited moving to safer and more efficient vessels, would be difficult to operationalise if T1’s are leased and under the new AMSA requirements and would also restrict positive investment in the fishery. The workshop suggested:

  • Reviewing the 2 for 1 boat replacement proposal
  • Considering a review of permitted trawl species
  • Consider re-establishing preferred access (sitting out for a specified closure period before fishing in an area)
  • Consider minimum effort unit holdings in a region to be able to fish (in lieu of preferred access)

  Before discussing the Northern Trawl Regional Harvest Strategy options, the workshop was provided an overview on how harvest strategies would be implemented in Queensland. The workshop agreed that the harvest strategy should start simple and as closely aligned to current operations as possible to enable fishers to adjust to the new requirements. The workshop agreed that over time the harvest strategy should be able to be adjusted as more up to date and improved information is available.

  One of the key components is to set an effort cap for the region. The Sustainable Fisheries Strategy requires it to be at least Maximum Sustainable Yield by 2020 and then moving to Maximum Economic Yield by 2027. Fisheries Queensland presented historical effort unit usage information for the northern region (289,950 for 2017 and 244,430 for 2018) and estimates that MSY for 2020 is approximately 418,657 and MEY for 2020 is approximately 345,301 for the workshop to consider. Attendees noted the Expert Panel advice was to set the effort cap at current effort levels, to begin working towards MEY by 2027. However, the workshop were concerned about a race to fish and early season closures if the effort cap was reached.

  Overall, the workshop aimed to maintain current fishing effort levels and to work to address the associated risk of unused effort in the region to meet fishery objectives. Current fishing levels are estimated to be at or below MEY estimates, so would meet the 2027 target for the region. The workshop recommended, for the Northern Trawl Region, the initial harvest strategy should:

  • Set the Effort Cap based on the MSY estimate
  • Retain the existing 1 March opening & 15 December closure
  • Establish a trigger to notify fishers once 80% of the Effort Cap is used
  • Review the Effort Cap using an assessment at least every three years with the option to bring forward an assessment if effort in this region increases substantially
  • Monitor secondary species based on catch range over 10 years
  • Monitor by-product based on proportion of catch over 10 years

  To support the harvest strategy the workshop recommended that logbooks be revised to include grade information, is validated and the fishery should move to electronic reporting as soon as practical. Longer term the workshop indicated they were interested at looking at opening/closing around lunar phases, monitoring and developing strategies to reduce the number of unused effort units in the region, improving stewardship for the region and exploring third party accreditation.

  To support the harvest strategy and management of the Northern Trawl Region, the workshop identified the following monitoring and research priorities:

  • Stock assessment to support the harvest strategy is the highest priority.
  • Bycatch Reduction Device & Turtle Excluder Device Research & Development
  • Analysis of grade information once available
  • Stock assessment for bugs (noting there are two different species)

  Some members felt additional resourcing was required to achieve these priorities in an appropriate timeframe.

  Workshop attendees reiterated Industry’s preference for a buyback of unused effort units to enhance ecological, economic and social sustainability of the trawl fishery. Fisheries Queensland advised that under the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy no funding has been provided for buybacks.

  The workshop noted that a first draft of a harvest strategy for the Northern Trawl Region and data modelling would be provided to workshop participants out of session for further feedback. The workshop also noted that the recommendations and feedback would be provided to the Trawl Working Group, along with the other regional trawl workshops as part of the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy. Individual fishers will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft harvest strategy later in 2019 as part of the consultation process. At a minimum, there will be an annual Northern Trawl Region meeting to discuss fishery performance and improvements to the harvest strategy in the longer term.

  Workshop Participants: Fisheries Queensland (Chair, Kimberly Foster), David Leotta, Richard Taylor, Roger Taylor, Neil Mogensen, Glen Duggan, Gary Wicks, Jim Newman, Paul Newman, Barry Ehrke, Steve Rose, Don Triplett, Jim Higgs (Conservation Sector), David McAtamney, Russell Kilfoy, Ben Heath, Ed Morrison and Rachel Pears (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority)

• 31 January - 1 February 2019: Central Region Harvest Strategy Workshop

  Given the significant weather event that occurred in Townsville, the workshop was interrupted on the final day due to flood evacuations and the agenda was cut short by an hour. This created some time pressures in order to complete all agenda items.

  A workshop was held in Townsville on 31 Jan – 1 Feb to discuss the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy, the Queensland Government’s Direction Paper on Fishery Reforms and draft a harvest strategy for the Central Trawl Region.

  The workshop noted the proposed management changes for the East Coast Trawl Fishery, outlined in the Directions Paper, including splitting the fishery up into five management regions, allocating effort units to each region, establishing an effort cap for each region and developing harvest strategies.

  There were mixed views on the proposed regional boundaries, with participants suggesting a number of options for moving the boundary between northern and central regions (currently at 18° - Dunk Island) to better allow flexibility, and reflect current fishing practices. The workshop suggested additional feedback from central and northern fleets be sought on the following options:

  • Boundary at 22° (combined northern-central region): Reflecting the common stock, shallow water, quad-gear fishing area. View that this is the current management region which is working well.
  • Boundary at 16° (Cape Tribulation): Would allow more ground for the central region. Exists at an existing green zone which separates the two fishing areas.
  • Boundary at Grafton: Still south of Cairns and allows two regions to exist for different management rules. A sensible geographic split between the ports.

  Participants noted that if north of 22° was managed as a single region, it may make individual rules between areas within this region more difficult to implement. Fisheries Queensland will seek the views of all commercial stakeholders on where the boundary between the northern and central regions (if any) should be set.

  Participants discussed a number of fishing rules that had been identified for change. The allocation of effort units to the regions was not supported by the majority of workshop participants, who were more comfortable with harvest strategy rules being set for each region but allowing fishers to freely move between them with the a single pool of effort units. If effort units are to be allocated to regions (as proposed by the Directions Paper), other methods of allocation of unused effort units were put forward for discussion, with particular emphasis on fishers being able to nominate where unused effort units could be allocated. Fisheries Queensland advised that consultation on allocation methods to seek the views of all commercial stakeholders is expected for April-May.

  There was general support for removing horsepower restrictions. However there were mixed views on repealing the 70 hull unit limit in this region. The Workshop considered the introduction of a 2-for-1 boat replacement policy and advised it requires further review to ensure it does not prohibit upgrades of vessels currently in the fishery. The consequences of this on investment and people who lease T1s also needs to be considered further.

  Before discussing the Central Trawl Regional Harvest Strategy options, the workshop was provided an overview of how harvest strategies would be implemented in Queensland. The workshop noted and agreed with Expert Panel advice that the harvest strategy should start simple and closely aligned to current operations to enable fishers to adjust to the new requirements. Participants noted that the harvest strategy can be adjusted as more up-to-date and improved information is available.

  One of the key components of a harvest strategy is to set an effort cap for the region. The Sustainable Fisheries Strategy requires it to be at least Maximum Sustainable Yield by 2020 and then moving to Maximum Economic Yield by 2027. Fisheries Queensland presented historical effort unit usage information for the central region (346,342 for 2017 and 298,227 for 2018) and estimates that MSY for 2020 is approximately 500,711 and MEY for 2020 is approximately 400,905. Participants noted that the Strategy requires that the effort cap should be set at least MSY at this point in time.

  For the initial central region harvest strategy, the workshop discussed the following:

  • Set the effort cap based on the MSY estimate (500 711 effort units)
  • Retain existing 1 March opening & 15 December closure
  • Establish a trigger to notify fleet once 80% of effort cap is reached, with no immediate management action to slow-down effort
  • Review the effort cap using an assessment at least every three years with the option to bring forward an assessment if effort in the region increases substantially
  • Monitor secondary target species to ensure catches are within historical range (looking to review where there are substantial increases)
  • Monitor by-product species to ensure catches are within historical range (looking to review where there are substantial increases)

  Some research priorities were identified including logbooks with grading information and stock assessment for bugs.

  Participants reiterated a preference for a buyback of unused effort units to enhance ecological, economic and social sustainability of the trawl fishery particularly given current effort levels in this region are sustainable. Fisheries Queensland advised that under the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy no funding has been provided for buybacks.

  The workshop noted that a first draft of a harvest strategy for the Central Trawl Region and data modelling would be provided to workshop participants out of session for further feedback. The workshop also noted that the recommendations and feedback would be provided to the Trawl Working Group, along with the other regional trawl workshops as part of the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy. Individual fishers will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft harvest strategy later in 2019 as part of the consultation process. At a minimum, there will be an annual Central Trawl Region meeting to discuss fishery performance and improvements to the harvest strategy in the longer term.

  Workshop Participants: Fisheries Queensland (Chair, Kimberly Foster), Danny Bell, Greg Brooking, Mark Millward, Bill Williams, Neil Mogensen, Jim Armitage, Ed Morrison, Jim Saverin, Noel Cattel, David Leotta, Jim Higgs (conservation sector), Randell Owens (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority).

• 21-22 February 2019

  he sixth meeting of the trawl working group was held in Brisbane over 21-22 February 2019. The working group discussed a number of letters from industry which were tabled at the meeting. The group acknowledged the concerns from some in industry about the proposed 2-for-1 boat replacement policy, the boundary line between North and Central regions and views from industry about how to allocate unused/inactive effort unit, noting the preference from some fishers to nominate which region they should be allocated to.

  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 fishery. Fisheries Queensland advised there would be further opportunities for stakeholders to have their say over the next 6 months during consultation on draft regulatory changes and allocation approaches.

  The working group discussed the outcomes from the Northern and Central Regions harvest strategy workshops held in January. Working group members who had attended the workshops provided additional insight into some of the views shared. It was noted that some attendees were opposed to the proposed reforms in the trawl fishery. The working group agreed that reform was needed to better control effort at the stock level and maintain access to the fishery through Commonwealth export approvals under the EPBC Act. This would ensure certainty and security for fishers in the long-term. It was recommended that Fisheries Queensland continue to communicate to industry the need for the reforms.

  The working group revisited the 2-for-1 boat replacement policy after harvest strategy workshops had raised a number of concerns that it may prohibit upgrading of vessels currently in the fishery and have negative impacts on people who lease T1s. The working group supported efforts to reduce the number of inactive T1s in the fishery, but generally did not think a 2-for-1 boat replacement policy was the best approach at this point in time. The working group recommended that this should be reviewed at the end of the first year after the allocation of effort units to the management regions. At this point consideration should be given to either:

  • a refined 2-for-1 policy only applied to new boats (to exclude leasing, replacement boats etc.); or
  • a latent effort removal process to remove inactive T1s; or
  • an increase in T1 fees.

  Members discussed the line between the northern and central regions. The Townsville workshop did not support the current boundary (at 18° - Dunk Island) and provided options for moving the line further north (to Cape Tribulation or Cape Grafton) or for managing the north and central regions under a single zone from 22° north. The trawl working group and Cairns workshop generally supported the current boundary (at 18° - Dunk Island) which would allow management at the stock level (the northern being tiger prawn, while the central is a multi-species fishery with tiger and red spot king prawn) and also recognised the different fleet dynamics. The working group noted strong justification would be required to move the proposed line at 18°. It was noted that if fishers have operated in both regions they would be allocated effort units for both and would continue to be able to do the same thing into the future. Some members noted there were strong views from the Townsville fleet, but also that Cairns fishers would oppose moving the line. Fisheries Queensland advised that they would seek the views of all stakeholders while consulting on the regulatory reforms in May 2019.

  The working group considered again options for allocating unused/inactive effort units, noting the government’s direction paper which included the proposed proportional split (36% southern offshore, 21% southern inshore, 21% central, 22% northern). The working group recommended consulting on an option to provide fishers the opportunity to nominate within a specified timeframe (e.g. 2 months) which regions they wanted unused effort units to be allocated. Where a fisher failed to nominate, their unused allocation would default to the previously agreed proportional splits. Feedback from commercial fishers on this proposal will be sought as part of the consultation on allocation approaches during March 2019, which will include individual reports for stakeholders to view on FishNet.

  Fisheries Queensland provided copies of the draft harvest strategies from the Northern and Central region harvest strategy workshops. Feedback was provided on the potential indicators, triggers and decision rules to inform further refinement of the harvest strategies.  Further harvest strategy workshops for southern areas will be held in April-May.

  The working group discussed the timelines associated with moving to co-management in the trawl fishery once harvest strategies are in place. This would involve fishers being more involved in real-time decision-making processes as part of harvest strategies for things like season opening/closings.

  Members discussed research priorities for the fishery and identified the following:

  • Sea grass impacts from recent flooding and impacts on fisheries production
  • Economic and social information including labour force to attract and retain employees
  • Co-management models from other fisheries and opportunities for the trawl fishery
  • Benefits of line-trawling in reducing bycatch and reducing trawl footprint
  • Understanding sensitive benthic habitats in southern parts of the fishery
  • Building export opportunities
  • White Spot Disease and impacts on wild populations

  Dr Roland Pitcher (CSIRO) presented on the Australian trawl footprint project, which showed that only 3.5% of Australia’s coastal waters are trawled. The working group noted the value of VMS in demonstrating that the trawl fishery was avoiding sensitive areas. The working group felt that the trawl footprint in Queensland would continue to reduce as a result of the trend over the last decade towards line trawling over the same area to improve catch, reduce bycatch and minimise benthic disturbance. Finer scale VMS data will assist in demonstrating this (15 mins instead of hourly polling from beginning of 2019). The working group recognised there were some benefits to releasing finer-scale VMS information from the project to build understanding and change perceptions of the extent of trawling on Queensland’s coast.

  An update was provided on the 2018 scallop survey and some changes to the stock assessment model which is expected to be released in April 2019. The next working group meeting in June 2019 will discuss scallop management options, outcomes from southern harvest strategy workshops and consultation on regulatory review and allocation methods.

  The working group recommended ongoing strong engagement by Fisheries Queensland with fishers in regional areas for development of harvest strategies.

  The trawl working group members are: Fisheries Queensland (Chair – Claire Andersen), commercial fishing (Richard Taylor, Jim Newman, Neil Mogensen, Barry Ehrke, Steve Murphy, Nick Schulz, Glen Duggan, Scott McLay, Bill Marsh and Kev Adams), WWF Australia (Jim Higgs), recreational fishing (David Bateman) and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Rachel Pears).

• 2-3 May 2019: Southern Offshore Region Harvest Strategy Workshop

  A workshop was held in Mooloolaba on 2-3 May 2019 to discuss the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy reforms and to draft a harvest strategy for the Southern Offshore Trawl Fishery.  The workshop noted the proposed management changes for the East Coast Trawl Fishery, outlined in the Directions Paper, including splitting the fishery up into five management regions, allocating effort units to each region, establishing an effort cap for each region and developing harvest strategies.

  Fisheries Queensland presented an overview of how harvest strategies would be implemented in Queensland and what can be expected for the future management of this fishery. While a number of participants still opposed splitting the trawl fishery into regions and allocating effort units, participants agreed there was a need for change, and felt a harvest strategy could help ensure sustainability and improve the value of the fishery. In particular, all members were keen to ensure that juvenile prawns were protected to better maximise the value of the catch.

  The workshop discussed the initial effort cap for the region, noting that it would be adjusted over time as more up to date stock assessments become available. The workshop agreed the initial harvest strategy would set an effort cap based on maximum sustainable yield. The workshop agreed that a new EKP stock assessment should be prioritised and would be used to adjust the effort cap (up or down) once available.

  Current effort in the region is around 800,000 units a year, which has been maintained at or around this level since 2010. In 2017 effort was slightly higher, mostly attributed to increased scallop catches around Fraser Island. The stock assessment from 2010 suggested a maximum sustainable yield of around 2,371 tonnes of EKP for this region. Since 2010 harvests have been consistently at or around this level. Using 2018 data the MSY cap was estimated at 799,124 effort units to catch this 2,371 tonnes of EKP. Incorporating fishing power increases would reduce this effort cap to around 750,000 effort units for 2020. The GBRMPA and Conservation representatives noted the importance of accounting for fishing power increases over time but given the uncertainty around fishing power estimates from 2010, the workshop agreed to use the 2018 effort cap estimate of 799,124 effort units, with a commitment to account for fishing power when the effort cap is set for the next fishing period. The workshop discussed how T2 symbols and effort units would be treated under a regionalised fishery. The majority of members recommend to retain the current restrictions that allow T2 symbols and effort units to be used south of Sandy Cape only. The majority of the workshop also supported retaining the existing surrender provisions whereby T2 units are halved if converted to T1 effort units and the T2 symbol is surrendered.

