Annual status report 2009 Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin

Queensland Primary Industries and , part of the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI), 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 Employment, Economic Development and Innovation 2009.

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Fishery profile 2008

Species targeted Total number of commercial licences in 2008

N3 inshore–Barramundi, King and Blue Threadfins N3–86; N9–5

N9 offshore–Tropical Shark and Grey Mackerel

Recreational–as above (except for Tropical Shark) as well as Mangrove Jack, Cod and Red Snappers

Total harvest from all sectors Commercial licences accessing the fishery in 2008

2146 t N3–76; N9–3

Commercial harvest Fishery season

2004 t Commercial (30 January 2008 to midday 7 October 2008). Taking/possessing Barramundi outside of the commercial

fishery season is prohibited for all sectors.

Recreational harvest (2005) Fishery symbols approximately 101 t N3, N9, N6 (bait)

Indigenous harvest Monitoring undertaken

1 approximately 420 000 fish Fishery dependent sampling & compulsory daily commercial fisher logbooks

Charter harvest FOP days monitored in 2008

41 t 53

Commercial Gross Value of Production (GVP) Accreditation under the EPBC Act

$12.45 million Yes2–Expires: 20 August 2010

Allocation between sectors Logbook validation

93% commercial; 5% recreational; 3% charter Nil

Total exports Quota managed

Predominantly domestic product, except for shark fin, No which is exported to Asian markets.

Key fish resources Stock status

Barramundi, Tropical Sharks, Grey Mackerel, , Blue Threadfin Not assessed

Comments: The key resources listed above will be assessed as a part of the QPIF stock status workshop program during 2009–10.

1 Total North Queensland estimate only—includes Indigenous fishers outside the Gulf of Carpentaria. 2 Wildlife Trade Operation approval granted 20 August 2007 Approved under Part 13 of the EPBC Act subject to conditions applied under section 303FT (re-accredited 10 April 2008 to reflect the new Fisheries Regulation 2008 management arrangements).

Annual status report—Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 2

Introduction methods include the use of spears, stone fish traps and nets; the catch is solely for use by the community. The Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (GOCIFFF) is a multi- fishery comprising a commercial inshore (N3) net fishery, a commercial offshore (N9) net fishery, commercial bait netting (N11) and recreational , Indigenous fishing and charter boat fishing of species related to the GOCIFFF within the Queensland jurisdiction of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

This report covers fishing activity during the 2008 calendar year and any changes management arrangements up to August 2009. Fishery description Fishing area and methods

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 and foreshores3 and out to 7 nm from the , while the N9 net fishery operates further offshore, between 7 and 25 nm. Figure 1: Map of Gulf of Carpentaria gillnet fishery. Fishers in both the N3 and N9 net fisheries are authorised to use set mesh nets to harvest fin fish. Key Species

There are different restrictions on allowable net length, Barramundi drop and mesh size for each fishery (see Roelofs The Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) is a large predatory 2003). fish species that can grow to 150 cm TL, 60 kg and over N3 fishery mesh nets are set in estuaries, on 30 years of age. It is found in coastal regions of tropical foreshores and in offshore waters out to 7 nautical Australia and throughout much of the Indo-West Pacific miles (nm) from the territorial sea baseline. Most and is dependent on fresh and estuarine waters to fishers prefer to use mesh net sizes that selectively complete its life cycle. The biology and genetic stock catch fish of a size meeting market demand for fillet structure of Barramundi in northern Australia, including product. Licence holders in the N9 fishery are the Gulf of Carpentaria is well understood. Generally, authorised to use set mesh nets with a maximum net fish spawn around river mouths and the post larvae length of 1200 m. The commercial bait (N6) fishery and juveniles migrate to nearby coastal swamps, uses small-mesh (25–45 mm) set nets; there are lagoons and upstream freshwater areas that serve as restrictions on the length of net used. protected, food rich nursery habitats.

Recreational fishers primarily use hook and line to King Threadfin catch target fish species, as well as cast and seine nets King Threadfin ( macrochir) is a large to catch baitfish species. predatory fish species that can grow to 150 cm TL and The Indigenous communities in the Gulf of Carpentaria 30 kg in weight, and is found in tropical estuarine and (GOC) use traditional subsistence fishing methods for inshore waters around northern Australia. It is customary purposes, as well as recreational fishing distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The practices to catch finfish and crabs. Traditional fishing King Threadfin starts life as a male, reaching sexual maturity at around 60-80 cm TL at 2-4 years of age, and changes to a female later in life at around 70-100 cm TL 3 Excluding areas closed to commercial fishing.

Annual status report—Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 3 at 4-8 years of age. There appears to be a separate populations. It is likely that a single genetic stock genetic stock of King Threadfin in the GOC. exists across these areas.

