Annual status report 2009 East Inshore Fin

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Annual Status Report 2009—East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 1

Fishery profile 2008

Key Total number of commercial licences in 2008

Commercial–sea mullet, shark, whiting, bream, flathead 485 net fishery symbols, 1543 line fishery symbols and 378 tailor, small mackerels, threadfins, barramundi and garfish charter licences

Recreational–whiting, bream, trevally, flathead, dart, tailor, barramundi, grunters, threadfins and small mackerels

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

9039 t 448 net fishery symbols, 385 line fishery symbols and 235 charter licences

Commercial harvest Fishery symbols

5955 t ‘N’, ‘L’ or ‘K’ fishery symbols

Recreational harvest Monitoring undertaken

No estimate; in 2005 approximately 3000 t harvested and Yes. Grey and spotted mackerels, whiting, yellowfin 4400 t released bream, dusky flathead, tailor, barramundi and sea mullet.

Charter harvest Fishery Observer Program - days monitored in 2008

84 t 104 observer sea days

Indigenous harvest Accreditation under the EPBC Act

No estimate available Yes1–Expires: 28 February 2012

Commercial Gross Value of Production (GVP) Logbook validation

$22.4 million Nil

Allocation between sectors Fishery season

The ECIFFF commercial sector contributes the most to the Annual seasonal closures apply to barramundi fishing total harvest of mullet and shark on the Queensland east between 1 Nov and 1 Feb. A general seasonal fishing closure coast. The recreational sector substantially exceeds the applies to near shore waters between Indian Head and Waddy commercial harvest of a number of species: notably tailor, Point, Fraser Island, from 1 August to 30 September. bream and trevally.

Total exports Quota managed

Export markets for mullet roe, shark and small mackerel Spotted mackerel (240 t) and tailor (120 t) for the reporting products. No estimate available. year 2008. Commencing 1 July 2009, Total Allowable Commercial Catch levels in place for sharks and Rays (600 t), grey mackerel (250 t).

1 Wildlife Trade Operation approval granted 28 February 2009 Approved under Part 13 of the EPBC Act subject to conditions applied under section 303FT.

Annual Status Report 2009―East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 2 Key fish resources Stock status

Spotted Mackerel Scomberomorus munroi Sustainably Fished

Comments: At current fishing levels Spotted mackerel is considered sustainably fished.

Trevally complex Carangidae spp. No Assessment Made

Comments: Time series of individual species is needed. Based on line fishery catches only. Both net and line components of the trevally harvest will be combined in the stock status assessment planned for 2010.

Other target species Not yet assessed

Comments: The key resources listed above will be assessed as a part of the Fisheries Queensland stock status workshop during 2010–11.

Annual Status Report 2009—East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 3

Introduction

The East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF) is Queensland’s largest and most diverse fishery and comprises commercial, recreational, charter and Indigenous sectors. The commercial sector is Queensland’s third most valuable commercial fishery, targeting a number of fin fish species, using a variety of different net fishing methods. Some species are also taken commercially by hook and line.

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

The area of the ECIFFF includes all tidal waters along Queensland’s east coast eastward of 142º09’E near Island (approximately 11.0ºS) to the boundary of the Offshore Constitutional Settlement to the New South Wales border (Figure 1). Different fishery symbols allow different Figure 1: ECIFFF Net fishery areas. gear to be used commercially in different areas: ‘N’ symbols allow the use of mesh, haul (seine), and tunnel nets in inshore, estuarine and offshore waters (Figure 1); ‘K’ symbols allow the use of seine nets on beaches (Figure 2); and ‘L’ fishery symbols allow the use of line fishing gear throughout the fishery area (Figure 3).

The ECIFFF is a multi-species, multi gear fishery. Gear permitted in the commercial fishery includes mesh, haul (seine), tunnel and cast nets as well as hook and line. Most commercial fishers prefer to use net sizes that selectively catch fish of a certain size to meet market demand. The number of nets permitted to be used, mesh size and length is dependent on the species being targeted and whether the fisher is operating in near-shore or offshore waters. Permitted net and line fishing gears are currently prescribed under the Fisheries Regulation 2008.

Fishing area and methods

Recreational gear includes cast nets, small seine (bait) nets and hook and line.

