Fishers highly compliant with first Spanish mackerel closure

News release | 15-Nov-2022

Perfect compliance with first seasonal Spanish mackerel closure

Fishers are congratulated on their cooperation with the first Spanish mackerel protective closure which resulted in no detections of non compliance.

Deputy Director-General, Fisheries and Forestry, Graeme Bolton said the first closure ran from 22 October to 12 November stocks in northern waters, with a second closure period to begin on 21 November.

“During this first closure period, the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) conducted more than 200 checks on commercial, recreational and charter fishing boats and only had to issue a couple of warnings but no infringement notices,” Mr Bolton said.

“That’s a tremendous outcome and is testament to the willingness of fishers to work with us to ensure the sustainability of stocks.

“By observing these brief closures, we can safeguard spawning aggregations, reduce fishing pressure and allow depleted stocks of this species to rebuild.”

The next 3-week closure will apply to east coast waters north of 22˚S latitude, which is slightly north of Clairview near Stanage Bay, from 21 November to 12 December 2022. A similar southern closure will apply to east coast waters south of 22˚S latitude beginning in February next year.

Visit management changes for east coast Spanish mackerel and the Spanish mackerel stock assessment and peer review to find out more.

Media contact: DAF Media, media@daf.qld.gov.au