Tropical Sharks Main management methods used Commercial harv est of Tropical Sharks consists mainly Queensland Primary Industries & Fisheries (QPIF) of whaler sharks, in particular the Australian blacktip manages the commercial, recreational and Indigenous whaler (Carcharhinus tilstoni) and sorrah whaler components of the GOCIFFF through Queensland’s (Carcharhinus sorrah). The sharks that dominate the Fisheries Act 1994, Fisheries Regulation 2008 and GOC fisheries generally attain sexual maturity at over Fisheries (Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish) 1m in total length at around 3–4 years of age. They are Management Plan 1999 (Gulf Management Plan). The viviparous, generally producing three to five pups harvest of Grey Mackerel, sharks and rays is managed during summer months after a 7–12 month gestation. jointly between the State and the Commonwealth Tropical Shark species in the GOC generally have an through the Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority Indo-West Pacific distribution. (QFJA). The Gulf Management Plan is currently under Grey Mackerel review and a new plan is planned to be in force in 2010. Grey Mackerel (Scomberomorus semifasciatus) is a pelagic species endemic to waters across northern The GOCIFFF is managed to optimise sustainable Australia and adjacent PNG and larvae and juveniles fisheries production and protect spawning target are dependent on estuarine and inshore habitats species using a variety of input controls, including: (Cameron & Begg 2002). They are a fast growing • limited entry (commercial fishery only) species with total length (TL) at first maturity for • boat and gear restrictions females of 75 cm TL and males of 65 cm TL at between • spatial and temporal closures one and two years of age. • possession limits • fish size limits. Mangrove Jack

The Mangrove Jack (Lutjanus argentimaculatus) is Catch statistics targeted by the recreational and Indigenous fishing sectors in northern Australia for food and sport. The Commercial species has a wide distribution spanning from tropical The GOCIFFF is a multi-species fishery with Barramundi, Australia, throughout the Indo-west pacific, to Samoa Grey Mackerel and tropical sharks dominating the and Africa (Russell et al. 2003). Mangrove Jack are a catch. Commercial net fishers are skilled at targeting by-product in the commercial line, net and trawl particular species and are responsive to factors such fisheries in the GOC. They are also caught as by- as abundance and catchability, time of year and product in the Western Australia and Northern Territory market demand. Commercial catch and effort statistics finfish trawl fisheries. presented in this report should be considered with Mangrove Jack have distinct inshore (juvenile) and fisher behaviour in mind. offshore (adult) phases in the life histories and prefer Total commercial harvest in the GOC N3 and N9 gillnet complex habitats (snags, reefs, shoals, rock bars etc.) fisheries was higher in 2008 compared to 2007 (Table to open sand and mud areas. In Queensland, most 1). The target species (Barramundi, Grey Mackerel, King mangrove jack mature at about 450mm and 7 years for Threadfin and Black Tip Whaler Sharks) comprised the males and about 510mm and 8 years for females. They majority of the increased catch (Table 2). can attain a maximum length greater than 650mm and are long lived with some individuals estimated at 37 Table 1: Total commercial catch (t) and effort (days) in the GOCIFFF 2003-08 (N3 and N9 combined) (Source: QPIF years old (Russell et al. 2003). CFISH database, 24 July 2009). Genetic studies by Russell et al. (2003) suggest a high Year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 level of gene flow between Queensland east coast, Total Catch (t) 2 027 2 195 1 858 1 858 1 690 2 004 GOC and northern Australia Mangrove Jack Effort (days) 28 987 29 795 24 232 23 932 21 799 21 697

Annual status report—Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 4 There has been a general trend in rising catch rates for suggests there is a single genetic stock for Grey Barramundi since 2003 (Figure 2) while catches and Mackerel in the GOC that is share d between catch rates for King Threadfin have been steady since Queensland and Northern Territory jurisdictions (Welch 2005 (Figure 3). et al. 2009). Increases in catches for Grey Mackerel will be monitored closely in relation to catches in the Catches for Grey Mackerel were higher in 2008 while Northern Territory which averaged about 74 t from catch rates rose slightly (Figure 4). Recent research 2005–08.

Table 2: Species composition of the commercial catch (t) in the GOCIFFF 2003–08 (N3 and N9 combined) (Source: QPIF CFISH database, 24 July 2009).

Species Grouping 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Barramundi 548 610 492 728 617 690 Mackerel–Grey 379 468 394 382 434 608 Threadfin–King 295 308 278 302 244 283 Blacktip Whaler Shark 58 36 61 45 146 Threadfin–Blue 105 125 79 65 57 63 Other Shark * 474 376 398 164 102 39 Fish Unspecified* 52 30 33 35 40 35 Mackerel–Spanish 18 29 33 17 41 34 Queenfish* 23 34 17 14 15 26 Grunter* 31 51 26 19 20 24 Jewel 50 52 33 39 37 24 Other Fish* 9 6 5 5 4 7 Other Jewfish * 2 3 2 2 7 4 Catfish All* 6 13 7 8 - - Jewfish–Black 3 5 2 1 - - Mackerel–Other * 0 1 - - - - Pomfret* 10 16 12 6 7 - Ray* 6 2 - - - Sawfish* - - - - 1 -

* This grouping may contain multiple species

Catch (t) Effort (days/10) CPUE (kg/100m² net/day) Catch (t) Effort (days/10) CPUE (kg/100m² net/day) 1000 25 600 18 900 16 500 800 20 14 700 400 12 600 15 10 500 300 8 400 10 200 6 300 4 CPUE (kg/100m² net/day) (kg/100m² CPUE 200 5 CPUE (kg/100m² net/day)

Catch (t) and Effort (days/10) Effort (t) and Catch 100 Catch (t) and Effort (days/10) Effort and (t) Catch 100 2 0 0 0 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Figure 2: Barramundi—total reported commercial harvest (t) and Figure 3: King Threadfin—total reported commercial harvest (t) catch per unit effort (CPUE) in kg/100m²/day in the GOCIFFF and catch per unit effort (CPUE) in kg/100m²/day in the GOCIFFF 2003–08 (Source: QPIF CFISH database, 24 July 2009). 2003–08 (Source: QPIF CFISH database, 24 July 2009).

