Fisheries
![Sunset over the sea outside Karumba](https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0010/1858420/karumba-sunset.jpg)
New gillnet-free areas in the Gulf of Carpentaria
New gillnet-free areas in the Gulf take effect from 17 May 2024 to protect threatened species and provide opportunities for First Nations communities, while ensuring continued commercial fishing and seafood supply.
![](https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0004/1784857/future-fishing.png)
Structural adjustment payments
Eligible commercial licence holders, skippers and crew, and supply chain businesses affected by the phase-out of gillnets on the Great Barrier Reef, the Great Sandy Marine Park rezoning or the new Gulf of Carpentaria gillnet-free areas can apply for structural adjustment payments.
![](https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0008/1848491/fish-n-sips-feature.png)
There's money in the water!
The 2024 Fish 'n SIP$ comp is now open, so grab your SIPS permit and head down to one of the competition locations to catch your share of $100,000!
Apply now for structural adjustment payments
Applications are now open for all stages.
Stage 1: closes 30 June 2024
- $3,000 grant for independent advice
- Quota and loss of income payments
Stage 2: closes 30 June 2024
- Round 2 licence and symbol buyback
- Gulf of Carpentaria licence and N3 symbol buyback
- Gulf of Carpentaria gillnet-free areas loss of income payments
- Great Sandy Marine Park marine aquarium fishery loss of income payments
- Hammerhead shark loss of income payments
- Skipper and crew support payments
Stage 3: closes 30 January 2025
- Supply chain businesses diversification grants
- Gillnet buyback
- Gillnet reel boat refit grants