  The workshop discussed the draft harvest strategy that was circulated prior to the meeting. The main indicators and decision rules would be focused on:

  • a stock assessment every three years to estimate biomass and adjust the effort cap to ensure the fishery is operating at or above MSY;
  • monitoring of fishing power and adjustment of the effort cap to incorporate power changes;
  • closures to protect small prawn that could be adjusted over time; and
  • monitoring of secondary and permitted species catch ranges over time

  The workshop discussed at length options for fishing closures to protect small prawn. There was consensus that a 20 Sep- 20 Oct and February closure of the whole region (inshore and deep) would help prevent the effort cap being reached, protect smaller prawn and improve the value of the catch. The workshop noted that scallop catches in November, December and January would need to be considered and ideally be consistent with the harvest strategy being developed for the southern inshore region. Participants suggested an increased size limit for scallop in November-December (e.g. 105mm) returning to 90mm on 3 January and sought advice from the Southern Inshore Workshop.

  The workshop also agreed that a number of small spatial ‘strip’ closures (from Sandy Cape south) were needed inshore from October to last quarter moon in March to prevent targeting of small prawns. This included:

  • Tweed to Pt Lookout;
  • East of Cape Moreton 36Ftm north past Flinders to northern point Flinders Reef, then west/northwest to a point east of Currimundi Lakes;
  • Old Woman Island north to Noosa Headland;
  • Area north of Sandy Cape.

  Further work will be done out-of-session to identify and map these areas for discussion.

  There was some discussion on preferred access and questions as to what that would look like within and across regions. Participants agreed that a conversion factor may achieve the same objective and could be considered for the following year if the effort cap was hit in a season. Some members also supported a levy on T1s to fund a buyback of latent T1s. This could also contribute towards additional monitoring or third party certification in the future, once T1s and effort units were at a suitable level.

  The workshop recommended further work should be done to identify potential changes to the management of permitted species (e.g. grinner, cuttlefish, goatfish, tongue sole). Participants felt that with changing markets it was a waste to discard species which could be utilised, when caught while targeting other species. Fisheries Queensland agreed the process through which permitted species rules are decided could be reviewed alongside a risk assessment to ensure increased catch would not impose a risk. Participants also identified a need to investigate the reason a maximum mesh size is in place for the trawl fishery, with a view to removing it to improve selectivity and reduce bycatch.

  The workshop reviewed triggers for bycatch and SOCI and agreed a bycatch management plan would be useful to identify changes that have already been made to reduce risk and identify additional changes that may be required to reduce any remaining risk. This would be reviewed by the Trawl Working Group.

  Participants agreed that electronic reporting and grade information would support the development of the harvest strategy.

  The workshop noted that a first draft of a harvest strategy for the Southern Offshore Trawl Region (and maps for defining strip closure areas) would be provided to workshop participants out of session for further feedback.  The workshop also noted that the recommendations and feedback would be provided to the Trawl Working Group, along with the other regional trawl workshops as part of the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy.  Individual fishers will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft harvest strategy later in 2019 as part of the consultation process.  At a minimum, there will be an annual Southern Offshore Trawl Region meeting to discuss fishery performance and improvements to the harvest strategy in the longer term.

  Fisheries Queensland will provide information on what can be achieved in 2019 and 2020.

  Fisheries Queensland advised that a Memorandum of Understanding with MSQ had been executed. This will enable MSQ to access vessel tracking information in real-time to assist with search and rescue.

  Workshop Participants: Fisheries Queensland (Chair, Claire Andersen), Kev Solway, Darren  Ward, Stephen Murphy, Rachel Pears (GBRMPA), Andrew Barr, Tony Sowten, Barry Ehrke, James Day, Kev Baker, Scott McLay, Leigh McJannett, Noel Cattell, Kev Reibel, Nick Schulz, Steve Taylor, Simon Miller (Conservation), Tony Sterling.

• 16 - 17 May 2019: Moreton Bay Region Harvest Strategy Workshop

  A workshop was held in Margate on 16-17 May 2019 to discuss the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy reforms and to draft a harvest strategy for the Moreton Bay Trawl Fishery. The workshop noted the proposed management changes for the East Coast Trawl Fishery, outlined in the Directions Paper, including splitting the fishery up into five management regions, allocating effort units to each region, establishing an effort cap for each region and developing harvest strategies.

  Fisheries Queensland explained the trawl fishery management package outlined in the Government’s Direction Paper. Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the recent allocation consultation - the proposed approach for Moreton Bay Trawl that was consulted on in March/April 2019 received mixed feedback. This workshop discussed allocation approaches, one new approach was supported by some members. Some member’s continued to support a similar approach to the one consulted on (50/50 split).  The workshop was advised that M1’s were having a meeting to discuss allocation options.   However no further consensus was reached on any option.  Fisheries Queensland advised that there will be a final round of consultation before a final decision is made through amendments to fisheries legislation later in 2019.

  Participants felt strongly at improving the social perception of the commercial fishing industry, as well as the social and economic impacts of the reform process on commercial fishers. The lack of control over the wholesale industry and prices they pay for landed product was identified as an issue, as well as waste due to being unable to keep or sell bycatch. The workshop agreed that environmental factors strongly contributed to the productivity of Moreton Bay and must be considered in any assessment of the fishery.

  Current effort in the fishery averages around 4-5,000 days. The workshop agreed to keep the harvest strategy simple and closely aligned to current operations to enable fishers to adjust to the new arrangements.

  Fisheries Queensland presented an overview of how harvest strategies would be implemented in Queensland and what can be expected for the future management of this fishery. It was agreed that while the 2012 assessment will help establish the harvest strategy it does need to be updated to inform future management.  The workshop agreed the main indicators and decision rules would be focused on:

  • Set the effort cap based on the MSY estimate (10,669 days)
  • Retain the existing closures (e.g. weekends)
  • Establish a trigger to notify fleet once 80% of effort cap is reached with no immediate management action to slow-down effort
  • Review the effort cap using an assessment at least every three years with the option to bring forward an assessment if effort in the region changes substantially.
  • Monitor secondary target species (e.g. squid) to ensure catches are within historical ranges and review where there are substantial increases
  • Monitor by-product species (e.g. octopus) to ensure catches are within historical range (looking to review where there are substantial increases.

  The workshop identified a number of additional regulatory changes they would like to see considered, including:

  • Introduction of exclusion zones (e.g. 500m) around trawlers to minimise interactions with other boating traffic;
  • Review trawl closures and consider applying to all sectors to protect small prawns nurseries;
  • Clarifying trip limits for trawl for blue swimmer crabs.

  The workshop agreed to provide a list of species (e.g. silver biddies, goat fish) for review as part of the ‘permitted species’ list so information can be collected over the next 12 months to inform that process.  The workshop raised again, noting they have raised for some years, a desire to fish in multiple fisheries (L1 in particular) at the same time to allow fishing businesses to diversify.  Participants identified it’s difficult to avoid interactions with crab potting apparatus when operating at night and recommended that potting apparatus be lit when being set in known trawl areas.

  The workshop noted that after the harvest strategy is implemented, for the 2020 fishing season, it would provide a framework for talking to fishers about the performance of the Moreton Bay Trawl Fishery and enable discussions about other adjustments to regulations to improve the fishery over time.

  The workshop noted that a first draft of a harvest strategy for the Moreton Bay Trawl Region would be provided to workshop participants out of session for further feedback.  The workshop also noted that the recommendations and feedback would be provided to the Trawl Working Group, along with the other regional trawl workshops as part of the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy.  Individual fishers will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft harvest strategy later in 2019 as part of the consultation process.  At a minimum, there will be an annual Moreton Bay Trawl Region meeting to discuss fishery performance and improvements to the harvest strategy in the longer term.

  Workshop Participants: Fisheries Queensland (Chair, Kimberly Foster), Kev Baker, Dale Thorogood, Brett Savige, Michael Wood, Tanya Dallas, Jim Dallas, Grant Lewis, Steve Anderson, Sam Anderson, Ted Woodham.

• 23-24 May 2019: Southern Inshore Region Harvest Strategy Workshop

  A workshop was held in Hervey Bay on 23-24 May 2019 to discuss the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy reforms and to draft a harvest strategy for the Southern Inshore Trawl Fishery.  The workshop noted the proposed management changes for the East Coast Trawl Fishery, outlined in the Directions Paper, including splitting the fishery up into five management regions, allocating effort units to each region, establishing an effort cap for each region and developing harvest strategies.

  The workshop discussed the proposed reforms, particularly the process for nominating which region unused effort units should be allocated to. Participants had some concerns about what that may mean for the southern offshore fishery if everyone nominated there. Some members supported an equal allocation to regions (25% each region), while some supported the original proposed split, while others supported nominating into the regions. It was noted that the recent consultation process suggested the majority supported nomination.

  The workshop put forward a proposal to introduce a levy on T1s which would go towards financing a buyback of latent T1s and/or effort units. Fisheries Queensland agreed to assist in working up a proposal for how the funding could be collected and held for industry and consulting with all T1 licence holders to determine whether they would support:

  • Paying a levy (e.g. $1000-$3000 to be determined) on each T1 to the Fisheries Fund; and
  • Using the funds to finance a buyback of latent effort through purchasing of T1s, effort units, or T1s with a minimum holding of effort units.

  Workshop participants unanimously supported progressing this to reduce the risk of latent effort in the fishery. A number of members agreed to work with Fisheries Queensland to come up with a proposal to progress, noting a high level of industry support would be needed to progress this.

  The workshop received a presentation on preliminary results from the updated scallop stock assessment.  The last assessment was in 2016 and suggested biomass was around 6%.  It was noted that the updated assessment includes data up to April 2018 and takes into account spatial variations and environmental influences (e.g. sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies). The various models show a recovering scallop stock biomass (ranging from 9% to 17% of virgin biomass), suggesting that the current management arrangements are assisting in rebuilding the stock. Participants raised concern in the way which scallop effort days were calculated for the purposes of the model and also suggested undertaking at least two independent surveys (e.g. pre-season and late-season (either February or May/June)) each season to improve understandings of stock fluctuations. The workshop also recommended moving towards live-data through electronic logbooks to ensure that management decisions can be made based on real-time information. The assessment is still to be finalised and further work to be done determining the likely recovery timeframes depending on different catch/effort scenarios.

  The workshop discussed what management changes may be required to allow further rebuilding of scallop, support the harvest strategy for the region and improve the economics of the fishery.  Following significant discussion of the various options, the workshop recommended:

  • Proposed effort cap of 118,000 for scallop and 246,000 for whole southern inshore region. Once the scallop cap is reached, scallop will become no-take south of 22°, but fishing can continue on other species (e.g. prawn, bugs) until the regional effort cap is reached. The workshop discussed a potential slow down trigger (e.g. 20 nights a month after 75% of scallop cap is reached), but felt that the closures below would help spread the catch out more effectively so was not necessary. Additional work will be done to model rebuilding scenarios to assist with confirming the effort cap. The conservation representative felt the effort cap should be lower to help rebuild the stock faster and also consider the fishing power increases in the region.
  • No take for scallop from 1 June til 1 December. The workshop supported opening the scallop season on 1 December and extending it to 31 May to aim to continue rebuilding of stock and increase value of product and marketing opportunities. The conservation representative did not support extending the season through May due to spawning.
  • Seasonal closure for the whole region to align with southern offshore 20 Sept – 20 October and all of February. Hydrographers Passage should also be closed in February. This would effectively see the entire east coast closed to trawling (except Moreton Bay) in February. This would give the area a break in September / October and also reduce pulse fishing in February.
  • Keep SRAs temporarily shut. Until the stock has recovered it is proposed to keep the SRAs temporarily shut, but look at the options to re-open or adjust once the stock has rebuilt in the future as part of the harvest strategy.

  Participants provided advice on the implementation timetable for reforms and recommended that the scallop winter closure should be extended to 30 November 2019, ahead of other management changes. The following timetable was recommended:

  • 2019: maintain current 20 September – 1 November regional closure; extend winter no take scallop so it opens 1 December (instead of 1 November).
  • 2020: implement initial harvest strategy; 1 May-30 November scallop no take period; implement 20 September – 20 October regional closure; introduce effort caps for the region starting 20 October (scallop effort cap 1 December).
  • 2021: continue effort caps; introduce February regional closure; introduce scallop no take from 1 June to 30 November.

  The workshop discussed the draft harvest strategy that was circulated prior to the meeting. The main indicators and decision rules would be focused on:

  • An annual or bi-annual stock assessment to estimate scallop biomass and adjust the effort cap to rebuild stock to 40%. A decline in biomass, catch rates or index estimates from the independent survey would trigger a reduction in scallop effort cap or other changes (e.g. extending no take until January).
  • Establish a trigger to notify fleet once 80% of scallop effort cap is reached with no immediate management action to slow-down effort.
  • Monitor secondary target species (e.g. bugs and prawn species) to ensure catches are within historical ranges and review where there are substantial increases.
  • Monitor by-product species (e.g. blue swimmer crab, cuttlefish) to ensure catches are within historical ranges and review where there are substantial increases.

  The workshop identified a number of additional regulatory changes they would like to see considered such as allowing a 1kg/day limit for cutting shell on board to estimate meat count, and shifting the daylight closure to allow fishing from 17:00 – 07:00 year round for the southern inshore region (the southern offshore region should also consider a daylight closure for scallop gear for the Fraser area). Participants raised a range of other management options which could be considered for future versions of the harvest strategy such as temporary closures for small scallop areas, a different season opening time for the Yeppoon scallop area, rotational harvest or re-opening of SRAs, and reviewing shell size rules. The workshop committed to working towards co-management for the fishery.

  The majority of participants were concerned about the potential impacts of removing the 70 hull unit limit and extending it to allow bigger boats to enter the fishery. However, they were potentially open to extending the 70 hull unit limit in the future once latent effort in the fishery had been managed (e.g. through levy buybacks).

  The workshop recommended further work should be done to identify potential changes to the management of permitted species (e.g. grinner, goatfish). Fisheries Queensland advised this had been raised by the Southern Offshore workshop too, and agreed the process through which permitted species rules are decided could be reviewed alongside a risk assessment to ensure increased catch would not impose a risk.

  The workshop noted that a first draft of a harvest strategy for the Southern Inshore Trawl Region would be provided to workshop participants out of session for further feedback.  The workshop also noted that the recommendations and feedback would be provided to the Trawl Working Group as part of the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy.  Individual fishers will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft harvest strategy later in 2019 as part of the consultation process.  At a minimum, there will be an annual Southern Inshore Trawl Region meeting to discuss fishery performance and improvements to the harvest strategy in the longer term.

  Workshop participants: Fisheries Queensland (Chair, Claire Andersen), Kev Solway, Stephen Murphy, Randall Owens, Paul Newman, Barry Ehrke, Craig Dean, Ed Morrison, Andy Redfearn, Leigh Slade, Leigh McJannett, Noel Cattell, Kev Reibel, Nick Schulz, Steve Taylor, Simon  Miller, Darren Flaherty, Tony Sterling, Scott Hodgetts.

• 1-2 August 2019

  The sixth meeting of the trawl working group was held in Brisbane over 1-2 August 2019. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss scallop management, the regional harvest strategies, Moreton Bay allocation and to make final recommendations to Government on the trawl fishery reform package.

  The working group noted how positive the regional harvest strategy workshops had been. Regional working groups will be established in 2020 to continue to give advice on harvest strategies. The working group felt it was important to continue as a working group to provide consistency across regions until regional working groups are established.

  Preliminary results from the recent scallop assessment were presented. The results suggest scallop although recovering is a depleted stock, with biomass estimated to be between 9 and 17% (up from a low of 6%).  The meeting discussed new information around rebuilding timeframes which had become available since the harvest strategy workshops. The modelling showed that rebuilding to 60% biomass by 2027 was not feasible, but that biomass could be rebuilt to around 40% by 2027 if the scallop effort cap was reduced to around 82,000 effort units.  Recent harvest strategy workshops had recommended an effort cap of 118,000 for the southern inshore region for scallop, to begin 1 December 2019. Industry preferred to set the effort cap at 118,000 effort units given the positive trajectory and the additional measures being put in place (i.e. extending the winter closure by a month). There should be a review once new information from the October independent survey is completed and if the positive trend is not continuing, the effort cap should be reduced to 82,000 effort units next season. It was noted that the conservation sector and GBRMPA representatives were concerned an effort cap of 118,000 would not rebuild the stock to 40% by 2027 and preferred setting the cap at no more than 82,000 effort units as recommended by the stock assessment. All working group members agreed that monitoring and assessment of the scallop stock must be continued to inform adjustments to the rebuilding strategy. The working group also recommended not proceeding with the proposal to ban scallop gear during the no-take period (winter closure or once effort cap reached) due to concerns about cost to industry and increased bycatch (including of undersized shell).

