Biological monitoring program
The biological monitoring program improves our knowledge of the species being caught and the size, sex, maturity and fate characteristics of the catch.
Biological information helps inform fishery management decisions, by contributing to the assessment of stocks and evaluation of harvest strategy indicators.
How we gather the data
Fisheries Queensland collects length, sex and age information from the harvest of both commercial and recreational sectors using fishery-dependent monitoring. We also collect information about species abundance using fishery-independent surveys.
Fishery-dependent monitoring is only possible due to the generous assistance of recreational, indigenous and commercial fishers, and fish wholesalers and retailers who allow their catch to be measured, donate frames and provide length measurements.
Commercial fishing
We work closely with commercial fishers, as well as seafood processors and retailers, to obtain biological samples for priority harvested species.
Recreational and indigenous fishers
We collect recreational fishing data through the:
- boat ramp survey
- Keen Angler Program
- statewide recreational fishing survey
- Qld Fishing 2.0 recreational fishing app.
We also collect biological data at some recreational fishing competitions that we attend.
How we use the data
Biological data gathered is combined with other data sources and used in stock status evaluations and stock assessments. These assessments allow fishery managers to monitor fish populations and set sustainable harvest limits.
Biological data and samples are shared with other researchers through formal and informal collaborations. These collaborations help maximise the benefit of collected samples and provide additional knowledge to help manage the fishery. Confidential information is not shared.
Species monitored
- Barramundi
- Blue swimmer crab
- Common coral trout
- Crimson snapper
- Dusky flathead
- Eastern king prawn
- Grey mackerel
- King threadfin
- Pearl perch
- Red emperor
- Redthroat emperor
- Saddletail snapper
- Sand whiting
- Saucer scallop
- School mackerel
- Sea mullet
- Snapper
- Spangled emperor
- Spanish mackerel
- Spanner crab
- Spotted mackerel
- Tailor
- Yellowfin bream