Blacktip whaler sharks (Carcharhinus tilstoni/ sharks has fluctuated between 17–38 limbatus) catches and catch rates rose in 2008 (Figure kg/100m² net/day since 2004 (Figures 5 and 6). It is 5) while catches of shark species other than blacktip difficult to assess trends in shark catches as logbook whaler sharks have been declining since 2005 reporting of specific shark species began in the N3 in (Figure 6). The commercial catch rate for all tropical 2006 and in the N9 in 2007: there is likely to be a period of adjustment in reporting until QPIF can reliably

Annual status report—Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 5 assess shark catch trends at the species/species Recreational group level in the GOCIFFF. Total effort expenditure QPIF conducted surveys to estimate catches of key (days fished) for shark has decreased since 2004 by species by recreational fishers in Queensland as part approximately 70% and significantly contributed to the of the RFISH program in 1997, 1999, 2002 and 2005. overall reduction in the tropical shark catch. These were reported in the Annual Status Report for

Catch (t) Effort (days/10) CPUE (kg/100m² net/day) 2006 (QPIF 2007). From this data, an estimated 101 t of 700 60 GOCIFFF-related species were harvested recreationally 600 50 (retained) in 2005. 500 40 400 Charter 30 300 Total harvest in the charter sector in 2008 was similar 20 200

PUE (kg/100m² net/day) (kg/100m² PUE to previous years (Table 3). Notable exceptions were tch (t) and Effort (days/10) Effort tch (t) and C

Ca 10 100 decreases in the amount of Barramundi and Coral Trout 0 0 retained and released in 2008 (Table 4). There have 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 been fewer boats reporting harvest of these species in Figure 4: Grey mackerel—total commercial harvest (t) and catch per unit effort (CPUE) in kg/100m²/day in the GOCIFFF 2003–08 recent years and is the likely reason for the lower (Source: QPIF CFISH database, 24 July 2009). catches (Table 3).

Catch (t) Effort (days/10) CPUE (kg/100m² net/day) Table 3: Total retained catch (t) and number of operators in 160 35 the charter sector of the GOC 2003–08 (Source: QPIF CFISH 140 30 database, 24 July 2009). 120 25 100 Year 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 20 80 Retained Catch (t) 37.9 39.8 47.2 50.9 48.3 40.8 15 No. of operators 43 42 40 28 30 26 60 10 40

CPUE (kg/100m² net/day) (kg/100m² CPUE Catch (t) and Effort (days/10) Effort (t) and Catch 20 5

0 0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Figure 5: Blacktip whaler sharks—total commercial harvest (t) and catch per unit effort (CPUE) in kg/100m²/day in the

GOCIFFF 2004–08 (Source: QPIF CFISH database, 24 July 2009).

Catch (t) Effort (days/10) CPUE (kg/100m² net/day) 500 40 450 35 400 30 350 300 25 250 20 200 15 150 10

100 net/day) (kg/100m² CPUE Catch (t) and Effort (days/10) Effort (t) and Catch 50 5 0 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Figure 6: Other sharks—total commercial harvest (t) and catch per unit effort (CPUE) in kg/100m²/day in the GOCIFFF 2004– 08 (Source: QPIF CFISH database, 24 July 2009).

Annual status report—Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 6 Table 4: Retained catch (released catch in parenthesis) in tonnes of target and by-product species for charter operators in the GOCIFFF 2003–08 (Source: QPIF CFISH database, 24 July 2009).

Table notes: Charter boat catches cannot be easily attributed to a particular fishery (e.g. the GOCIFFF) in the GOC, other than based on species. Therefore, where species occur in both the GOCLF and GOCIFFF, harvest numbers presented are replicated in the Charter section of the both Annual Status Reports. Where catch is shown as n/a, has not been revealed due to confidentiality reasons (i.e. fewer than five boats)

