Communique 19 September 2023

Role of the panel: The Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel was established to provide independent expert advice to the Minister responsible for fisheries and Fisheries Queensland on best practice fisheries management and implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017-2027. Its advice does not represent Queensland Government policy.

A brief out-of-session Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel meeting was held via video conference on 19 September 2023, and was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Ian Tibbetts.

The purpose of the meeting was to provide an opportunity for the Expert Panel to meet the Chair of the Future Fishing Taskforce, Mr John Tanzer, and receive a de-brief on the structure, scope, and objectives of the Taskforce. The Expert Panel were provided an overview of key issues being considered by the Taskforce, noting omission of confidential details.

Mr Tanzer outlined the nature of the Taskforce as an inter-departmental advisory board with an independent chair, to provide advice on the commercial fishing structural adjustment reforms in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Great Sandy Marine Park. Mr Tanzer outlined key aspects of the Taskforce’s Terms of Reference and their requirement to report recommendations by September 30.

Fisheries Queensland outlined efforts to collect stakeholder feedback on the announced structural adjustments through an online eHub consultation page. The consultation feedback is used to help inform Taskforce discussions.

The Panel discussed industry concerns related to effort shift from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Great Sandy Marine Park into other fisheries, concerns regarding seafood supply and on-going considerations for the welfare of threatened species.

The Panel welcomed the opportunity to meet with the chair of the Taskforce and commended the Taskforce’s contributions to the upcoming structural adjustment reform process.

Fisheries Queensland noted the recent resignation of Expert Panel Member Mr Ian Cartwright. Fisheries Queensland would like to thank Mr Cartwright for his invaluable contributions to the Expert Panel since its inception in 2017.

The members of the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel are: Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts (Chair), Associate Professor Daryl McPhee, Professor Natalie Stoeckl and Dr Sean Pascoe.