Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel

The Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel provides independent expert advice to the Minister responsible for fisheries and Fisheries Queensland on best practice fisheries management and implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy.

The panel was established in July 2017, as one of the key actions of the strategy.

The expert panel is advisory only — it is not a decision-making body. The terms of reference outlines the roles and responsibilities.

• 29 August 2017

  The Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel met for the first time today in Brisbane. The meeting was presided by Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts.

  The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, the Honourable Bill Byrne MP, attended the start of the meeting and outlined his aspirations for the Panel. He reiterated the importance of independent scientific advice to complement the advice of stakeholders, which will be provided through the fishery working groups and other consultation mechanisms. He reaffirmed the government’s desire to move towards more evidence-based decision making in fisheries management.

  The Panel had a full agenda, which focused on setting the groundwork for successful implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy. The Panel strongly welcomed the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy and noted that the rate of progress will be dependent on collaboration and willingness of stakeholders to work together to deliver reforms in the timeframes set out.

  The Panel considered a draft Monitoring and Research Plan, which outlined initial monitoring priorities for additional funding, including independent surveys of scallops, biological monitoring of other coral reef species, shark, mangrove jack in the Gulf of Carpentaria and blue threadfin. The Panel endorsed the Monitoring and Research Plan in principle subject to a number of comments being incorporated. These included better flagging long term costs of monitoring, collecting further information on interactions with protected species and better identify monitoring and research partners. With the scale and importance of recreational fishing to Queensland, the Panel expressed keen interest in mechanisms that might enhance the collection of relevant data. The value of additional data will come in the long term trends and the panel agreed there needs to be a long term commitment to the program. The Panel reviewed an initial prototype of a new information dashboard which they were impressed by and recommended that data be available in multiple formats so that it can be used by innovators and technology developers and that it might eventually incorporate citizen science data.

  The Panel also discussed potential approaches to data validation and noted the Advance Queensland innovation challenge currently underway to develop automated monitoring through things such as sensors and cameras.

  A draft Guideline on Harvest Strategy Development was provided to the Panel for review. The guideline will be used by working groups when developing harvest strategies for all Queensland fisheries by 2020. The Panel felt there was a need for a short policy statement to outline the key policy objectives to complement the guideline. The Panel reviewed the guideline and suggested some structural changes. They felt that the bycatch / byproduct / protected species interaction information should sit outside the harvest strategy and be part of the ecological risk assessment process instead. The Panel agreed that harvest strategies should include controls on all sectors and take into consideration the social and economic objectives. Harvest strategies will continue to evolve over time, but the Panel agreed that a template would also be useful for consistency. Fisheries Queensland will provide a draft policy statement, guideline and template to the Panel out of session in the next few weeks before the first working group meetings in October.

  The Panel reviewed information on the trawl, crab and east coast inshore fisheries and provided feedback on the status documents. The Panel felt they were good documents for discussions with working groups about the current state of the fishery and for use as a basis to commence looking at reform options.

  The Panel noted that development of harvest strategies would also commence this year for the coral reef finfish fishery, the east coast beche-de-mer fishery, the coral fishery, the aquarium fishery and the east coast tropical rock lobster fisheries. These fisheries have some of the basic elements already in place and can easily transition to harvest strategies, and have the support from industry sectors to do so.

  The Panel undertook a multi-criteria analysis to help prioritise harvest strategies in all remaining Queensland fisheries. The assessment considered sustainability issues, achievability of preparing a harvest strategy and socio-economic drivers. Based on the assessment, the Panel agreed that the next highest priority fisheries for harvest strategies to be completed were rocky reef (snapper, pearl perch); Gulf of Carpentaria inshore fishery (barramundi, threadfin); and spanner crab and stout whiting (the latter two can more easily transition to harvest strategies and provide demonstration cases).

  The Panel supported and provided comment on a process and criteria to consider proposals to reallocate access to fisheries resources between sectors as per the action in the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy to develop a Resource Allocation Policy. The Panel agreed that it was important to consider the benefits and impacts on all sectors and the community to ensure that any proposal went through a consultation process with affected parties. It was noted that targeted consultation with stakeholders would occur on a draft policy before being considered by the Minister. The Panel also indicated it was important to develop guidance material on how to allocate individual fishing rights (e.g. quota).

  Finally, the Panel endorsed the proposed approach to regional management, including piloting the approach in Moreton Bay starting in 2018 with a new stakeholder working group. While finer scale management was supported, the Panel noted that getting the balance between too much complexity and associated costs would be challenging. The Panel noted that the regional management approach does not mean a net free zone for all of Moreton Bay, but could lead to more regionally specific arrangements. It was noted that regional management would not impact marine park zoning and provisions.

  Overall, the Panel welcomed the positive progress made in such a short period of time.

  The Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel will meet again in December 2017.

  The members of the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel are: Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts, Dr Cathy Dichmont, Mr Ian Cartwright, Associate Professor Daryl McPhee, Dr Michelle Heupel, Dr Nadine Marshall, Dr Sean Pascoe.

• 6 March 2018

  The third meeting Expert Panel meeting was held in Brisbane on 6 March 2018 and included a joint session with the fisheries working groups.

  The Panel was provided an update on implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy (the Strategy) and noted that 6 of the 33 actions under the Strategy have been completed. The Panel was impressed with the progress to date and noted that there had been significant stakeholder interest and debate over the past couple of months on a range of issues such as vessel tracking and reforms to the trawl, crab and inshore fisheries.

  An update was provided on the fishery working groups for east coast inshore, trawl and crab. Panel members were very encouraged by the progress of the working groups and agreed that the communiques have been a great way to disseminate the outcomes of each meeting. The Panel was impressed by the progressive and open minded thinking from the working groups around the reforms required to enable each of the fisheries to demonstrate best practice. The Panel also received an update on the progress of the reef line fishery working group and the quota process for 2018.

  The Panel noted information on the state of the scallop resource and received a brief verbal summary of the latest data on catch and independent survey results. The Panel felt that additional steps will likely be required to rebuild the stock given the very low biomass and is awaiting recommendations from the trawl working group. The Panel agreed to hold a teleconference meeting in 4-6 weeks to review the data in more detail and to evaluate the recommendations from the working group. The Panel noted that there was sufficient time to consider the issues given the next season will not start until the end of the year. The Panel also acknowledged the economic importance of scallop to regional communities.

  The proposed principles for implementation of the Indigenous fishing policies were outlined to the panel. The panel suggested that there should be a focus on where Indigenous commercial fisheries have worked in the past. This includes looking at other jurisdictions (e.g. Torres Strait Regional Authority, other countries). The panel also recommended giving consideration to more formal licensing arrangements for commercial Indigenous fishing and setting aside a formal allocation of quota for key fisheries as part of this. The Panel acknowledged the importance of addressing these principles and the significant complexity and challenges they represent.

  The Panel received a copy of the draft stock assessment for snapper for preliminary review. The meeting provided an opportunity to clarify some of the model parameters and data used. The Panel gave some commentary on model inputs and outputs, and then recommended that the stock assessment also be reviewed by an external stock assessment expert.

  A summary of the proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act 1994 were presented to the Panel for feedback. It was noted that current arrangements are increasingly ineffective and that they require updating to enable a responsive fisheries management system. The Panel strongly welcomed the proposed changes and agreed they were well overdue. It was noted that a discussion paper on the proposed amendments to the Act is expected to be issued soon for public feedback, with the intent to introduce a Bill to Parliament by the end of the year.

  An amended version of the Ecological Risk Assessment Guideline (ERA) was presented to the panel for endorsement. Panel members noted that a number of recommendations relating to the structure of the Guidelines and methodology have been adopted which align them with the national ERA framework. A few additional references were provided and will be incorporated. The Panel endorsed the Guideline, which will be published in the near future. The Panel also recommended seeking data from other jurisdictions and AFMA to fast-track the process.

  The Panel endorsed the Reallocation Policy subject to a few suggested changes, including the Minister to have an option for establishing a Reallocation Panel to provide independent advice to inform his decision. The Panel also provide advice on different allocation approaches for allocating access (e.g. quota). They acknowledged a number of options such as equal allocation; history-based allocations, nominations, auctions, or a mix of those options, and discussed the pros and cons of each model. The Panel noted that common practice is to use history, but data need to be validated (e.g. dockets). The Panel also noted the concerns from industry about quota consolidation. The Panel discussed different approaches taken internationally to this issue (e.g. maximum holdings), but recognised in most cases these are business decisions.

  The Panel endorsed the Data Validation Plan, and agreed it would improve the confidence in the data that underpin decisions. The Plan includes a range of measures such as: education programs, a commercial app / electronic logbook; cross-checking data with all available information including quota reports, catch disposal records and vessel tracking; investing in novel technologies such as cameras / digital observers. The Panel felt that further work should be done to validate the gear used, as this information is crucial for stock assessments and understanding ecological risks. The Panel also felt consideration should be given to training fishers in species identification (including for protected species).

  The meeting was closed by a joint session with the fisheries working groups and Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel. This session involved a workshop on research priorities under the monitoring and research plan, and allowed members to engage in a Q&A session with the Expert Panel.

  The Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel will meet again in Late July and October 2017.

  The members of the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel are: Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts, Dr Cathy Dichmont, Mr Ian Cartwright, Associate Professor Daryl McPhee, Dr Michelle Heupel, Dr Nadine Marshall, and Dr Sean Pascoe.

• 18 April 2018

  A teleconference was held with the Expert Panel on 18 April 2018 to discuss the current state of the scallop fishery.

  The Panel were provided an update on the recent stock assessments and relevant catch data. It was noted that survey and fishery catch rates in the southern areas of the fishery were higher in 2017 than the proceeding years, while catch rates in the traditional scallop fishing grounds remained low. It was also noted that recent anecdotal information from the fishery has indicated that small scallops are being caught in the traditional grounds.

  The panel felt that further changes were needed to help rebuild scallop stocks given the low level of abundance from last stock assessment and recent independent surveys. The panel discussed the advice of trawl fishery working group including the options to extend the winter closure to either 1 Dec or 3 Jan, or to apply a full closure for the fishery.

  The Panel recommended that due to the low level of biomass, the winter closure should be extended to ensure all scallop had a chance to spawn before being taken and also increase meat quality at the time of harvest. The Panel recommended that this year (2018) the closure should be extended until 1 December, and that the need for additional actions to rebuild the stock, such as an extension of the closure until 3 January, should be considered the following year (2019), depending on the outcomes of the stock assessment and how quickly the stock is rebuilding. The Panel also highlighted the need to closely monitor whether any effort shifts into the eastern king prawns during November if the winter scallop closure is extended until 1 December.

  The Panel did not support a full closure for this year (2018) as there was concern about transferring effort onto eastern king prawn which is currently being harvested at close to full capacity. In providing their recommendation the Panel also noted the economic impacts of a full closure, particularly to onshore processors, and agreed this shouldn’t be progressed at this stage, especially until a stock assessment is completed later this year and the biomass trend is better understood.