Species Name 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Barramundi 0.9 (13.7) 1.7 (16.2) 1.3 (10.5) 1.6 (6.7) 0.9 (8.2) 0.4 (3.7) Bream 2.8 (1.8) 2.2 (1.7) 1.9 (0.8) 1.7 (0.6) 1.6 (0.6) 1.8 (0.6) Catfish 0.1 (2.2) 0.2 (1.7) 0.4 (2) 0.3 (3.1) 0.1 (1.8) 0 (1.2) Cod–Estuary - 0.1 (2.9) 0.1 (3.1) 0.1 (2.8) 0.1 (1) 0 (1) Cod–Other 1.6 (10.4) 1.4 (7.3) 1.3 (5.9) 1 (5.6) 1.8 (4.5) 1.1 (3.4) Coral Trout 2.1 (1.2) 2.6 (1) 3.3 (1.7) 3.1 (0.9) 3.1 (0.9) 2 (0.4) Emperor–Red 3.4 (1.7) 4.7 (2.3) 6.4 (3.9) 6.5 (4.5) 7 (4.8) n/a Grunter 1.7 (1.6) 2 (1.6) 2.3 (1.7) 1.6 (1.3) 0.9 (1) 0.4 (0.5) Jewfish–Unspecified 0.5 (0.6) 0.2 (0.2) 0.2 (0.5) 0.3 (0.6) 0.3 (0.6) 0.1 (0.4) Cobia 0.2 (0.3) 0.1 (0.4) 0.1 (0.6) 0.2 (0.7) 0.1 (0.4) - Mackerel–Grey 0.1 (2) 0.1 (1.1) 0.1 (2.2) 0.7 (1) 0.3 (0.7) - Mackerel–School - 0.8 (0.6) 1.4 (1.2) 2.5 (1.8) 3 (3) 2.2 (0.1) Mackerel–Spanish 2.5 (2.3) 2.6 (2.8) 3.3 (4) 4.9 (2.2) 3.9 (3.5) 3.9 (3.8) Mackerel–Unspecified 0.7 (3.9) 0.5 (3.8) 0.8 (1.7) 0.3 (1.5) 0.6 (5.1) 0.2 (6.2) Mangrove Jack 0.4 (2.8) 0.5 (2.9) 0.4 (2.7) 0.1 (1.7) 0.2 (1.3) 0.1 (1.1) Nannygai–Unspecified - - 0.3 (0.4) - - - Other Fish 0.6 (11) 0.4 (8.6) 0.5 (22.2) 0.3 (20.6) 0.6 (17.6) 0.1 (11) Perch–Moses 2.3 (3.2) 1.4 (2.8) 1 (2.4) 0.6 (1.9) 0.4 (1.6) 0.5 (0.7) Queenfish 1.7 (34.3) 2.4 (33.6) 2.8 (28.9) 2.1 (29) 2.1 (23.8) 1.9 (15.7) Shark–Unspecified 0.5 (1.4) 1.1 (2.5) 1.9 (2.3) 1 (3.3) 1 (2.2) Stripey–Spanish Flag 0.1 (0.3) Sweetlip–Unspecified 0.2 (0.2) 0.3 (0.2) 0.5 (0.3) 0.2 (0.1) Threadfin–Blue 7.2 (1.5) 7.1 (1.5) 7.9 (1.5) 12.3 (2.1) 9.3 (0.3) 11.2 (1.9) Threadfin–King 0.5 (0.7) 0.7 (1.1) 0.8 (0.7) 0.5 (0.5) 0.8 (0.1) 0.4 (0.2) Threadfin–Unspecified 0.2 (0.4) 0.1 (0.7) 0.1 (0.5) - (0.3) 0.1 (2.7) - Trevally–Brassy 1.4 (1.3) - - - - - Trevally–Giant 0.4 (3.8) 0.1 (3) 0.4 (4) 0.1 (5) 0 (2.8) 0.1 (1.4) Trevally–Golden 0.2 (6.5) 0.2 (4.8) 0.2 (6) 0.1 (4.6) 0 (5.8) 0 (4) Trevally–Unspecified 0.3 (8.1) 0.4 (10.2) 0.5 (10.5) 0.2 (5.6) 0.3 (5.6) 0.1 (4.1) Tuna–Long Tail 1 (7.7) 0.5 (7.3) 0.7 (5.7) 0.2 (2.6) 0.5 (3) 0 (0.3) Tuna–Other 0.6 (4.8) 1.2 (5.6) 1.6 (10.3) 1.5 (7.2) 1.6 (10.2) 1.1 (7.8) Tusk Fish 0.4 (0.9) 0.3 (0.4) 0.1 (0.4) 0.1 (0.3) - -

Indigenous Fisheries Act 1994 in October 2008 include the restriction of traditional and customary fishing to: Harvest by Indigenous fishers within the bounds of the GOCIFFF has not been estimated. QPIF are working to • personal, domestic and non-commercial develop data collection systems to fill this information communal use only gap. • recreational fishing or prescribed traditional apparatus (such as fish traps). The most recent data were collected during the 2000– 01 National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Indigenous people can apply for a general fisheries Survey (NRIFS) across northern Australia. This was permit to use large fishing nets for cultural and reported on in the Annual Status Report for 2007 (QPIF ceremonial events. 2009).

Possession and size limits do not apply to traditional and customary fishing. However, amendments to the

Annual status report—Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 7

Spatial issues / trends age and sex data representative of the retained commercial, recreational and charter boat catches of About 37% of the Barramundi catch in 2008 was Barramundi from the south-east Gulf of Carpentaria harvested from three 30 nautical mile (nm) grids along stock. Sampling methods include measuring the Mitchell, Norman and Flinders Rivers. This is commercially caught fish at seafood wholesalers and consistent with historical catches. These same grids retailers, measuring recreationally caught fish at boat have produced between 36 and 48% of the annual ramps, conducting a keen angler program, in which Barramundi harvest since 2003. The rest of the harvest recreational fishers can donate fish frames, and asking is reasonably spread along the coast. charter operators to measure fish caught by their Catches of Grey Mackerel in 2008 were spread from clients. Length and age frequencies are derived for the Karumba through to the tip of Cape York. This pattern is retained catch for each sector and used to calculate an similar to previous years. index of the mortality rate in the population.