  The working group noted feedback on the proposed regulation changes and provided some additional feedback:

  • Extend the 70 hull unit limit to 120, rather than completely removing the limit. This aimed to support an aging fleet and support fishers in responding to AMSA changes which are expected. There is still a lot of concern, especially for the Southern Offshore region, that allowing larger vessels will activate unused effort and result in effort caps being reached earlier and with fewer days fished.
  • Some adjustments to proposed strip closures based on feedback from industry. Fisheries Queensland will notify the relevant regional workshops of the working group feedback before finalising strip closures. The working group noted these would be made through declaration and could be reviewed after the initial season.

  The working group discussed the timing of proposed changes and recommended the following:

  • 2019:   Scallop season and scallop effort cap start 1 December 2019. Strip closures for southern offshore introduced for 1 November.
  • 2020:   Effort units allocated to regions. 20 Sept – 20 Oct closure for southern inshore and offshore. Southern inshore offshore harvest strategies and effort caps start 20 October.  1 May to 1 December winter no take for scallop.  Scallop effort cap resets 1 December.
  • 2021:   Moreton Bay harvest strategy and effort cap January. February closure for southern inshore and offshore. Northern and central harvest strategies and effort caps start in March. Winter closure for scallop starts 1 June (rather than 1 May). Scallop effort cap resets 1 December.

  The working group discussed allocation options for Moreton Bay, noting that there had been mixed feedback between the M1 and M2 fleets and a lack of consensus to date. The working group generally agreed that an allocation of 8,535 nights (based on MEY estimate) was an appropriate to ensure an economical fishery that wasn’t over-allocated. Members noted the Moreton Bay harvest strategy workshop recommended setting the Moreton Bay effort cap at 10,000 nights based on the MSY estimate. The recreational representative opposed setting the effort cap at 10,000 nights which would be a significant increase in trawl effort in Moreton Bay. A number of letters were tabled and different allocation approaches were discussed, with further consideration required:

  • M1 preferred option was to allocate 8,535 nights through a base allocation for M1 and M2 based on historical average days fished 2008-2017. Remaining nights would be equally split between the 71 licences (64 nights each). The M2 representative recommended this be discussed with the M2 fishers out of session as they had not yet had the opportunity to provided comment on this proposal.
  • M2s preferred option was that M1s are allocated their history wherever they’ve worked and any unused effort being nominated to any of the five regions (similar to the approach on the east coast).  M2s would be allocated 220 nights each.
  • The broader working group noted history based approaches were used in all other allocation approaches in Queensland and other jurisdictions and recommended M1s and M2s try to come to agreement on an approach.

  The working group reviewed the draft harvest strategies and agreed all harvest strategies should use rigorous and up-to-date science. The conservation and GBRMPA representatives strongly recommended a firm decision rule of fishery closure, if the limit reference point was reached (i.e. stock is depleted below 20%), to support rebuilding of the stock. They also recommended clarifying trigger reference point decision rules to ensure stocks rebuild before a limit reference point is reached, which should help avoid any stocks falling below 20% in the future. Consideration was given to having the capacity to set aside decision rules in exceptional circumstances (e.g. major environmental drivers, emergency situation). Fisheries Queensland will establish consistent decision rules for harvest strategies across all fisheries.

  The working group supported better data collection and reporting, including the collection of price and economic data. Members were concerned about how onerous the new reporting requirements would be, with accurate weights (unload) notices and catch disposal records being required. The working group recommended a simpler process for non-quota species.

  The working group reviewed a new draft trawl logbook and provided advice on the additional information to be collected, particularly species being targeted and grade information. While the research member suggested shot by shot information would be useful for more accurate catch rates, the industry members preferred education material being provided to skippers. This would help to fill in the current ‘total hours trawled’ so it was written in hours and minutes based on how long the trawl gear was on the bottom.

  The working group discussed a proposal from the inshore southern workshop about an industry-led adjustment process through a temporary levy (duration decided by industry) on T1s ($2000-5000) that would go towards buying back T1s. Members strongly supported this being a compulsory levy. The working group discussed the potential details of how this could work and agreed to draft up a letter and survey to go to industry to seek support. It was noted that there would need to be very strong support for government to consider introducing the new fee/levy on T1s.  The working group acknowledged the benefits in reducing the number of T1s that could be activated in the fishery and noted that remaining T1s would have greater value.

  Public consultation on draft regional harvest strategies will begin later this year. Fisheries Queensland advised a range of educational workshops or materials would be produced to help fishers understand the new management arrangements ahead of harvest strategies beginning.

  The trawl working group members in attendance: Fisheries Queensland (Chair – Claire Andersen), commercial fishing (Richard Taylor, Jim Newman, Barry Ehrke, Steve Murphy, Nick Schulz, Steve Andersen, Ted Woodham and Kev Adams), WWF Australia (Simon Miller), recreational fishing (David Bateman) and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Rachel Pears).

• 8 and 15 June 2020

  The seventh meeting of the trawl working group was held via video conferencing on 8 and 15 June 2020. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the new scallop assessment outcomes, management action to support rebuilding and to make final recommendations to Government.

  The working group noted that the fisheries reforms remain subject to government consideration and as a result harvest strategy management is not in place at this stage.  As a harvest strategy is not in place, any management action requires traditional amendments to fisheries legislation. Ideally, management action would need to be taken no later than August/September 2020 to be in place prior to the 2020-21 season and the reassessment of the East Coast Trawl Fishery’s Wildlife Trade Operation accreditation that expires in November 2020.

  Preliminary results from the recent scallop assessment for the Southern Inshore Region (Region 3) was presented. It suggests that the biomass estimate has dropped from the 2018 level (22%) and is now estimated at 17% biomass based on new information from the 2019 fishing year. This is below the National Standard for maintaining access to fisheries resources and the limit reference point indicated in Queensland’s harvest strategy policy and guidelines.  The assessment also incorporates a new natural mortality estimate that is higher than previous estimates.

  In the 2019/2020 season, 109 176 effort units were used in the southern inshore region. This represents all units that were used from 1 December 2019 to the 30 April 2020 regardless of species caught. If targeting bugs, scallops, banana prawns or other these all count to the total cap for this region. This 2019/2020 season almost hit the cap leaving just shy of 10 000 units unused. Based on entered logbook data scallop harvest in the southern inshore region is at 85 tonnes as at the end of February 2020 and may increase as additional logbook data is entered.  The 2019 seasonal harvests was above the yield calculated to maintain the stock at its current biomass (174 tonnes). This suggests that overfishing is still occurring at the current effort rate and that stock rebuilding is unlikely to occur while fishing at this level.

  The working group noted that there is considerable stock variability giving uncertainty about year on year rebuilding of this stock.  While fishing is an influence, there may also be a number of non-fishing related influences affecting recruitment and natural mortality.  Although there has been rebuilding (from 6% biomass) since the initial management action in 2016, the quantitative stock assessment and independent survey is showing a decline in biomass and surveyed scallop densities from 2018 to 2019.

  The working group noted the mixed feedback from the Southern Inshore Harvest Workshop on 9 June 2020.  However, there appears to be good support from industry participants for adjusting the southern closure for the Southern Inshore, introducing a Christmas closure and removing daylight trawling in region 4 to reduce effort on the stock.  The working group noted concerns about potential impact on different fishing operations in Southern Inshore and Southern Offshore (Region 4) associated with the various management options.

  The working group considered a no-take for scallop until recovery could be demonstrated given the biomass is below 20% and non-fishing related influences that are ongoing risks to rebuilding.  It was noted that access to other stocks would remain open and interaction with scallops, particularly while targeting bugs, cannot be avoided while fishing in the area continues.  The majority of Industry members did not support a no-take closure because of the significant economic hardship for Industry it would cause.  And that the fishery should continue with a reduced effort cap to sustain fishing businesses and processing capacity until the harvest strategy is in place.

  The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and the conservation member remained concerned that the assessment indicates the stock is in poor condition and below the national standard limit reference point of 20% biomass.  The working group discussed the risks to the fishery WTO approval associated with continued fishing on this stock. GBRMPA and some members consider more precautionary management action is required now, starting with a no take on scallops, to give the best chance of rebuilding to a level that would support some fishing.

  The majority of Industry working group members recommended reducing the effort cap to 80 000 effort unit to attempt to limit take of scallop to 150 tonnes and aligning the opening for all target species in the Southern Inshore Region to minimise unnecessary interaction with scallops.  Many members recommended opening the Southern Inshore Region on 20 November with mixed views on an additional Christmas closure from 20 December to 4 January.  If a lower effort cap was implemented the proposed closure times would need reconsidering to minimise unintended socio-economic impacts.  Some members recommended that preferred access also be reconsidered, particularly without harvest strategy management in place, to manage effort shift.

  Some other members, including GBRMPA, expressed significant concerns that these measures are not sufficient to prevent overfishing from continuing.

  The working group anticipated that the fisheries reforms would have been decided and implemented by 1 July 2020, given this has not occurred, it makes it difficult to provide advice on management action to rebuild scallop when more effective management tools are not yet available.  The working group identified that finalisation of the reforms was important, would assist with managing effort on scallop at a regional scale, and there was a strong desire for them to be finalised soon.  Without these reforms, some members reiterated their recommendation for more precautionary management now.  Maintaining wildlife trade operation accreditation for the whole East Coast Otter Trawl fishery is critical for ongoing fishery access and export markets.

  All working group members agreed that ongoing monitoring and assessment of the scallop stock must be continued to inform rebuilding.  The working group noted advice from Fisheries Queensland raising concerns about the status of the stock and the existing harvest being above recommended levels for rebuilding. Fisheries Queensland stated that if management arrangements do not demonstrate an improvement in the stock following the 2020-21 season, it is likely that if the biomass remains at or lower than 20% biomass a closure of the stock would be recommended to be implemented from the 2021-22 season, which would be consistent with harvest strategy management and the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy.

  The working group discussed and are concerned about the impact of COVID-19 on commercial fishing businesses.  For the trawl fishery market, disruptions have significantly affected product demand.  Working group members recommended that now would be a good time to consider a buyback to facilitate recovery from COVID-19 and would also support implementation of the fisheries reforms necessary for this fishery.

  Members in attendance: Fisheries Queensland (Chair – Kimberly Foster), commercial fishing (Richard Taylor, Scott McLay, Neil Mogensen, Barry Ehrke, Steve Murphy, Nick Schulz, and Kev Adams), WWF Australia (Simon Miller), and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Rachel Pears) and recreational Fishing (Dave Bateman).  Apologies Commercial Fishing (Jim Newman, Glen Duggan, Steve Anderson, Ted Woodham)

• 27-28 April 2021

  The Trawl Working Group met on 27-28 April 2021 in Brisbane. This is the first meeting of the newly appointed working group. Former members were thanked for their contribution and new members were welcomed. The purpose of the working group meeting was to make a recommendation on the future management of the scallop fishery and note harvest strategy development and other management and reporting changes, which must in place by 1 September 2021. This is in line with the Queensland Government’s announced fisheries reforms.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the implementation of the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy: 2017-2027 more broadly, and the working group noted the key dates for allocation (22 April for allocation of existing effort units, and 16 July for nominating unused effort units).

  The working group was updated on the status of the wildlife trade operation accreditation for the east coast trawl fishery, which will expire in August 2021, noting a submission for re accreditation is currently being drafted. Fisheries Queensland will advise industry when the submission is out for public consultation and encourages industry to make submissions directly to the Commonwealth Government consultation process. Any draft conditions, in agreement with the Commonwealth, will be put forward to the working group once available. Industry suggested it may be better for each region to have their own accreditation, particularly given the concern around the biomass of scallops. Fisheries Queensland advised that a request had been made to delay the reassessment in order to consider the fishery on a regional basis. However, this was not approved by the Commonwealth Government.

  Members were invited to provide a general update from their region or sector they represent. Some commercial industry members commented how the lack of motherships in the Northern trawl region is impacting businesses. Other members commented on the negative impacts of closing the scallop fishery, if that is decided. The conservation sector noted that the trawl fisheries remain a priority for improving sustainability and impacts on non-target species (bycatch, protected species) and reiterated their concerns for the scallop stocks and the need for the proposed management action. An issue that was raised by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), but not discussed in detail, is the close monitoring of trawl effort levels moving forward, to ensure effort levels do not increase significantly above recent levels associated with the ecological risk assessments. This risk needs to be considered in the context of new regional management arrangements and effort shift following any scallop management action.

  Fisheries Queensland presented the revised scallop assessment (2020) and it was noted there was a reduction in the biomass estimate from 17% in 2019 to 12% in 2020. This trend was reflected in the 2020 fishing year data that showed commercial harvest declines, reduced commercial catch rates and a significant decline in the abundance of scallops in the 2020 fishery independent survey. Fishing industry members raised concerns about the data underpinning the stock assessment especially around separating bug and scallop effort data and the influence of commercial catch per unit effort data used in the stock assessment model. Fishing industry members also commented that the scallop survey is conducted at the wrong time of year (due to various biological and climatic variables) and therefore provides an inaccurate reflection of the scallop stock on the ground. As a result, Industry do not agree with the biomass estimate. Noting the concern from industry and the significance of the management decision for 2021, Fisheries Queensland agreed to ask whether these data inputs could be reviewed ahead of a management decision. Members would be advised out of session.

  Given Fisheries Queensland’s advice, outlined in the meeting communique from June 2020 flagging a potential fishery closure until the stock recovers to a biomass that supports Maximum Sustainable Yield, Fisheries Queensland presented the option for the 2020-21 management of the scallop fishery. This included a no take scallop closure for three management regions (Southern inshore trawl region, southern offshore trawl region and Swain Reefs/Hydrographers Passage) for up to 13 years or until the stock reaches 40% biomass. This recommendation is a result of the estimated stock biomass being below the sustainable fishery strategy limit reference point of 20%, which is required to support viable recruitment into fisheries. Industry wanted to know why the proposal close all scallop take given some areas are not part of the surveys and stock assessment. Fisheries Queensland advised that closures extending to both the southern offshore region and Hydrographers Passage were due to the uncertainty around recruitment dynamics of scallops and the possibility for stock in these areas to be important to contribute to rebuilding the existing biomass

  Industry did not support this option given their belief that there is uncertainty with the data. Industry raised ongoing concerns about the way scallop effort is measured, the closure of the Scallop Replenishment Areas (SRA) not working and that a different approach is needed. Members raised serious concerns about the impact of this option to market access; effort shift into other trawl regions where fishers hold relevant effort units; socio economic concerns such as unemployment, particularly in the processing sector of up to 60%; and a significant reduction in return on investment for those fishing businesses that would normally rely on access to scallops. Discard mortality for scallops and changed risks associated with effort shift on the trawl footprint, including target species, bycatch and protected species interactions, are also considerations.

  Given Industry is not confident in the biomass estimate, they recommended an alternative option which would enable continued access. Other longer term options could be established, including a new scallop fishing symbol (which may be based on historical access) to limit the number of boats accessing the stock, with a revised independent survey and opening triggers. The Industry members recommended for the Southern Inshore trawl region:

  • Southern Inshore region closed to all fishing from midday 1 August to midday 5 January (excluding the 24hr prawning area).
  • Conduct a pre-season survey (prior to 5 January) to determine if a pre-determined abundance trigger is reached before scallop take can commence, noting Industry would likely need to fund the additional survey proposed.
  • If the abundance trigger is reached, allow the take of scallops between midday 5 January and midday 1 May with a scallop effort unit cap to be decided based on biomass targets. If the cap is reached, scallop will become no-take (or the season will expire, whichever comes first).
  • If the pre-season survey trigger is not reached, the take of scallops would not be allowed.
  • Other species (excluding scallops) will be open to fishing from midday 5 January to midday 1 August, subject to regional effort cap.

  Part of alternate options discussed was to reopen the SRA as industry commented they are not working or set aside alternate areas as possible SRAs. If these alternatives are not achievable, another option proposed was for east Fraser Island (Southern Offshore trawl region) and Hydrographers Passage scallop stocks to remain open.