  The Panel also agreed that changes were needed more broadly in the trawl fishery to ensure that the transfer of effort does not impact other regions and noted consultation is currently underway on reforms to the fishery.

  The Panel noted that the ultimate decision to extend the winter closure would be a matter for the government, taking into account all the relevant data and advice from both the trawl working group and the Panel.

  The Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel will meet again in late July and October 2017.

  The members of the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel are: Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts, Dr Cathy Dichmont, Mr Ian Cartwright, Associate Professor Daryl McPhee, Dr Michelle Heupel, Dr Nadine Marshall, and Dr Sean Pascoe.

• 30–31 July 2018

  The fourth Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel meeting was held in Brisbane on 30 and 31st of July 2018 and focused on providing advice on the reform options for the Trawl, Crab and East Coast Inshore fisheries. The meeting was presided by Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts after his formal appointment as Chair of the Panel.

  The Panel received a report on the progress of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy and noted that we are now one year into the reform process. The Panel was impressed with the progress that had been achieved in a relatively short period of time; particularly in the areas of enforcement, monitoring and engagement, and congratulated the working groups on their strong commitment to the process. The Panel reinforced the importance and benefits of vessel tracking, which would be rolled out at the end of the year to crab, net and line fishers.

  The meeting focused on the reform proposals developed by the fishery working groups, particularly those provided by priority fisheries of trawl, crab and east coast inshore. The Panel welcomed the significant progress achieved by the working groups, the high quality of their recommendations and incisive questions, as well as their clear engagement in the reform process, which was obvious to the Panel from the communiques and supporting papers provided to the panel.

  The Panel recognized that there was still much work to be done in analysing the preferred approach for each working group (particularly modelling different allocation scenarios and considering impacts on fishers), but felt that all of the working groups were heading in the right direction. The Panel supported the broad reform packages offered for comment by each of the working groups to address fishery specific objectives in alignment with the objectives and principles expressed in the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy. While the Panel appreciated that each of the working groups had been focused on the structural reforms to their fishery, the Panel suggested that subsequent meetings should also give additional focus to measures that would reduce fishery interactions with protected species as well as mechanisms that encourage innovation and best practice within their fishery (e.g. reducing by-catch).

  The Panel reviewed and discussed the reform options for the Queensland Trawl Fishery, including the results of public consultation and recommendations from the Trawl Working Group (TWG). The Panel noted the issues raised by the TWG included a lack of effective control on effort at the stock level and management of excess capacity. The Panel supported segregating the fishery into management regions based on a clear preference to manage fisheries at the level of stock, thereby facilitating the setting effort caps. The Panel felt that the allocation of existing effort units to management regions is essential to ensure the success of this reform. It was noted that this would likely result in greater stewardship by fishers in the regions in which they hold effort units and actively fish. In response to questions provided by the TWG, the Panel recommended that trawl harvest strategies be developed for target species, rather than by attempts to directly manage all of the by-product and by-catch species in the fishery. The Panel supported TWG recommended removal of the 70 hull unit limit, and extending and revising the effort unit conversion factor (EUCF), with a view to also consider increasing the maximum length of vessels to 25m once the effort caps are shown to be effective. The Panel advised that to achieve this, the existing hull unit and effort relationship would need to be updated for each management region (based on fishing power and effort standardisation). The Panel felt that effort caps should be set based on current effort levels in each region and that the regions ideally would move towards maximum economic yield (MEY) expeditiously rather than set caps based on maximum sustainable yield (MSY) as proposed, particularly as the available estimate suggested that an MSY target is likely to be above current effort levels and the effort levels needed to meet MEY in longer term.

  The Panel considered the proposed management reform package suggested by the Crab Working Group (CWG). The Panel supported the CWG recommended transition to a quota-managed fishery, which would be made more robust by the source tagging of commercially caught crabs. It was highlighted that a dynamic Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) could be effective in the crab fishery and the working group could consider in-season changes to the TACC to take advantage of a strong season to increase the TACC when driven by favourable environmental fluctuations. It was suggested that moving to an ITQ should largely eliminate the take of C-grade crabs and would further consolidate the number of fishing platforms over time. It was recommended that, should a more rapid reduction in fisher numbers be required to reduce competition within the fishery, then the CWG might examine a requirement for minimum quota holdings. The Panel strongly supported a reduction in the recreational bag limit for mud crabs to an appropriate level in order to combat black marketing and allow for it to be set at a level where it can more effectively control the recreational take through a harvest strategy. The Panel suggested that the CWG might consider a reduced recreational bag limit of either 5 or 6 crabs per person (in conjunction with a boat limit), given that available data on recreational catch rates suggest that very few recreational fishers will be adversely affected under such a regulation.

  The Panel discussed the reform options for the East Coast Inshore Fishery to identify a suitable management framework that would improve stewardship in the fishery, improve recreational fishing satisfaction, maintain a supply of wild locally-sourced seafood and reduce protected species interactions. It was noted that an important step forward in this fishery is moving towards the Inshore Working Group’s recommended management regions, which will provide for greater stewardship of the resource and deliver benefits to all users of the fishery, including local communities. It was noted that any management reforms need to be considered as a package that includes opportunities for gear innovation, as well as better access to training and the collaborative development of best management practice guidelines (particularly from experienced fishers). The Panel discussed a broad range of potential management controls for the fishery ranging from input controls to individual transferable quotas (ITQs). The Panel supported moving immediately to ITQs for a limited number of key primary target species, with secondary commercial/by-product species being regulated through either TACCs or catch triggers until there are strong indications to suggest that they may require an ITQ. This advice from the Panel to the Inshore Working Group involved careful consideration of lessons learned from other multi-species fisheries where too many species were managed under an ITQ and the quota species often remained under-caught, as well as the potential resourcing commitments of managing and setting ITQs for each region. While the Panel considers this is a sound fisheries management approach, other proposals will be required to further address the protected species and by-catch risks. The Panel is conscious that if the Inshore fishery does not explicitly address these issues then the value of the reform process will not be fully realised. By wisely transitioning to regional management, protected species and by-catch issues can be better dealt with through tailored management for each management region with appropriate levers delivered through the harvest strategy.

  The Panel considered the snapper stock assessment and the ensuing independent review, which will be released soon. The Panel agreed with the findings of both the review and the original assessment, which acknowledged the concerns about the status of a stock that data clearly indicates has been overfished for many years. The Panel felt that urgent and decisive management action would be needed to rebuild the snapper stock and that such advice would be welcomed from the new Rocky Reef Working Group. It was noted that while snapper is a slow growing species and is likely to be slow to recover, it would be irresponsible for managers to avoid further and urgent action.

  The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, the Honourable Mark Furner MP, joined the meeting and outlined his aspirations for the process and his expectations of the Panel. He clearly reiterated the importance of independent knowledge and expertise-based advice in progressing the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy. The Minister expressed his confidence in the Panel and that the knowledge and experience of Panel members would help to ensure that his decisions around fishery reforms are guided by best practice management.

  Following the Minster’s departure from the meeting, the Panel discussed a proposal from the Sea Cucumber Working Group (SCWG) to explore renewed access to the black teatfish fishery, which has been closed since 1999. It was clear from recent surveys that the stock of this resource has since recovered to a state where sustainable levels of fishing pressure could cautiously be supported. The Panel were supportive of reopening commercial access to black teatfish based on the available science, noting some concerns remained among some stakeholders and so they recommended a focus on developing a robust and well considered precautionary harvest strategy. The Panel also suggested that recommendations from previous management strategy evaluations of the fishery should be adopted where possible to ensure a robust and sustainable harvest strategy for the fishery.

  An update on the development of harvest strategies for several other fisheries was provided. The Panel noted that the Coral Reef Finfish Fishery Working Group had been working with the CSIRO, to develop a harvest strategy for the Coral Reef Finfish Fishery, and how the release of the harvest strategy was planned for 2019. In addition to this, progress had also been made with establishing a harvest strategy for the sea cucumber, tropical rock lobster, marine aquarium fish and coral fisheries, with harvest strategies expected to be viewed by the Panel in December 2018 for each of these. The Panel also acknowledged that a draft for the harvest strategy of the Spanner Crab Fishery is planned for release in 2018, after the appropriate amendments had been evaluated and made following earlier meetings with stakeholders. In addition to this, current amendments were also underway for Spanish mackerel to be added to the Coral Reef Finfish Fishery, establishment of a Rocky Reef Fishery Working Group is underway, and a regional management trail is being developed for Moreton Bay.

  The Panel noted a lack of adequate information available to inform stock management was a risk that could jeopardise timely delivery of the reform process. The Panel supported moving towards well-tested off-the-shelf assessment models (routine assessments) to ensure the delivery of regular information to support effective harvest strategies. The Panel recommended that reduction on the number of customised models sought could allow some resources to be redeployed to deliver routine assessments and further retrospective analysis work to support initial harvest strategy development.

  Allocation principles and initial stakeholder feedback were discussed. It was noted that a ‘Fish Hack’ initiative would be run next month with the aim to seeking from non-fishery resource sectors novel ideas for considering approaches to allocating Queensland’s fisheries resources for the benefit of all Queenslanders.

  The next meetings will be in October and November 2019.

  The members of the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel are: Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts, Dr Cathy Dichmont, Mr Ian Cartwright, Associate Professor Daryl McPhee, Dr Michelle Heupel, Dr Nadine Marshall, and Dr Sean Pascoe.

• 16 October 2018

  The fifth Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel meeting was held in Brisbane on 16 October 2018. Panel members recently attended the crab and east coast inshore working groups to provide feedback from the Panel and gain some appreciation of the key issues facing these fisheries. The Panel felt that it had improved communication and understanding between the Panel and working groups.

  On the Independence of the Panel

  The Panel reiterated its support for the current reform process and wishes to reassure the public, fishery sectors and the government of the independence of the Panel. Accordingly, the Panel has instigated a process whereby Panel members meet in-camera (i.e., no government representative present) before the open meeting, and will do so in each future meeting to privately discuss any pertinent issues regarding the process. Panel members will continue to ensure, as far as practicable, that at least one member attend the fishery working groups. Feedback by those Panel members at the in-camera session allows its members to discuss its broader perspectives on the process. The Panel was unanimous in its view that the information provided by Fisheries Queensland has been in no way directive, and the Panel is free to provide independent advice based on information from Working Groups, the experience of individual Panel members and scientific reports before considering its recommendations. The Panel is not able to review in depth the factual basis of every piece of evidence presented and focuses its guidance and advice on key policy issues and the reform process.

  On the fifth Meeting

  The Panel received an update on the progress of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy, noted the Fisheries (Sustainable Fisheries Strategy) Bill 2018 was now before Parliament and that the roll out of vessel tracking had commenced and was a current priority. The Panel wished to reiterate their support for the timely implementation of vessel tracking as a key means of implementing more efficient and effective management.

