Queensland the Smart State

Annual status report 2008 Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) seeks to maximise the economic potential of Queensland’s primary industries on a sustainable basis.

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© The State of Queensland, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries 2009.

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Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 1 Introduction The Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (GOCIFFF) is a multi-species fishery comprising a commercial inshore (N3) net fishery, a commercial offshore (N9) net fishery, commercial bait netting (N6), recreational fishing, Indigenous fishing and charter boat fishing.

Commercially targeted species include barramundi, king and blue threadfins, and grunter in the N3 net fishery, and tropical shark and grey mackerel in the N9 net fishery. Recreational fishers also target these species (except for tropical shark) as well as mangrove jack, black spot and gold spot cod, and red snappers. Indigenous fishers target a wide variety of fish species, depending on the season. Traditional target species are associated with edibility (texture and taste), quality (nutritional value) and cultural practice.

Product from the GOCIFFF commercial sector is predominantly sold on the Australian domestic market, except for shark fin, which is exported to Asian markets.

This report covers fishing activity during the 2007 calendar year and any changes management arrangements up to January 2009. Fishery profile 2007

Total harvest of all species: 1839 t*

Commercial harvest: 1690 t

Recreational harvest: approximately 101 t

Indigenous harvest: No estimate of level of harvest for 2007. Approximately 420 000 fish in 2001 (north Queensland estimate only—includes communities outside the Gulf of Carpentaria)

Charter harvest: 48 t (retained)

Commercial Gross Value of Product (GVP): $ 10.5 million

Number of licences: 87 (N3), 5 (N9)

Commercial boats accessing the fishery in 2007: 80 (N3), 4 (N9)

Fishery season: 26 January to 4 October 2007

Source: DPI&F Commercial Fisheries Information System (CFISH), 30 July 2008.

*For the purpose of this report, the total harvest estimate for 2007 includes the recreational harvest estimate from 2005, based on the assumption that the subsequent years of catch would be similar. The indigenous harvest should also be considered in this total, but could not be added due to lack of adequate conversions from numbers to weight (kg). Description of the fishery

Fishing methods

Fishers in both the N3 and N9 net fisheries are authorised to use set mesh nets to harvest fin fish. There are different restrictions on allowable net length, drop and mesh size for each fishery (see Roelofs 2003).

Mesh nets used in the N3 fishery are set in estuaries, on foreshores and in offshore waters out to 7 nautical miles (nm) from the territorial sea baseline. Most fishers prefer to use mesh net

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 2 sizes that selectively catch fish of a size meeting market demand for fillet product. Licence holders in the N9 fishery are authorised to use set mesh nets with a maximum net length of 1200 m. The commercial bait (N6) fishery uses small-mesh (25–45 mm) set nets; there are restrictions on the length of net used.

Recreational fishers primarily use hook and line to catch target fish species, as well as cast and seine nets to catch baitfish species.

The Indigenous communities in the Gulf of Carpentaria (GOC) use traditional subsistence fishing methods for customary purposes, as well as recreational fishing practices to catch finfish and crabs. Traditional fishing methods include the use of spears, stone fish traps and nets; the catch is solely for use by the community.

Fishery area

The GOCIFFF extends from Slade Point near the tip of Cape York Peninsula westward to the Queensland– Northern Territory border and operates in all tidal waterways out to the 25 nm line (Figure 1). The N3 net fishery operates within estuaries and foreshores1 and out to 7 nm from the coast, while the N9 net fishery operates further offshore, between 7 and 25 nm.

Main management methods used

The Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries (DPI&F) manages the commercial, recreational and Indigenous components of the GOCIFFF through Queensland’s Fisheries Act 1994, Fisheries Regulation 2008 and Fisheries (Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish) Management Plan 1999 (Gulf Management Plan).

The GOCIFFF is managed to optimise sustainable fisheries production and protect spawning target 2 species using a variety of input controls , including: Figure 1: Map of Gulf of Carpentaria gillnet • limited entry (commercial fishery only) fishery. • boat and gear restrictions • spatial and temporal closures • possession limits • fish size limits.

Approximate allocation between sectors

The GOCIFFF is mainly a commercial fishery. It is estimated from the DPI&F Recreational Fishing Information System (RFISH) diary round for 2005 that the recreational sector takes the

1 Excluding areas closed to commercial fishing. 2 The full description of input controls can be found in the DPI&F report Ecological assessment of the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Finfish Fishery.

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 3 equivalent of approximately 15% of the total commercial catch. RFISH however provides information on participation rates and indicative catch statistics for recreational fishing at a statewide level. The program was not designed to provide regional-scale information—for example, for the GOC as a whole. DPI&F is working at improving the RFISH surveys to provide this information in the future. Fishery accreditation under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

The GOCIFFF is an accredited Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) under Part 13A of the EPBC Act. The GOCIFFF was reassessed in August 2007 against the Commonwealth Guidelines for the Ecologically Sustainable Management of Fisheries and granted a two-year WTO. The current WTO accreditation allowing export of product expires on 20 August 2009. Catch statistics

Commercial Table 1: Species composition of the total commercial catch in tonnes (N3 and N9 combined) in the GOCIFFF 2003–07 (totals for previous years are available in the Annual Status Report for 2005) (Source: DPI&F CFISH database, 30 July 2008). N/A refers to catch attributed to less than five boats, which cannot be displayed due to confidentiality of the data.

Common name 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Barramundi 547 610 491 727 616 Mackerel—Grey 379 468 394 382 434 Shark—other* 474 376 398 164 102 Threadfin—King 295 308 278 302 244 Threadfin—Blue 105 125 79 65 57 Jewel 50 52 33 39 37 Fish—unspecified* 52 30 33 35 40 Grunter—all* 31 51 26 19 20 Mackerel—Spanish 18 29 33 17 41 Queenfish—all* 23 34 17 14 15 Pomfret—all* 10 16 12 6 7 Blacktip Whaler Shark N/A 58 36 61 45 Catfish—all* 6 13 7 8 N/A Other fish* 9 6 5 5 4 Jewfish—other* 2 3 2 2 7 Jewfish—Black 3 5 2 1 N/A Ray—all* 6 2 N/A N/A N/A Mackerel—other* 0 1 N/A N/A N/A Sawfish—all* N/A N/A N/A N/A 1 Grand Total (inc. <5 boat data) 2027 2195 1856 1857 1690

* The harvest comprises a number of species.

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 4 The GOCIFFF is a multi-species fishery Catch (t) Effort (days/10) CPUE (kg/100m² net/day) 1000 25 with barramundi, grey mackerel and 900 tropical sharks dominating the catch. 800 20 Commercial net fishers are skilled at 700 600 15 targeting particular species and are 500 responsive to factors such as abundance 400 10 and catchability, time of year and market 300

200 5 net/day) (kg/100m² CPUE

demand. Commercial catch and effort (days/10) Effort (t) and Catch 100 statistics presented in this report should 0 0 be considered with fisher behaviour in 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 mind. Figure 2: Barramundi—total reported commercial harvest (t) and Total commercial harvest in the GOC N3 catch per unit effort (CPUE) in kg/100m²/day in the GOCIFFF and N9 gillnet fisheries was lower in 2003–07 (Source: DPI&F CFISH database, 30 July 2008). 2007 (Table 1). Barramundi catches Catch (t) Effort (days/10) CPUE (kg/100m² net/day) decreased marginally in 2007 compared 70 35 with 2006, although the catch rate was 60 30 similar (Table 1, Figure 2). Blacktip whaler 50 25 sharks (Carcharhinus tilstoni/limbatus) catches have been similar since 2004 40 20 (ranging from 36–58 t) (Figure 3). Catches 30 15 of shark species other than blacktip 20 10 whaler sharks have been declining since CPUE (kg/100m² net/day) Catch (t) and Effort (days/10) Effort (t) and Catch 10 5 2005 (Figure 4). The commercial catch 0 0 rate for all tropical sharks has fluctuated 2004 2005 2006 2007 between 17–38 kg/100m² net/day since Figure 3: Blacktip whaler sharks—total commercial harvest (t) 2004 (Figures 3 and 4). Total effort and catch per unit effort (CPUE) in kg/100m²/day in the GOCIFFF expenditure (days fished) for shark has 2004–07 (Source: DPI&F CFISH database, 30 July 2008). decreased since 2004 by approximately 70% and significantly contributed to the Catch (t) Effort (days/10) CPUE (kg/100m² net/day) overall reduction in the tropical shark 450 40 catch. 400 35

350 30 300 25 250 20 200 15 150 100 10 CPUE (kg/100m² net/day) (kg/100m² CPUE Catch (t) and Effort (days/10) Effort (t) and Catch 50 5 0 0 2004 2005 2006 2007

Figure 4: Other sharks—total commercial harvest (t) and catch per unit effort (CPUE) in kg/100m²/day in the GOCIFFF 2004–07 (Source: DPI&F CFISH database, 30 July 2008).

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 5 Catch (t) Effort (days/10) CPUE (kg/100m² net/day) Catches and the catch rate for grey 500 60 450 mackerel in 2007 were similar to those in 50 400 previous years (Figure 5). There are some 350 40 concerns for grey mackerel stocks 300 although current catch trends do not 250 30 200 suggest declines in this species are 20 150 occurring. Grey mackerel catches will

100 CPUE (kg/100m² net/day)

Catch (t) and Effort (days/10) Effort (t) and Catch 10 continue to be closely monitored by 50 Queensland and Northern Territory 0 0 fisheries managers while these stock 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 issues are resolved. Figure 5: Grey mackerel—total commercial harvest (t) and catch per unit effort (CPUE) in kg/100m²/day in the GOCIFFF 2003–07 (Source: DPI&F CFISH database, 30 July 2008). Recreational

DPI&F collected catch estimates data on recreational fishers in Queensland as part of the RFISH program in 1997, 1999, 2002 and 2005. These were reported on in the Annual Status Report for 2006 (DPI&F 2007). From this data, an estimated 101 t of GOCIFFF-related species were harvested recreationally (retained) in 2005.

Charter

Yearly trends in total catches (retained and released) are showing an overall decline in total catches and participation (number of days) in the charter sector since 2005 Total caught (t) Retained (t) Released (t) Effort (days) (Figure 7). The total weight of retained 200 12000 catches however remained similar to 180 10000 previous years while the proportion of 160 140 released catch decreased from 78% in 8000 120 2003 to 64% in 2007. 100 6000

Catch (t) 80 The most commonly retained species in (days) Effort 4000 the charter fishery in 2007 were blue 60 40 threadfin (9 t), red emperor (7 t), coral 2000 20 trout (3 t), Spanish mackerel (4 t), 0 0 spotted mackerel (4 t) and coral trout 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 (3 t) (Table 2).

Figure 7: Yearly harvest and effort trends (2003–2007) for the charter fishing sector in the GOC (Source: DPI&F CFISH database, 30 July 2008)

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 6 Table 2: Commercial tour operators’ total retained catch (released catch) in tonnes of target and by- product species in the GOCIFFF 2003–07 (Source: DPI&F CFISH database, 30 July 2008). N/A refers to catch attributed to less than five boats, which cannot be displayed due to confidentiality of the data.

Common name 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Barramundi 0.9 (17.5) 1.8 (20.6) 1.3 (13.3) 1.6 (8.6) 0.9 (8.6) Bream 2.8 (1.7) 2.2 (1.7) 1.9 (0.8) 1.7 (0.7) 1.6 (0.3) Catfish < 0.1 (1.5) < 0.1 (0.9) N/A 0.3 (0.7) N/A Cod - estuary N/A 0.1 (2.9) 0.1 (3.1) < 0.1 (2.8) < 0.1 (0.9) Cod – other* 1.6 (10.2) 1.3 (5.2) 0.2 (2.5) < 0.1 (2.6) < 0.1 (0.7) Coral trout 2.1 (1.2) 2.6 (1) 3.3 (1.7) 3.1 (0.9) 3.1 (0.8) Emperor - red 3.4 (1.6) 4.7 (2.2) 6.4 (3.8) 6.5 (4.4) 7 (4.7) Grunter* 1.7 (1.7) 2 (1.7) 2.3 (1.8) 1.6 (1.4) 0.8 (0.4) Jew fish - black 0.2 (0.2) 0.1 (0.2) 0.1 (0.4) N/A 0.3 (0.6) Jew fish - unspecified 0.3 (0.4) < 0.1 (0.1) N/A N/A N/A Kingfish - black 0.2 (0.3) 0.1 (0.4) 0.1 (0.6) 0.2 (0.7) < 0.1 (0.3) Mackerel - grey 0.1 (1.7) 0.1 (1) 0.1 (1.9) 0.7 (0.9) 0.2 (0.5) Mackerel - school N/A 0.8 (0.6) 1.4 (1.2) 2.5 (1.9) 3 (3) Mackerel - Spanish 2.5 (2.3) 2.6 (2.9) 3.2 (4) 4.9 (2.2) 3.9 (3.5) Mackerel - spotted 0.1 (0.4) N/A N/A N/A 4 (0.3) Mackerel – unspecified* 0.7 (4.1) 0.5 (3.9) 0.8 (1.7) 0.3 (1.5) 0.4 (4.3) Mangrove jack 0.4 (3) 0.5 (3.1) 0.4 (2.9) 0.1 (1.8) 0.2 (1.2) Nannygai – unspecified* N/A N/A 0.3 (0.4) N/A N/A Other fish* < 0.1 (5.6) 0.1 (6.7) 0.1 (5.2) < 0.1 (5.4) 0.1 (3.9) Perch - moses 2.4 (3.3) 1.4 (2.9) 1 (2.4) 0.6 (2) 0.3 (1.1) Queenfish* 1.7 (30.7) 2.3 (30.1) 2.8 (25.8) 2 (25.9) 2 (16) Shark - unspecified* 0.5 (1.6) 1.1 (2.7) 1.9 (2.5) N/A N/A Stripey - Spanish flag < 0.1 (0.3) N/A < 0.1 (< 0.1) N/A N/A Sweetlip - unspecified* 0.3 (0.2) 0.3 (0.2) 0.5 (0.3) 0.2 (0.1) N/A Threadfin - blue 7.2 (1.6) 7.1 (1.6) 7.9 (1.6) 12.4 (2.2) 9.3 (0.3) Threadfin - King 0.5 (0.7) 0.7 (1.1) 0.8 (0.7) 0.5 (0.5) 0.7 (0.1) Threadfin - unspecified* 0.2 (0.5) < 0.1 (0.8) < 0.1 (0.6) < 0.1 (0.4) < 0.1 (< 0.1) Trevally - brassy 1.4 (1.3) N/A N/A N/A N/A Trevally - giant 0.4 (4.7) 0.1 (3.7) 0.4 (4.7) < 0.1 (6) < 0.1 (3.1) Trevally - golden 0.2 (6.6) 0.2 (4.9) 0.2 (6.1) 0.1 (4.6) < 0.1 (5.2) Trevally - unspecified* 0.3 (8.4) 0.4 (11.1) 0.5 (11.2) 0.2 (5.9) 0.2 (3) Tuna - long tail 1 (7.3) 0.5 (6.9) 0.7 (5.4) 0.2 (2.4) 0.5 (2.8) Tuna - other* 0.6 (4.8) 1.2 (5.8) 1.6 (10.8) 1.5 (7.3) 1.5 (8.3) Tusk fish* 0.3 (0.9) 0.3 (0.4) < 0.1 (0.4) N/A N/A Grand Total (inc.<5 boat data) 38 (134.4) 40.2 (133.5) 47.2 (125.7) 50.9 (106.1) 47.5 (85.2)

* The harvest comprises a number of species.

Indigenous

Harvest by Indigenous fishers within the bounds of the GOCIFFF has not been estimated. DPI&F are working to develop data collection systems to fill this information gap.

The most recent data were collected during the 2000–01 National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey (NRIFS) across northern Australia. This was reported on in the Annual Status Report for 2006 (DPI&F 2007).

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 7 Spatial issues/trends

Catch and effort for the key target species—barramundi, grey mackerel and tropical sharks—are effectively spread through the fishery and there are no indications of localised depletions.

Socio-economic Barramundi Shark-all Mackerel-Grey Threadfin-King Threadfin-Blue Other species characteristics and trends 14

The fishery has averaged approximately 12 $11 million in GVP since 2003. Major components of the GVP trend are 10 barramundi, grey mackerel and king 8 threadfin. . 6 GVP ($million) Fishery performance 4

Appraisal of fishery in regard 2 to sustainability 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 The fishery is regarded as being managed in a precautionary and sustainable Figure 10: Annual total and species breakdown of GVP manner. This has resulted in relatively for the GOCIFFF from 2003 to 2007 (Source: DPI&F stable catch levels and a steady catch CFISH database, 30 July 2008) rate trend for the major commercial species, barramundi.

Target species are considered fully exploited. Some concern is held for the sustainability of shark species and grey mackerel at current catch levels because of the paucity of information on the species. Preliminary stock assessments have been conducted recently for grey mackerel and blacktip sharks. Finer detail information on commercial catch of sharks is being collected through revisions to the logbook to include more shark species. A shark identification guide which was distributed to fishers in 2008 to facilitate better catch discrimination in the logbooks. A project is currently examining GOC grey mackerel stocks (see Research and monitoring section).

Assessments of the sustainability of GOC fisheries will also need to factor in the potential impact of illegal foreign fishing activities in the region. The detection of illegal, unreported and unlicensed (IUU) fishing has increased across northern Australia and numerous vessels have been reported fishing within the bounds of the GOCIFFF (see Other ecosystem impacts section). The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) are currently investigating the catch composition of confiscated product from apprehended vessels.

Progress in implementing Department of the Environment and Water Resources (DEWHA) recommendations

DEWHA made a range of recommendations to DPI&F during its first assessment of the GOCIFFF in August 2004. DEWHA’s assessment of progress against these recommendations can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/fisheries/qld/fin-fish/report-2007.html

DEWHA made a range of recommendations to DPI&F during its second assessment of the GOCIFFF in August 2007 in order to address any perceived risks or uncertainties. Details of the

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 8 progress DPI&F has made in implementing each of these recommendations are provided in Table 3.

Table 3. Progress against Round 2 DEWHA recommendations for the GOCIFFF

Conditions and Recommendations Progress Statement

Condition 2. DPI&F to inform DEWHA of any Ongoing intended amendments to the management There were no changes to management arrangements arrangements that may affect sustainability of the up to January 2009. A number of amendments to target species or negatively impact on protected Queensland legislation that will impact on this species or the ecosystem. fishery will take effect from March 1, 2009. These amendments are outlined below.

Part 13 Condition 1: DPI&F to prohibit the In progress retention of all EPBC Act listed Chondrichthyan The EPBC Act listed Chondrichthyan species in the species in the GOCIFF as a priority, but by no later GOCIFF are: than 31 July 2009. Critically Endangered species

• Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias taurus) - East Coast population • Speartooth Shark (Glyphis sp. A) Endangered species

• Northern River Shark (Glyphis sp. C) Vulnerable

• Whale Shark (Rhincodon typhus) • Freshwater sawfish (Pristis microdon) • Green sawfish (Pristis zijron)

This recommendation will be met through the amendments to Queensland legislation that prohibit the take of these EPBC Act listed shark species. The amendment takes effect from 1 March 2009.

Recommendation 1: DPI&F to prohibit the In progress retention of all EPBC Act listed Chondrichthyan This recommendation will be met through the species in the GOCIFF. amendments to Queensland legislation described in the Progress against Part 13 Condition 1.

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 9 Conditions and Recommendations Progress Statement

Recommendation 2: As a part of the review of In progress the Fisheries (Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish) This recommendation will be met through the Management Plan 1999, DPI&F to specifically amendments of Queensland legislation that prohibit consider the management of CITES listed species, the take of any members of the Pristidae family (i.e., in particular members of the Pristidae family. sawfish), great white and whale sharks as described above. Legislation currently prohibits the take of the CITES listed humphead wrasse.

Recommendation 3: DPI&F to monitor annual In progress catch and catch rate trends (validated by The GOCIFFF interacts with the following non-listed observers) of those non-listed shark species shark species identified as ‘least sustainable’ in the identified as ‘least sustainable’ in the Northern Northern Australian Sharks and Rays Phase II project: Australian Sharks and Rays Phase II project (FRDC Project number 2002/064) to ensure that risks to Pigeye shark—Carcharinus amboinensis the sustainability of these species are identified. Bull shark—Carcharinus leacus Blacktip shark—Carcharinus limbatus Australian Blacktip shark—Carcharinus tilstoni Snaggletooth shark—Hemipristis elongata Great Hammerhead shark—Sphyrna mokarran Giant Shovelnose ray—Rhinobatos typus

New commercial logbooks have been issued for the N3 and N9 fisheries since 2006 and 2007 respectively, requiring operators to identify the species of shark taken to at least major shark and ray species groups. The N9 fishery targets and catches the majority of shark in the GOCIFFF. The N9 logbook therefore requires finer species resolution including: blacktip whalers, spot-tail shark, milk sharks, spinner shark, creek whaler, whitecheek shark, pigeye shark, graceful shark, sharptooth lemon shark, tiger shark, snaggletooth shark, hammerhead, winged hammerhead, shovelnose ray, guitarfish, sawfish, other sharks and mixed shark.

A minimum of three years of data are required to monitor for trends in the catches and catch rates for these species. Monitoring of data from 2006 to 2008 will be reported in the next Annual Status Report.

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 10 Conditions and Recommendations Progress Statement

Recommendation 4: DPI&F to continue to Ongoing improve estimates of recreational and Indigenous DPI&F are currently running a state-wide recreational harvest. Once available, DPI&F to take estimates diary program which will provide some coverage of of IUU fishing, recreational and Indigenous the GOC. This program is an ongoing revised diary harvests into account in stock assessments and program focused on recreational boat owners. A to introduce management arrangements to participation telephone survey is also being planned mitigate any risks identified. for 2009.

On 1 October 2008 new restrictions were introduced with regards to traditional and customary fishing. New provisions detailed purpose of use, permitted apparatus and location restrictions which functionally limits the scope of Indigenous harvest.

IUU fishing vessel incursions in GOC waters have decreased significantly over the last two years due largely to increased apprehension rates at home ports in West Papua. During 2007 there were nine apprehensions of illegal foreign fishing vessels in the GOC. All apprehended vessels were Indonesian shark boats which sailed from homeports in West Papua (Beckmann, 2008).

Recommendation 5: Within 2 years, DPI&F to In progress analyse the number, rate and type of protected Information to support this review is being collected. species interactions of the SOCI data compared to DPI&F intend to meet this recommendation by the the observer data available and review the due date. adequacy of the protected species interactions information collection system. DPI&F to implement further measures to mitigate interactions, if necessary.

Recommendation 6: As a part of the review of In progress the Performance Measurement System, DPI&F to DPI&F will be reviewing the GOCIFFF PMS in 2009. It include an objective and performance measure will include a measure related to ecosystem impacts. related to GOCIFFF impacts on the ecosystem.

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 11 Management performance

In March 2008, review events contained in the Gulf Management Plan were removed from legislation to be replaced with a Performance Measurement System (PMS) for the GOCIFFF. The benefits of a non-regulatory (i.e. not legislated) approach to regular review of the fishery includes reduced complexity and increased flexibility of management, and consistency in monitoring fishery performance. Removal of the review arrangements from legislation provides a more regular review process of sustainability benchmarks as well as a more adaptive monitoring framework that is better able to meet changing management needs.

The GOCIFFF PMS was developed in consultation with the Gulf Management Advisory Committee (GulfMAC) in 2006. Analysis of the performance of the GOCIFFF against these measures indicates that there were one performance measure was triggered in the reporting period (Table 4). This matter is considered dealt with and no further management response is required at this stage.

Table 4: Performance against the review events in the GOCIFFF Performance Measurement System.

Performance Measure Performance

Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) Not triggered The standardised commercial catch rate declines There has been an increasing trend in CPUE by more than 30% over a three period. (kg/100m² net/day) for barramundi since 2004.

King Threadfin (Polydactylus macrochir) Not triggered The standardised commercial catch rate declines King Threadfin catch rates (kg/100m² net/day) have by more than 30% over a three period. been relatively steady since 2004.

Grey mackerel (Scomberomorus sexfasciatus) Not triggered—both measures Until a sustainable yield estimate is determined, Catches increased by approximately 10% and catch the annual limit reference points for catch of this rates (kg/100m² net/day) by 23% in 2007 when species exceeds: compared to their respective five year averages (2002–2006). • ± 30% of the average annual commercial catch for the previous five years; and

• ± 30% of the average annual standardised commercial catch rate for the previous five years.

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 12 Performance Measure Performance

Whaler and hammerhead sharks Not measured

• Standardised commercial catch rate for New more detailed logbooks that recorded whaler sharks or hammerhead sharks separated information for hammerhead and whaler declines by more than 30% over a three year sharks only came into effect in the N3 in 2006 and period. N9 in 2007. Standardised catch rate are unable to be determined for a three year period. This measure will

be reported against for the 2008 effort year.

Not triggered • Any increase in the number of licences for Ten licences in 2006 caught more than 20% which shark catches exceed 20% of the total compared with four licences in 2007. catch of the licence (this is an interim measure pending review of the Fisheries (Gulf of Carpentaria Fin Fish) Management Plan 1999.

Guitarfish (Rhynchobatus spp) and Shovelnose Not measured—three years of data are required Rays (Rhinobatos spp) No reference point has been assigned to this performance measure. The indicator will be monitored annually, however a minimum of three years of data are required to measure performance of the indicator. In the interim, a decreasing trend in mortality during the most recent three year period as reported by observers and/or SOCI logbooks is acceptable for the sustainability of guitarfish and shovelnose rays.

Bycatch Species A. Not measured

A. The proportion of bycatch in the total catch The average proportion of bycatch of the total catch should not increase above the average of the (in numbers) from 2000 to 2005 was 18%. There previous five years (No reference point has were no observer trips in 2007 to measure against been assigned to this performance measure. this indicator. Observer coverage in the GOCIFFF is The indicator will be monitored annually. Six planned for 2009. years of data are required to measure B. Not measured performance of the indicator). There were no observer trips in 2007 to measure B. The number of bycatch species increases by against this indicator. more than 10% over a five year period. C. Not measured C. The numerical abundance of any category of bycatch relative to the total numerical There were no observer trips in 2007 to measure abundance of bycatch increases by more than against this indicator. 50% over the previous five year period.