  The GBRMPA and conservation members acknowledged the economic and social impact in closing the fishery. They reiterated the poor state of scallop stocks meant that urgent responsible management action is needed to address the depleted nature of the stock and support rebuilding. They recognised the stock assessment has been previously independently reviewed and has been used in subsequent management decisions and provides the best available information on the status of the scallop stocks in the southern inshore region. Conservation and GBRMPA expressed concern that the industry proposal may not recover the scallop stock within the appropriate time frame, and they supported a closure of the stock. The GBRMPA member also recommended that a scallop rebuilding strategy be put in place, and minimising bycatch of scallops and flow-on transfer of effort.

  The working group discussed that there may be a number of other factors that may impact the scallop stock (e.g. water temperature, dredging). Industry members believe non industry members underestimate the ability of scallop stocks to recover quickly.

  Recognising the significance of the scallop management decision, Fisheries Queensland advised communiques from the Trawl Working Group, Southern Inshore and Southern Offshore Harvest Strategy Workshops along with feedback from all T1/T2 fishers and targeted stakeholder consultation, would be provided to Government for consideration when making the final decision. Fisheries Queensland will be sending a letter seeking the fishing industry’s feedback views on the proposed management action in May/June 2021 after the meeting communiques are published. Targeted consultation to other groups would also be considered at this time. Working group members asked that Fisheries Queensland provide information about the steps required to enable the Queensland Government to make a decision on scallop management.

  The members noted an update on the harvest strategy consultation, and the final draft trawl harvest strategies that are being submitted for approval, in accordance with the Fisheries Act 1994. Members discussed that pending a decision on the management of scallops, the Southern Inshore Trawl Region effort cap needs reviewing to check it remains relevant for targeting other species (e.g. Moreton Bay Bugs) without creating new sustainability issues for the region. The members noted that new stock assessments on Eastern King Prawn and Tiger Prawn would be presented at the regional harvest strategy workshops and would inform the setting of effort caps under the harvest strategy and transitioning to MEY targets.

  The working group noted the forward schedule of harvest strategy workshops to be held in each region. Members agreed to discuss out of session the need for a dedicated online scallop meeting following the Southern Inshore and Southern Offshore harvest strategy workshops. Noting the priority to address identified ecological risks, Fisheries Queensland advised it would look into options for either a workshop or regional sessions later in 2021 about ecological risk assessment and protected species management strategies. The working group also requested items on co-management and ecological risk assessment mitigation to be on the next agenda.

  Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol provided an update on compliance within the fishery. Generally, compliance in the regions is good. The working group noted all sectors have had several reported non-compliance issues around closure areas, but these are picked up quickly by QBFP through automated notifications and follow up investigations.

  Fisheries Queensland provided a presentation on the methodology and outcomes from the BDO Social and economic report for the trawl fishery. The working group noted the social and economic dashboard that is available on the department’s website as an important tool for businesses to view performance of the fishery.

  The working group was reminded of the importance of participation in the survey going forward to improve the accuracy of the data. The working group requested that BDO and Fisheries Queensland look at ways to make participating and submitting data easier for fishers. Fisheries Queensland commented the next survey will help measure the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for the 2020 fishing season.

  The working group was provided an update on the new standardised commercial fishing reporting requirements that will commence on 1 September 2021, which includes the following reporting requirements:

  • Pre-trip notice (including amended and limited pre-trip notices)
  • Transhipment notices
  • Emergency notices
  • Catch disposal records
  • Logbooks (including Threatened, Endangered and Protected (TEP) Animal Logbook)

  Fishing industry members did not support the new general reporting requirements in relation to pre-trip reporting and catch disposal records. They felt that Fisheries Queensland has not justified how pre trip reporting would provide any benefit to the management of the fishery or aid compliance activities. They also noted that the proposal for catch disposal records did not provide a platform for data validation because it aimed to collect the data before an alternate source of data was available (ie weigh-in dockets or sales dockets). Industry members also said these measures also fail to recognise that many trawlers are dynamic operations that may include holding catch between trips, partial transhipment (motherships) and skipper/crew changes mid-trip. Industry members commented there was no consultation about the reporting changes and they are more suitable for the line fishery and other quota managed fisheries. Fisheries Queensland stated the new reporting will help standardise reporting across all our fisheries, facilitate compliance operations, and validation of commercial catch data. Fisheries Queensland to arrange engagement and instruction for the trawl industry regarding these changes and look at issues raised re their practical application by the industry members.

  In considering the introduction of the TEP animal logbook, the conservation and GBRMPA member noted their concern that no take species that are not listed as TEP animals are not required to be reported in any logbook. Fisheries Queensland noted this will need to be discussed internally and will be added for discussion at the next working group meeting.

  The working group noted a presentation and update on the new commercial fishing smartphone application (the app). The app will cover a range of fisheries, including the trawl fishery, and is designed to encompass the new reporting requirements coming into effect from 1 September 2021 (including the pre-trip notice, logbooks and catch disposal records). The app also provides functionality to check whether vessel tracking units are operating as well as manual reporting functionality if a unit fails at sea. The working group noted the app will evolve over time with additional fisheries and enhanced features added. Fisheries Queensland outlined that engagement with industry through development of the app is a big focus and is seeking working group input on an engagement strategy. Digital literacy was raised as a broader issue when introducing new technology and Fisheries Queensland will provide further information on how fishers can seek help in improving digital literacy. The conservation member stressed the importance of future proofing the application, for example potential inclusion of discard reporting in future. The working group endorsed the introduction of an electronic reporting tool via the commercial fishing app.

  The working group were asked to raise any concerns during the general business discussion. The M2 working representative tabled to the chair correspondence regarding concerns with the Moreton Bay Effort Unit allocation discussion and the perceived bias towards M1 fishers in Moreton Bay. This will be addressed via departmental correspondence and the technical components of the submission and response provided to the Expert Panel for comment. A working group member tabled a submission to the Chair from a Tin Can Bay commercial fisher, which the department reviewed and noted it has previously been received.

  The meeting concluded at 3:30pm.

• 27-28 May 2021: Southern Inshore Trawl Harvest Strategy Workshop

  The Southern Inshore Trawl Region Harvest Strategy Workshop was held 27-28 May 2021 in Hervey Bay, workshop members were welcomed. The main purpose of the workshop meeting was to note the latest scallop stock assessment and discuss the proposed management options for scallops put forward by Fisheries Queensland and the additional options identified through the Trawl Working Group. The purpose of the meeting was also to note harvest strategy development and other management and reporting changes, which must be in place by 1 September 2021.

  Fisheries Queensland presented the latest scallop stock assessment (including data up October 2020) and it was noted the stock assessment excluded east Fraser Island (southern offshore and Hydrographers Passage). It was noted the assessment output was a reduction in the biomass estimate from 17% in 2019 to 12% in 2020 and indications of poor scallop recruitment in the most recent fishery independent survey.

  Fishing industry members raised concerns about the stock assessment including:

  • The use of meat weights in the data and how the stock assessment converts baskets of scallops to meat weights, as this can vary considerably between fishing areas/vessels. Industry offered to supply more data on scallop weights and meat weights.
  • How human behaviour, weather and environmental influences were factored into the standardised catch rates. Industry members raised concerns about the impact of environmental and habitat influences on scallop stocks in the Southern Inshore Trawl Region and felt that this information has not been given sufficient consideration in the assessment and in the context of the results.
  • Data around separating bug and scallop effort data and the influence of commercial catch per unit effort data used in the stock assessment model.
  • Underlying environmental problems (e.g. water temperature) and coastal development impacts (e.g. dredging) potentially causing high scallop mortality. Fishing is not the only factor impacting on scallops.

  Fisheries Queensland advised that uncertainty is part of any stock assessment model and this is demonstrated in the error ranges presented around the biomass estimate at 8-18%. This uncertainty is reduced through the long data series of harvest and effort data, catch standardisation procedures and the use of fishery independent information in the modelling.  Fisheries Queensland is always looking to improve the model and welcome industry feedback/input/data about ways catches may be standardised better or additional variables which need to be considered in the assessment.

  Fisheries Queensland presented the management recommendation for the 2021-22 management of the scallop fishery, consistent with what was presented to the Trawl Working Group in April 2021.  Full no take scallop closure for the three regions southern inshore, southern offshore and Swain Reefs/Hydrographers Passage. The scallop replenishment areas (SRAs) to remain closed, and the Southern Inshore and Southern Offshore Trawl Regions closed 20 September to 1 November (all species). An independent scallop survey to monitor biomass to allow re-opening at a minimum 40% biomass outcome from a stock assessment. This is a result of the estimated stock biomass being below the limit reference point of 20%, which is required to support viable recruitment into fisheries. Industry wanted to know why its proposed to close all scallop take given some areas are not part of the surveys and stock assessment.  Fisheries Queensland advised that the full closure was due to uncertainty around recruitment dynamics of scallops and the possibility for stock in these areas to be important to rebuilding. It also simplifies enforcement with a consistent rule for all regions.

  Industry asked if there was any flexibility in what was presented to government. Fisheries Queensland advised that feedback is being sought and all feedback on management options will be provided with a recommendation to be considered by government.

  Workshop attendees asked if Fisheries Queensland can write to commercial fisheries to inform them the scallop biomass is below 20% which is the limit reference point to close the fishery. Given nomination of unused effort units is currently underway, this will help commercial fishers make an informed decision about where to nominate their unused effort units. Industry members advised the combination of the fishery reforms and the uncertainty around the future of the scallop fishery is having serious impacts to fisher’s mental health. Closing the scallop fishery will also have serious socio-economic impacts to the community. Industry members also asked Fisheries Queensland to escalate this message through Government.

  Industry members put forward a revised option for the Southern Inshore Trawl Region (region 3) for the 2021-22 season to below:

  • Independent pre-season survey to determine biomass (current survey and funded by Government)
  • If the stock is above 22%, open the take of scallop in Southern Inshore Trawl Region from the 5 January with an effort cap to be determined from the assessment
  • If below 22% the Southern Inshore Trawl Region remains closed to scallop
  • Southern inshore closures to align with southern offshore closure
  • Christmas closure to remain (23 December to 5 January)
  • East Fraser Island (southern offshore trawl region) and Hydrographers Passage scallop stocks to remain open. Industry reasoned that these areas should remain open as they do not form part of the stock assessment. (Industry commented that Fisheries Queensland has advised over many years that these areas do not likely contribute to recruitment in the southern inshore region).
  • Adjust Southern Inshore Trawl Region effort cap to reflect current effort in the fishery (215 000 effort units), excluding banana prawn effort (24-hour fishing area)
  • Fishing for Moreton Bay bugs to continue 1 November to 20 September as bugging has very limited impact on scallop mortality.

  For the 2022-23 season, industry recommended creating a scallop symbol using fishing history. Fishers that wish to keep fishing for scallop in Southern Inshore Trawl Region must nominate to purchase the symbol and agree to an annual fee. Funds generated under the scallop symbol fee would be used to fund future independent scallop surveys. There was further discussion about developing a grid reference based rotational harvest strategy based on future surveys.

  A workshop member provided an alternative proposal to allow harvest of east Fraser Island (Southern Offshore trawl region). This will be discussed in greater detail in the Southern Offshore Trawl Region Harvest Strategy Workshop in late June 2021.

  The GBRMPA and conservation members acknowledged the economic and social impact in closing the fishery. However, they highlighted the long-term depleted nature of the stock and that continuing fishing of scallops together with other factors is contributing to concerning declines in the biomass. They expressed support for Fisheries Queensland’s proposal as a responsible starting point, rather than the industry proposal as that is unlikely to recover scallops within the appropriate timeframe. Given uncertainty about the environmental influences on the stock, there is need for caution and to build resilience into the stock, particularly given scallops are vulnerable to ongoing climate change. The scallop biomass rebuilding timeframes from the stock assessment model assume that there is no fishing mortality, but as bugs and scallops co-occur, trawling can’t be separated, and continued fishing for bugs will lead to ongoing scallop fishing mortality. They therefore suggested the following proposal, which also addresses bycatch of scallops:

  • As Fisheries Queensland: Full no take scallop closure in the southern inshore, southern offshore, and Swain Reefs/Hydrographers Passage regions. The SRAs to remain closed and the southern inshore and southern offshore trawl regions closed 20 September to 1 November (all species). An independent scallop survey to monitor biomass to allow re-opening at a minimum 40% biomass outcome from a stock assessment. Additionally:
  • Bugs become a no-take species in the Southern Inshore Trawl Region until the scallop biomass recovers above 20% to give the best chance of recovering scallops.
  • Trawling for banana prawns to continue in 24hr fishing area in the Southern Inshore Trawl Region – advice is this would not result in mortality of scallops.
  • When bug fishing commences, reduce the Southern Inshore Trawl Region overall effort cap to a lower, precautionary level that will limit mortality of scallops.
  • Develop and put in place in 2021 a formal scallop rebuilding strategy.

  The Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) approval for the East Coast Trawl Fishery was discussed, and it was noted that the WTO application is currently out for public consultation. All T1, M1 and T2, M2 fishers were sent a link to the application and were encouraged to put in a submission. It was noted decisions about the management of scallop could have serious implications for the WTO which includes the whole Queensland coastline. Industry members commented that they want to have separate WTO approvals for each management region in the fishery (5 regions).  Fisheries Queensland advised until the reforms are fully implemented on 1 September 2021, full regional management is not yet in place.

  The members noted an update on the harvest strategy consultation, and the final draft southern inshore harvest strategy is being submitted for approval. The members noted that if the southern inshore harvest strategy was approved in its current state, the scallop biomass would be below the limit reference point of 20% and targeted fishing for scallop would stop to allow rebuilding of the stock within 3 generations. Members discussed that pending a decision on the management of scallops, the harvest strategy needs to be reviewed to ensure it remains relevant for targeting other species (e.g. Moreton Bay Bugs) without creating new sustainability issues for the region.

  Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) provided an update on compliance in the Southern Inshore Trawl Region fishery. Generally, compliance in the regions is good (84%), but it was noted there is a target of 90% compliance rate. QBFP commented that compliance issues generally increase when there are management changes as it takes time for people to understand the requirements. The working group noted southern inshore had several reported non-compliance issues around closure areas, but these are picked up quickly by QBFP through automated notifications and follow up investigations. Daily logbook reporting was another area where compliance could be improved. Industry asked for a review of the ability to steam through the Scallop Replacement Areas, Fisheries Queensland agreed to the review.

  The working group was provided an update on the new standardised commercial fishing reporting requirements that will commence on 1 September 2021.  Fishing industry members did not support the new general reporting requirements and commented that some are unnecessarily complicated, will create additional work and may not be entirely suitable to trawl fishing operations.

  In general business, GBRMPA and conservation member asked about work on developing a protected species management strategy.  Fisheries Queensland confirmed this was on the forward work program once the fisheries reforms were implemented.

• 9 June 2021: T4 Fishery Workshop

  A workshop was held with T4 fishery stakeholders on 9 June 2021 in Brisbane and online. The purpose of the workshop was to note the latest stock assessment results for the eastern Australian stout whiting (Sillago robusta) stock and to discuss requirements of a data collection and validation plan to meet Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) conditions. The workshop also discussed harvest strategy development and improved reporting requirements for 1 September 2021 and discussed future management changes.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017-2027 and harvest strategy development. Industry provided a general update and were generally pleased with fishery operations but identified shark predation as a significant fishery issue with reports of entire bags of fish being lost.

  Fisheries Queensland presented the latest stock assessment (including data up to June 2020) for the eastern Australian stock of stout whiting. Fisheries Queensland advised that the base scenario estimates spawning biomass to be 42% of unfished biomass (scenarios between 36% and 48% for different T1 bycatch and values for natural mortality). Members noted that the model suggests the stock has rebuilt since 2016 and that biomass had not been above 40% since the late 1990s. Members noted that the trends in biomass generally aligned with industry experience on the water.

  Estimates of T1 bycatch were explained and included as a source of fishing mortality and were estimated to be responsible for 43% of total fishing mortality (with T4 retained catch responsible for 46% of total fishing mortality). Industry noted that this was a significant source of mortality on the stock and identified reducing T1 bycatch of stout whiting as an important research priority. Industry was supportive of providing in-kind support to undertake research to identify a suitable bycatch reduction device for use on T1 vessels when operating on stout whiting grounds. Fisheries Queensland will work with industry to progress this as a research priority for the fishery but advised that there would be significant resourcing involved. It was noted that external funding options or linking with Animal Science Queensland could be explored.

  Industry made other comments about the stock assessment including:

  • Preference to look at hours fished rather than days fished in future assessments, as it would be more reflective of actual fishing operations and industry provide a start and finish time for each shot.
  • Support for recommencing age and length sampling for stout whiting for inclusion in future stock assessments.
  • Support for progressing research on bycatch reduction devices to reduce bycatch of stout whiting by T1 operations and inclusion of any additional research in future bycatch mortality estimates.