  The Panel noted with concern the sustainability issues from over-harvesting of gastropods and bivalve molluscs in Moreton Bay, including increased fishing pressure and significant non-compliance in areas such as Sandstone Point. The Panel agreed that urgent action through a closure is needed to address immediate sustainability concerns. Longer term, a rotational approach to closures should be considered, once monitoring shows recovery of targeted gastropods and bivalve molluscs, and that there is appropriate compliance by those accessing such resources with the regulations. The Panel recommended that Fisheries Queensland invest in strategies to improve stewardship to support continued efforts around compliance, education and cultural liaison.

  The Panel received an update following the recent East Coast Inshore Fishery Working Group. The Panel supported the range of measures identified by the Working Group to reduce bycatch and protected species interactions. The Panel supported use of Best Management Practice, including Bycatch Reduction Devices (BRDs), to drive change in the fishery and felt that an innovation challenge or award should be offered to industry to promote identification of new BRDs. The management of sharks in Queensland was also discussed. The Panel noted there were a number of higher risk species identified and supported a focus on these for appropriate management responses. The Panel also discussed shark depredation on fish from commercial and recreational fishers and agreed that this was a commonly raised issue. It was suggested there is a need to undertake research to better understand the nature and extent of the problem and, where possible, identify mitigation options.

  The Panel discussed sustainability issues surrounding the increasing take of black jewfish and the vulnerability of the species to overfishing. The Panel noted that the issue extends across northern Australia, driven by the high value of swim bladders. There are numerous examples in the literature that demonstrate stocks of black jewfish can collapse quickly if overfished, and therefore the Northern Territory has already introduced management controls such as a swim bladder tagging system to manage harvest. The Panel strongly supported urgent management changes including a total allowable catch of 20 tonnes for the east coast and 2 tonnes for the Gulf of Carpentaria, a reduction in the recreational possession limit from 2 to 1 and a requirement for black jewfish to be landed whole. Longer term, the Panel recommended looking at additional management measures, which may include temporal or spatial closures.

  The Panel agreed that given sustainability concerns, urgent changes should be implemented for both black jewfish as well as gastropods and bivalve molluscs in Moreton Bay ahead of implementation of the broader reforms in 2019.

  The Panel noted an update from the Crab Working Group, including proposed measures to reduce bycatch and protected species interactions. Despite concerns from the Working Group, the Panel recommended a once-off, one-month closure to identify and remove abandoned pots to address a number of ecological and social concerns associated with crabbing gear. The Panel also strongly supported regulations to implement escape vents and restrict the use of lightweight pots.

  While the Panel noted that quota is the primary management tool for the Spanner Crab fishery, it agreed there was a need to establish in regulation an appropriate maximum dilly limit for the fishery and immediate cessation of the use of General Fisheries Permits to access this fishery. In making this recommendation the Panel noted the current management arrangements in the fishery (including input and output controls), as well as biological implications, economic effect and conflict issues associated with any change to the spanner crab dilly limit. The Panel did not have sufficient economic and operational information to form a science-based view on the maximum number of dillies, but felt at least the following issues should be considered – economic impacts, discard mortality and the potential use of electronic monitoring. As previously recommended, the Panel asks the industry and government to come to an agreement on an appropriate maximum dilly numbers based on their understanding of the economics and operation of the fishery as soon as is practicable.

  The Panel noted the complexity and challenges associated with allocation of ITEs and ITQs, the ramifications for industry, and individual fishers and their businesses, and the wide range of allocation options that are currently under consideration. The Panel considered it important to focus on those options that are legally defensible, equitable and achievable, given the current circumstances where access to most fisheries was already established through license codes and catch histories.

  The Expert Panel also noted the status of key deliverables under the Sustainable Fisheries Strategies and the proposed implementation steps to deliver the fisheries reforms and harvest strategies.

  The next meeting will be on 29 and 30 November 2018.

  The members of the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel are: Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts, Dr Cathy Dichmont, Mr Ian Cartwright, Associate Professor Daryl McPhee (apology), Dr Michelle Heupel, Dr Nadine Marshall, and Dr Sean Pascoe.

• 29–30 November 2018

  The sixth Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel meeting was held in Brisbane on 29 and 30 of November 2018 and was focused on discussion around ecological risk assessments for priority fisheries and the development of harvest strategies.

  The Panel had a private session and discussed the progress of the fisheries reform process and agreed that it was proceeding largely on schedule, despite the need for some Fisheries Queensland resources to support the response to recent tragic incidents in Cid Harbour.

  The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, the Honourable Mark Furner MP joined the meeting and discussed implementation of the Strategy. He thanked the members for their independent advice and outlined that the government was considering the major fisheries reforms and a direction would be communicated with stakeholders in early 2019. The Panel supported the work being progressed and welcomed the government’s commitment to important reforms such as vessel tracking, which the Panel noted is rapidly becoming the standard in all other states and internationally. The Panel acknowledged the concerns from stakeholders and reflected on reforms in other states and lessons that can be taken from them. The Minister also discussed the proposed closure to the take of non-cephalopod molluscs in Moreton Bay, which the Panel supported given the sustainability concerns for the species affected. The Panel reiterated the importance of being clear about decisions on catch sharing among sectors and for all sectors to be managed through harvest strategies and other management tools. The establishment of catch sharing arrangements gives each sector clear rights, obligations and benefits to sustain, and benefit from their share of Queensland’s fisheries resources. Where one sector wishes to increase their share of the resource, there are provisions to do so under the fisheries resource reallocation policy.

  The Panel pointed to the important community role of commercial fishers in using their skills to harvest our wild fisheries on behalf of all Queenslanders. In that sense, Fisheries Queensland is in the process of allocating to the commercial sector what should be regarded as the Queensland community’s quota. The Panel also noted that recreational fishers have an important economic role in coastal communities and supported catch sharing decisions that consider their interests as well as those that provide Indigenous Australians opportunities to continue traditional fishing as well as economic development opportunities through commercial fishing.

  The Panel reviewed draft harvest strategies, provided feedback on their layout and content, and suggested that consistency across fisheries is important. It was noted that the harvest strategies would cover target species, as well as byproduct, bycatch and protected species. The Panel recommended that harvest strategies be simple, easy to understand, with clear decision rules. It was noted that not every objective will have a prescriptive decision rule and that one decision rule may cover a number of ecological, social and economic objectives. The Panel also recommended that Queensland start with simple harvest strategies and improve them over time. The Department agreed to develop a consistent template for harvest strategies on which the Panel would provide feedback.

  The Panel also noted an update on the social and economic monitoring under the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy and the proposed implementation steps to deliver this. The Panel highlighted the importance of ensuring that the information collected informs indicators that are aligned with the harvest strategy objectives across fisheries, are relevant for decision making and are consistent across objectives. The Panel supported the early commencement of economic data collection and suggested there may be a need to further consider the collection of social information once indicators and objectives of the harvest strategies have been more clearly defined.

  The Panel noted the completion of the draft whole-of-fishery (Level 1) Ecological Risk Assessments (ERA) for the east coast inshore fishery, blue swimmer and mud crab fishery and the reef line fishery. The potential for effort to transfer between regions or species was noted as a concern for all three fisheries, and was influential in increasing the relative risk rating for each of the fisheries. The Panel cautioned that Level 1 assessments are a preliminary filtering process to identify species groups that require a detailed evaluation of their risks and that it is often very conservative. The Panel anticipates some risks will be reduced or removed in Level 2 assessments where more detailed information is considered. The Panel also recommended looking at ‘residual’ risks after management measures are applied, and provided some technical advice on the Level 2 assessments and best-practice methodological approaches. The Panel noted that, when completed, the ERAs will be important in allowing fisheries to maintain Commonwealth export approval.

  Panel members that attended the recent East Coast Inshore and Trawl Fishery Working Groups as observers, provided an overview to the Panel on the feedback and some of the key issues raised. All members attending working group meetings felt it had been valuable and they had achieved a better understanding of some of the challenges faced by stakeholders.

  Members were provided with an update on the proposed management measures to combat the black marketing of black jewfish, primarily for their high-value swim bladders. The Panel noted the large increases in catch reporting for black jewfish, which is concerning, and that a TAC could drive a race to fish. The Panel noted that black jewfish is highly susceptible to over-exploitation due to its biology and aggregation patterns. There is currently a consultation process underway to gain feedback on the proposed changes. The Panel reaffirmed the need to take urgent action to prevent overfishing of the stock, particularly given the significant increase in catch.

  The Panel considered the draft framework for the blue swimmer crab harvest strategy. In determining the resource sharing arrangements between the commercial and recreational sector it was noted that a weight of evidence approach would be adopted to address the discrepancies in historical recreational catch information. The existing stock assessment can provide some insights into the state of the stock and, when combined with empirical data from the fishery, can be used to inform the TAC setting.

  The Panel noted an update on implementation of the data validation plan and discussed proposals for progressing forensic auditing, logbook designs and data range checks. The Panel felt it was important to ground truth new rules with fishers to ensure that they are practical. The Panel felt that over time it was important to ensure that data could be used for research and management of fisheries while still maintaining privacy. The Panel also felt that it would be extremely useful to collect data on price to better inform some of the social and economic objectives.

  The Panel reviewed a draft grey mackerel harvest strategy and discussed an analysis of co-harvested species for the east coast inshore fishery. The Panel reiterated that only a small number of species should be managed through quota to avoid too much complexity and costs while still positively influencing sustainability, fisher behaviour and effort. The Panel discussed options about how discards could be best minimised within the context of quota management, and suggested some management options.

  The Panel received an update on the progress of the spanner crab and coral reef line harvest strategies and provided feedback on some of the technical details.

  The members of the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel are: Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts, Dr Cathy Dichmont, Mr Ian Cartwright, Associate Professor Daryl McPhee, Dr Michelle Heupel, Dr Nadine Marshall (Absent), and Dr Sean Pascoe.

• 9 April 2019

  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. Its advice does not represent Queensland Government policy.

  The seventh Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel meeting was held in Brisbane on 9th April 2019 and focused on the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy, draft harvest strategies and the Indigenous fishing policy.

  The Panel received a general update on the recent activities and achievements outlined in the Strategy, including the release of allocation discussion papers for Inshore, Crab and Trawl fisheries. The Panel considers that while the timeline for implementing the Strategy remains ambitious, there was also a requirement to ensure momentum is maintained and the period of uncertainty for fishers is minimised. It was noted that a survey is currently underway to gain public feedback on the allocation policy, and that some fishers in these and other fisheries are understandably becoming anxious about their potential allocation.