Socio-economic characteristics and trends A summary of the number of samples obtained, fish measured and otoliths collected from each sector is The fishery was worth about $12.5 million in GVP in presented in Table 5. The length of Barramundi landed 2008. This is a small increase over the average GVP for in both the recreational and commercial fisheries the last five years of $11.2 million. ranged from the minimum size limit to the maximum Biological and ecological size limit although most fish were between 60 and 90 information cm . The higher number of samples from 2008 compared with 2007 reflects the continued strong level Monitoring programs of stakeholder support for the monitoring program Fishery Dependent Sampling (Table 5). The comprehensive level of monitoring in 2007 and 2008 for this fishery provides a quality QPIF has collected biological information on dataset for assessing the status of Barramundi stocks. Barramundi from the GOCIFFFF since 2000. The An assessment will be conducted once validated age objective of this routine monitoring is to collect length, data from the sampled otoliths are available.

Table 5: Summary of Barramundi monitoring in the south-east Gulf of Carpentaria by sector and region during 2008.

Number of catches sampled Number of fish measured Number of Year Commercial Recreational Charter Commercial Recreational Charter otoliths

2007 72 74 15 829 122 24 435

2008 55 112 33 1682 196 69 723

Fisheries Observer Program • Total catch numbers, size and form of product retained (target and by-product species); The primary objectives of the Fisheries Observer • Catch per unit effort; Program (FOP) in the GOCIFFF are to collect fishery • Total species catch compositions (target, by- dependent information to: product and bycatch) • Validate the accuracy of catch and effort data • Vessel and gear information (number and lengths detailed within logbooks; of nets, net mesh size, net set types); • Detail the composition and fate of species of • Interactions with SOCI. conservation interest (SOCI), and validate data The FOP conducted a combined total of 53 observer sea supplied through SOCI logbooks; days in the N3 and N9 fisheries in 2008. The GOCIFFF • Determine composition of bycatch for the fishery. typically has a diverse range of netting operations and These objectives are achieved by collecting information targets a diverse range of target fish species that on: includes Barramundi, Threadfin, Queenfish, Trevally, Garfish/bait, Tropical Sharks and Grey Mackerel.

Annual status report—Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 8 Fishing operations were observed in the inshore QPIF provides education material to fishers on up to Barramundi and Threadfin component of the N3 date, best practice handling and release techniques for fishery, and the offshore Grey Mackerel/Tropical Shark SOCI to maximise fisher safety and SOCI post-handling fisheries (N3 and N9 combined). survival. The FOP extends the educational benefits of this material by providing on board tuition in the Observers recorded 84 species from 96 net sets and application of these methods to fishers. 510 net robs in 2008. Catches comprised 80.2% retained target product (by number) and 18.8% bycatch Ecosystem impacts (unwanted target product (1.1%); SOCI (0.02%); and An Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) of the fishery in other bycatch (18.6%)). 2004 (Zeller and Snape 2006) determined that net Grey Mackerel were the most commonly captured fishing in the GOCIFFF pose a negligible to low threat to species, comprising 70.4% of the catch by number the ecosystem, with the exception of potential (99.9% retained), followed by Black Pomfret with 5.4% moderate terrestrial impacts associated with land- (4.5% retained) and Blacktip Whaler Sharks with 4.0% based fishing camps. Commercial net fishing, (88.8% retained) of the total catch. Black Pomfret recreational line fishing and Indigenous fishing contributed the highest numbers to the bycatch (5.2% activities are essentially passive fishing methods that of the total catch). have little effect on the ecosystem and the more general environment. Tropical commercial net fisheries Future directions target high-order predator fish species with highly The FOP functions on a voluntary basis within this selective fishing gear types and methods, and catch fishery. Vessels are contacted and encouraged to small amounts of bycatch relative to other net fisheries participate in the program. In 2009 observers will (such as trawl fishing) (Halliday et al. 2001). continue to investigate the GOCIFFF, and has set a Foreign and illegal fishery activities target of 50 days. Bycatch Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing vessel incursions are a recognised threat to the Interactions with protected species sustainability of northern Australian fisheries. The rate A total of 23 interactions with protected species were of IUU incursions in Australia has declined dramatically reported through the SOCI logbook in 2008 (Table 6). over the last three years (Australian Network News Nearly 80% of those species interacted with were 2009). This trend also continued in the Gulf of released alive. SOCI interactions reported by the FOP in Carpentaria during 2008, with only one apprehension 2008 included three bottlenose dolphins, one being recorded by the Australian Fisheries freshwater crocodile and one saltwater crocodile (all Management Authority in the Gulf of Carpentaria. The Released Dead). vessel was equipped to predominately target shark (Salmon, G., Australian Fisheries Management Table 6: Interactions with protected species in 2008 reported in Authority, pers. com. 19th June 2009). the Species of Conservation Interest Logbook. Sustainability Assessment No. of Fate of Species interactions interaction Performance against fishery objectives Sawfish–Freshwater 1 released alive The Performance Management System (PMS) for the Sawfish–Narrow 1 released alive GOCIFFF (QPIF 2008) provides a series of measures 9 released alive Sawfish–Wide1 10 against which the performance of the fishery can be 1 released dead assessed and reported (Table 7). Full details of the Offshore Bottlenose Dolphin 1 released dead PMS can be found at http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/documents/Fisheries_Sust 7 released alive Saltwater crocodile 10 ainableFishing/GOC-PMS-09.pdf 3 released dead

Annual status report—Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 9

Table 7: 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 by more than There has been an increasing trend in CPUE (kg/100m² net/day) for 30% over a three period. Barramundi since 2004.

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 14 15 19 18 23

King Threadfin (Polydactylus macrochir) Not triggered

The standardised commercial catch rate declines by more than King Threadfin catch rates (kg/100m² net/day) have been steady 30% over a three period. since 2004.

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

13 14 16 13 16

Grey Mackerel (Scomberomorus sexfasciatus) A. Triggered—annual catch

Until a sustainable yield estimate is determined, the annual Catches increased by approximately 48% in 2008 compared to the limit reference points for catch of this species exceeds: five year average (2003–2007). The significance of this increased catch is being assessed through a review of the fishery that A. ± 30% of the average annual commercial catch for the commenced in October 2009. previous five years; and B. Not triggered—catch rate B. ± 30% of the average annual standardised commercial catch rate for the previous five years. Catch rates (kg/100m² net/day) by 22% in 2008 compared to the five year average (2003–2007).

Whaler and hammerhead sharks A. Not measured

A. Standardised commercial catch rate for whaler sharks or New logbooks that allow the differentiation of information for hammerhead sharks declines by more than 30% over a hammerhead and whaler sharks only came into effect in the N3 in three year period. 2006 and N9 in 2007. Standardised catch rate are unable to be determined for a three year period until the completion of the 2009

season.

B. Any increase in the number of licences for which shark B. Not triggered catches exceed 20% of the total catch of the licence (this is The number of licences decreased from 2007 to 2008 an interim measure pending review of the Fisheries (Gulf of Carpentaria Fin Fish) Management Plan 1999. Year No. of Licences 2006 10 2007 8

2008 6

Guitarfish (Rhynchobatus spp) and Shovelnose Rays Not measured—three years of data are required (Rhinobatos spp) No interactions were reported through the SOCI logbooks during No reference point has been assigned to this performance 2008. measure. The indicator will be monitored annually, however a minimum of three years of data are required to measure The Fisheries Observer Program observed one White Spotted performance of the indicator. In the interim, a decreasing trend Guitarfish (Returned Alive (RA)) and three Giant Shovelnose Ray (1 in mortality during the most recent three year period as reported by observers and/or SOCI logbooks is acceptable for the Retained, 2 RA) interactions across the N3 and N9 fisheries in sustainability of guitarfish and shovelnose rays. 2008.

Bycatch Species A. N9 = 23% bycatch (by number)–Triggered The average proportion of bycatch of the total catch (in numbers) A. The proportion of bycatch in the total catch should not from 2000 to 2005 was 18% for the N9 fishery (Stapley & Rose increase above the average of the previous five years (No 2009). The significance of exceeding the bycatch level in the N9 reference point has been assigned to this performance fishery is being assessed through a review of the fishery that measure. The indicator will be monitored annually. Six

Annual status report—Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 10 Performance Measure Performance

years of data are required to measure performance of the commenced in October 2009. indicator). A. N3 = 8% bycatch (by number)– Not triggered B. The number of bycatch species increases by more than There are insufficient data to estimate a five year average for the 10% over a five year period. N3 fishery. The most recent figure was 13% in 1998 (see Halliday et al. 2001). A baseline average for this measure will be commencing C. The numerical abundance of any category of bycatch with the 2008 observer data. relative to the total numerical abundance of bycatch increases by more than 50% over the previous five year A. Combined net fisheries = 17%–Not triggered. period. There is no comparable figure to measure this against. A baseline average for this measure will be commence with the 2008 observer data to remove potential bias in previous data that was based on the offshore N9 fishery only.

B. Not measured Changes to this measure will be considered following the review of the GOC ERA in November 2009.

C. Not measured Bycatch categories have not been defined. Changes to this measure will be considered following the review of the GOC ERA in November 2009.

Protected species A. N9: The maximum annual rate (interactions/year) expanded data) for the major SOCI in the N9 fishery from 2000 to A. The annual rate of interactions recorded in SOCI logbooks 2005 were as follows: should not exceed the historical maximum annual rate of interactions recorded for the N3 and N9 components of the • Green turtle—21 fishery: • Flatback turtle—24 • Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphin—13 N9–the annual rate of interactions should not exceed the • Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphin—48 maximum annual rate of interactions recorded by fisheries observers between 2000 and 2005. Not triggered for N9

N3–Maximum annual rate not yet set. SOCI logbooks The maximum levels were not triggered. Four interactions with represent the first systematic recording of protected Bottlenose Dolphins (all Released Dead) were reported through species interaction levels for the N3 component of the SOCI logbooks and the Fisheries Observer Program for N9 licences fishery and will be used to set the reference limit. A in 2008. determination of the maximum interaction rate will be N3: Maximum levels have been set based on the number of made after assessment of variability in three years of SOCI interactions recorded in SOCI logbooks for 2007 in the N3 fishery. logbook data. A preliminary benchmark will be set after the end of 2007 following one year of SOCI logbook data Crocodiles (>1) – Triggered collection. Interactions with crocodiles increased from one in 2007 to 10 in 2008. Seven of these were released alive.