Indigenous communities use traditional subsistence Figure 2: ECIFFF Ocean Beach fishery areas fishing methods for traditional and customary purposes to supply product solely for community use, as well as The commercial fishery comprises a number of types of recreational fishing practices to catch ECIFFF species. fishing operations that differ fundamentally on the basis of the fishing gear used to target regionally important

species.

Annual Status Report 2009―East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 4 Key species fast growing, with length at first maturity for females estimated at 61 cm and males at 50 cm total length (TL) at The following information was adapted from Williams about two years of age. (2002).

Yellowfin bream Barramundi Yellowfin bream (Acanthopagrus australis) are found in the The barramundi (Lates calcarifer) is a large predatory fish coastal and estuarine waters of the eastern coast of species that can grow to 150 cm TL, 60 kg and over 30 from Queensland to Victoria. In southern years of age. It is found in coastal regions of tropical Queensland yellow-fin bream spawn between May and Australia and throughout much of the Indo-West Pacific August in the vicinity of surf bars. They reach minimum and is dependent on fresh and estuarine waters to legal size (23 cm TL) at around three to five years of age. complete its life cycle. Barramundi generally spawn around The proportion of female yellowfin bream increases with river mouths and the post-larvae and juveniles migrate to fish size. The smallest mature female yellowfin bream are nearby coastal swamps, lagoons and upstream freshwater usually found at about 24 cm total length, and males at a areas that serve as protected, food rich nursery habitats. slightly smaller size. Yellowfin bream are omnivorous, Tropical sharks eating small , molluscs and fish as well as algae, seagrass and leaf litter. Commercial harvest of sharks consists mainly of whaler sharks, in particular the Australian Blacktip whaler Whiting (Carcharhinus tilstoni) and Spot tail whaler (Carcharhinus There are four main species in the “inshore whiting” group. sorrah). The sharks that dominate the east coast fisheries The species are golden-lined ( analis), sand (S. generally attain sexual maturity at over 1 m in total length ciliata), trumpeter (S. maculata) and northern (S. sihama) at around 3–4 years of age. They are viviparous, generally whiting. producing three to five pups during summer months after a 7–12 month gestation. Tropical shark species generally Golden-lined whiting spawn between July and March. have an Indo-West Pacific distribution. Spawning areas and times are similar to that of the . Juveniles and adults both inhabit areas of - Grey mackerel sandy substrate. Total length at first maturity of golden- Grey mackerel (Scomberomorus semifasciatus) is a pelagic lined whiting is around 22 cm, which corresponds to an species endemic to waters across northern Australia and age of two to three years. adjacent PNG and larvae and juveniles are dependent on Sand whiting school and spawn from September to March. estuarine and inshore habitats (Cameron & Begg 2002). Juvenile and adolescent sand whiting prefer shallow They are a fast growing species with total length (TL) at first waters in rivers and creeks over seagrass beds, and maturity for females of 75 cm TL and males of 65 cm TL at adjacent . Adults share these juvenile habitats, between one and two years of age. but tend to move to deeper water as they grow. Estimated total lengths at first maturity for male and female sand Spotted mackerel whiting range from 20 to 28 cm. Age at maturity is about 2 Spotted mackerel (Scomberomorus munroi) are pelagic to 3 years. predators that feed exclusively on open water baitfish Trumpeter whiting spawn between July and February with a (anchovies, herring and pilchards). They are distributed peak in September–October are most across the northern coast of Australia to Coffs Harbour in abundant in and shallow water, especially in central New South Wales. They are a schooling species seagrass beds during the summer months. They move into preferring the clear oceanic-influenced waters as juveniles deeper water as they mature. Length at first maturity has and adults. been estimated at 13 cm total length for males and 14 cm Spotted mackerel undertake a major seasonal migration for females in southern Queensland, and 20 cm in New along the east Queensland coast and appear to form a South Wales. single stock. They spawn in northern Queensland waters between August and October then migrate south. They are

Annual Status Report 2009—East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 5