  The Panel was also updated on the implementation of vessel tracking systems and the Fisheries (Sustainable Fisheries Strategy) Amendment Bill 2018 that was passed in late February. It was noted that while there have been some issues around the installation of some vessel tracking units, Fisheries Queensland (FQ) are individually case-managing these to ensure they are resolved. The Panel noted that experience in other jurisdictions has shown that once the initial concerns were overcome, the benefits of VMS far outweighed costs and was pleased to be briefed on a number of positive stories that have already emerged related to the use of vessel tracking data and their expectation that these will be circulated to stakeholders.

  The Panel noted the results of an independent study by the Institute for Sustainable Futures (University of Technology Sydney) to assess FQ’s current state of stakeholder engagement and directions for future improvement in external communication. Barriers to engagement included fractured stakeholder networks and a perception of ‘not listening’ as part of the decision making processes. The Panel were encouraged that the outcomes of the research are being used to increase engagement; this will be particularly important as fishers come to terms with the individual implications of harvest strategies, allocation and other key outcomes of the Strategy.

  The Panel also noted an update on the state-wide recreational fishing survey, which is used to estimate the number of recreational fishers, take and effort regionally throughout Queensland. For this survey the Department has implemented a new sampling frame to engage with anglers and to date over 2000 anglers have signed up to undertake a 12-month angler diary program.

  The Panel was provided with an update on the current progress of fisheries reforms, harvest strategies and bycatch management strategies. The Panel reiterated that the fisheries reforms are occurring at a fishery level so will affect commercial, recreational and charter fishers. The intention being that most of the regulatory reforms will be in place by September 2019. It was noted that feedback from the current stakeholder survey on allocation will be used to inform a final allocation model, and considerations on treatment of suspicious data, logbook validation, minimum holdings and reporting are also being progressed. In addition to the reforms, the Panel also discussed the progress of harvest strategies and noted the framework being proposed for the mud crab harvest strategy. It was noted that industry should be aware that slowly adapting to an over allocated TAC through a harvest strategy may slow stock recovery and be more economically painful in the long-term than making larger downward adjustments to TAC early on.

  An update on the progress of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people draft commercial fishing development policy was presented to and discussed by the Panel. Key elements from the policy include the need for an Indigenous Commercial Development Allocation in harvest strategies, which would be allowed under a temporary permit to facilitate a transition to commercial viability. Members also heard that the strategies developed to support indigenous commercial access to a fishery will need to consider the sustainability, cultural and economic aspects of the activity. The Panel acknowledged issues around managing expectations from commercial fishing and Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander stakeholders, and the need for ongoing engagement.

  The Panel discussed progress and issues identified at the recent Moreton Bay Working Group meeting. That habitat damage and pollution negatively influence the sustainability of Moreton Bay’s fisheries resources was acknowledged and the Panel suggested addressing these issues is a high priority, however noted that this included management action not in the control of fisheries. The Panel provided a number of approaches that would support the protection and rehabilitation of Moreton Bay, including the need for a broader strategic approach that included all interested groups and regulators. It was also mentioned that looking at the Healthy Land and Water report cards, including the health of fisheries resources and expanding the scope to include upper catchment management, should also be considered.

  The Panel was provided a review on the Queensland Coral Fishery and the associated draft harvest strategy. It was outlined that the focus of the harvest strategy is to address localised concentrations of fishing effort and monitoring species risk. The Panel discussed how triggers might be set to identify and deal with localised depletion issues or to identify new species at risk from increased harvesting practices. It was discussed that economic information on shifts in market prices of corals could also provide an effective indicator for identifying shifts in fishing behaviour (e.g., the targeting of new species).

  An overview of the spanner crab harvest strategy was delivered to the Panel, following outcomes from the management strategy evaluation on the decision rules and advice from industry. The results of the simulation testing of the draft harvest strategy were noted. The Panel considered and endorsed the harvest strategy for the spanner crab fishery, noting that a key objective was to rebuild the stock. The spanner crab harvest strategy would be released for public consultation. The Panel advised that getting the right format of harvest strategies now will speed the processing of further harvest strategy recommendations in what is likely to be a busy period of assessment by the Panel.

  The members of the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel are: Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts, Dr Cathy Dichmont, Mr Ian Cartwright, Associate Professor Daryl McPhee, Dr Michelle Heupel and Dr Sean Pascoe.

• 4–5 July 2019

  The eighth Sustainable Fisheries Strategy Scientific Expert Panel (the Panel) meeting was held in Brisbane over 4 and 5 July 2019. The Panel welcomed new member Professor Natalie Stoeckl, who replaces Dr Nadine Marshall. The Panel wished to formally thank Dr Marshall for her advice and contributions over the past 18 months. The meeting focused on the proposed fishery reforms and harvest strategies for each fishery.

  The Panel reiterated their support for the progress made on the fisheries reforms and the considerable investment in stock assessments, drafting of harvest strategies and the development of underpinning policy to support improving fisheries management in Queensland. The Panel noted that while there are still a few implementation issues with vessel tracking, largely it has been successful, with Queensland’s small vessel inshore commercial fisheries now setting an important benchmark for other Australian fisheries where vessel tracking is yet to be introduced. While acknowledging the cost impact on fishers, the Panel members felt that the flow of benefits to fisheries management and better community understanding of commercial fisher’s compliance and resource stewardship will outweigh these costs. The achievement of comprehensive vessel tracking is something that commercial fishers in Queensland can be proud of.

  The Panel was updated on implementation of the urgent management action to reduce the impact of fishing on gastropods and molluscs in Moreton Bay and on Black Jewfish. The Panel noted that the competitive total allowable commercial catch (TACC) for black jewfish had been reached and the fishery had been closed to commercial fishing for the remainder of the 2019 fishing season. The Panel discussed the released Discussion Paper on proposed changes to fisheries regulation and was briefed on the proposed changes. The Panel noted that this was a wide ranging and comprehensive set of changes that were necessary to give legislative support to the proposed reforms. Feedback to date had generally been in relation to allocation impacts on commercial fishers, some of the proposed recreational fishing changes, streamlined reporting, moving away from the use of lightweight crab pots and setting new catch limits. At the time of the meeting more than 400 online surveys, 56 submissions and more than 10,000 Net Free North campaign emails had been received. It was noted that consultation would close on the 19 July 2019.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the Stock and Ecological Risk Assessment programs and outcomes delivered to date. The Panel noted the recent release of a number of stock assessments, which will inform harvest strategies and initial catch limits for a number of important species. Panel members were keen to understand the prioritisation process and schedule for the assessment program and strongly recommended that a risk-based, cost-benefit approach be used to ensure a programmed delivery of stock assessments and/or other performance indicators to support the implementation of robust harvest strategies.

  Fisheries Queensland provided a briefing on the draft harvest strategy approaches and how harvest strategies would work in Queensland now that amendments to the Fisheries Act 1994, formally recognising harvest strategies, have been implemented. The Panel noted that Fisheries Queensland is currently working with the various Working Groups on 14 harvest strategies to manage the harvest of all sectors. The Panel noted that stakeholders may require additional briefings on the proposed management changes, and the role and purpose of harvest strategies. The Panel recommended that such information, including clear articulation of the objectives of fisheries management be included early in the briefing process. To clarify and provide more certainty around future decision making in accordance with the harvest strategies, the Panel recommended a number of format changes and the use of a hierarchical decision making process for adjusting catch limits. The Panel also recommended that wording of the decision rules around maintaining catch shares be clearer and that all harvest, recreational and commercial shares would be adjusted proportionately based on the adjustment of the global (all sectors) catch/effort limit for the species. The Panel noted that the draft harvest strategies would be released for public consultation later this year before being finalised for approval by the Minister responsible for fisheries.

  For the trawl fisheries, the Panel reiterated their earlier advice that the effort caps should be set no higher than current effort levels in each region because it is well known that trawl fisheries are not economic at maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and moving towards maximum economic yield (MEY) is important to moving to profitability for the harvesting sector. If this was not achievable at this stage the Panel strongly recommended that the harvest strategies at least set out a structured transition to a lower effort cap to align with the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy target of moving to MEY. The Panel support the approach proposed for the crab fishery to validate and improve catch information across all sectors before moving to biomass-based assessments, noting that research would be required before biomass could confidently be determined in the crab fisheries.

  The Panel discussed the draft bycatch and species of conservation interest (SOCI) management strategy approach for the East Coast Inshore Fishery. It reiterated strongly that both SOCI and bycatch management are critical issues for this fishery and that a proactive commitment by fishers and managers to improved netting practices and the collection of more accurate information was required. Panel members supported commencing with approaches that would escalate action based on individual fisher accountability, reinforced by best management practice in this fishery. Caution was expressed around using other approaches that would result in full regional closures to net fishing as more information would be required to fully understand the impact and benefits of closures before being able to successfully implement them. The Panel reinforced that this matter would require continual improvement and commitment from commercial fishers to meet community expectations. To do otherwise would only encourage community pressure to reduce the available fishable area or fishing techniques available to commercial fishers.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the proposed reporting requirements, supporting system development and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program to develop high-tech systems to monitor commercial fishing location, effort and catch. The Panel continue to support approaches to improve the accuracy of fisheries information in Queensland and apply innovative automatic data collection approaches. The Panel suggested that until some of the supporting digital technology is ready, it is likely that commercial fishers will need to implement quite different reporting requirements and supported the development of a commercial fishing app to enable fishers to complete this more efficiently. The Panel felt strongly that education and training needed to be central to implementation of the reform process in subsequent years, including supporting access to digital literacy and remote access to electronic systems. To support commercial fishers, the Panel also recommended that Fisheries Queensland consider developing readily accessible factsheets, checklists, “how to” videos and where possible small group meetings to assist transition to the new management requirements.

  The Panel had a private session and discussed progress on the fisheries reforms. While recognizing the likely impact of the proposed reforms and that further analysis was still required following the final round of public consultation, the Panel continues to support the process. Given the importance of moving to harvest strategy-based fisheries management and the associated setting of initial catch limits, the Panel recommended that Fisheries Queensland engage an independent review of the draft harvest strategies before they are released for consultation later this year. Because of the critical stage the fisheries reforms are at, the Panel agreed to meet in early September (ahead of the original schedule) to provide advice on the results of consultation, allocation approaches and draft harvest strategies.

  The members of the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel are: Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts, Dr Cathy Dichmont, Mr Ian Cartwright, Associate Professor Daryl McPhee, Dr Michelle Heupel, Prof Natalie Stoeckl and Dr Sean Pascoe.

• 20–21 November 2019

  The ninth Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel (the Panel) meeting was held in Brisbane from 20 to 21 November 2019. The meeting focused on draft harvest strategies, how to update the harvest strategy policy and guidelines, and how the management reforms will deliver a framework that can effectively implement the harvest strategies.

  The Expert Panel noted that independent feedback had been sought on the draft harvest strategies following a recommendation from the Panel.