  Industry discussed the recommended biological catch (RBC) outputs from the stock assessment and noted that the RBC for 2022 is 2786 tonnes to rebuild to 48% biomass by 2027. The workshop engaged in preliminary discussions about how this may be used to inform the 2022 TACC, in-line with draft harvest strategy decision rules and noted that this would involve adjusting the RBC to Queensland’s average proportional harvest of the stout whiting stock (i.e. 46% of the RBC). The workshop noted that this would be discussed further once the harvest strategy has been approved.

  The workshop discussed the Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) condition to implement an ongoing independent data collection and validation program for the T4 fishery. Industry noted that DAF had prepared a Data Collection and Validation Plan that will sit as an attachment to the stout whiting harvest strategy and outlines key areas for improved data collection and validation such as independent validation of fishing activity to collect information on bycatch.

  Fisheries Queensland presented information on historical fishery activity to inform discussion about requirements of any observer program. This identified historical fishing activity between the northern and southern fishery areas, between Danish seine and fish trawl gear and between seasons. Industry was supportive of working further with Fisheries Queensland to develop an observer protocol. However, noted that implementation would be a significant cost to industry and reiterated that the level of coverage should be appropriate to the low-risk ratings identified through the Level 1 Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA).

  The workshop noted an update on the harvest strategy consultation and the final draft stout whiting harvest strategy that has been submitted for approval. Members noted the key changes from the consultation version included revising the biomass target for stout whiting to 48%. This change was made because the stock is a shared resource with New South Wales where a lower biomass target is being pursued through their current harvest strategy process. Members agreed that management of a single stock should have agreed targets to ensure that consistent decisions are made between jurisdictions and to maintain historical catch shares. Maintaining historical catch shares, where Queensland harvests about 80% of retained stout whiting caught each year, was important to industry.

  The workshop was provided an update on the new standardised commercial fishing reporting requirements that will commence 1 September 2021. Commercial fishers in the T4 fishery already use the Automated Integrated Voice Response (AIVR) but as of 1 September 2021 will be required to submit a pre-trip notice before undertaking a trip. Industry was concerned that some of the changes, such as requiring weights notices and retained fish notices within 24 hours of landing, may not be suitable for T4 operators, given the complex logistics due to their high volumes of catch (e.g., need for refrigerated containers, weight bridge access).

  Industry expressed support for progressing further reforms for the T4 fishery such as transitioning trip limits for threadfin bream, octopus, cuttlefish and squid into annual quotas; expanding the fishery area to within 20 fathoms; and introducing the southern fishery closure into legislation. Fisheries Queensland agreed to work to prepare consultation on these proposed changes but advised that legislative timeframes and processes would need to be followed.

  The workshop agreed to meet again once the harvest strategy has been approved to recommend a TACC for the 2022 fishing season and further develop the observer protocol. Industry considered inviting the Trawl Working Group recreational member and conservation member to future annual meetings, in addition to raising non-commercial issues through the broader Trawl Working Group.

• 29 June and 12 July 2021: Southern Offshore Harvest Strategy Workshop

  Workshops for the Southern Offshore Harvest Strategy were held in Mooloolaba on 29 June 2021 and 12 July (online meeting). The main purpose of the meetings was to discuss management options for scallop in the Southern offshore trawl region, the stock assessments for scallops and Eastern King Prawns (EKP) and harvest strategy implementation and other management and reporting changes that will commence on 1 September 2021.

  Fisheries Queensland presented the latest scallop stock assessment (2020) and it was noted the stock assessment excluded east Fraser Island (Southern Offshore and Hydrographers Passage). It was noted a reduction in the biomass estimate from 17% in 2019 to 12% in 2020 and indications of poor scallop recruitment.

  Fisheries Queensland presented the management recommendation for the 2021-22 management of the scallop fishery, which is the same recommendation presented at the Trawl Working Group and Southern Inshore Trawl Harvest Strategy Workshop: A full no take scallop closure for the three regions: (southern inshore – southern offshore, and Swain Reefs/Hydrographers Passage. The Scallop Replenishment Areas (SRAs) to remain closed and the southern inshore and southern offshore trawl regions closed 20 September to 1 November (all species). An independent scallop survey to monitor biomass to allow re-opening to a minimum 40% biomass outcome from a stock assessment to reopen the fishery.

  Some industry participants commented that they do not believe future closures will benefit the scallop fishery. This is in response to the current scallop replenishment areas remaining closed for five years and stock levels in these areas declining in the absence of fishing pressure. General discussion regarding the southern offshore trawl fishery region indicated industry continued to support having access to scallops in this region whilst conservation members reiterated their support of the option proposed by Fisheries Queensland to restrict the take of scallops.

  Industry also raised concerns around the wildlife trade operation (WTO) approval process for the trawl fishery and the risks to this approval not being granted. Industry requested for the ability to submit regional WTO applications and have assessments and approvals at a regional level in the fishery once regional effort units and harvest strategies are implemented. This would support certain regions within the fishery having different conditions and restrictions if required without impacting other regions.

  The Mooloolaba meeting closed at 1:00pm on 29 June 2020 due to the South East Queensland COVID-19 lockdown. Workshop members were asked to review the scallop management options put forward by Fisheries Queensland, other industry members and GBRPMA/conservation representatives out of session and provide feedback on management options for the Southern Offshore Trawl Region.  A follow up online meeting was held 12 July 2021 to discuss the EKP stock assessment, southern offshore harvest strategy and reporting requirements being introduced 1 September 2021

  Fisheries Queensland presented the latest EKP stock assessment (2020) and it was noted the biomass estimate is 62%, indicating the stock is healthy. Effort in the southern offshore trawl region in 2020 was around 830 000 effort units and has been around 700 000 - 800 000 effort units since 2010. The stock assessment from 2020 recommended a target yield of around 2 155 tonnes of EKP for the southern offshore region to maintain the 60% biomass target under the harvest strategy. It was noted the 2019 harvest of 2 738 tonnes is well above the recommended harvest from the stock assessment. Fisheries Queensland commented this may be due high recruitment into the fishery over the past several years as a result favourable environmental conditions for the species. Industry commented the recommended harvest is potentially too low given how well the fishery has been performing in recent years and that current harvest levels (above target levels) are maintaining the stock at 60% biomass or above. Fisheries Queensland noted this for review.

  Workshop members noted the proposed initial Southern Offshore Harvest Strategy effort cap for the 2021-22 season is 845 266 effort units. Industry expressed concern of potentially reaching the cap early in the season, which may create a race to fish given changes to regionalise the trawl fishery and proposed management changes to the scallop fishery. Industry was concerned about effort shift into the southern offshore trawl region.

  The workshop discussed several options for fishing closures to help manage effort in the southern offshore trawl region, minimise the risk of the effort cap being reached early and protect small prawn and the spawning stock. Alternative trawl closures were discussed for October (4 weeks) and 20 December to 20 January (4 weeks) in the Southern Offshore Trawl region (e.g., inside and outside 50 fathoms) allowing trawling south of Point Lookout 4 days per week (6:00pm Monday – 8:00am Friday).  Industry advised the peak season for Gold Coast fishers is over the Christmas and school holiday period, between 20 December and 20 January and efforts should be made to keep this open. All industry members agreed that if these trawl closures were implemented the existing effort triggers from November to March, leading to the 24 day per month cap for May, June, July could be removed.

  Some industry members discussed the use of a regional conversion factor to remove the risk of effort caps being reached early in the season and that this could be considered in future if the effort cap was reached in the 2021-22 Southern offshore trawl region fishing season. Industry commented that a reduction of 5 to 10 per cent of all current individual holdings to reduce latent effort in the fishery would increase the value of existing holdings and may also reduce the risk of reaching effort caps early in the season.

  The workshop discussed the inshore strip closures to protect small prawn. Industry commented the strip closures have been well received and recommended two inshore strip closures to be amended: the strip closure off South Stradbroke Island to be extended further north to Point Lookout and the Caloundra/Moreton Island strip closure to be expanded to include the area off Caloundra and down near the Jumpinpin Bar.    Further work will be done out-of-session to map these areas for targeted consultation before being finalised with the Southern Offshore Harvest Strategy Workshop members.

  The workshop was provided an update on the new standardised commercial fishing reporting requirements that will commence on 1 September 2021. Industry members noted there were additional reporting requirements they would need to comply with including a pre-trip notice for the skipper in charge of the vessel when leaving port and the requirement to complete catch disposal records when returning to port. Some Industry participants reiterated that there is no justification for the new requirements and they were unnecessarily complicated, will create additional work and may not be entirely suitable to trawl fishing operations.

  In general business, the conservation member asked about work on developing a protected species management strategy, particularly for bycatch of deep water sharks and rays in the southern offshore trawl fishery.  Fisheries Queensland confirmed a workshop to discuss protected species management was still planned for later in 2021.

  A follow-up online meeting is scheduled for 19 July 2021 to resolve the proposed trawl closure and strip closure recommendations from the workshop.

• 13 August 2021: T4 Fishery Workshop

  An online workshop was held with T4 fishery stakeholders on 13 August 2021. The purpose of the workshop was to provide advice on the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) for the 2022 fishing season based on stock assessment results and in line with the approved harvest strategy. The workshop also provided advice on a new independent observer protocol and industry agreed to engage a suitable contractor to meet the reporting requirements for the 2022 fishing season.

  The workshop noted the stock assessment outputs that were presented in June 2021 and estimate the spawning biomass of the eastern Australian stout whiting stock to be 42% of unfished biomass. Industry noted the recommended biological catch outputs to rebuild to 48% biomass by 2027 and Queensland’s average proportional harvest of the stout whiting stock. Based on the harvest proportion estimates, 46% of the recommended biological catch can be allocated to the T4 fishing sector.

  RBC * Qld T4 proportional harvest = T4 TACC

  2786 * 0.46 = 1281 t

  Industry supported the TACC being set at 1281 tonnes for the 2022 fishing season, in accordance with harvest strategy rules. Industry again raised the significant bycatch from the T1 sector as an issue. The workshop discussed bycatch reduction devices (BRDs) used in other prawn fisheries and supported work to prioritise a research project that would identify a suitable BRD for use on T1 vessels when operating in the shallow-water component of the eastern king prawn fishery where stout whiting exists. Fisheries Queensland advised that they had raised this as a research priority with Animal Science Queensland and would look for opportunities to progress this project. The workshop recognised that the potential loss of prawns would be the biggest barrier to identifying a suitable BRD to address this issue. Industry recommended that the project should also measure any reduction in soft or broken prawn by excluding stout whiting, or any reduction in the processing/sorting time by excluding stout whiting to demonstrate the economic benefit to T1 fishers.

  The workshop discussed a draft independent observer protocol in accordance with the fishery’s new Data Validation Plan and to fulfil independent data collection and validation conditions of the Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) accreditation. The protocol identifies the number of shots that must be observed over the course of the season and where (north vs south) and when (day vs night) they must be observed based on historical fishing activity. The workshop noted that reporting requirements would include information on retained catch, discarded catch, threatened, endangered and protected species interactions and any shark and ray interactions. Industry endorsed the draft protocol and committed to engaging a suitable contractor to undertake this work for the 2022 fishing season.

  The workshop discussed legislative timelines and processes for transitioning existing trip limits into annual quotas; amending the fishery area to within 20 fathoms; and introducing the southern fishery closure to legislation. Fisheries Queensland advised that the legislative process for these reforms is outside of the harvest strategy decision rules and requires consultation or consideration by government. The workshop discussed implications that Industry should be aware of in progressing an amendment to the fishery area. Industry advised that this remains a priority for them and expressed frustration at the delay in progressing these changes. Fisheries Queensland advised that these changes are on the legislative program to progress at the next available opportunity, however it is unlikely that these changes could be implemented ahead of the 2022 fishing season.

  Industry noted that southern closure is currently issued under general fisheries permits (GFPs) which expire in September 2021. Due to recent changes to the fisheries legislation, Fisheries Queensland is no longer able to issue GFPs for this purpose and it would require legislation amendment to establish a consistent fishing rule. Industry advised they are committed to the southern closure and the benefit it provides to the stout whiting biomass and would continue to sit out of the southern fishery area between 20 September – 1 April each year on a voluntary basis. Fisheries Queensland recognised the proactive support from industry to continue management arrangements that are in the best interest of the fishery.

  The workshop agreed to continue working together to implement the observer protocol, develop a plan for a BRD trial and to progress other fishery reforms.

• 19 October 2021: Central Trawl Harvest Strategy Workshop

  A workshop for the Central Trawl Regional Harvest Strategy was held online 19 October 2021. The main purpose of the meeting was to note the results from the tiger prawn stock assessment and discuss the harvest strategy implementation along with other management and reporting changes that commenced 1 September 2021.

  Fisheries Queensland advised the harvest strategy has been approved for the upcoming fishing season commencing on 1 March 2022. The effort cap set in the harvest strategy (500, 711 EU) will be used to monitor effort unit usage in the Central trawl region in 2022. Over the next 12 months additional work will include the completion of a red spot king prawn stock assessment, ongoing Moreton Bay bug research and the development of further harvest strategy options for the central trawl region.

  Fisheries Queensland presented the tiger prawn stock assessment (2020), and it was noted the model output recommended a reduction in effort on tiger prawns of over fifty percent. Industry members commented the central trawl fishery is a multi-species fishery and a stock assessment for tiger prawns cannot be used to set the effort cap. Industry members expressed serious concern that the reduction in the cap will have significant impacts on their businesses and will also have flow on effects to other industries, and cause effort shift to other regions. Industry members asked why the northern and central regions had significantly different model outputs from the stock assessment. It was highlighted by Fisheries Queensland the central region has been operating at above average recruitment for the past few years, but the stock model assumes average recruitment which, coupled with the fishery being below 60% biomass the model recommends a reduction of effort for the fishery.

  Fisheries Queensland indicated that additional work will be completed to create data summaries to look at multi-species catch per unit effort, review concerns raised by the members regarding the stock assessment outputs and consider additional environmental factors including wind, rainfall, reports by AIMS on heavy metal contamination or other reputable data sources provided by industry. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and conservation members commented we need model trajectories and management that align with achieving the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy (the Strategy) targets by 2027. Industry requested an explanation and breakdown as to how the effort cap (500 711 EU) was set in the current harvest strategy. Fisheries Queensland was questioned as to how the 2015 tiger prawn stock assessment output was used to set this amount of effort across the region and what proportion of this effort was apportioned to tiger prawns. Fisheries Queensland explained that the tiger prawn maximum sustainable yield harvest estimate and its proportion of current harvest was used to convert all effort units used region into the proposed Central Trawl region effort cap. By using all effort units used as the conversion value in the region this caters for the multi species nature of the fishery where effort was used for other species besides tiger prawns.

  Industry asked why scallop became no take in the central trawl region and why industry was not consulted about the change. Fisheries Queensland advised the scallop closure was due the uncertainty of the recruitment of scallops into the southern inshore trawl region and assist in maintaining the wildlife trade operation (WTO) for the east coast otter trawl fishery. GBRMPA added that the assessed scallop stock is below the national standard and the Strategy limit reference point of 20% biomass, to close a fishery. Industry asked when the scallop stock would be reopened in the central region. Fisheries Queensland advised the stock would reopen when the biomass reaches 30%. The workshop was also advised the next stock assessment will include scallop data from all regions.

  Future management decisions for the central trawl region were discussed, all members agreed it was important to ensure sustainability of fisheries resources in the region. The option to split the region into sub-regions with effort caps for each target species was discussed. Industry members recommended a preference towards waiting for further advice about elements of the tiger prawn stock assessment before considering future management changes. Industry members are seeking a two-year moratorium on future management changes to seek independent review of the tiger prawn stock assessment. Additionally, industry commented the regions need time to settle prior to further changes to the harvest strategy. The conservation member expressed concerns about potential effort shift to red spot king prawns and potential impacts on protected species, particularly in the absence of a protected species management strategy or without an updated Environmental Risk Assessment for the trawl fishery.

  The workshop discussed the potential for a temporary inshore strip closure to protect small prawn. Industry commented given the concerns with the stock assessment mentioned above, it would be unlikely to get support from industry for a strip closure at this time.