Northern whiting most likely spawn during September to published a set of Guidelines for commercial operators in October. They have rapid growth, attaining sexual maturity the East Coast Fin Fish Fishery (DEEDI 2009) to provide all at 15 to 20 cm at about 1 to 2 years of age and have a commercial fishers with a summary of management maximum size of about 30 cm. arrangements as implemented post 1 March 2009. Refer to the section on ‘Changes to management arrangements’ for Flathead more information. Flathead are found along the coast of Queensland. Flathead are dependent on estuarine and inshore coastal Catch statistics habitat throughout its life cycle. Dusky flathead are Commercial reasonably fast growing, with length at first maturity for females being 45 cm total length (three years old). Females Approximately 5955 t of fin fish were retained by the grow to a greater size and at a faster rate than males. The commercial fishery in 2008, a slight (8%) increase on commercial and recreational harvests are dominated by reported 2007 landings (Figure 3). During the period 2002– the dusky flathead species (Platycephalus fuscus) with 08, annual commercial harvest estimates were variable for bar-tailed flathead (P. endrachtensis and P. indicus) and the main species (Table 1). Net effort (days) have been sand flathead (P. arenarius). similar from 2005 to 2008 although line effort has been decreasing (Figure 3). Sea mullet Mullet species (mainly sea mullet) harvested in the Sea mullet (Mugil cephalus) are distributed through most represent the largest component of the ECIFFF commercial coastal waters and estuaries from Townsville to the New catch. Smaller quantities of shark, ocean beach-caught sea South Wales Border. They inhabit inshore marine waters, mullet, barramundi and threadfin also make up a estuaries, lagoons, and rivers. They spawn in schools from significant part of the commercial catch (Table 1). Spotted March to September. mackerel and other small mackerels, baitfish (mainly garfish) and a collection of minor species make up the Tailor remainder of the commercial catch. Tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix) is a schooling, migratory Effort (net) Effort (line) Catch (t) species of fish occurring in waters south of Fraser Island on 40000 8000 the east coast and Onslow on the west coast (Kailola et al. 35000 7000

1993). Tailor mature in their second year of life, when many 30000 6000 enter the fisher and are highly fecund. Tailor can grow to 25000 5000 about 120cm TL (12–14 kg). 20000 4000

15000 3000 (t) Catch Main management methods used (days) Effort 10000 2000 Fisheries Queensland manages the commercial, 5000 1000 recreational and Indigenous components of the ECIFFF 0 0 through the Queensland’s Fisheries Act 1994 and the 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Fisheries Regulation 2008. Figure 3: Total estimated commercial catch and effort for the Closures to various forms of fishing are also in place under ECIFFF 2002-08 (Source: Fisheries Queensland CFISH database 30 September 2009). Queensland and Commonwealth marine parks legislation.

A number of changes to the management of the fishery were approved in 2009 and included new and amended bag and size limits, new netting arrangements and improvements to the management of shark resources. These measures were developed in close consultation with stakeholders and the Australian Government over two years and will significantly improve sustainable management of the fishery. Fisheries Queensland

Annual Status Report 2009―East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 6 Table 1: Composition of commercial harvest in the ECIFFF from 2006–08 (Source: Fisheries Queensland CFISH database 15 March 2010).

Total (net, line) in tonnes Common name/group 2006 2007 2008 Bait fish - sardine 8 (7, <1) 10 (10, <1) 9 (9, <1) Bait fish - scad 20 (14, 6) 17 (12, 5) 28 (22, 5) Bait fish - unspecified 173 (172, <1) 188 (187, <1) 174 (174, <1) Barracuda 10 (10, <1) 4 (4, <1) 3 (3, <1) Barramundi 219 (219, 0) 255 (255, 0) 287 (287, 0) Batfish 1 (1, <1) 1 (1, <1) 2 (2, <1) Bonito 38 (26, 11) 34 (26, 9) 16 (9, 7) Bream 176 (175, <1) 260 (258, 1) 203 (202, <1) Catfish 17 (17, <1) 20 (19, <1) 24 (24, <1) Dart 40 (40, <1) 50 (50, <1) 28 (28, <1) Eel 1 (1, <1) 1 (1, <1) 3 (3, <1) Estuary cod 4 (1, 3) 10 (<1, 10) 11 (<1, 10) Fish - unspecified 77 (59, 18) 75 (67, 8) 75 (68, 6) Flathead 77 (77, <1) 72 (72, <1) 66 (66, <1) Garfish 223 (222, <1) 162 (161, <1) 170 (170, <1) Grunter 29 (29, <1) 31 (30, 1) 30 (29, 1) Guitarfish 2 (<1, <1) 2 (2, <1) 3 (2, 1) