Future Fishing Taskforce

The independently-chaired Future Fishing Taskforce was formed to make recommendations about compensation packages to ensure the amounts payable are fair and consistent for all eligible fishing industry participants.

The chair of the taskforce was Mr John Tanzer. He has significant fisheries, marine park and governance experience developed over many years working in Queensland, Commonwealth and international agencies.

Members of the taskforce included senior representatives from:

  • Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
  • Department of the Environment and Science
  • Department of the Premier and Cabinet
  • Queensland Treasury
  • Queensland Rural Industry and Development Authority.

The taskforce sought input from subject matter experts, stakeholders and peak bodies and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The results of targeted consultation with affected commercial fishers and processors was also provided for consideration.

The taskforce focused their discussions on investment and initiatives to protect the Reef, including the following issues:

  • adoption and trialling of sustainable fishing methods and alternatives to gillnets
  • business advice, management and disposal of stranded assets, and retraining and reskilling
  • investment for expansion into new aquaculture and oyster mariculture initiatives, line-caught fisheries, charter and indigenous fishing businesses
  • growing nature-based sustainable economic opportunities
  • investigating 'reef safe' accreditation for export markets
  • managing other potential high-risk fishing activities affecting the Great Barrier Reef
  • the operation of the limited-life net fishery licences for the Great Barrier Reef (that will expire in June 2027)
  • the ongoing operation of gillnet licences operating south of the Great Barrier Reef (management region 5), taking into account the Great Sandy Marine Park rezoning
  • other potential gillnet free zones on the east coast and in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

The taskforce also considered assessment of impacts and the development of an impact mitigation package for industry participants who are directly affected by the Great Sandy Marine Park zoning plan changes. The impact mitigation package includes:

  • financial mitigation for eligible fishers
  • buyback of fishing entitlements (primary licences and symbols) to address displacement of fishing effort and to provide an opportunity for affected fishers to exit the industry
  • purchase of quota units for some species
  • some support for eligible post-harvest seafood businesses to adapt to changed or reduced seafood supply.

Communiques

  • 28 July 2023

    The first meeting of the Future Fishing Taskforce was held in-person and via videoconference on 28 July 2023 and was chaired by Mr John Tanzer. He has significant fisheries, marine park and governance experience developed over many years working in Queensland, Commonwealth and international agencies.

    The purpose of the taskforce is to provide recommendations to the Queensland Government on the best approach, design and implementation of structural adjustment for those impacted by changed fishing access in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and ensure alignment with the Great Sandy Marine Park rezoning mitigation package.

    Background information regarding the east coast inshore fishery and the Reactive Monitoring Mission Report and priority recommendation to phase-out gill-net fishing in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area was noted. The taskforce discussed its scope of work, meeting schedule and reporting deadlines, noting that there were a considerable number of complex issues to consider ahead of the World Heritage Committee’s decision around the Great Barrier Reef. The taskforce will report directly to Ministers’ Linard and Furner who are leading the development of the structural adjustment package for consideration by government.

    Statutory provisions for compensation in the Fisheries Act 1994 and the methodology previously employed in other fishery structural adjustment schemes were discussed by the taskforce. The taskforce also noted the importance of ensuring consistency and alignment with the mitigation package for the Great Sandy Marine Park rezoning. The complexity associated with designing an appropriate structural adjustment scheme and range of options to achieve the intended policy outcomes was noted. The taskforce noted that ex gratia payments, statutory compensation, compulsory/voluntary buybacks, asset buyback and support for lessees/employees and downstream businesses were all within their remit.

    The taskforce agreed that input from subject matter experts, scientists, stakeholders, other peak bodies, First Nations peoples and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority will be essential as they consider various elements of the package. They also requested a process be established to ensure submissions from all affected licence holders, industry members, businesses, other stakeholders and Traditional Owners can be received and considered.

    The next taskforce meeting will be on 3 August 2023, and the taskforce has extended an invitation to the Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) leadership and professional fishing representatives who specifically own and operate net fishing businesses in the Great Barrier Reef.

    Members:

    • John Tanzer (independent chair)
    • Senior representatives from the Queensland Government including:
      • Fisheries Queensland
      • Department of Environment and Science (Environment and Planning Policy/Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service)
      • Department of the Premier and Cabinet
      • Queensland Treasury
      • Queensland Rural Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

  • 3 August 2023

    The second meeting of the Future Fishing Taskforce was held in-person and via videoconference on 3 August 2023 in Brisbane, and was chaired by Mr John Tanzer.

    The taskforce noted a presentation from Dr Samuel Williams from Agri-Science Queensland, outlining a potential program to support the trial, implementation and evaluation of innovative and alternate low impact fishing gear. The purpose of the program is to maintain seafood supply and offer an alternative and sustainable transition beyond gillnet fishing.

    The taskforce acknowledged that this is a critical element over the next few years up to, and beyond, 2027 when the gillnet fishery would be phased out of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Co-investment from other parties (e.g. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Fisheries Research Development Corporation) and how to support and fund industry members participating in a scientific trial, as well as understanding the limitations within the Commonwealth and state regulatory framework, are all key to its success. Dr Williams was encouraged to continue working with relevant agencies to sure up the scope and develop a full program for consideration by government as part of the transitional fishery from 1 January 2024.

    The taskforce welcomed several professional fishing industry representatives from the east coast to provide their direct input and industry expertise. Licence, quota and business owners, and lease-holders from Cairns, Townsville, Ayr, Cardwell and the Sunshine Coast and the Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) Executive Officer attended the meeting.

    In addition to individual written submissions, the professional industry experts provided advice on a range of issues critical to the taskforce's consideration:

    • Noted the complexity and range of environment the net fishery worked across, in relation to creeks and rivers, foreshores/nearshore areas and offshore waters.
    • The economic reliance and differences in commercial fishing businesses across small towns in Queensland and the associated supporting businesses, including meeting demand for providing communities with locally caught fresh wild seafood.
    • The importance of providing certainty for industry members, particularly younger members. With the recent Sustainable Fisheries Strategy reforms commencing in 2021, many in the industry invested in what they thought was a sustainable and certain future. The future vision needs to be articulated and supported.
    • Support for trialling alternative low-impact fishing gear to ensure capacity as commercial apparatus.
    • Displaced industry and the ability for other fisheries in Queensland to absorb greater effort in the Gulf of Carpentaria, the crab fishery, also noting rezoning of the Great Sandy Marine Park.
    • Ensuring that Gulf of Carpentaria and Great Sandy Marine Park affected licence holders are also provided the opportunity for input into the process.
    • Licence holders should be able to exit totally from the industry, with all associated licences and individual transferable quota (ITQ) and apparatus purchased.
    • Net fishery access during the transitional period (between 1 January 2024 and 30 June 2027) needs to remain economically viable and similar access to that which currently exists.

    Taskforce members will consider the advice provided by these industry members alongside advice received through wider consultation. An eHub site will be opened in coming days for all industry (and other interested stakeholders) to make submissions directly to the taskforce.

    The chair thanked the professional fishing industry representatives for their attendance and advice. The chair commented that the intent is for individuals and their circumstances to be treated with dignity and respectful attention be given by the taskforce as they provide advice to government and guide the development of the structural adjustment program.

    The next taskforce meeting will be on 11 August 2023.

    Members:

    • John Tanzer (independent chair)
    • Senior representatives from the Queensland Government including:
      • Fisheries Queensland
      • Department of Environment and Science (Environment and Planning Policy/Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service)
      • Department of the Premier and Cabinet
      • Queensland Treasury
      • Queensland Rural Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

  • 11 August 2023

    The third meeting of the Future Fishing Taskforce was held in-person and via videoconference on 11 August 2023 in Brisbane, and was chaired by Mr John Tanzer.

    The tTaskforce discussed the types of payments available to support the structural adjustment package, including ‘buy back’, ‘ex gratia’, grants and statutory compensation, all of which can either be administered through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) or through the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF). QRIDA regularly administer grant programs and compensation schemes on behalf of DAF and other departments.