  The workshop was provided an update on the commercial fishing reporting requirements that commenced on 1 September 2021. Industry members noted the requirement for CDRs is currently on hold while Fisheries Queensland looks at options. Industry commented the roll out for the new logbooks was poor and they requested training via port-based meetings to assist them to use the new logbook and new commercial fishing app. Fishers were advised the commercial fishing app had not yet been completed and that further security testing is required, however Fisheries Queensland remains committed to delivering the app to assist with reporting requirements. Fishers indicated that the logbook needed further input and refinement especially in relation to prawn grading and regionalised needs.

  In general business Fisheries Queensland provided feedback on 13 additional agenda items provided by industry prior to the meeting, with issues raised including closing the scallop fishery in the central region, impacts of the reforms to the market supply of seafood, buffer zones around regional boundaries, illegal artificial reefs causing significant safety risks at sea, regional trading of effort units has significantly slowed due to people ‘drought proofing’ their businesses, and the lack of benefit from the reforms to industry. All industry members commented a government funded buyback of trawl licences is required to support implementation of the reforms. Protocols about meetings and meeting timeframes was discussed.

  Fisheries Queensland provided advice about the business rules deducting effort units at regional boundaries. Effort units will be deducted in the region where the most polls are recorded (75%).

  A follow-up online meeting will be scheduled by early 2022 to discuss the stock assessment and actions arising from the workshop.

• 22 October 2021: Northern Trawl Harvest Strategy Workshop

  A workshop for the Northern Trawl Regional Harvest Strategy was held online 22 October 2021. The main purpose of the meeting was to note the results from the tiger prawn stock assessment and discuss the harvest strategy implementation along with other management and reporting changes that commenced 1 September 2021.

  Fisheries Queensland advised the harvest strategy has been approved for the upcoming fishing season commencing on 1 March 2022. The effort cap set in the harvest strategy (418 657 EU) will be used to limit effort unit usage in the Northern trawl region in 2022.

  Fisheries Queensland presented the tiger prawn stock assessment (2020), and it was noted the model output from the stock assessment recommended an effort cap of 3824 boat days to rebuild the stock to the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy (SFS) target of 60% biomass. This effort level is similar to effort usage in 2019 and would equate to approximately 230 000 EU, noting that this is higher than the 2020 effort usage in the Northern region. Industry members commented they do not believe the accuracy of the historical data (1941 to 1988) used in the harvest reconstruction as part of the stock assessment. Industry believe fishing effort was very small, unverified and possibly even non-existent during this period and the data used in the stock assessment should begin from 1988 with the introduction of commercial fishing logbooks. Fisheries Queensland will review the early data used and its effect on the stock assessment outputs and provide advice back to meeting participants.

  Industry members expressed serious concern that a reduction in effort caps will cause significant effort shift into the northern region through the displacement of fishers from the central and southern regions. Industry commented this effort shift will have detrimental impacts on their businesses and will also have flow on effects to other industries including processors, vessel support industries, and tourism/restaurants especially if the fishing season is shortened as a result of reaching effort caps. Industry commented that reduced access to the fishery will drive boats out because they will be no longer have adequate access to the fishery. Fisheries Queensland indicated that additional work to review the concerns raised by the industry members regarding the stock assessment will be undertaken and advice will be provided to meeting participants.

  The workshop discussed the overarching objectives of the SFS which require rebuilding the tiger prawn stock to 60% biomass by 2027. It was noted that the stock is currently at 49% biomass in the northern region. Industry members are disputing the assessed biomass level of 49% and believe the biomass is higher than the assessment states. All members agreed it is important to use the best available science at the time to feed into the harvest strategy. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and conservation members commented that the best available science should be used in setting effort caps that are consistent with meeting the 60% biomass target of the SFS by no later than 2027. They also said that effort levels need to be sustainable and low risk for all species including bycatch.

  Industry members asked how the tiger prawn and endeavour prawn stocks are separated under the effort cap. Fisheries Queensland advised that the current effort cap is not separated by species and covers effort unit usage for the region. Industry requested consideration of the influence of endeavour prawn catches on the estimates of tiger prawn CPUE and addressing the effects of targeting behaviour on the catch rates of tiger prawns used in the assessment.

  Industry asked why scallop became no take in the Central trawl region. Fisheries Queensland advised the scallop closure decision was made due to the uncertainty of the recruitment of scallops into the southern inshore trawl region and to assist in maintaining the wildlife trade operation (WTO) for the east coast otter trawl fishery. Industry members disputed the influence of recruitment of scallops into the southern inshore trawl region and believe the decision was politically motivated and not based on science. Industry requested that a boundary at Hydrographers Passage to allow the take of scallop north of this line should be implemented.

  Future management decisions for the Northern trawl region were discussed, and industry members recommended a preference towards waiting for further advice about elements of the tiger prawn stock assessment before considering future management changes. It was highlighted by industry that endeavour prawns and tiger prawns are co-caught and this should be considered in the tiger prawn stock assessment. Industry suggested a separate stock assessment for endeavour prawn may be beneficial to help inform management options for the region.

  Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol provided an update on compliance within the fishery. Generally, compliance in the north is good. Industry advised that some operators only allow fully vaccinated people on their vessels and QBFP will need to think about addressing this requirement. Fisheries Queensland advised they had the power to board vessels and that there was no vaccine mandate in place at this time. Fisheries Queensland will seek further advice for members.

  The workshop was provided an update on the commercial fishing reporting requirements that commenced on 1 September 2021. Industry members noted the requirement for Catch Disposal Records (CDR) is currently on hold while Fisheries Queensland reviews current requirements and looks at alternatives for data validation. Fishers were advised the commercial fishing app had not yet been completed and that further security testing is required, however Fisheries Queensland remains committed to delivering the app to assist with reporting requirements. Fishers requested training be made available on how to use the commercial fishing app prior to roll out. Fishers commented CDRs and transhipment notices are totally unworkable for the trawl fishery. Transhipment in the northern region would require satellite phones and submission of paper-based transhipment forms that they are unable to send in the required timeframes.

  The trawl footprint for the fishery was discussed and industry members asked if there are estimates for the footprint in the northern region. Fisheries Queensland commented work is underway to quantify the swept area of the trawl fishery as part of the harvest strategy process. All members supported this research to improve the public’s knowledge about the scale of the trawl fishery in the northern region.

  Industry members are seeking a two-year moratorium on future management changes to seek independent review of the tiger prawn stock assessment. Industry proposed re-visiting the effort unit nomination process in light of the stock assessment outputs. Industry commented effort shift from other regions is the biggest concern and also larger boats potentially coming into the fishery that will use more effort units per trip. Industry suggested a co-funded voluntary buyback should be considered by governments or NGO’s.

  A follow-up online meeting will be scheduled prior to March 2022 to discuss the stock assessment and actions arising from the workshop.

• 27 October 2021

  A trawl working group meeting was held online 27 October 2021. The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss issues raised by industry regarding reporting requirements, the no take of scallops in the central trawl region, failure to implement trawl management changes (2021), and the role of the Trawl Working Group.

  Industry asked why scallops became no take in the central trawl region. Fisheries Queensland advised the decision to close the scallop fishery was made to maintain the Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) accreditation for the east coast otter trawl fishery. Industry believed the decision was politically motivated. Fisheries Queensland advised the decision to close the scallop fishery in some regions was very difficult and acknowledged the significant impact on fishing businesses, and flow on impacts to other industries. The decision to close the main part of the scallop fishery was made to ensure the scallop stock is conserved for the future. Fisheries Queensland explained further that the WTO approval not only allows fishers to export product, but it also allows interactions with protected species under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC). The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) representative commented the scallop stock is one population and it is important to prevent overfishing and rebuild the scallop stock. Industry disagreed with this comment. Industry commented the importance of the WTO needs to be communicated better to industry. Fisheries Queensland advised they will provide information to industry to help them understand the elements of the WTO accreditation.

  Fisheries Queensland provided advice as to why the options raised in the southern offshore Harvest Strategy meeting were not implemented e.g. extending the southern inshore closure to the southern offshore area, and changes to the existing strip closures. Fisheries Queensland commented industry put forward two options that were consulted on and there was no preferred option supported by industry, with mixed feedback. Industry commented there was 60% support for the changes to existing strip closures and this amendment should have been implemented. Industry requested the changes to the strip closures be implemented in December 2021. Fisheries Queensland commented they would make enquiries about implementing this change.  Fisheries Queensland advised that major reforms for all our fisheries has just been completed and while it was a large body of work it would continue to improve on processes moving forward. GBRMPA commented that it is important that management of fisheries is consistent to meet the targets of the SFS (effort limits based on achieving 60% biomass by 2027) and that and this will require management actions in the short to medium term. GBRMPA commented further that effort levels need to be implemented to ensure the trawl fishery is a low ecological risk for all species.

  There was a discussion about the decision-making process of working groups generally, and industry requested clear criteria be developed to inform members how consensus on management recommendations could be reached. This may involve reaching majority support for an option in a regional Harvest Strategy Workshop. This option would then be consulted with effort unit holders and other key stakeholders in the region. The Terms of Reference for the regional Harvest Strategy Workshops will be amended accordingly and provided to members ahead of 2022 meetings.

  Co-management of the trawl fishery was discussed. It was highlighted that harvest strategies will streamline the approvals process for management changes in the future. Fisheries Queensland commented it remains committed to consultation on a regional basis. It was stated by Fisheries Queensland that Harvest Strategy workshops are providing recommendations only, not decisions and they need to align with the Harvest Strategy and the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy targets.

  Fisheries Queensland advised no decisions have been made about the central and northern trawl regions. The effort caps have been set for the 2022 season, commencing 1 March for central (500, 711 EU) and northern (473 100 EU) trawl regions. Fisheries Queensland is committed to address the issues raised by industry about the stock assessment and relay further information to industry early 2022. Industry requested time to sit down with the stock assessment modellers to help them understand the model. Fisheries Queensland agreed to this request. GBRMPA commented some effort unit caps are much higher than recent active effort levels and that increased effort levels that increase ecological risk to the GBR ecosystem are not supported. Industry commented additional effort units may be required to address future safety concerns for an aging fleet.

  Industry commented the mental health of fishers is at an all-time low and working group members are genuinely concerned about the safety of some members of the trawl fishing community due to recommended effort reductions from the stock assessment, the application of the regional harvest strategies, and the potential impacts of flow on effects to other regions. Fisheries Queensland commented they would better explain the reasoning behind management decisions and recommendations from the stock assessment and justify these decisions. Fisheries Queensland can also provide details for mental health services available to fishers and follow up assistance available through the StayAfloat program.

  The workshop was provided an update on the commercial fishing reporting requirements that commenced on 1 September 2021. Industry members noted the requirement for Catch Disposal Records (CDR) is currently on hold while Fisheries Queensland reviews current requirements and looks at alternatives for data validation. Fisheries Queensland commented that it was looking for solutions to collect accurate weights for the trawl fishery to feed into the stock assessment process. Options identified by industry included allowing owners to complete pre-trip notification and catch disposal records. An annual random auditing process was also suggested by industry as an option.

  In general business, Fisheries Queensland asked the working group if they had anything they would like to raise. One member reiterated the concerns about the stock assessment for the central and northern regions, including the use of historical data in the assessment, interpretation of the recommendations to reduce the effort cap for the region, and the growth parameters of tiger prawns. Industry commented an independent review of the tiger prawn stock assessment would be beneficial. The AMCS representative raised concerns about delaying management decisions to review stock assessments, ensuring regional Harvest Strategies are fully implemented to meet Sustainable Fisheries Strategy targets, including ensuring the fishery is a low ecological risk to all species. GBRMPA acknowledged the worry and concerns of commercial fishers. They commented management should focus on achieving he targets under the SFS. One member commented the scallop survey this year demonstrated better results than last year, which is promising. Fisheries Queensland commented the results of the survey are currently being complied and this will be distributed to industry when available. Industry asked why pre-trip reporting is required for commercial fishing trips as the extra reporting is unnecessary and cuts into time of commercial fishers. Fisheries Queensland commented that Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers (QBFP) needed to identify who is operating the commercial vessel/fishing trip for reporting and compliance purposes. Industry raised concerns that the working group process has not been honest, open and transparent. Industry raised further concerns about some members speaking to the media.

  The meeting closed at 4:10pm

• 21-22 April 2022: Southern Offshore Harvest Strategy workshop

  A workshop for the Southern Offshore Harvest Strategy was held in Mooloolaba on 21 and 22 April 2022. The main purpose of the meeting was to provide an update on stock assessment processes, review harvest strategy decision rules, implementation of Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) conditions and discuss other management proposals for the 2022/2023 fishing season that could proceed for targeted consultation.

  Commercial fishing members requested that the terms of reference included the need to recognise industry preference for co-management as part of future fishery reform processes.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on stock assessments currently underway and a summary of the 2020 eastern king prawn stock assessment results. Stock assessment results indicate the eastern king prawn stock is at 62% of unfished biomass and at a sustainable level.

  It was noted that Fisheries Queensland is seeking an industry representative to join the stock assessment project team and provide expert advice and fishing knowledge to inform the next eastern king prawn stock assessment. Workshop participants were supportive of including industry members on stock assessment project teams, with industry members suggesting that an independent fisheries expert or consultant should also be included.

  Industry members reviewed the decision rules under the Southern Offshore Harvest Strategy and discussed possible management changes, particularly regarding a deepwater closure and the need to address the risk of excess effort in the region. Industry members discussed options for addressing this excess effort including the application of conversion factors to effort units, staged effort caps, industry and government funded buybacks and the use of preferred access arrangements after the 6-week southern offshore trawl region (region 4) closure.

  Members requested that the development of a boat replacement policy to reduce the number of T1 symbols in the fishery be discussed at the next trawl working group meeting in 2022.

  The management of the Southern Inshore trawl region was discussed, and commercial fishing members raised concerns about the risk of reaching the effort cap in this region prior to the season concluding on 20 September and effort shift into the southern offshore trawl region. Current effort unit usage is at 80% of the regional effort cap. To reduce the risk of reaching the cap early commercial members requested that the inshore banana prawn area be excluded from the effort cap monitoring area and that the total effort cap be set based on a three-year average annual effort usage for the years 2018-2020 in lieu of a current stock assessment for Moreton Bay bugs. Industry members commented that a small increase in the current regional effort cap would be a low risk to the recovery of the scallop biomass.

  The conservation member and GBRMPA member raised concerns about potentially increasing the effort cap in the southern inshore trawl region and the risks to scallop recovery. Fisheries Queensland advised that the exclusion of the banana prawn area from effort usage calculations in the southern inshore trawl region is being progressed according to recommendations from the previous southern inshore harvest strategy workshop. This would better reflect actual fishing effort for target species.

  Workshop participants discussed the implementation of WTO conditions, including:

  • progress on formalising a rebuilding strategy for saucer scallops as part of the existing harvest strategy (Condition 5)
  • the requirement to implement independent data validation in the Queensland East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) by May 2024 through the use of electronic monitoring (cameras on boats), onboard observers or other means
  • an updated Ecological Risk Assessment for the fishery by November 2023, which will be informed by fine-scale trawl footprint data derived from fishing effort signatures that are currently in the early stages of development by Fisheries Queensland.

  The workshop discussed several options for fishing closures to help manage effort in the southern offshore trawl region, minimise the risk of the effort cap being reached early and protect small prawn and the spawning stock. Commercial fishing members agreed with the following proposed management changes to be released for further consultation with fishers in the region:

  • continue the existing closure period of 20 September to 1 November (6 weeks) and apply this to the entire Southern Offshore Trawl Region (inside and outside 50 fathoms)
  • removal of the existing 24 day per month effort restriction (May, June, July) in the southern offshore trawl region.
  • amend the current inshore strip closures (20 September to 1 March annually), including:
    • expansion of the Caloundra/Moreton Island strip closure
    • expansion of the closure off South Stradbroke Island and amending the closure period to be from 1 January to 1 March
    • introduction of an additional closure near North Reef.

  Fisheries Queensland advised that recommendations from the working group would require consultation with relevant stakeholders prior to implementation. Members requested that any changes supported should be made as soon as possible and prior to the start of the next fishing season starting 1 November 2022.

  Industry members raised concerns about the excess effort in the region and the risks this effort poses in reaching the effort cap prior to 1 November. Options in the agenda papers were discussed and the following options to address excess effort in this region were supported by commercial members for further consultation:

  • Option 1: apply a multiplier of 1.2 to the Effort Unit Conversion factor when Southern Offshore A and B trawl effort units are used. e.g., a boat using 60 effort units per night would now use 72 effort units per night.
  • Option 2: apply a multiplier to the Effort Units Conversion Factor based on the days fished per boat e.g., 0-15 nights 1:1, 15-24 nights 1.5:1, 24+ nights 2:1.

  The multiplier would only apply to individual effort unit usage and would not be used to count effort units used against the regional effort cap.

  It was noted by the working group that any reforms applied in the southern offshore trawl region will be reviewed at the 2023 harvest strategy workshop and adjusted if required.

  Several issues were raised in general business by an industry member that included:

  • a January/February closure in the southern offshore region,
  • Industry members were concerned about the transparency of the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel, raising issues about access to meeting minutes and a lack of industry members on the panel
  • Future scallop management options involving dividing the fishery into five management areas (including scallop area offshore of K’gari/Double Island Point) and the possible removal of the existing scallop replenishment areas

  Additional discussion also occurred regarding the identification of research priorities for the southern offshore trawl region, and it was identified by members that the existing fishery independent scallop and eastern king prawn surveys should be continued and are a high priority for future funding. BRD research and testing was also discussed and was identified as a high priority for future work and investment.

• 28-29 April 2022

  The Southern Inshore Trawl Region (SI) Harvest Strategy Workshop was held on 28 – 29 April 2022 in Hervey Bay. The main purpose of the meeting was to consider an update on the 2021 scallop stock assessment, discuss management options in the region for the 2022/23 season to address concerns about an increase in current effort use, the risks associated with excess effort in the region and future scallop management options. The meeting also reviewed current harvest strategy decision rules and discussed Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) conditions.

  Fisheries Queensland updated members on changes to the Terms of Reference (TOR) and clarified procedural matters including the purpose of the regional harvest strategy workshops and the role of the Trawl Working Group (TWG). Members were advised the TOR for the workshop prohibit the recording of meetings. Members noted they had previously raised the issue of meeting minutes and the accuracy of recordings in previous workshops and were seeking detailed meeting minutes in lieu of meeting recordings. The working group discussed the definition of co-management and asked that the definition in the TOR be amended to be clearer.

  Scallop Stock Assessment

  Fisheries Queensland presented the latest scallop stock assessment for region 3 and 4 combined (including data up October 2021). Members noted the 2021 stock assessment result that estimated the scallop biomass to be 15% (Region 3 and 4 combined). The assessment also estimated the biomass for region 3 to be 9%.

  Fishing industry members raised the following concerns about the stock assessment:

  • The use of meat weights in the data
  • Data separation for bug and scallop effort and the influence of commercial catch per unit effort data used in the stock assessment model
  • Underlying environmental change (e.g., water temperature) and coastal development impacts (e.g. Gladstone Harbour dredging) potentially causing high scallop mortality.
  • The design of the fishery independent survey not being reflective of scallop distribution
  • The validity of the virgin biomass year being 1956
  • The validity of data used to estimate the effects of fishing between 1956 and the 1970’s and what the impact on the current biomass estimate would be if this data was not included.

  Fisheries Queensland advised that uncertainty is part of any stock assessment model, and this is demonstrated in the error ranges presented around the biomass estimates in the model. This uncertainty is reduced through the long data series of harvest and effort data, catch standardisation procedures and the use of fishery independent information in the modelling. Fisheries Queensland advised that it is always looking to improve how the data is used in the model and welcomed industry feedback on assumptions in the model. The working group discussed the potential for further standardisation, and additional variables or data that could be considered in the assessment.

  Fisheries Queensland advised that it was seeking industry representation on the stock assessment project teams to provide industry expertise and feedback into the assessment process. Industry indicated a preference for several fishers to be on project teams. Fisheries Queensland indicated it would consider options for participation and would prepare a document on purpose of the project teams and the role of an industry representative(s) on the project team to assist industry members in identifying appropriate representatives. Members also expressed interest in taking part in broader conversations about survey design with Fisheries Queensland scientists and noted the existing survey design missed key scallop populations.

  Effort caps in the Southern Inshore Trawl Region

  The management of the SI trawl region was discussed, with industry members raising concerns about the risk of reaching the effort cap in in region 3 prior to the season concluding on 20 September including effort shifting into all other trawl regions increasing the risk of reaching effort caps in these regions. Current effort unit use is at 74% of the regional effort cap. To reduce the risk of reaching the cap early in the season, industry members noted that the inshore banana prawn area will be excluded from the effort cap monitoring area and requested that the total effort cap be reset based on a three-year average annual effort use for the years 2017-2019 (approximately 204,000 effort units), recognising that 2020 was affected by COVID-19. Industry members commented that a small increase in the current regional effort cap would be a low risk to the recovery of the scallop biomass.

  The conservation member and GBRMPA member raised concerns about potentially increasing the effort cap in the SI and the risks to scallop recovery. Fisheries Queensland advised the exclusion of the banana prawn area from effort use calculations in the SI trawl region is being progressed according to recommendations from the previous southern inshore harvest strategy workshop. This would better reflect actual fishing effort for target species.

  Industry members noted there was an undertaking by Fisheries Queensland at the previous harvest strategy meeting to notify licence holders when effort milestones were reached which was not met. Members discussed how to amend or deal with the probable closure of the SI trawl region at the existing effort cap.

  Industry members emphasised the risk of effort shift and pulse fishing at the start of the next season (1 November 2022) caused by the predicted extended closure of the SI trawl region and expressed concerns on the impact on scallop recovery from increased fishing effort. Industry also indicated that the current effort cap was incorrectly set based on a single effort year impacted by COVID -19 and that this, coupled with higher fuel costs and the recent introduction of the effort cap system, should be considered in any decision to close the region to fishing.

  Industry members recommended Fisheries Queensland brief the delegate, the Deputy Director General, on the reasons why the region should remain open and further that a change to the existing effort cap should be made for the following fishing season. Industry members expressed their preference for effort caps to be based on 3-year averages, not including the data for 2020 and 2021, which was impacted by COVID-19. The harvest strategy working group recommended that if a decision was made to keep the region open despite the current cap being exceeded that an effort cap of 204,102 units be set for the current fishing season. This cap is representing the 3-year average of effort use in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

  Latent effort

  Fisheries Queensland presented several options for managing latent effort in the SI Trawl Fishery, including suggestions provided by industry members.

  Members discussed the option of implementing preferred access arrangements for the SI trawl region that requires fishers to sit out the 20 September -1 November closure period to be able to fish in the region on the 1 November opening. It was discussed that this option may reduce the likelihood of additional vessels fishing in the region following a long closure period. Industry members noted that if the SI trawl region implemented this system, other regions would likely follow suit. Members requested that Fisheries Queensland investigate methods to prevent licence or entitlement transfers that would circumvent the preferred access arrangements.

  Working Group members requested the Trawl Working Group discuss the development of a new Boat Replacement Policy in the East Coast trawl Fishery to address excess T1 licences.

  In lieu of preferred access arrangements, most members expressed preference for either a set conversion factor applying to all units, or a scaled conversion factor based on days fishing (with reservations noted about the capacity of the Vessel Tracking System to deduct effort units accurately). Other options including recognising historical effort only, quarterly effort caps, minimum quota holdings and industry funded buybacks were considered, with a government and/or industry funded buyback preferred to be pursued (Including GBRMPA).

  Scallop fishery

  As part of future management arrangements to improve scallop sustainability in region 3, an industry proposal was presented for consideration to allow limited fishing in smaller subregions within the SI trawl region when acceptable scallop density levels are reached. Members discussed the proposal including a new fishery symbol for scallop with a fee that will raise funds for an additional scallop survey. This proposal will be further developed for public consultation. Fisheries Queensland advised the rebuilding strategy would only allow fishing when the stock level reaches 30%.

  Harvest strategy

  The workshop discussed the existing harvest strategy decision rules noting the need to amend the target species in the SI Trawl region to Moreton Bay Bugs given the current no-take restrictions on scallops. This change will allow the effort cap for the region to be set based on recommendations from future bug stock assessments and, in lieu of an assessment being available, a 3 yearly average effort level could be considered.

  The Harvest Strategy will be amended to formalise the rebuilding strategy for scallops. The revised HS will be presented to the Minister for approval.

  The Harvest Strategy decision rules relating to catches of tiger prawns were discussed as catches for two consecutive seasons had fallen outside historical catch ranges. It was identified that the targeting tiger prawns had reduced and as a result catches recorded were lower than those observed historically.

  General business

  Several issues were raised in general business by an industry member:

  Industry members expressed concerns about the transparency of the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel, raising issues about access to meeting minutes and a lack of industry members on the panel. Fisheries Queensland advised members were independent of any interest groups and provided advice for consideration by Government.

  Industry members requested consideration to allow vessels to steam (above 5 knots) through the scallop replenishment areas given existing management arrangements and increased vessel tracking polling rates.

  Industry members also proposed that if future SI trawl region effort caps reached 70%, then a limit of 24 days per month per boat be put in place for the remainder of the effort season until the cap is reached and the region is closed.

  Industry members requested that the Effort Unit Conversion Factor relationship between hull units and effort units be investigated. Industry members requested that Fisheries Queensland provide information on the newly adopted AMSA measuring system to licence holders.

  The next meeting of the Southern Inshore Harvest Strategy Workshop will be held in April 2023 with dates to be confirmed.

  The Chair closed the meeting at 2:06pm.

• 16-17 May 2022: Central and Northern Combined Trawl Harvest Strategy Workshop

  A combined workshop for the Northern and Central Trawl Regional Harvest Strategies groups (the group) was held in Cairns on 16 and 17 May 2022. The main purpose of the meeting was to update members with progress on recent stock assessment discussions, implementation of Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) conditions, discuss the 2023 effort caps for each of the regions and to discuss options for future management ideas for the respective regions including managing excess effort risks across all regions in the fishery. Some group members were delayed due to airport closures.

  Industry members expressed concerns regarding the provision of agendas in a timely manner to allow effective engagement with their groups. Members also expressed concerns regarding data used in the stock assessments. Fisheries Queensland (FQ) will work to meet timeframes under the Terms of Reference.

  Stock Assessments

  FQ provided an update on stock assessments currently underway, noting an updated tiger prawn assessment, new red spot king prawn assessment and a new Moreton Bay bug assessment are likely to be available online in early 2023. These assessments will be used to set the 2024 effort caps in the northern and central trawl regions. The conservation member questioned the status of the tiger prawn assessment and FQ advised that this was an update using revised and updated data to provide a more accurate and transparent process.

  FQ also presented on updates to the stock assessment project team Terms of Reference to facilitate industry representation on the project team. Industry members raised questions regarding the varied targeting behaviour of fishers and stocks in unfished areas, and how that influenced the outcomes for biomass estimates. Group and FQ agreed that unfished areas would be included in the data used for future assessments. Group members also questioned why endeavour prawns were not included in stock assessments, and requested that an endeavour prawn assessment be completed as a priority.

  WTO Conditions

  Group members discussed the implementation of WTO conditions. Industry questioned the decision to close the Central region to the take of scallop and argued that the scallop population in the Townsville did not contribute to scallop recruitment in the historical scallop fishery. Scallops were made no take in the Central region as the stock is within the World Heritage area and FQ advised this was made to maintain the export approval for the East Coast trawl fishery under the WTO. Industry members noted that there was no stock assessment for the Central region prior to the closure. FQ agreed to investigate whether any data was available regarding whether the Central scallop population contributes to stock recruitment in other regions.

  The group also noted and discussed:

  • an updated Ecological Risk Assessment for the fishery due in 2023.
  • a review of the World Heritage Area effort cap by GRMPA and FQ.
  • the requirement to implement independent data validation in the Queensland East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery by May 2024 through electronic monitoring (cameras on boats), onboard observers or other means.

  Industry members noted FQ was to provide a timeline of upcoming events for these management actions, and that group representatives should be involved in these discussions at the objective-setting stage.

  Effort Caps for 2023 Fishing Season

  The group supported a proposal to apply a 3-year average effort cap for the 2023 fishing season for both regions, using data from 2018, 2019 and 2020 fishing seasons for the Central Region (318,584 EU), and data from 2017, 2018, and 2019 fishing seasons for the Northern Region (250,178 EU), considering a range of differing impacts across the two regions, including effort reduction due to vessel sales, mothership loss, COVID-19 impacts, loss of export markets, and product pricing.

  The conservation member noted the 2012 risk assessment (ERA) was conducted when effort in the Central region was lower, and that effort caps above the data used for that ERA may pose a higher risk to SOCI species. The conservation member expressed support conditional on having the updated ERAs prepared and considered in time to set the 2024 effort cap. Industry members also supported having updated ERAs to set the 2024 effort cap. Industry members also noted that fleet dynamics and mitigation strategies have changed since the 2012 risk assessment, and that an increase in effort units may not necessarily cause an increase in risk to SOCI species.

  Industry members also expressed their concerns with how fishing power is measured in different regions, as well as the relationship between effort units and boat days. The group noted that future stock assessments will be used to inform effort units and boat days for each region. The group noted that industry representation on the stock assessment project teams will raise concerns regarding the quantification of fishing power.

  Latent effort proposals

  The group discussed proposals for both regions regarding unused and latent effort in the regions, including:

  • conversion factors
  • quarterly effort caps
  • minimum quota holdings
  • buy-backs from industry and from government

  FQ advised that they are seeking legal advice for these options.

  The group discussed a government buy-back system or a penalty system (e.g., 2 for 1) for newly built boats who activate T1 symbols or effort units. Most industry members from the Central region agreed that proposed effort caps did not create additional risk from unused effort in that region. Industry members from the Northern region identified concerns that effort caps in that region may create a race to fish before stocks reached maturity. An industry member explained a proposal to divide the 2023 effort cap for the Northern region into three periods to prevent fishing of prawn stocks before they reach the recruitment stage. The group supported FQ looking into the spread of effort held in Central and Northern effort units.

  Central Region proposals

  FQ presented on a proposal to split the Central region into 3 zones according to key target species. Industry members recommended FQ provide more information to support further conversations around management proposals to deal with 3 stock assessments for target species in the multi-species fishery. An industry member also requested the FQ assess whether it may be considered appropriate to amend regulation to allow the use scallop nets to catch bugs. The group discussed an alternate proposal to allocate effort use based on the 30-metre depth contour.

  The conservation member expressed concerns that without sub-regions, multiple stock assessments may lead to higher risk to target and SOCI species and management measures need to be taken to achieve the objectives of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy (SFS).

  Group members noted that management of the multi-species fishery may be improved with more efficient communication of data through the QLD eFisher app. Group members also noted that the functionality of the app would need to be improved.

  Northern Region proposals

  The group discussed a proposal by an industry member to manage effort in the Northern region based on fishing history. Group members advised that further discussions would be useful. The group also discussed dividing the effort cap into 3 monthly segments with 37% of the cap allocated to each of the first two 3-month segments and the remaining 26% allocated to the final 3 months of the season. This idea was to limit overfishing in the early part of the season when prawns may be smaller and limit fishing during spawning later in the season. Industry members raised concerns that prawns spawn throughout the year and this idea may not achieve the protection needed. Industry members felt that with trends in effort it was not likely that the region would see increasing effort.

  The group discussed 60% target reference points for Queensland fish stocks, which FQ explained was part of the SFS and a proxy for MEY. Industry members requested an explanation for the 60% target, and the process to adjust this target, be provided.

  Project team

  Industry members supported the nomination of Dr Rik Buckworth and Gary Wicks for the stock assessment project team.

• 9 September 2022: Moreton Bay Region Harvest Strategy Workshop

  The Moreton Bay harvest strategy workshop was held in Shorncliffe on 9 September 2022. Workshop participants discussed current issues and future management ideas for the fishery.

  The Terms of Reference, Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) conditions, and effort use in the region were noted. The workshop participants raised a number of issues including logbook reporting, upcoming stock assessments, issues with historical effort allocation and a proposed bycatch retention policy.

  Industry members expressed concerns that the workshop agenda and papers were not sent out 2 weeks before the meeting. Fisheries Queensland (FQ) also confirmed that the communique is drafted with the members during the workshop and is not changed after the workshop. FQ committed to providing meeting minutes within one week after the workshop.

  FQ advised that they will be seeking industry representation for participating in steering committees that oversee trawl fishery stock assessments. FQ also noted that they can provide a presentation to workshop participants explaining how recruitment surveys are conducted, out of session.

  Industry members noted that long delays in logbook processing meant that catch and licence data provided by FQ did not reflect fishing activity in the region. FQ noted they can organise a time for staff to attend ports in the Moreton Bay region to explain the eFisher app. Industry members requested that industry participate in the redesign of logbooks.

  FQ presented on WTO conditions and noted that they can request that the Commonwealth Government provide WTO conditions for each region, which would take into account that there is no export of prawns from the Moreton Bay region. The workshop discussed options for improving communication with industry stakeholders, and recommended further meetings or port visits.