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 13 Performance Measure Performance

Protected species Not triggered

• The annual rate of interactions recorded in N9: The maximum annual rate (interactions/year) SOCI logbooks should not exceed the expanded data) for the major SOCI animals in the N9 historical maximum annual rate of fishery from 2000 to 2005 were as follows: interactions recorded for the N3 and N9 • Green turtle—21 components of the fishery: • Flatback turtle—24 N9 - the annual rate of interactions should not exceed the maximum annual rate of • Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphin—13 interactions recorded by fisheries observers • Indian Ocean bottlenose dolphin—48 between 2000 and 2005. The maximum levels were not triggered with no SOCI N3 - Maximum annual rate not yet set. SOCI interactions N9 licences reported in 2007. logbooks represent the first systematic recording of protected species interaction N3: Maximum levels will be set based on the number levels for the N3 component of the fishery and of interactions recorded in SOCI logbooks for 2007 in will be used to set the reference limit. A the N3 fishery. All SOCI interactions in the N3 fishery determination of the maximum interaction are reported in Table 5. These will be used to set rate will be made after assessment of maximum trigger levels for measuring against in the variability in three years of SOCI logbook data. 2008 reporting year. A preliminary benchmark will be set after the Triggered end of 2007 following one year of SOCI logbook data collection. Green sawfish (Pristis zijsron) were listed as vulnerable under the Environment Protection and • The conservation status under the EPBC Act Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) in changes for species with which the fishery March 2008. interacts. This listing makes it illegal to kill, harm or take green sawfish in Commonwealth waters. The latest data on this species has been included in a Draft Issues Paper that will form the basis of a national multiple species recovery plan for Green Sawfish (Pristis zijsron), Freshwater Sawfish (Pristis microdon), Speartooth Shark (Glyphis sp. A) and Northern River Shark (Glyphis sp. C). DPI&F have responded to this triggered measure through amendments of Queensland legislation that prohibit the take of any members of the Pristidae family. DPI&F also sit on the National Shark Working Group which is responsible for the development of the national multiple species recovery plan. DPI&F consider that no further management action is required in response to this performance measure being triggered.

Resource concerns

DEWHA has expressed concern at the unknown status of shark species and grey mackerel, which is the result of a paucity of information. DPI&F and Northern Territory Fisheries have recently completed stock assessments for these species.

The assessment of grey mackerel stocks suggested that stock levels in Queensland GOC waters were declining in 2003. The assessment also suggested that there was a slight decline in grey mackerel stocks GOC-wide (although with wide confidence limits). Commercial catches and the

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 14 catch rate for grey mackerel have been relatively stable since 2003 (Figure 4). The species will continue to be closely monitored by DPI&F.

An ecological risk assessment (Zeller & Snape 2006) of harvested species in the Queensland GOC also identified grey mackerel as being at high risk from the effects of harvesting, and a number of management actions have been proposed to lessen the harvesting pressure on this species. The impacts of the N3 and N9 net fisheries on breeding stocks of target shark species, barramundi and king salmon were all ranked as moderate. No other retained commercial GOCIFFF species received a risk ranking above ‘low’. A review of the risk assessment is expected to commence in 2009. Ecosystem

Non-retained species / bycatch

The GOC commercial net fisheries have low levels of bycatch and are unlikely to significantly impact on the populations or the biodiversity of species groups that are discarded during fishing operations (Halliday et al. 2001). Bycatch is monitored in the net fishery by DPI&F at-sea observers (see Fishery Observer Program section).

Recreational and charter fisheries have high levels of bycatch because of the popularity of catch-and-release of fish for sporting reasons and to comply with regulated fish provisions relating to sizes and species. The fate of discarded fish in the recreational fishery is not known; however, survival is likely to be high for average-sized fish that are not unduly harmed during the handling and release stages (de Lestang, Griffin & Allsop 2004).

No data on the level of bycatch in the Indigenous subsistence sector of the fishery are available, but the level is likely to be very low.

Interactions with protected species

Table 5. Interactions with species of conservation interest reported by commercial net fishers in the GOCIFFF in 2007

Number of Species Fate of interaction interactions Green turtle 6 All released alive Hawksbill turtle 2 All released alive Leatherback turtle 2 All released alive Offshore bottlenose dolphin 1 All released alive

Saltwater crocodile 1 Released dead

19 released alive Sawfish - freshwater 21 2 released dead

This is the first year of comprehensive reporting by commercial net fishers of protected species interactions through the Species of Conservation Interest (SOCI) logbook. The 2007 logbook data indicate that the level of interactions (capture, mortality and/or injury) with endangered, threatened or protected species in the GOCIFFF commercial net fisheries is low. A total of 33 interactions occurred with 97% of interacted animals released alive (Table 5).

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 15 Fishery impacts on the ecosystem

Commercial net fishing, recreational line fishing and Indigenous fishing activities are essentially passive fishing methods that have little effect on the ecosystem and the more general environment.

Tropical commercial net fisheries target high-order predator fish species with highly selective fishing gear types and methods, and catch small amounts of bycatch relative to other net fisheries (such as trawl fishing). A study of tropical Queensland estuaries found that the abundance of competing predator and prey species in areas closed to commercial fishing was similar to levels in areas open to fishing (Halliday et al. 2001).

At current levels of fishing effort, the GOC commercial net fisheries are likely to be having little impact on ecologically related, associated or dependent fish species.

Other ecosystem impacts

Workshops

A Threats and Impacts workshop was held in Darwin during May 2008. Attendees comprised a variety of backgrounds spanning DEWHA, CSIRO, universities, private companies and Fisheries management agencies. The workshop examined threatening processes and their impacts in the North Marine Region. It provided key input into the Draft North Marine Bioregional Plan as part of the Marine Bioregional Planning program being undertaken by DEWHA. The Bioregional Plan is part of a strategy to develop a national representative system of marine protected areas around Australia and may have an impact on the management of the GOCIFFF.

Foreign and illegal fishery activities

Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing vessel incursions in GOC waters are a recognised threat to the sustainability of northern Australian fisheries. During 2007 there were a total of nine apprehensions recorded by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) in the GOC. All apprehended vessels were Indonesian boats orginating from homeports in West Papua (Indonesia) and equipped to predominately target shark (Beckmann, 2008). Concerns are held for the take of protected species and other species of conservation interest.

Measures of IUU activities over the past 20 months have shown a marked decrease in illegal foreign fishing in the GOC due to increased apprehension rates at home ports in West Papua. General surveillance sightings for the same period have also decreased (Beckmann, 2008).

Threats from invasive fish species

Specimens of the ecologically damaging pest fish species, Tilapia mariae and Oreochromis mossambicus, which may migrate into the GOC river catchments. Collectively known as tilapia, these declared noxious fish species can degrade natural freshwater and coastal river and stream habitats and aggressively displace native fish species. Although restricted to freshwater and brackish environments, tilapia could have a negative impact on important GOC fisheries species such as barramundi and mangrove jack, which rely on these habitats as feeding areas and for critical parts of their life cycle.

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 16 A small population of the African Black Cichlid, Tilapia mariae, was recently discovered in Eureka Creek in the GOC river catchment in 2008 by a DPI&F surveillance program. An attempt to eradicate this population was completed in December 2008. DPI&F will continue to conduct surveillance to evaluate the overall success of the eradication. Research and monitoring

Recent research and implications

DPI&F collaborated on a multi-jurisdiction, multi-agency and multi-technique FRDC-funded project determining stock boundaries for grey mackerel across northern Australia. The project identified at least five separate stocks (management units) of adult grey mackerel across northern Australia: a distinct Western Australian stock, a north western NT stock, a Gulf of Carpentaria stock, a northern east coast stock that includes the Port Douglas and Townsville regions, and a southern east coast stock separated somewhere between Townsville and Mackay. Despite some variability in the Gulf of Carpentaria samples, the project concluded that the entire Gulf should be treated as a single management unit and recommended that catches continue to be monitored spatially within the Gulf.

Other projects relevant to the GOCIFFF in which DPI&F is an active participant in include:

FRDC 2007/032 – Defining the stock structure of northern Australia’s threadfin salmon species (2007–10). This project is focusing on the king and blue threadfins and adopts an integrated approach similar to that used in the FRDC grey mackerel stock structure research.

NHT PID 676 – Development of a community based natural resource management program with sawfish as the initial focus. This project is designed to empower communities to be actively involved in the strategic planning and decision-making phases in the sustainable management of our natural resources on a regional and national scale. The four sawfish species inhabiting the GOC will be used as case study species, with an emphasis on the endangered freshwater sawfish.

Monitoring programs and results

Long Term Monitoring Program

DPI&F has conducted a long-term monitoring program to monitor Queensland’s barramundi fishery since 2000. Biological parameters are tracked through time to detect possible changes in the size of barramundi retained, and the absence or reduced strength of length and age classes. The barramundi monitoring program has reported summarised information through Annual Status Reports since 2006∗

From 2000 to 2006, the program utilised both fishery independent and dependant methods for data collection. A review of the program in 2006 suggested methods should be revised to better meet resource assessment needs (e.g. stock assessments, Performance Measurement Systems). Under the revised program, length, sex and age data, together with catch and effort data from the DPI&F Commercial Fisheries Information System (CFISH) and Recreational

∗ Summarised information on the barramundi monitoring program from 2000 to 2002 is available at http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/28_11153_ENA_HTML.htm

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 17 Fisheries Information System (RFISH) are used in population models to estimate the spawning stock biomass of barramundi on a year to year basis. The assessment provides a tool for managers, warning of stock reductions or highlighting improvements in barramundi stocks throughout Queensland.

DPI&F implemented the revised monitoring program in 2007. The revised methodology now utilises only fishery dependent methods to provide annual catch information on representative length, age and sex. Sampling strategies employed to collect barramundi in the 2007 sampling season in the GOC included:

• collecting length, sex data and otoliths directly from commercial fishers during fishing operations • working with commercial operators to provide length data or samples (heads or fish frames) from their catch • collecting length, sex data and otoliths directly from anglers participating in organised fishing tournaments • working with charter operators to measure fish from their clients’ retained catch.

Collectively, these strategies provided 787 length measurements from 173 commercial catches and 145 from 78 recreational catches of barramundi in 2007.

Recreational samples were taken at fishing competitions or through charter operators. DPI&F implemented a ‘Keen Angler Program’, in the Gulf of Carpentaria in 2008 to increase the number of barramundi samples from the recreational sector outside of major fishing competitions. The program involves asking recreational fishers to provide length data or samples (heads or fish frames) from their catch. This will help to ensure that the data is more representative of all sectors across all areas.

Fisheries Observer Program The primary objectives of the Fisheries Observer Program (FOP) in the GOCIFFF are to collect fishery dependent information to:

• Validate the accuracy of catch and effort data detailed within logbooks • Detail the composition and fate of species of conservation interest (SOCI), and validate data supplied through SOCI logbooks • Determine composition of bycatch for the fishery. These objectives are achieved by collecting information on:

• Total catch numbers, size and form of product retained (target and by-product species) • Catch per unit effort • Total species catch compositions (target, by-product and bycatch) • Vessel and gear information (number and lengths of nets, net mesh size, net set types) • Interactions with SOCI.

There was limited coverage in the GOCIFFF for the 2007 fishing year, as a single trip with 10 observer sea days was conducted for observer training. The GOCIFFF has a diverse range of netting operations targeting a range of target fish species; including barramundi, threadfin,

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 18 queenfish, trevally, garfish/bait, sharks and mackerel. The Observer survey was carried out in the inshore barramundi and threadfin sub-fishery to train an observer on inshore fisheries species and operations.

From the observed GOCIFFF net sets in 2007, approximately 24 different species were recorded at the start of the fishing season in the southern region. By number, 60.7% were retained as target product, 12.1% were discarded as unwanted target product, none were discarded SOCI and 27.2% were discarded bycatch. King threadfin were the most common species captured, comprising 47.4% of the catch (82.6% retained), followed by blue salmon with 7.8% (83.5% retained) and barramundi with 5.9% (95% retained) of the total catch. Largest contributor to bycatch were winghead hammerheads, with 13.5% of the total catch.

SOCI interactions observed in 2007, from 37 observed net sets, involved no listed species. The FOP ensures fishers are educated and up to date on best practice handling and release techniques for SOCI to maximise fisher safety and SOCI post-handling survival.

Performance measures on Species of Interest

Seven narrow sawfish, two white spotted guitarfish and zero giant shovelnose interactions were observed, and all were released alive. Average CPUE for narrow sawfish and white spotted guitarfish were 0.12 and 0.05 (per hour per 500 m of net set), respectively.

Future directions

The DPI&F FOP functions on a voluntary basis within this fishery. Vessels are contacted and encouraged to participate in the program. Observer days have been allocated in 2009 to continue to investigate the GOCIFFF.

Collaborative research

DPI&F is a partner in a number of research projects currently under way in the GOC. These are outlined in the Recent research and implications section. Fishery management

Compliance report

During 2007, 61 inspections were conducted in the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery, including 53 inspections of commercial fishing vessels. The majority of the remaining inspections were of marketing premises. Recreational fishing activities in the Gulf of Carpentaria are not included in this report.

During the period, 12 offences were detected in associated with nine inspections, corresponding to a compliance rate of 85% on units inspected. This does not include offences relating to unattended, incorrectly marked equipment. A summary of offences is provided in Table 6. Offences

Offences are reported as either a Fisheries Infringement Notice (FIN); Caution (FIN Caution or official caution issued by Legal); or Prosecution (to proceed by complaint summons).

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 19

Table 6: Offences recorded in the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery in 2007.

OFFENCE FIN Prosecution Caution Contravened closed waters - 1 - Unlawfully used or possessed fishing apparatus - 2 2 Unlawfully did an act that must only be done by the holder of an - 1 1 authority Commercial fisher used more than the prescribed number of apparatus - - 1 Took fish for trade or commerce with apparatus not marked in the 2 - - prescribed way Recreational fisher used or possessed a net 2 - - TOTAL 4 4 4

In addition to the above inspections and offences, three unattended monofilament nets were seized during the period. Compliance Risk Assessment

A compliance risk assessment was conducted for this fishery in April 2006 in order to determine compliance priorities and allow the most effective use of QBFP resources. Detailed strategies to address the risks identified by this assessment have been developed through QBFP strategic and operational planning processes. The risk assessment will be reviewed in 2009.

Changes to management arrangements in the reporting year There were no changes to management arrangements up to January 2009. A number of amendments to Queensland legislation that will impact on this fishery will take effect from March 1, 2009. These amendments are outlined below.

A number of proposed arrangements also remain under consideration. These include in- possession limits for shark and grey mackerel for fishers who are not authorised to target these species.

Consultation, communication and education

Consultation with stakeholders in the GOCIFFF mainly occurs through GulfMAC. Two meetings were held in 2007. GulfMAC provides advice to the Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority (QFJA) and DPI&F on management measures for the GOCIFFF.

Complementary management Fisheries researchers and managers from State, Territory and Commonwealth jurisdictions meet annually at the Northern Australia Fisheries Management Forum to review current research, set research priorities and consider management strategies to facilitate the development and implementation of complementary management for shared fisheries resources.

References

Beckmann, A (Australian Fisheries Management Authority), email, 8 September 2008.

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 20 de Lestang, P, Griffin, RK & Allsop, QA 2004, Assessment of the post-release survival and stress physiology of barramundi (Lates calcarifer). FRDC Project No. 2002/039, Northern Territory Government, Department of Business, Industry and Resource Development. DPI&F 2007, Annual status report. Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Finfish Fishery. 2007, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane. Halliday, IA, Ley, JA, Tobin, A, Garrett, R, Gribble, NA & Mayer, DG 2001, The effects of net fishing: addressing biodiversity and bycatch issues in Queensland inshore waters (FRDC Project no. 97/206), Department of Primary Industries, Queensland. Roelofs, AJ 2003, Ecological Assessment of the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Finfish Fishery - A report to Environment Australia on the sustainable management of a multi-species tropical gillnet fishery, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane. Zeller, B & Snape, N 2006, Ecological Risk Assessment of Queensland-managed fisheries in the Gulf of Carpentaria. A report to the Australian Government on ecological risk assessment requirements set out in Wildlife Trade Operation approvals for Gulf fisheries under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries, Brisbane.

Information compiled by Anthony Roelofs

Acknowledgements Shane Hansford, Prasadini Salgado, Anna Garland, Jason Stapley, Darren Rose, Dr Tracey Scott-Holland, Nadia Engstrom and Michelle Winning.

Front cover image Barramundi (Lates calcarifer)

Annual Status Report 2008—Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 21 PR08–3142