    Associate Professor Dr Daryl McPhee attended and briefed the taskforce on the design and considerations for an effective structural adjustment package, the importance to ensure alignment with the Great Sandy Marine Park rezoning impact mitigation measures, and key learnings from previous structural adjustment programs in Queensland and elsewhere. The fact that many Queensland industry participants have a strong sense of identity as commercial fishers and their sense of value in the community is through their contribution to a local commercial fishing community was highlighted to the taskforce.

    The taskforce noted that commercial fisheries property rights and management arrangements are complex and that this is an exceptionally complex arrangement because of the need to consider both the UNESCO response to the Great Barrier Reef in-danger listing and the government’s Great Sandy Marine Park rezoning.

    In addition to N1, N2, and N4 symbol buy backs, other structural adjustment payments were also discussed, including how to address K and N10 symbols of ‘as of right’ N1 fishing entitlements, individual transferable quota (ITQ) units, whole licence packages (symbols and primary commercial fishing licence), retraining grants and payments to skippers, crew and lease holders. The taskforce considered issues associated with the statutory compensation provisions under the Fisheries Act, which rely on Australian Taxation Office income as proof of ‘loss of 3 years probable taxable income’ (see Fisheries Act section 48C), versus using a proxy like logbook catch history as an indicator of current income levels. It was noted that a QRIDA scheme could take account of either of these types of evidence to assess lost probable income.

    The taskforce was particularly concerned by the potential risks of gillnets being sold to non-commercial fishers and used illegally, and noted that it was an offence for non-licence holders to be in possession of commercial nets. Because of the creation of a limited market for existing commercial nets in Queensland, and the risk that nets posed, the taskforce supported in principle that the structural adjustment package should include the purchase of nets from licence holders.

    Another matter the taskforce noted was the risk of displacement of fishing effort as a result of phasing out gillnet fishing in the Great Barrier Reef. Of particular concern was a shift into the east coast crab fishery, areas of the Great Sandy Marine Park that remain open to fishing, fisheries south of the Great Barrier Reef (including Moreton Bay) and Gulf of Carpentaria fisheries.

    The taskforce was pleased to note that the consultation Ehub had opened online, and that submissions are being received. They also noted many direct emails and submissions had been sent to the taskforce through the Taskforce email address, and appreciated input from professional, recreational and conservation stakeholders as they deliberate on these important issues.

    The next taskforce meeting will be on 18 August 2023, and will consider expert input and scientific advice on species of conservation interest, risks and habitat issues.

    Members:

    • John Tanzer (independent chair)
    • Senior representatives from the Queensland Government including:
      • Fisheries Queensland
      • Department of Environment and Science (Environment and Planning Policy/Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service)
      • Department of the Premier and Cabinet
      • Queensland Treasury
      • Queensland Rural Industry Development Authority (QRIDA)

  • 18 August 2023

    The fourth meeting of the Future Fishing Taskforce was held in-person and via videoconference on 18 August 2023 in Brisbane, and was chaired by Mr John Tanzer.

    The taskforce discussed the risks of gillnetting in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) World Heritage Area and Gulf of Carpentaria on threatened, endangered and protected species. While all gillnet fishing would be phased out by mid-2027 in the GBR, a level of risk will remain from gillnet fishing south of Cape Bedford during the transition period between 1 January 2024 and 30 June 2027.

    The taskforce sought expert advice from a number of recognised academics and scientists from:

    • James Cook University
    • CSIRO
    • University of Tasmania
    • University of Queensland
    • Department of Environment and Science
    • Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

    They provided input from published papers and research currently underway and summarised relevant advice for the taskforce to consider when developing recommendations to government.

    The taskforce acknowledged there is already a complex network of zones and management areas within the GBR, consisting of marine park zoning, Dugong Protection Areas (DPA) A and B, and recreational-only fishing areas. They noted that the GBR is home to 6 species of turtle (all of which are classified as endangered or vulnerable) and dugong, humpback and snubfin dolphins (all also classified as vulnerable). Hammerhead sharks are nationally classified as ‘conservation dependent’ and are currently under reassessment for uplifting their status to vulnerable/endangered. The taskforce noted that the population of dugong is likely continuing to decline in central and southern GBR, and that entanglement in gillnets is one of several threats to dugongs in the southern GBR (along with habitat loss and vessel strike).