  The workshop participants discussed draft guidelines for assessment for proposals to retain bycatch species.

  Industry members expressed support for a government-led by-back scheme for the fishery. Industry also supported a change for effort unit holdings to be renewed from 1 November each year instead of 1 January. Industry also proposed that FQ pay for VMS data.

  Workshop participants agreed to work with FQ over the next 12 months to review and improve the current harvest strategy. Other issues raised included concerns about the impact of cast netting in the region and interest in allowing M2 symbols to be written on T1 licences, similar to the M1/T1 licence.

• 19-20 October 2022

  The East Coast Trawl Fishery Working Group was held on 19 and 20 October 2022 in Brisbane.

  Day 1

  Industry reported that market demand for seafood is high, which has supported industry recovery following COVID-19 disruptions. The price of fuel remains a major concern for industry. The Working Group noted the success of the ‘Taste the Wild’ campaign by the Australian Council of Prawn Fisheries and supported further public awareness campaigns.

  Members requested that Fisheries Queensland send out the agenda and papers two weeks from the meeting, to allow sufficient time for members to consult with stakeholders.

  Fisheries Queensland congratulated industry members on contracting independent scientific expertise to value-add to the stock assessment process. The Working Group expressed support for greater co-management in the future.

  Fisheries Queensland presented on management changes made following a discussion paper released for consultation in July 2022. Members expressed the need for a more flexible and responsive regulatory change process.

  Members noted their concerns that some of the recommendations by the harvest strategy workshops were not weighted appropriately against responses received by stakeholders from the consultation. Members noted that the small number of responses (59 submissions) to the discussion paper may not reflect the views of the working group or the industry in general. Members requested that the role of the harvest strategy workshop groups and the Trawl Working Group is clarified, and that the process of consultation with the Working Group and stakeholders be reviewed and enhanced.

  Fisheries Queensland noted that changes supported by consultation in July 2022 were not in place for 20 September 2022, and suggested that any recommended changes from the working group moving forward be given a 12 month timeframe for consultation and implementation. Members noted that this would not allow for responsive and timely decision-making to address issues that may arise in the fishery. Some members raised concerns regarding potential timing of harvest strategy meetings in 2023 and recommended that meetings dates are timed to logbook data availability.

  The Working Group discussed a proposal for management of scallops for when the population would hit 30% unfished biomass. Industry members also expressed concerns that the scallop survey did not measure scallop abundance in the right areas and at the right times.

  The group discussed a proposal from the harvest strategy workshop to manage scallop stocks when 30% biomass is reached. The Working Group noted that 30% is only the initial target for a rebuilding strategy, and 60% or MEY is the final objective to rebuild the stock. Fisheries Queensland agreed to host a separate workshop with interested stakeholders to discuss future monitoring, assessment and management of the scallop fishery.

  Fisheries Queensland presented on the Ecological Risk Assessment being conducted pursuant to condition 8 of the Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) approval for the fishery.

  The Working Group discussed WTO conditions for the fishery. Members noted that condition 6 was unclear and Fisheries Queensland noted they will clarify their obligation under the condition. Fisheries Queensland agreed to update the Working Group on discussions with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to develop a review for the effort cap for the World Heritage Area.

  The Working Group also discussed the requirement for a statistically robust data validation regime, including issues around use of cameras on boats, percentage coverage, and the use of observers for the whole fishery. Fisheries Queensland noted that they will develop a policy around personal and data privacy to support the data validation regime. Fisheries Queensland encourages any interested trawl operators to come forward to participate in a voluntary, Fisheries Queensland funded trial of cameras on boats and thanked the Working Group members for their interest. Several industry members on the working group offered to participate in the field trial as soon as it is ready to commence.

  The Working Group accepted an offer by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) to facilitate a webinar with fishers with experience operating on-board cameras in the Gulf of Maine.

  The Working Group discussed the Great Sandy Marine Park Zoning Plan Review. Fisheries Queensland recommended that industry make a submission to the Department of Environment and Science to address the impact on trawl fishing by the proposed changes to the zoning in the marine park.

  There was a discussion around reducing and consolidating effort in the fishery. Working Group members tabled the following options for further discussion:

  • a 2 for 1 boat replacement policy
  • a joint industry and government-funded buyback
  • preferred access arrangements
  • implementation of an effort unit multiplier (‘conversion factor’)
  • minimum effort holdings to participate in the fishery
  • a mechanism to consolidate small effort holdings and waive fees for transfers of less than 1000 effort units.

  Fisheries Queensland are seeking feedback from industry for a boat replacement policy.

  Day 2

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on action items from the 2021 Working Group. The Working Group also discussed developing a handbook for each region including closure areas, timing and net sizes.

  The Working Group was joined by James Cook University PhD candidate Blanche d’Anastasi as part of a workshop to develop a Protected Species Management Strategy. The Working Group discussed sea snake biology distribution and conservation status, and noted risks posed by fishing and other impacts. The group was advised on sea snake handling, safe release and safety around bites from sea snakes. Ms d’Anastasi agreed to organise an online training session for handling and bite procedure, and the group agreed on the importance of getting proper snake bite kits on trawl boats. The Working Group noted concerns about data regarding trawl interactions with sea snakes and sawfish, and noted the need to improve reporting and obtain accurate data. The group also discussed options to reduce bycatch and various BRD and research from other jurisdictions and fisheries.

  The Working Group discussed the draft Protected Species Management Strategy framework. Members recommended expanding the Protected Species Management Strategy to encompass a broader risk mitigation strategy. Fisheries Queensland noted that a draft strategy will be presented to regional harvest strategy workshops in 2023.

  The group noted the difficulties around getting crew members to report interactions and discussed ways to incentivise reporting. It was noted that the fishery’s WTO accreditation permits interactions with protected species under the condition that these interactions are reported. Fisheries Queensland noted that any video footage from data validation will be subject to Queensland’s information privacy laws.

  Industry members recommended that Fisheries Queensland pursue a government and industry-funded buyback scheme to remove latent effort, improve economic performance and bolster ecological resilience. Industry members agreed to write to the Minister responsible for fisheries on this matter.

  The Working Group and FRDC agreed on the following research and development priorities:

  • a joint project to understand sea snake and sawfish population and conservation status, and trial gear modifications for further bycatch reduction, including trialling BRDs which have been effective in the Northern Prawn fishery
  • trialling different gear and configurations, including different TED bar spacings and use of lights and droppers
  • investigating environmental factors on scallop recruitment
  • building industry capacity and understanding of the harvest strategy process as an extension priority.

  FRDC agreed to organise and facilitate regional workshops to deliver information and training to industry in collaboration with the Working Group.

  Fisheries Queensland will advise the group on suitable dates for the next meeting.

  The meeting closed at 3:20pm.

• 27-28 November 2023

  Day 1 – 27 November 2023

  Fisheries Queensland advised of the appointment of a new Chair independent of Fisheries Queensland and welcomed all members new and old. Terms of Reference were tabled and noted by members. Previous meeting minutes and previous meeting actions were noted. Conflict of interest forms were completed by all working group members.

  Members requested that Fisheries Queensland send out the agenda and if possible, papers at least two weeks in advance of meetings, to allow sufficient time for members to consult with stakeholders. Fisheries Queensland noted challenges in meeting these timeframes and accepted the importance of providing materials as soon as possible.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the proposed changes under the Agriculture and Fisheries and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2023. This included the additional head of power for independent onboard monitoring and in relation to interactions with threatened, endangered and protected species (TEP).

  Some commercial members expressed concern around the proposed changes introducing section 61A to the Fisheries Act 1994 and advised it was creating uncertainty amongst industry who felt that a single interaction with a protected species could lead to their licence/authority being suspended. Fisheries Queensland advised that the intention of the proposed amendments is to provide a head of power and would be applied through regulations and policies. Such policies would be developed in close consultation with the working group and industry more generally. Fisheries Queensland will circulate an email to all trawl licence holders on this topic to provide clarity to industry.

  Fisheries Queensland advised of their intention to engage more frequently going forward with both the trawl fishery working group and regional workshop groups.

  Members were updated on scallop specific projects aimed at assisting future stock assessments, including a stock connectivity study based on genetic analysis currently underway and scheduled for completion in June 2024. Scallop will remain a no-take species in the southern inshore and central region until stock biomass levels reach 30% in line with the Queensland harvest strategy policy and the Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) export approval. There is no change in the current Queensland government position. Commercial members questioned the requirements to reach 30% stock biomass before re-opening the fishery and expressed further work is urgently needed. Fisheries Queensland noted this and expressed there could be scope to investigate management arrangements in other jurisdictions such as Western Australia.

  Commercial members noted their concerns around the mental health of industry participants. Many advised that the ‘Stay Afloat’ program has been a good resource for fishers however, there is a need for more local representation. It was noted that Stay Afloat is currently recruiting for local ambassadors and a member encouraged others to nominate anyone they think would be an appropriate candidate for their area. If you would like to know more about Stay Afloat or know someone who might be interested, please visit www.stayafloat.com.au.

  The conservation member expressed willingness to continue to work with industry towards more sustainable outcomes, noting that there has been good progress within the fishery and industry engagement into more sustainable practices. The conservation representative also noted that Australian Marine Conservation Society does not require camera footage from the trawl fishery. Their sole interest is gaining accurate and independent data on TEP species interactions. The member representing the Reef Authority noted they would like to see Independent Onboard Monitoring (IOM) introduced into the trawl fishery to be able to collect accurate data and work towards managing and mitigating TEP interactions.

  Fisheries Queensland provided a demonstration of the Queensland commercial fishing app (QLD eFisher), which fishers can use for logbook reporting. The working group stepped through a workflow for a trawl trip. Feedback was generally positive on both the app and Fisheries Queensland customer support. Working group members agreed to promote upcoming Fisheries Queensland eFisher training workshops amongst their networks. Use of the commercial fishing app reduces the significant time lag between receiving logbook records and utilising the data to inform timely management decisions. Currently, 12% of logbook data received from the east coast trawl fishery in the last 12 months has been reported using the eFisher app. Paper logbook data entry is up to date to February 2023.

  Fisheries Queensland presented on stock assessments published in the week prior to the working group meeting. The working group noted that the stock assessment results where a biomass estimate could be derived, showed stocks were above 60%. Biomass estimates are: tiger prawns (between 70% and 89%, most likely at 79%), endeavour prawn (between 54% and 87%, most likely at 69%), red spot king prawn (a wide range of final biomass estimates with an overall undefined status) Moreton Bay sand bug (between 63% and 94%, most likely at 78%) and mud bug (non-target nature of the fishery makes assessment difficult, overall status undefined). Fisheries Queensland then presented a method to convert multiple stock assessment outputs into effort caps calculations for separate trawl regions. Members were presented with scallop discard data from 2022 and 2023.

  Members were updated on the Fisheries Queensland’s IOM field trial project that is fully funded by the Queensland Government in partnership with the Australian government. Members noted there are several requirements for independent onboard monitoring, including the fisheries WTO accreditation. The project focuses on testing the performance of several camera systems at validating TEP species interactions and other bycatch. Members discussed the flow on benefits of independent onboard monitoring, including the need for improved education and training of protected species identification and reporting for skippers and crew. Commercial fishers are encouraged to get involved by contacting datavalidation@daf.qld.gov.au.

  Day 2 – 28 November 2023

  Fisheries Queensland continued presenting on a draft method to convert multiple stock assessment outputs into effort cap calculations for separate trawl regions. Fisheries Queensland clarified that the method being presented was for further consultation and may be modified and improved from industry feedback which was important to inform the process. Some commercial members advised they wanted regional effort caps to increase and asked Fisheries Queensland to consider how the method could be used to include market price fluctuations, hull unit per region and to change recommended biological catch (RBC) to look at current stock levels. Fisheries Queensland noted this request. Some working group members were supportive of current biomass levels being maintained. Conservation member emphasised the need for a transparent process for how effort caps are set based on the most recent stock assessments. As the method for calculating regional effort caps is yet to be finalised, regional caps will remain unchanged for 2024 season.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) for the East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF). Development of regional risk assessments are currently in the planning stages. Public consultation on the draft risk assessments for individual trawl regions is tentatively planned for early 2024 and the final version published in mid-end 2024. Commercial members supported the development of regional ERAs and validated the need for commercial industry be more involved in the process where possible to be able to remain proactive in the sustainability of the fishery.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on a current project that aims to reduce impacts on TEP species incidentally caught by ECOTF. This project will develop strategies, test methods to reduce the catch of sea snakes, skates, rays and small demersal sharks. The project will also implement a pilot crew member observer program and provide interested crews with training to record relevant data for use in future ecological risk assessments. This project will also develop safe handling protocols to increase the post-release survival, whilst ensuring crew safety. Commercial members expressed interest in getting involved to continue to work towards a sustainable fishery by mitigating bycatch and TEP species interactions and the fisheries science member thanked commercial fishers for their support of this work.

  The working group noted there may be a benefit in aligning temporal regional closures and Fisheries Queensland agreed to table this concept at the regional harvest strategy meetings to gain industry opinion.

  The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) presented to members on the Australian Government’s fisheries assessment process associated with WTO approvals. The conditions contained within the current WTO approval for the ECOTF were then discussed. Members noted there needs to be consistency in messaging between government agencies regarding the purpose of the IOM field trial – as they had heard it was to test technology but also that it was to provide independent data validation. DCCEEW acknowledged members views and reiterated the intention of the field trial is to achieve both and any evidence provided by the Queensland Government on Independent Data Validation (IDV) within this fishery will be considered by the department when they assess how the fishery has met the IDV condition, due in May 2024. DCCEEW reiterated that WTO conditions, including those related to onboard monitoring, are intended to demonstrate environmental performance of fisheries, provide confidence in logbook data and in doing this, should help fisheries maintain social license to operate, demonstrate best practice and help maintain access to domestic and international markets through an ecologically and economically sustainable fishery.

  Members noted IOM will be mandated in the ECOTF. Fisheries Queensland confirmed the processes and reiterated that fishers are encouraged to get involved in the fully funded independent onboard monitoring program. To get involved please contact datavalidation@daf.qld.gov.au.

  Working group members discussed protected species management and agreed objectives in developing strategies for the fishery. Members agreed they would like to see a sustainable and economically viable fishery. Members agreed that TEP species interaction education and handling training is required in addition to accurate logbook reporting.

  Day two of the working group closed with a number of standing issues and topics suggested for the next meeting. Commercial members requested a workshop focused on the scallop fishery to discuss ways forward, and Fisheries Queensland agreed to further discussions in the first half of 2024. Commercial members also raised concerns with the increased recreational take of prawns by cast net with part of the catch possibly being sold on the black market. Specifically, this is during the Burnett River commercial trawl closure, noting the purpose of the closure is to protect spawning aggregations. Fisheries Queensland noted this concern and agreed to investigate the issue further.

  Member noted that the Queensland Seafood Industry Association has initiated a preassessment for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Fisheries Queensland expressed their support for industry being proactive in attaining MSC and all other third-party certifications.

  Industry members reiterated their ongoing desire for co-management of the ECOTF, and the working group together with Fisheries Queensland will continue to explore ways to further this objective. There are numerous examples of co-management in place for the fishery, such as the project team that helped oversee the new stock assessments. It was agreed members would revisit the FRDC co-management report from several years ago as this was a high-quality publication that is still relevant today.

  The Chair closed the meeting and thanked participants for their contributions.

  Attendees

  • Chair (Sarah Goswami, Chief Economist & A/Director Industry Analytics and Systems)
  • Commercial Fishers (Andrew Barr, Gary Wicks, Jacky Cartwright, James Newman, Jodie Ford (online day 1, apologies day 2), Leigh Slade, Mark Millward, Richard Taylor, Scott Hodgetts, Stephen Murphy)
  • Recreational (Walter (Dave) Bateman)
  • Conservation (Simon Miller)
  • Fisheries Science (Matt Campbell)
  • Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (Vaughan Heath in lieu of Linda Sawbridge)
  • Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (Dylan Horne)
  • Fisheries Queensland (Dallas D’Silva, Sian Breen, Imraan Esat, Tom Hatley, Lauren Jubb, Kyle Hillcoat, Peta Schofield, Warren Egling, Jason McGilvray, Luke Albury, Mick Smith, Michelle Winning Ian Jacobsen, Eliza Dedini)

  Observers / Guests

  • Day 1 - Director, Sea Sense Australia Pty Ltd (Rik Buckworth (online))
  • Day 2 - Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (Jessica Hoey, Josh Davis).