  The Panel made recommendations to the draft harvest strategies generally:

  • Ensure that the objectives in the harvest strategies are consistent and aligned where possible.
  • Where access to a fishery is restricted for sustainability reasons (e.g. reaching a biomass limit reference point) all sectors should be equally restricted.
  • Economic and social objectives should be more explicit where possible. To support this the Panel have provided FQ with wording on the objectives that align with indicators that will likely be available to monitor social and economic performance.
  • Maximum Economic Yield (MEY) should be used as the target preferentially, and 60% biomass is used as a proxy for MEY, when MEY is not known.
  • Use the internationally recognised Hockey Stick Decision Rule as the approach for setting the total allowable catch (TAC) in harvest strategies where biomass estimates are available for key stocks (noting that different decision rules may be used for fisheries where this approach may be inappropriate). The hockey stick rule establishes a linear relationship between changes in biomass and the TAC i.e. the TAC is incrementally increased with improving biomass, and incrementally reduced with declining biomass. The rule is also designed to ensure the fishery is closed below the limit reference point (20%) and continues to rebuild towards the target reference point (MEY or 60%). The use of the hockey stick rule will help to avoid the large changes in the TAC that could otherwise occur when transition across reference points (i.e. when moving from bMSY to bMEY).
  • Where there is uncertainty in the stock assessment (e.g. data limited) a precautionary approach should be considered to reduce the risk to stocks. This could be included in the policy and guidelines.
  • The Panel discussed the approach to commercial and traditional indigenous fishing access, noting that the policy providing pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to access fishery resources for commercial purposes is being finalised.
  • The Panel raised the importance of data on discards from all sectors. While the challenges in capturing these data were acknowledged, Fisheries Queensland needs to continue to find opportunities to capture this in the future to inform new harvest strategies.
  • The Panel noted that control on recreational fishing effort was far harder to manage than the commercial sector, given the open access nature of recreational fishing in Queensland. The Panel noted that a variety of management tools may need to be considered.
  • The Panel discussed more broadly the concept of social and economic data and the challenges that all fisheries regulators have in defining and monitoring social and economic success, and how to manage harvest in such a way that maximises the benefits flowing to communities.

  The Panel considered what should be included in the updated Fisheries Queensland Harvest Strategy Policy and Guidelines. The Panel advised that it would be highly beneficial to look for alignment with the Commonwealth policy and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (Commonwealth) where possible and also include sections on dealing with stock assessment uncertainty, protected species interactions, detailing catch shares and explaining the categorisation of species into Tiers.

  The Panel endorsed all draft harvest strategies with some minor amendments, as discussed above, and appreciated the high quality of the draft harvest strategies and how Fisheries Queensland had overcome the challenges of developing so many at one time, alongside the reform process. The Panel noted that the invaluable work and dedication of Working Group members has been critical in the development of such high-quality harvest strategy approaches for Queensland’s fisheries. At the next round of meetings, Working Groups might benefit from setting out a clear vision for the future of their fisheries.

  The Panel identified that there will need to be some future work to address other issues currently not in scope for these harvest strategies and reforms. Of note was the challenge of managing recreational harvest in the mud crab fishery, due to possible improved catchability with new pot designs and the significant levels of illegal fishing.

  The Panel recommended undertaking further monitoring of market demands and price trends to identify possible emerging drivers that will influence fisher behaviour, with fisher behaviour expected to change as a result of the reforms. Given the open access nature of recreational fishers the Panel advised that Queensland Fisheries be open to any unintended consequences of the proposed reforms on recreational fisher behaviour.

  Fisheries Queensland presented an update on the status of the reform implementation, which the Panel supported. Fisheries Queensland gave an overview of the expected operational activities that will be rolled out over the coming months to support the reforms including communications, education and training, internal policy and procedural updates and consultation.

  Fisheries Queensland presented on the ITQ and trawl effort unit allocation elements of the proposed reforms. The Panel generally supported the proposals and commended the efforts made to look at several options and select the option that is least impactful to most fishers. The Panel noted that fishers have had two opportunities to provide input and understand their indicative allocations under the proposed approaches.

  Fisheries Queensland presented on the current stock assessment, ecological risk assessments and monitoring work being undertaken. The Panel was supportive of this work. The Panel recommended looking at finding ways to capture regional data on economic activity from fishers as part of the currently underway social and economic survey. The Panel also recommended the development of a decision tree to assign a risk level to stock assessments so that the urgency and frequency for assessments for individual stocks can be determined.

• 4 August 2021

  A half-day meeting (Meeting 12) of the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel (the Panel) was held via videoconference on 4 August 2021. The Panel welcomed new member Professor Bronwyn Gillanders.

  The purpose of the meeting was for Fisheries Queensland to provide the Panel with updates on the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017-2027 reforms and to outline the current status and next steps for key species such as scallop, snapper, pearl perch and Spanish mackerel.

  The Panel noted that it had not met formally since March 2020 and that more frequent updates on fisheries issues would be of benefit, given the speed at which reforms were progressing. Fisheries Queensland undertook to provide information to the Panel on a more regular basis including early advice of working group agendas.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the quota allocation process in the crab, east coast inshore and trawl fisheries. The Panel noted that the first step in the process had been to advise fishers of their eligible reported catch history and provide an opportunity for them to amend or substitute these amounts. Allocation decisions and quota certificates have now been issued, and many fishers are contacting Fisheries Queensland seeking advice regarding their allocation.

  Fisheries Queensland also advised that the catch limit summaries had been passed into legislation and published on the website. The Panel were advised that the first season for some fisheries is shorter than 12 months and some catch limits have been applied on a pro rata basis.

  The Panel noted that 13 new Harvest Strategies and a Harvest Strategy Policy have been approved and will be published on the Department’s website prior to 1 September 2021.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the new reporting requirements that will come into effect on 1 September 2021. Details of the rules are available online. The Panel noted that work is continuing for the commercial fisheries app to be available by 1 September 2021. The Panel expressed support for systems that would provide real-time, online transactions.

  The Panel was updated on the recent Scallop stock assessment that featured new fishery-independent data, which indicate low recruitment and reduced catches in the southern inshore trawl region. The assessment indicated a decline in biomass from 22% in 2018 (following recruitment) to 12% in 2020, which is below the default 20% limit reference point outlined in the Harvest Strategy Policy. The Panel agreed that the decrease in biomass appears to be both environmentally and recruitment driven and noted that scallops are renowned for large and often poorly understood variations in recruitment. The Panel discussed a range of factors that may influence stock rebuilding and noted shifts in market behaviour in response to the scallop stock declines. The Panel agreed to arrange for a Panel member to attend the next Southern Inshore Trawl Working Group meeting.

  The Panel was updated on Snapper and Pearl Perch stock status in the rocky reef fishery. The newly reformed Rocky Reef Fishery Working Group met for the first time in two years to commence development of a rocky reef harvest strategy and to review that fishery’s status. The Panel noted that 2020 stock assessments for snapper and pearl perch are currently undergoing independent peer review, and they will be presented to the Working Group meeting for discussion. An FRDC Management Strategy Evaluation project was discussed, which indicated limited opportunity for recovery of snapper and pearl perch stocks without further management action. The Panel discussed the negative impacts of a potential effort shift within and between the rocky reef fishery and the reef line fishery, particularly as not all species are managed via individual quota. The ‘Switch your Fish’ campaign was highlighted as an alternative strategy that aims to change fisher behaviour and redirect effort to less vulnerable fish species. The Panel noted the danger of this strategy shifting the management problem onto other species. The Expert Panel agreed to arrange for a Panel member to attend the next Rocky Reef Working Group meeting.

  The Panel noted further the difficulty of addressing over-arching issues such as effort shift among species and among regions when the management tools focus on specific species. Addressing effort creep from technological improvements in recreational vessels and gear is a similar problem, and it was noted that the difference in efficiency is not consistent across the board. These matters were raised for ongoing consideration.

  Information regarding the draft East Coast Spanish Mackerel Fishery stock assessment was previously provided to the Panel out of session. Fisheries Queensland noted that a harvest strategy would be developed over the remainder of the year, in consultation with the Working Group and the broader public, with a view to implementation at the start of the 2022 season. The Panel agreed to arrange for a Panel member to attend the next Spanish Mackerel Working Group meeting.

  Fisheries Queensland tabled a letter from a Working Group member in which concerns were expressed regarding the trawl allocation process and specifically requesting review by the Panel. The Panel advised that they were unable to review individual complaints or revisit a process that has already been developed, and that the most appropriate forum for such complaints is through the Department’s own complaints management framework. The Panel noted that it had provided high level advice on the various consultation options during the development of the allocation process, and consider that overall, the chosen process was the best option available.

  The Panel noted that there appears to be widespread discontent in the industry and among working group members, and encouraged Fisheries Queensland to assist fishers both understand and engage in the reform processes. For example, training modules would assist fishers in the navigation of the government processes and gain a better understanding of management and assessment fundamentals. Such training would allow them to optimise their inputs to the reform.

  The Panel recommended additional fact sheets or updated web content to address apparent gaps in communication, including the scope and process for internal reviews, and the role of the working groups and the Panel.

  The next Panel meeting is scheduled for 1-2 September 2021. It will discuss progress on ongoing fisheries reforms, sustainability issues and response options for scallops, snapper, pearl perch and Spanish mackerel, a draft rebuilding strategy, and an update on Commonwealth wildlife trade operation approvals for all export fisheries.

  The Panel had a private session and discussed a range of relevant and emerging matters. Panel members resolved to provide Minister Furner with a written update of the Panel’s opinion of the progress, achievements and limitations of the implementation of the Strategy.

  The members of the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel are: Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts (Chair), Dr Cathy Dichmont, Mr Ian Cartwright, Associate Professor Daryl McPhee, Dr Michelle Heupel (apology), Professor Natalie Stoeckl, Dr Sean Pascoe, and Professor Bronwyn Gillanders.

• 3 November 2021

  A half-day meeting (Meeting 13) of the Sustainable Fisheries Scientific Expert Panel (the Panel) was held via videoconference on 3 November 2021.

  Prior to the meeting, the Panel acknowledged the valuable contribution of Dr Michelle Heupel, who formally resigned from the Expert Panel on 20 September 2021 due to work commitments including a new post as co-Chair of a global committee directly relevant to her position as Director of the Integrated Marine Observing System. Fisheries Queensland emphasised the importance of Michelle’s advice in relation to protected species that has positioned the department well in terms of the future, while acknowledging there is still much to do.

  The purpose of the meeting was for Fisheries Queensland to provide the Panel with updates on the stock assessments and management options for Spanish mackerel, snapper, and pearl perch.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the implementation of Sustainable Fisheries Strategy. A number of operational issues with reporting have been raised by industry and the department is responding by investigating and modifying requirements were appropriate. The Panel expressed support of this flexible approach. Fisheries Queensland advised that a relatively small proportion of fishers affected by the recent allocation decisions are pursuing the internal and external review options. The stock assessment process is being reviewed to ensure consultation occurs in a more streamlined and consistent manner. The Panel supported ongoing efforts to ensure stock assessment results are more accessible to non-scientific readers. The post implementation review recommendations for vessel tracking are being implemented and a range of short- and long-term priorities is being developed. A digital strategy is being developed and a major investment will be required to modernise the department’s existing IT systems in the context of the overall government digital strategy. This has implications for ensuring an effective interface with the new commercial fishing app. The Panel heard that part of the digital strategy will explore ways in which fisheries clients can extract the most value from data collected, noting that fisheries data are complex and difficult to interpret.

  The Panel also heard that the overall consultation framework under the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy is a current focus, given a number of concerns that the working groups are not adequately representing fishers’ views. Complementary models for additional consultation mechanisms are currently being considered. The panel noted the considerable challenges faced by the working groups in developing advice to underpin the implementation of measures to rebuild depleted fish stocks.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the East coast Spanish mackerel fishery stock assessment and in particular the outcome of the independent review, which queried particular values on which the model was based. The stock assessment team have devoted considerable time to investigating this concern and modelling additional scenarios. The Panel commented that the reviewer’s comments were justified, but the department’s response is considered defensible. Given that the Department’s model is more precautionary than the reviewer’s, the Panel considered that the most responsible way forward is to accept the stock assessment base case as the most credible scenario and make management decisions accordingly. The uncertainty regarding the model parameters of interest will be progressively resolved by future stock assessments. The Panel also heard that a bridging analysis between the type of model used in 2016 and the model used in 2021 is being undertaken for the Torres Strait and the results will be relevant to other parts of Queensland. The Panel suggested additional assumptions that might have contributed to the difference between the 2016 and 2021 assessments, which the stock assessment team will investigate further. Given the likely impact of the new assessment of management decisions, the Panel stressed the importance of plain English explanations of key differences between the assessments and justification for the use of the base case.

  Fisheries Queensland outlined several management options for Spanish mackerel in response to the stock assessment. The Panel reiterated their previous advice that options that do not align with the Harvest strategy policy’s minimum rebuilding timeframes should not be considered. Viable management options should be expected to produce detectable evidence of rebuilding, assuming rebuilding occurs as per modelled predictions. Potential issues were discussed including a possible effort shift to New South Wales, high grading, post-release mortality and the practical difficulties of maintaining an equitable approach to both constraining recreational and commercial catch. The Panel expressed caution about the presentation of potential social and economic impacts, which may be misleading if not presented in an appropriately nuanced manner. It was also noted that in a rebuilding scenario, ecological considerations in terms of the stock biomass need to be paramount: without a fishable biomass there can be no social and economic benefits.

  The Panel noted that the latest stock assessments for snapper and pearl perch are yet to be published and are undergoing peer review. It is understood that no improvements are apparent in the stock biomass compared to previous assessments. Similar comments were raised as for the Spanish mackerel rebuilding strategy, in terms of advice that only options to that achieve improvement to the stock within the minimum rebuilding timelines should be considered.

  Fisheries Queensland provided information on management options for snapper and pearl perch including modelled scenarios for rebuilding. The Panel recommended investigation of additional models to bridge the large gap between the rebuilding rate under a complete closure to fishing and the much slower (and inadvisable) rebuild under of less restrictive interventions – at rates that might not be detectable in subsequent stock assessments. Concerns similar to those held for Spanish mackerel were raised by Panel members in terms of effort shift and the management of recreational fishing take. Habitat modification to improve refuge habitat for sub-adults was discussed, While the Panel considered such an initiative useful, it noted that would not influence stock rebuilding in the short term and was not a substitute for more direct management action.

  Fisheries Queensland also outlined measures being pursued to improve the presentation of stock assessment results to working groups and to the general public. This remains an ongoing area for improvement. The Panel reiterated that a Panel member will attend the upcoming working group meetings. The Panel expressed appreciation for the significant efforts made by Fisheries Queensland to improve the data on which fisheries management decisions are made.

  The Panel emphasised that a common problem is the effect of a rapidly growing human population, particularly in SEQ, on recreational take and rebuilding strategies. The Panel noted that measures such as habitat restoration and behavioural shifts by anglers may assist in the protection of fish stocks, but ultimately measures to constrain the recreational catch in high population areas must be considered. Possible mechanisms to achieve this, as well as practical issues with implementation were discussed. A cultural shift towards understanding that recreational fishing is a privilege rather than a right needs to occur. The Panel also firmly recommended that restocking should not be considered as a tool in serious fisheries management.

  The next meeting will be scheduled for mid December to discuss development of harvest strategies for Gulf fisheries as well as an update on the process for Commonwealth Wildlife Trade Operation approvals for the coral and sea cucumber fisheries.

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

• 14 December 2021

  Prior to this meeting, on 8 November 2021, Professor Bronwyn Gillanders advised that she would be resigning from the Panel due to work commitments. The Panel and Fisheries Queensland thanked Bronwyn for her contributions and wish her the best in future endeavours. Appointment of new Panel members to replace both Bronwyn and Michelle Heupel will be a priority in the new year.

  A half-day meeting (Meeting 14) of the Panel was held via videoconference on 14 December 2021.

  The purpose of the meeting was for Fisheries Queensland to provide the Panel with updates on development of a Gulf inshore fishery harvest strategy, the recently published stock assessments for king threadfin, and the implications of export approval conditions on the coral and sea cucumber fisheries.

  The Panel welcomed Dallas D’Silva, the new Executive Director, Fisheries Queensland. The Panel heard that Dallas has experience in fisheries management for multiple jurisdictions in both regulatory and industry advocacy roles and has a particular focus on improving stakeholder relationships and growing the next generation of fisheries managers, researchers and fishing sector leaders.

  The Panel provided the feedback that from their perspective Fisheries Queensland has done well in terms of delivering on the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy reforms, given that the reform program was very ambitious. The Panel noted that most of the reforms undertaken to date have focussed on the commercial sector, and it is also important to ensure the recreational fishing pressure in high population areas such as south east Queensland is appropriately managed. Stakeholder engagement models from various jurisdictions were discussed.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the implementation of Sustainable Fisheries Strategy. The commercial fishing app was released as a soft launch last week in expectation of refinements being made prior to a full release early next year. Most fisheries other than coral and sea cucumbers are covered. Change management, particularly for those less comfortable with technology, will be required. The king threadfin and Spanish mackerel stock assessments were released 13 December 2021 and the Spanish mackerel working group members are being contacted individually to discuss. Separate meetings will be held 15 December 2021 to update the commercial and recreational sectors. A Panel member is invited to attend the next working group meeting on 7 February 2022. The quota allocation process and internal reviews are now finalised, with approximately seven matters for external review. The 1.2 tonne minimum quota holding in the crab fishery appears to be accepted although possible non-compliance may be an issue in future seasons. Mesh and ply size issues have been resolved with the East Coast Inshore Fishery Working Group. Fishers in the Reef Line Fishery are experiencing challenges associated with competition and quota availability.

  The Panel emphasised the importance of focussing discussions and discussion papers on viable options for management change rather than posing open ended questions based on the management issue to be addressed.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the current status and issues to consider for the development of a Gulf of Carpentaria inshore fishery harvest strategy. A working group has been established to commence reforms in the Gulf, with the first meeting 18 January 2022. Sustainability concerns focus on the key species, barramundi and king threadfin (net) and Spanish mackerel (line). Most product is landed in Karumba then road freighted south. Grey mackerel is often sold locally. The Panel heard that data on customary and recreational take in the Gulf are extremely limited. The level 2 ecological risk assessment (ERA) indicated high risks for many threatened and endangered species. Future pressures such as additional development roads may improve transport logistics and increase fishing pressure from both commercial fishers and grey nomad recreational fishers. Panel members noted the importance of fishing as food security for remote indigenous communities.

  Fisheries Queensland advised that a working group is being set up for the Gulf of Carpentaria that will look at economic opportunities from fishing and charter activities. Also, an indigenous-identified fisheries manager is currently being recruited for a 3-year body of work covering fishing opportunities in the Gulf. Fisheries Queensland also noted that the Queensland Government is moving down the path of Treaty which will probably be similar to Victoria’s, and that fishing has been identified as relevant to Treaty work. The Panel recommended leveraging existing relationships given the difficulty of building new relationships with limited face to face engagement. Fisheries Queensland undertook to provide an update on the indigenous fishing program to the Panel in the next Expert Panel meeting.

  Fisheries Queensland also advised that preliminary discussions with the Northern Territory had resulted in an agreement in principle to ensure consistency in fishing rules where possible.

  The Panel noted that the management of protected species such as scalloped hammerhead was very difficult to do piecemeal given that any management levers for one species had an impact on various other species. The Panel requested advice of the overall picture in terms of management measures – gear, closures, etc. The Panel further recommended that Fisheries Queensland review the history of previous engagement on reforms in the Gulf, for example 1999 Tropical Management Advisory Committee. Fisheries Queensland noted that the last reform was in 2012 which resulted in the consolidation of symbols and removed considerable net length.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the recently released stock assessment for king threadfin. Recruitment in the Gulf has been poor for barramundi and king threadfin, the cause of which is unknown but may be linked to increased siltation. It was noted that in the Gulf a shift was occurring where king threadfin are becoming more of a target species and that fishing power was improving due to improved communication among recreational fishers. Management changes would include possible reduction in the total allowable catch with possibly trip limits, and possibly spawning closures as advised by the available science.

  The Panel acknowledged the Department’s process for seeking and addressing peer reviews of the stock assessments. The Panel advised it would be important to explain the catchability factor in terms of operational changes to fishing. The Panel will be provided with Gulf working group papers for the meeting 18-20 January 2022 in Cairns.

  Fisheries Queensland updated the Panel on challenges associated with meeting the conditions of Commonwealth Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) approvals for export in the coral and sea cucumber fisheries.

  The coral fishery received a WTO with several very restrictive conditions that many fishers advise will make their businesses unviable. The fishery is already fully allocated under two basket quotas, which must now be managed with species-specific catch limits, to be in place ahead of the next season on 1 July 2022. Because there is a lack of scientific data that can demonstrate sustainability, the conditioned catch limits are extremely conservative. Implementing individual catch limits for 80-90 species via either competitive quota or individual transferable quota (ITQ) by 1 July 2022 will be a significant challenge from a regulatory viewpoint as well as reporting and systems capacity. In addition, the WTO requires efforts to be made in this current season to constrain catch within the new species-specific catch limits. There is no regulatory ability to constrain catch mid-season, and the harvest of many species was already close to the proposed limits when the WTO was implemented. Some fishers are seeking to meet these limits voluntarily, with reports that some fishers are likely to exit the fishery next year but continue to sell from existing holding in aquarium systems. Both the Department and the industry will need to invest significantly in order to meet the WTO conditions for next year. The Panel queried the ability to differentiate species in the field given most modern taxonomy is based on genetics.

  The Panel also heard that despite these restrictions on the commercial sector, all but two coral researchers were operating without the necessary General Fisheries Permits. This has implications in terms of monitoring and constraining the total extraction of coral from the Great Barrier Reef. The Panel noted that Fisheries Queensland is reviewing its policy position and will undertake consultation in 2022 ahead of any decisions. It is recognised that more education of permitting requirements under the Fisheries Act 1994 is required across the research sector more generally.

  Fisheries Queensland will seek advice from the Panel in February 2022 regarding options for reallocation of quota into species-specific ITQ for some key species, as well as the new General Fisheries Permit policy.

  The Panel noted that the restrictions in the WTO conditions were clearly not based on sustainability issues and were being driven by other factors. The costs are disproportional to the level of risk and appeared to be driven by a desire to shut down the fishery. It was further noted that restrictions to Australian coral export would create a black market that would be supplied from less developed and less regulated regions outside of Australia’s jurisdiction.

  The sea cucumber fishery received a WTO for species other than black teatfish just after agenda papers were circulated. Investment will still be required for additional studies and assessments in order to meet the new conditions. Fisheries Queensland has written to the Commonwealth with additional information in support of black teatfish approvals but this additional information has not yet been discussed.

  Fisheries Queensland advised that the learnings from this process may inform the necessary revisions of the coral and sea cucumber harvest strategies. In particular, biomass-based indicators and traditional stock assessment modelling may not be fit-for-purpose for some species and fishing operations. Other indicators may be calculated with more certainty and engender greater confidence in identifying sustainable levels of take (e.g. sea cucumber and corals).

  For both fisheries, the Panel recommended continued liaison with counterparts in other jurisdictions and recommended that the issue be discussed as part of the Australian Fisheries Management Forum process.

  The Panel agreed to suggest dates for the next meetings in March 2022 and June 2022.

  The members of the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel are: Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts (Chair), Dr Cathy Dichmont (apology for part of this meeting), Professor Ian Cartwright, Associate Professor Daryl McPhee, Professor Natalie Stoeckl and Dr Sean Pascoe.

• 4 July 2022

  A meeting (Meeting 15) of the Panel was held via videoconference on 4 July 2022, with the Hon. Mark Furner MP, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, representatives from DAF and the Panel. Bob Gee, Director General of DAF, opened the meeting with an Acknowledgement of Country.

  The purpose of the meeting was for Fisheries Queensland to provide a general update, discuss enhanced communication and collaboration with the Panel, and to provide an update on the results of the Spanish mackerel public consultation.

  Minister Furner thanked the Panel for its leadership role and guidance over the last 5 years. At the half-way point of the 10-year reform, more than two thirds of the reforms have been implemented. This is a significant achievement given the challenges that COVID-19 has posed to engagement and the community more generally. It is an opportune time to reflect on past, present and future reforms.

  DAF has committed to developing a forward work plan with the Panel as part of continued implementation of the Strategy. The Panel noted the significant investment by the Government in funding the implementation of the Strategy to date and encouraged consideration of structural adjustment to assist in social, economic and environmental outcomes being optimised.

  The Panel wishes to work closely with all stakeholders going forward through existing engagement processes and maintain an independent oversight and advisory function.

  The appointment process to fill vacant positions on the Panel is underway, with experts in ecosystem-based fisheries management, independent data validation, threatened species, and Traditional Owner engagement. It is anticipated this will be completed later in 2022 pending Queensland Government consideration. During 2022-2023, the mid-term review for the Strategy will commence, and the Panel’s close involvement in this review is welcomed.

  DAF provided an update on the implementation of the Strategy, noting there will be a focus on independent data validation for commercial fisheries, management of Gulf of Carpentaria fisheries, Rocky Reef Fishery, Spanish Mackerel Fishery, and a review of fees and levies.

  The results of the first round of Spanish Mackerel public consultation were discussed, and advice for analysis and future consultations was provided by the Panel. The importance of carefully designed survey methodologies used in collating public feedback were highlighted by the Panel.

  Fisheries Queensland outlined two possible management options to rebuild Spanish Mackerel fishery;, the Panel recommended that a single preferred management option may need to be proposed with a strong rationale for the decision., The Panel expressed its support for consideration of more conservative catch limits to achieve a faster rebuild.

  The Panel raised the issue of stakeholders challenging fisheries stock assessments and were pleased to note that DAF welcomes scrutiny and is committed to continual improvement in all aspects of the assessment process. The Panel recommended that the population and participation forecasts for recreational fishers in relevant fishery sectors should be considered when determining changes in potential recreational fishing effort in the future.

  The Panel noted that while recreational and charter fishers may have alternative target species, commercial and Traditional Owner fishers have fewer alternatives. This impact should be considered when assessing future management actions that impact their fishing access.

  It was noted that Commonwealth Government legislation relating to Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) conditions for export fisheries have additional requirements that need to be met and separate approvals may also apply for fisheries even though they do not export, where they operate in Commonwealth waters.

  Training and development for working group members was discussed, to improve technical participation in working groups, governance and behaviours in line with the DAF engagement charter were noted. Further liaison will occur between the Panel and DAF prior to the release of the final Spanish Mackerel discussion paper. The Chair closed the meeting and thanked members for their attendance.

• 4–5 May 2023

  Meeting 18 of the Panel was held in-person on 4 and 5 May, to seek advice on a range of fisheries issues. Fisheries Queensland provided updates on renewal of the fisheries working groups through an expressions of interest process, the new Cape York working group, Traditional Owner engagement initiatives, and the ongoing recruitment of new Panel members. The terms of reference for the mid-term review of the p;Sustainable Fisheries Strategy: 2017-2027 (SFS) were discussed, as well as considerations for the use of Maximum Economic Yield (MEY) in stock assessments. In addition, the Panel received stakeholder input from commercial fishing, recreational fishing, and conservation sector representatives.

  The Panel discussed governance matters for the operation of the Panel and how they interact with working groups, noting appreciation for the opportunity to attend recent Moreton Bay, Crab and Reef Line working group meetings. The Panel noted that new working group members had not yet been appointed and expressed approval of their recent attendance at working group meetings. The Panel emphasised the importance of improved communication and engagement with working groups.

  The Panel expressed concern at the limited data available on recreational fishing catch and effort. Fisheries Queensland highlighted efforts to improve data availability through the recreational fishing smart phone application, Qld Fishing 2.0, and research trials involving cameras at boat ramps. The Panel advocated further action to monitor recreational fishing effort.

  The Panel reflected on the importance of Moreton Bay Working Group, highlighting that issues faced there are indicative of the issues other fisheries could encounter in the future. They advocated for the Moreton Bay Working Group to have a broader focus than fishery management alone, including fostering partnerships for research and innovation, environmental and ecosystem issues and incorporating a wider scope of stakeholders.

  Director-General, Mr Bob Gee, and Deputy Director-General, Mr Graeme Bolton, attended a session to enable the Panel to directly communicate pressing viewpoints regarding SFS implementation, and Panel governance with Fisheries Queensland executive management. The Panel discussed recreational fishing data, the impact of climate change on fish stocks, communication between the Panel and Fisheries Queensland, as well as the IUCN/UNESCO Report on the Reactive Monitoring Mission to the Great Barrier Reef.

  The Panel then fielded presentations, comments, and questions from three stakeholder representatives in separate sessions to foster improved mutual understanding and discuss the implementation of the SFS. Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) CEO, Mr David Bobbermen, shared his perspectives of the implementation of the SFS, and the difficulties felt by commercial fishers. He outlined his efforts to breakdown scepticism towards fisheries science as well as gathering industry recommendations for fishery management changes and exploring options for training for fishers to minimise bycatch mortalities.

  Mr Simon Miller, the Great Barrier Reef Fisheries Campaign Manager for the Australian Marine Conservation Society, expressed his views on SFS from a conservation perspective. He expressed support regarding the ongoing implementation of the SFS and the development of stock assessments, as well as advocating restrictions on gillnet usage due to bycatch mortality concerns. The AMCS representative and the Panel agreed that further work could be conducted regarding recreational fishing data and management.

  Finally, Mr Scott Mitchell, the chairperson for the Fraser Coast Fishing Alliance, expressed his views on the SFS from a recreational fishing perspective, supporting the SFS as a whole. He advocated for further reduction in fishing effort, restrictions on gillnetting, and discussed some recreational support for additional recreational management arrangements such as a fishing licence to improve fisheries management and provide reinvestment opportunities for the recreational sector, including fishing infrastructure.

  Fisheries Queensland discussed their upcoming SFS Mid-Term Review Terms of Reference with the Panel. The Panel agreed that the aim of the review should not be to consider a change in direction, but to consider the learnings and changes in circumstances over the past 5 years. The Panel advocated for a separate document to be created to act as a vision statement for the future of commercial, recreational and indigenous fisheries.

  Fisheries Queensland presented an update on the establishment of a First Nations Cape York Working Group, Path to Treaty, and First Nations Industry Development Plan. The Panel supported the progress that had been made on these matters, noting the importance of appointing a First Nations member to the Panel for future advice in this area.

  Fisheries Queensland sought advice on implementing and using MEY as a target for fish stocks. The Panel outlined that MEY may be complex to implement, especially in multi-species fisheries. However, they advised Fisheries Queensland to uphold the intent of it, to aim for stock levels that are higher than that associated with Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY), continuing to work with appropriate MEY proxies.

  The meeting finished with Panel members providing some final reflections. Panel members and Fisheries Queensland thanked resigning member Dr Cathy Dichmont for her contributions since 2017. The Panel reiterated the importance of appointing new members and the value of face-to-face meetings.

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

• 19 September 2023

  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.

• 7–8 December 2023

  Meeting 20 of the Panel was held in-person on 7 and 8 December 2023 in Brisbane/Meanjin.

  The Chair opened the meeting with an Acknowledgement of Country, and warmly welcomed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders attendees. The Chair also welcomed the newly appointed Panel members: Prof. Sean Tracey, Assoc Prof. Alana Grech, Prof. Bronwyn Fredericks, and Dr Beth Fulton. All members updated their lists of conflicts of interest prior to the discussing meeting business.

  New members outlined their professional backgrounds and aspirations for the SFS as Panel members. The Panel noted that letters of thanks to Mr Ian Cartwright and Dr Cathy Dichmont were sent from Fisheries Queensland and the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities, The Hon. Mark Furner recognising their great contribution as original Panel members.

  The Chair acknowledged the seeming hiatus in Panel activities due to the urgent work required from the Department to support the Future Fishing Taskforce, noting that Panel members had remained engaged by attending sector-led workshops on codes best practice for several fisheries and continuing to engage with First Nations, recreational and commercial fishers out of session.

  The ;main business of Meeting 20 involved providing advice on (or noting) trawl effort unit allocation methodology, management of hand harvest fisheries, progress in climate change adaption and mitigation, and further enhancing engagement with First Nations peoples. Panel members also received updates on Independent Data Validation, King Threadfin Stock assessment, the Cape York Special Fisheries Working Group, the recreational fishing app, Wildlife Trade Operations export approvals, structural adjustment reforms and the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fishery consultation and draft net-free zones.

  Dr Chris Sarra, Director-General of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries attended a session to welcome new Panel members and address the broader Panel on his background, role and expectations. A/Deputy Director-General Dr Ian Mackie attended part of this session to greet the Panel and listen to their perspectives on fisheries reforms.

  The Panel noted that advice on Gulf of Carpentaria matters would require further and detailed discussion after the consultation period closed and agreed to meet to discuss this important matter early in the New Year.

  Minister Furner attended a session to welcome new members and to address the broader Panel regarding current general Fisheries and Sustainable Fisheries Strategy reforms. He expressed his thanks to the Panel for their guidance on complex fisheries management issues during the implementation of the Strategy.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on forward planning funding, including funding for the next four years of the Strategy and an upcoming fee review. The Panel discussed the options for Fisheries Queensland to ensure sufficient revenue streams for the remainder of the Strategy and beyond, noting that limited life funding provided as part of the Strategy was separate from business-as-usual core funding. It was also noted that several key reforms have now transitioned to operational service delivery.

  Fisheries Queensland requested advice from the Panel regarding Hand Harvest Fishery concerns for beachworms, marine yabbies, and bloodworms, especially to promote their sustainability and ecological harm reduction. The Panel discussed potential management options and recommended that managers work with fishers to determine the spatio- temporal scale of impacts and compliance obligations regarding damage to vegetation. They also noted the need for further research and evaluation in this area, particularly liaison with the Department of Environment and Science and the inclusion of pippies/eugarie in this work as these shellfish are particularly vulnerable to mortality from 4WD traffic and over-harvesting. Moreover, Panel members noted that while marine yabbies are particularly resilient to harvesting, beach worm populations are possibly depleted in some areas as reported by commercial fishers.

  Advice was also sought on the conversion of stock assessment data to regional effort units for the East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery. Fisheries Queensland outlined the proposed methodology, noting the complexities of making these calculations. The Panel were broadly supportive of the approach outlined by Fisheries Queensland, noting that experimenting with alterations to the calculation methodology and alternative modelling to check for significant discrepancies in results would increase confidence in the proposed methodology, and that climate change and threatened and endangered species interactions should be considered in future modelling.

  The Panel noted and discussed Fisheries Queensland’s intended next steps and future directions in recreational fisheries monitoring and the incorporation of climate change considerations in fisheries management initiatives. Panel members recommended businesses with potential capacity to deliver Fisheries Queensland’s Climate Change Adaption, Mitigation and Opportunities Strategy, and examples of best practice climate adaption plans for fisheries in terms of stakeholder engagement.

  Attendees discussed approaches to increase voluntary reporting via the recreational fishing app, as well as mechanisms to strengthen stewardship amongst recreational fishers.

  Finally, the Panel discussed the updates provided on efforts to develop First Nations fishing through Indigenous Fishing Permits and aquaculture development. They discussed a research aquaculture project with First Nations commercial and community members underway in Cape Tribulation and Moreton Bay and noted that three IFPs had been issued since the last Panel meeting, with the Panel being supportive of what had been accomplished in the development of First Nations fishing. The Panel welcomed news of burgeoning activity in the issue of Indigenous fishing permits and Indigenous aquaculture developments and looked forward to further positive news on this front.

  In concluding, Panel members reaffirmed that they wish to continue to attend working groups in an observer capacity where possible and look forward to invitations to attend those as well as initiatives regarding best practice and stewardship from commercial and recreational fishers. The Panel also found particularly valuable at the May meeting, reports from and discussions with leaders in from Indigenous, recreational, and commercial sectors. Ideally this will become a regular feature of Panel meetings as the outcomes of the Strategy become increasingly visible.

  The next meeting is scheduled to be held in February 2024, with a primary focus on the outcomes of the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fishery consultation process.

  The members of the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel are: Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts (Chair), Associate Professor Daryl McPhee, Professor Natalie Stoeckl, Dr Sean Pascoe, Dr Beth Fulton, Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Associate Professor Alana Grech, Professor Sean Tracey.

• 13 March 2024

  Meeting 21 of the Panel was held online on 13 March 2024.

  The Chair opened the meeting with an Acknowledgement of Country, and warmly welcomed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders attendees. The Chair also welcomed Prof. Bronwyn Fredericks for her first meeting since appointment and reminded all members to update their lists of conflicts of interest prior to discussing meeting business.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on current work being done by the department, including progress of the structural adjustment, gill net fishery phase out, roll out of NX fishery, the crab and recreational fishery discussion paper, working group membership, Wildlife Trade Organisation (WTO) export approvals for a range of fisheries, and appointment of the new Deputy Director General for fisheries and forestry with recruitment for the Director General yet to be finalised.

  The main issue for consideration related to the government decision to introduce additional gill net free zones in the Gulf of Carpentaria, and also note progress on the king threadfin stock assessment.

  The Expert Panel was briefed by Fisheries Queensland on the current modelling, assumptions and data regarding the king threadfin stock assessment. Members provided advice around effective communication of results by Fisheries Queensland to external stakeholders. The Panel noted that the king threadfin stock assessment process had included collaboration with external reviewers, which had delivered constructive suggestions that are being considered by the FQ project team. The Panel encouraged Fisheries Queensland to continue working with independent reviewers to ensure the robustness of the stock assessment and to incorporate a range of drivers and scenarios. Further, and consistent with the approach taken in response to previous stock assessments, the Panel noted that a risk-based and precautionary management response should be considered in the face of high variability in stock assessment results.

  Fisheries Queensland provided an update on the Gulf of Carpentaria reforms, including the implementation date of 17 May 2024 and consultation outcomes. The outcomes from the recent Traditional Owner engagement and the Gulf working group (12/3/2024) meeting were presented to the Panel. The Panel noted the working group’s discussion noting proposed adjustments to closures but agreed that further consultation with Traditional Owners was necessary, and that any changes to proposals needed to consider risks to threatened endangered and protected species, and the provision of adequate funding to support financial compensation and adjustment to affected licence holders.

  The Panel further noted that it was critical to scale up compliance capabilities to enforce the proposed gillnet free areas in the Gulf. Members raised the possibility of utilising Indigenous ranger programs to assist with enforcement in remote locations. The Panel also raised the importance of and opportunity to empower Indigenous communities to be economically independent and reasoned that gillnet free areas around Indigenous communities could assist with this, particularly if traditional owners are appropriately and meaningfully engaged with the design and implementation of systems for managing those areas (including monitoring and enforcement). It was noted that such direct community involvement acts to address the governance gap felt in this and many other regions.

  Panel members expressed concern that whilst the areas to be closed would provide protection for TEPS from gillnets, there was some additional impacts on TEPS in the Commonwealth’s Northern Prawn Fishery. Panel members also noted that the area that will be protected by the northern closure could be heavily impacted by mining activities, and other waterway usage that encroach on the watersheds adjacent to closures.

  The members of the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel are: Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts (Chair), Associate Professor Daryl McPhee, Professor Natalie Stoeckl, Dr Sean Pascoe, Dr Beth Fulton, Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Associate Professor Alana Grech, Professor Sean Tracey.

• Associate Professor Ian Tibbetts

  Associate Professor Tibbetts is appointed as the independent chair and brings an extensive research background in fish biology. He is a researcher and lecturer at the University of Queensland and has published numerous research papers about marine sciences.

• Associate Professor Daryl McPhee

  Associate Professor McPhee is appointed as a member. He has conducted extensive ongoing research on and commentary of fisheries management, including his work on reducing unprovoked shark bites. He is an ex-director of the Australian Government’s Fisheries Research and Development Corporation. He has published over 80 reports and publications including the textbook Fisheries Management in Australia and the book Environmental History and Ecology of Moreton Bay, which was nominated for a Queensland literary award.

• Dr Sean Pascoe

  Dr Pascoe is appointed as a member. He has extensive experience in applied economic analysis for a range of fisheries around the world. He is currently employed by the CSIRO as an economist for the Environment Business Unit and is an adjunct professor of economics at the Queensland University of Technology. He has also worked across bioeconomic modelling, capacity and efficiency analysis in fisheries and has worked with the European Commission and the Food and Agriculture Organization (United Nations) on the development of fisheries management policies and guidelines.

• Professor Natalie Stoeckl

  Professor Stoeckl is appointed as a member. She is a professor of economics at the College of Business and Economics at the University of Tasmania. She is interested in environmental and ecological economics and has extensive experience in the valuation of ecosystem services, particularly in marine environments. She has 172 career publications (including 93 refereed journal articles) and has published with more than 150 co-authors. She has supervised 17 higher degree research students to completion, worked on more than 40 research projects (as lead or chief investigator) and has held roles (writing and development, CI, leadership) in numerous large research consortiums. She has served on a range of assessment and advisory boards at regional, state, national and international levels.

• Dr Beth Fulton

  Dr Beth Fulton is CSIRO’s research domain leader for integrated oceans stewardship and the blue economy. In shaping the strategic direction for CSIRO’s research in this area, she is building off more than 20 years of work developing various system modelling tools for looking at marine ecosystems, sustainability and climate adaptation. She is also an Adjunct Professor and Deputy Director at the Centre of Marine Socioecology, a centre focused on working collaboratively to find transdisciplinary, equitable and sustainable solutions to the problems facing coasts and oceans.

• Associate Professor Alana Grech

  Associate Professor Grech is a spatial analyst and conservation planner with extensive expertise in the sustainable management of Australia’s tropical coasts. She is currently the head of earth and environmental science at the College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University. Associate Professor Grech collaborates with a range of government and non-government agencies and communities and is an appointed member of the Queensland Species Technical Committee.

• Professor Bronwyn Fredericks

  Professor Fredericks has over 30 years of experience working in and with the tertiary sector, State and Federal Governments, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-based organisations. Professor Fredericks was appointed as the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) at The University of Queensland in 2018 and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) in 2023. She leads several strategic and operational areas of responsibility across the organisation and works in collaboration with university’s leadership on the senior executive team.

• Professor Sean Tracey

  Professor Tracey is a professor of fisheries and ecosystem sciences and head of the fisheries and aquaculture centre within IMAS. He has a distinguished career working across a diverse portfolio in fisheries and marine ecosystems science. He conducts research across multiple disciplines to address ecological questions and to facilitate sustainable management of marine resources. He studies marine species and how they interact with each other and their environment, assessing commercial and recreational fisheries and the importance of seafood to global food security. With over 20 years research experience at state, national and international levels, Professor Tracey has been able to facilitate a big picture perspective to local issues and, conversely, the importance of local issues to global challenges.