    The taskforce noted that in the Gulf of Carpentaria, sawfish are classified as vulnerable or migratory and 3 species of turtle nest, forage and migrate between the Gulf and GBR waters. Of particular concern to the taskforce was that there is no network of marine parks or protected areas offering refuge to endangered or protected species in Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria waters, meaning their consideration of gillnet free zones in the Gulf of Carpentaria may be critical to mitigating the risks to these species. The taskforce noted that there are existing net closures in the Gulf of Carpentaria within select rivers and creeks.

    The taskforce noted that DPAs in the GBR represented important habitat to not only dugongs, but also turtles, juvenile hammerhead sharks and sawfish. Research shows that most of the medium/high/very high dugong density recordings overlap with DPAs, and that dugong populations can only sustain extremely low levels of mortality due to their population recovery capacity.

    The taskforce also noted that DPAs (particularly DPA Bs) represented an important area for commercial fishing, producing around 40% of the harvest within the GBR from the east coast inshore fishery. The taskforce recommended further detailed analysis be undertaken to assess the relative importance of the DPAs, with the risks posed from continued gillnetting until mid-2027, the expectation of UNESCO in protecting critical habitats and the value and importance of the commercial fisheries resources harvested from the areas. They considered that other measures in addition to further closures may be required in the interim period up to mid-2027, such as independent data validation or monitoring (cameras or observers), more stringent net attendance or different hang ratios. These issues would be considered in more detail at a future taskforce meeting.

    The taskforce was pleased to note many commercial, recreational and other stakeholders have taken the opportunity to make a submission through the consultation Ehub, and expect to receive all of these at the conclusion of the consultation period on 28 August 2023.

    The next Taskforce meeting will be on 25 August 2023, and will consider input from other stakeholders, such as recreational and conservation interests.

    Members:

    • John Tanzer (independent chair)
    • Senior representatives from the Queensland Government including:
      • Fisheries Queensland
      • Department of Environment and Science (Environment and Planning Policy/Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service)
      • Department of the Premier and Cabinet
      • Queensland Treasury
      • Queensland Rural Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

  • 25 August 2023

    The fifth meeting of the Future Fishing Taskforce was held in-person and via videoconference on 25 August 2023 in Brisbane, and was chaired by Mr John Tanzer.

    The taskforce welcomed representatives from the recreational and conservation sectors who have been engaged in the east coast inshore fishery, Great Barrier Reef and marine park management through the east coast inshore fishery working group, the Great Barrier Reef Plan advisory committee and other government consultative processes over a number of years.

    The representatives from each sector asked to present jointly and then to have the opportunity for short, separate sessions.

    While generally supportive of the Australian and Queensland governments’ decisions regarding the gill net fishery in the Great Barrier Reef, they raised several issues considered critical to the successful implementation of structural adjustment package and associated fisheries management policy changes.

    In particular, both noted that many threatened species are in decline and the loss of even a small number of individuals can set a population back decades and lead to long-term decline. Multiple recovery programs and peer reviewed publications highlight gillnet fishing as a key threat.

    Recommendations to the taskforce included the following matters:

    • The threatened species hotspots identified by the Australian Marine Conservation Society and James Cook University are extensive and considerably larger, although with high spatial overlap with Dugong Protection Areas (DPAs). DPAs are not fulfilling their objective for protecting threatened species. All DPAs (A&B) must be the priority for net-free zones to protect both dugong and other threatened species within these areas.
    • In addition, new net-free zones are recommended, which have strong community support and are likely to present opportunities for recreational fishing tourism.
    • Additional closed areas were necessary to protect important threatened species habitats during the transitional fishing period (between 1 January 2024 to mid-2027).
    • Support for the purchase and recovery of gillnets.
    • Introduction of independent data validation for those licence holders remaining until the complete phase-out of gillnet fishing by mid-June 2027.
    • Support for individual transferable quota buy out and adjustment of total allowable catch.
    • Concern that there may be effort shift to other associated fisheries, particularly the N11 (small mesh/bait nets).
    • Noted that some east coast inshore tier 3 species are important recreational species and harvest strategy measures may not be sufficient to mitigate changed commercial fishing behaviour during the transition.
    • Considered it unknown how much product from the east coast fishery remained in Queensland communities to support local supply chains.
    • Noted that the number of licences operating until June 2027 should be as low as 30 and no fishers should operate without independent data validation.
    • Any new fishery apparatus or technology would need to be appropriately and rigorously trialled before being supported as an alternative for commercial fishing.

    The groups provided a detailed written submission that will be considered alongside other stakeholders written submissions made to the taskforce.

    The conservation sector also noted that effort shift to the recreational sector would need to be managed and recreational monitoring would need further focus in coming years. They also considered the importance of sustainable aquaculture as being part of a future for Queensland seafood – high tech, zero carbon emissions, safe, of high value and supporting regional economies. WWF (World Wildlife Fund) noted that they also held commercial fishing licences and would like to explore how they may support Traditional Owners and First Nation initiatives in partnership with the Queensland Government, holders of Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreements, the Cape York special fisheries working group and other First Nations communities.

    The next taskforce meeting will be on 1 September 2023. The taskforce will consider threatened species risks and net-free zones for the Gulf of Carpentaria, and will review the submissions made through the eHub consultative process that closed on Monday 28 August 2023.

    Members:

    • John Tanzer (independent chair)
    • Senior representatives from the Queensland Government including:
      • Fisheries Queensland
      • Department of Environment and Science (Environment and Planning Policy/Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service)
      • Department of the Premier and Cabinet
      • Queensland Treasury
      • Queensland Rural Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

  • 1 September 2023

    The sixth meeting of the Future Fishing Taskforce was held in-person and via videoconference on 1 September 2023 in Brisbane, and was chaired by Mr John Tanzer.

    The taskforce reflected on the advice they had received from experts about the impacts from gillnetting on threatened species within the Gulf of Carpentaria in their 4th meeting. They noted that habitats of the Gulf support threatened and endangered species such as turtles, sawfish, speartooth shark, snubfin and humpback dolphins, and crocodiles.

    They acknowledged that there are a number of existing small-scale netting closures already in place in the Gulf, but suggested that given their limited scale they would not necessarily offer sufficient protection to offset the impacts to threatened and endangered species. Unlike the east coast, the Gulf of Carpentaria has not been afforded systematic or representative protection of habitats through marine park declaration or zoning (except the Commonwealth’s marine park north offshore of Wellesley Islands).

    The taskforce was aware that the previous stock assessment for king threadfin was estimated to be at around 5% of unfished biomass, but noted that this was being updated with more data and the new assessment would give a greater degree of confidence to inform management decisions (will be available in coming months). They also noted that latent licences, lack of harvest strategy and absence of total allowable commercial quota meant displaced fishers from the east coast fishery could shift into the Gulf of Carpentaria if this wasn’t pre-emptively managed.

    The taskforce was mindful that commercial fishing activities were of particular economic importance for Gulf of Carpentaria communities, and there were limited opportunities to shift into other industries or employment. The taskforce noted that the majority of commercial fishers working in the Gulf worked with researchers and were generally good stewards of their environment. They also noted that the Gulf was a vast area and only had a small Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol presence. Consequently, any potential future regulations should be designed to include robust and fit-for-purpose compliance and enforcement mechanisms.

    The taskforce considered the 11 candidate areas in the Gulf that had been identified as possible net-free zones. These include waters around Weipa, Karumba, Burketown Pormpuraaw and Wellesley islands, and Wenlock, Ducie, Bynoe, Flinders, Mitchell and Kirke rivers. They considered the benefits of each region for their known threatened species values and the importance of the region to the volume of harvest, and also considered the social impacts of displacing commercial fishers and the effects that may have more broadly across Gulf net fishing licence holders.

    The taskforce noted that given the Gulf of Carpentaria net-free zones were to be implemented on a different timeframe to the Great Barrier Reef, there was time to consult with industry in more detail around net-free zones and other management initiatives as the harvest strategy is developed.