Sawfish (>21) –Triggered

The conservation status under the EPBC Act changes for species Eleven Freshwater4 Sawfish (10, 1 Released Dead (RD)) were with which the fishery interacts. reported in SOCI logbooks interacting with N3 fishing activities in 2008.

The FOP observed 30 narrow sawfish (11 Retained, 8 Released Dead, 11 Returned Alive) and eight dwarf sawfish (6 RA, 2 RD).

No further interactions with protected species were reported. Interaction with species of conservation interest is being addressed through a review of the fishery that commenced in October 2009.

4 Note that ten of the eleven sawfish were reported as Wide Sawfish in the SOCI logbooks. Their capture locations suggest that these were likely misidentified and are probably Freshwater Sawfish.

Annual status report—Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 11

Performance Measure Performance

B. Not triggered

There have been no changes to the conservation status for species with which the fishery interacts in the reporting period.

Current sustainability status and concerns rays conducted in the Groote Eylandt region of NT.

The 2004 ERA (Zeller & Snape 2006) of harvested QPIF will consider the project outcomes in the future species in the Queensland GOC identified grey development of data collection systems for Indigenous mackerel as being at high risk from the effects of fishing in Queensland. harvesting, and a number of management actions have The QPIF led, DEWHA funded, Tropical Resources and been proposed to lessen the harvesting pressure on Coastal Knowledge (TRaCK) project is currently this species. The impacts of the N3 and N9 net underway for the Mitchell and Flinders Rivers in the fisheries on breeding stocks of target shark species, GOC and the Roper and Daly Rivers in the Northern barramundi and king salmon were all ranked as Territory. The project aims to increase our detailed moderate. No other retained commercial GOCIFFF understanding of how freshwater flows affect some key species received a risk ranking above ‘low’. A review of estuarine species and support sustainable fisheries by the risk assessment is planned for 2009. assisting in the valuations of the ecological assets of Research estuaries and freshwater related processes. The project will collect fish samples from all sectors that access Recent research and implications the rivers systems being investigated. More A Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) funded project (NHT information on the project can be found on the TRaCK PID 676) has been tracking sawfish in the Leichardt website. River in the southern GOC. Recent results demonstrate Collaborative research that the Freshwater sawfish (Pristis microdon) in the coastal river systems of northern Australia is QPIF collaborated on a multi-jurisdiction, multi-agency particularly vulnerable during its juvenile phase to and multi-technique Fisheries Research and fishing mortality from illegal net fishing and Development Corporation (FRDC) funded project recreational angling and from waterway barriers determining stock boundaries for grey mackerel across interrupting natural migration routes. northern Australia (FRDC 2005/010) (Welch et al. 2009). The project identified at least five separate A baseline assessment of the fisheries resources in stocks (management units) of adult grey mackerel Port Musgrave (north of Weipa) is currently underway across northern Australia that included a separate as part of the Environmental Impact Statement for the single GOC stock. The project concluded that the entire proposed Cape Alumina bauxite mining venture. The GOC should be treated as a single management unit project involves a fishery independent assessment of and recommended that catches continue to be fishery resources in the region with a focus on species monitored spatially within the GOC. of conservation interest. The assessment also works closely with the Mapoon community and will provide a Fishery management first time inventory of fish species of importance to the regional Indigenous community. Compliance report

The NHT funded research project ‘A pilot study to During 2008, 103 units were inspected in the GOCIFFF. develop methodology to determine Indigenous fishing Of these, 96 were commercial vessel inspections. The impacts on Sharks and Rays in the NT’ was completed remaining inspections were of camp sites, motor in 2009. The project had two aims: vehicles and marketing premises. • Develop a best practice model for engaging During this period, 14 offences were detected in Indigenous communities in surveys relating to\ association with five inspections, corresponding to a subsistence fishing study; and compliance rate of 95% on units inspected. This does • Determine the Indigenous harvest of sharks and

Annual status report—Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 12 not include offences relating to unattended, incorrectly There are also a number of activities rated as having marked equipment. moderate risk, which will be addressed, but at lower priority. Detailed strategies to address the risks A summary of offences is provided in Table 8. identified by this assessment have been developed Table 8: Offences recorded in the GOCIFFF (2008). through QBFP strategic and operational planning Offence FIN Prosecution Caution processes. The risk assessment will be reviewed Take, possess or sell fish 2 following the completion of the review of the Gulf regulated by form Management Plan. Take fish for trade or commerce with fishing 1 Changes to management arrangements in apparatus not marked in the prescribed way the reporting year

Failed to comply with an 1 The Fisheries Regulation 2008 came into effect on information requirement 1 April 2008, replacing the Fisheries Regulation 1995. Contravened a condition of 9 No changes to the management of the GOCIFFF, except an authority those discussed in the section on the Indigenous Obstructed an inspector 1 fishery, affected this fishery during 2008. Total 1 13 0 Communication and education Offences The Gulf Management Plan is currently under review. Offences are reported as either a Fisheries The review includes a broad stakeholder consultation Infringement Notice (FIN); Caution (FIN Caution or and feedback process. Public comments will be official written caution); or Prosecution (to proceed by considered by a Stakeholder Working Group that will complaint summons). inform QPIF on future management arrangements for In addition to the above inspections and offences, a the fishery. The review is expected to be finalised by total of 10 nets were seized from tidal waters in the mid 2010. GOC during 2008. Future consultation with stakeholders in this fishery Compliance Risk Assessment will occur through many mechanisms:

A compliance risk assessment was conducted for this • On a strategic level the Queensland Fisheries fishery in April 2006 in order to determine compliance Management Advisory Committee (QFMAC) shall priorities and allow the most effective use of consider the GOCIFFF in the context of all Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) Queensland fisheries and prioritises issues resources. associated with it accordingly. Once fisheries The assessment identified the following activities in management priorities have been determined, the the GOCIFFF as having the highest level of risk. The department may establish a small number of QBFP will therefore direct their compliance resources to Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) to provide addressing: technical information that will assist QPI&F to pursue these priorities (which may or may not • Violation of shark finning provisions impact the GOCIFFF). • Violation of regulated waters declarations • The Department may also establish technical • Non-compliance with net requirements (e.g. working groups to generate information upon length, mesh size etc.) which to base decisions. These groups may be • Violation of net attendance provisions permanent or ad hoc, and can be fishery-specific • Use/possession of gear other than that permitted or broader. They may be established to provide for recreational fishing advice to the Department or to inform the • Violation of regulated fish declarations decisions of a body such a QFMAC. • Failure to report interactions with species of • The department consults directly with industry conservation interest members through attendance at industry • Lodging of incorrect logbook returns (catch by species and by activity)

Annual status report—Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 13

association meetings, port visits, newsletters and Roelofs, AJ 2003, Ecological Assessment of the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Finfish Fishery - A report to Environment other means. Australia on the sustainable management of a multi-species • There are also legislated requirements for tropical gillnet fishery, Department of Primary Industries and consultation; such as Regulatory Impact Fisheries, Brisbane.

Statements (RIS) that ensure stakeholders in the Stapley, J & Rose, C 2009, A report on data collected by fishery are consulted about significant changes in fisheries observers in the Queensland offshore Commercial management arrangements. Mesh Net Fishery (N9) in the Gulf of Carpentaria, 2000-2006, Brisbane.

Complementary management Zeller, B & Snape, N 2006, Ecological Risk Assessment of Queensland-managed fisheries in the Gulf of Carpentaria. A Fisheries researchers and managers from Queensland, report to the Australian Government on ecological risk the Northern Territory and Western Australia and the assessment requirements set out in Wildlife Trade Operation Commonwealth meet annually at the Northern approvals for Gulf fisheries under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Department of Australia Fisheries Management Forum to review Primary Industries & Fisheries, Brisbane. current research, set research priorities and consider Welch, D, Buckworth, R, Ovenden, J, Newman, S, Broderick, D, management strategies to facilitate the development Lester, R, Ballagh, A, Stapley, J, Charters, R & Gribble, N 2009, and implementation of complementary management Determination of management units for grey mackerel for shared fisheries resources. fisheries in northern Australia. Final report, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation Project No 2005/010, References Fishing and Fisheries Research Centre Technical Report No. 4, Fishing and Fisheries Research Centre, James Cook University, Beckmann, A (Australian Fisheries Management Authority), Townsville, Australia. email, 8 September 2008. Information compiled by de Lestang, P, Griffin, RK & Allsop, QA 2004, Assessment of the post-release survival and stress physiology of Barramundi Anthony Roelofs (Lates calcarifer). FRDC Project No. 2002/039, Northern Territory Government, Department of Business, Industry and Acknowledgements Resource Development.

QPIF (2008). Interim Performance Measurement System – Gulf Prasadini Salgado, Shane Hansford, Dr Tracey Scott-Holland, of Carpentaria Fin Fish Fisheries. Department of Primary Jason Stapley, Anna Garland, Dr Malcolm Dunning, Stirling Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane, Australia. Peverell, Jonathan Staunton-Smith Fisheries Act 1994, www.legislation.qld.gov.au/, Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Council.

Fisheries (Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish) Management Plan 1999, subordinate legislation of the Fisheries Act 1994, www.legislation.qld.gov.au/, Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Council.

Fisheries Regulation 1995, (repealed 2008) subordinate legislation of the Fisheries Act 1994, www.legislation.qld.gov.au/, Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Council.

Fisheries Regulation 2008, subordinate legislation of the Fisheries Act 1994, www.legislation.qld.gov.au/, Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Council.

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.

QPIF 2009, Annual status report. Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Finfish Fishery. 2008, Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane.

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