    The taskforce heard a high-level briefing and summary of key issues raised through the eHub consultation process. Over 100 specific submissions were received in addition to several detailed submissions from stakeholder groups. Most (74%) of the eHub submissions were from licenced commercial fishers. The taskforce noted that none of the industry peak bodies made a submission. The key themes noted were:

    • concern about loss of income to fishing businesses
    • concern around flow-on impacts to seafood-related businesses
    • effort shift into other commercial fisheries
    • recommending a total buy-back of commercial fishing assets (nets, quota, symbols, vessels and other equipment).

    The taskforce noted that all the submissions will help inform their recommendations and that a summary report will be published on the department’s website.

    The next taskforce meeting on 8 September 2023 will consider appropriate arrangements for the licences that will remain during the transitional period between 1 January 2023 and 30 June 2027, when gillnets will ultimately be phased out in the Great Barrier Reef. This will include numbers of available licences, fishing conditions, closed areas and eligibility criteria.

    Members

    • John Tanzer (independent chair)
    • Senior representatives from the Queensland Government including:
      • Fisheries Queensland
      • Department of Environment and Science (Environment and Planning Policy/Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service)
      • Department of the Premier and Cabinet
      • Queensland Treasury
      • Queensland Rural Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

  • 8 September 2023

    The seventh meeting of the Future Fishing Taskforce was held in-person and via videoconference on 8 September 2023 in Brisbane, and was chaired by Mr John Tanzer.

    The taskforce noted that a new licence arrangement would need to replace the existing N1 and N2 licences authorised to operate in the Great Barrier Reef for the transitional period from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2027, when all gillnetting would be ultimately phased out. This type of authorisation is being referred to as the ‘NX’ symbol, and would have a legislated end date and automatically expire on 30 June 2027.

    The taskforce noted that net fishing arrangements under the Fisheries Act 1994 are complex, covering 4 subordinate legislation titles – the Fisheries (Commercial Fisheries) Regulation 2019, the Fisheries Declaration 2019, Fisheries (General) Regulation) 2019 and Fisheries Quota Declaration 2019. Changes to all 4 pieces of legislation are necessary to implement the changes in net fishing access in Queensland, including creating the new NX symbol and the conditions under which it operates.

    The taskforce reviewed the existing catch, effort and licence numbers and quota arrangements in place for management regions 1–4 (Great Barrier Reef). They noted the complexity of arrangements inside and outside Dugong Protection Areas A and B. They noted that around 83% of the total east coast inshore fishery harvest from the Great Barrier Reef region was caught by around 30 licences.

    The taskforce considered that the transitional licence arrangements need to balance the provision of continued local seafood supply, with providing adequate protection from gillnetting impacts within the World Heritage Area. The NX symbol must be able to support licence holders and fishers as they consider transition to other fisheries or participate in alternative sustainable fishing method trials. This phased-out approach also supports upstream and downstream businesses that rely on regional net fishing businesses (such as ice manufacturers, seafood wholesalers/retailers) and gives them 3.5 years to adapt, pivot and pursue alternative income streams ahead of a total gillnet closure.

    The taskforce considered that the proposed conditions that should apply to the NX licence could include (but not be limited to):

    • combining many of the current N1 and N2 rules (but not N4)
    • not requiring a fundamental change in nets used (e.g. no change to mesh size or ply)
    • being non-transferable – operating more like a permit until it expires on 30 June 2027
    • availability to those who have history in the N1 or N2 fishery (owner or a leaseholder)
    • barramundi not being an exclusive commercial net species – it would be available to commercial line fishers
    • tier 1 and tier 2 species continuing to be managed by total allowable catch in accordance with the harvest strategy, but possibly competitive quota rather than individual transferable quota
    • holding Best Practice Certification (e.g. Oceanwatch program)
    • some changes to attendance rules (net checks and attendance distance)
    • hammerhead shark being no take
    • a net-free north in management region 1 to Cape Bedford
    • an independent onboard monitoring program (through onboard cameras or observer program).

    The taskforce discussed at length whether the NX symbol should be able to access Dugong Protection Areas. They reflected on the advice and reports they had received from experts and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority about the impacts from gillnetting in these known high-value habitats, which support dugong, sawfish, dolphins and turtles. They noted that these areas were important fishing locations to a number of licence holders and had been subject to enhanced operating conditions for many years.

    The taskforce was mindful that some commercial licence holders may choose not to continue under these conditions. However, they considered that they were necessary to strike a balance between continuity of seafood supply, supporting transitional jobs and permitting gillnet fishing until it was entirely phased out in June 2027.

    The taskforce also noted that eligibility criteria and conditions would need to account for the other new net symbol type to replace N1 and N2 south of the Great Barrier Reef – N1(MR5). While this symbol would largely be ‘business as usual’ for netters in this region, it may only be available to those with history in the region and numbers will need to account for the net area closed in Great Sandy Marine Park due to rezoning. The N1(MR5) symbol will not permit hammerhead shark harvest, and the taskforce questioned whether reissuing an ‘in perpetuity’ gillnetting licence symbol is appropriate given the increasing focus on gillnetting impacts globally, concerns around sustainability and declining social licence.

    The next taskforce meeting on 15 September 2023 will start to finalise their advice for ministers, and consider any remaining outstanding issues and submissions received from stakeholders during their deliberations.

    Members:

    • John Tanzer (independent chair)
    • Senior representatives from the Queensland Government including:
      • Fisheries Queensland
      • Department of Environment and Science (Environment and Planning Policy/Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service)
      • Department of the Premier and Cabinet
      • Queensland Treasury
      • Queensland Rural Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

  • 15 and 22 September 2023

    Meetings 8 and 9 of the Future Fishing Taskforce were held in-person and via videoconference on 15 and 22 September 2023 in Brisbane, and were chaired by Mr John Tanzer. This communique will cover both meetings and will be the final communique from the taskforce.

    The taskforce watched Defending the Catch, a video featuring commercial gillnet fishers who operate in the fishery. The taskforce appreciated the quality of the production, the industry and stakeholder messages, and commended the industry leaders and contributors in putting this video together.

    The taskforce considered industry and other stakeholder submissions and expert recommendations in relation to conditions to be attributed to the transitional Great Barrier Reef net fishery licence ('NX') until it expires on 30 June 2027.

    The taskforce again considered the importance of Dugong Protection Areas as providing high-value habitat for dugongs and other threatened, endangered and protected species in the Great Barrier Reef. It also noted the contribution of these areas for commercial fishing and considered how to balance the impacts from gillnet fishing with the need to support viable fishing activities until 30 June 2027.

    The need for a viable and continuing industry through the transition until all gillnetting in the Great Barrier Reef ends was noted as important, to provide time for adaptation of supply and support licence holders, employees and others indirectly impacted by the decision associated with phasing out gillnet fishing in the Great Barrier Reef.

    The taskforce was appreciative of a detailed submission from the Queensland Seafood Industry Association, and noted its purpose was to provide the taskforce rationale, technical input and viable operational aspects to take account of, as they consider operating conditions for 'NX'. They considered this to be a useful resource to guide discussions and inform possible conditions going forward.

    The taskforce supports regional aquaculture investment as a means to grow Queensland's sustainable seafood industry and supply to consumers. Aquaculture produce can deliver regional employment, contribute to local economies and coexist and complement seafood offerings from a wild harvest sector. The taskforce considers that ecologically and environmentally sustainable aquaculture is an important part of Queensland's future, but that dedicated and strategic investment is necessary to take advantage of this opportunity. While a fully considered strategy was considered beyond the current remit, the taskforce considers a whole-of-government approach is necessary to ensure Queensland can capitalise on the opportunities that a recognised best practice, sustainable industry operating adjacent to a World Heritage area can offer.

    The taskforce noted that its deliberations are largely now complete, and the delivery of a report to Ministers Furner and Linard will represent the final step of their involvement. The chair thanked taskforce members and observers for their input. The taskforce report and recommendations will inform Ministers and the government as details of the structural adjustment package and associated matters are decided, announced, delivered and implemented over coming months.

    Members:

    • John Tanzer (independent chair)
    • Senior representatives from the Queensland Government including:
      • Fisheries Queensland
      • Department of Environment and Science (Environment and Planning Policy/Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service)
      • Department of the Premier and Cabinet
      • Queensland Treasury
      • Queensland Rural Industry Development Authority (QRIDA).

Last updated: 10 Jul 2024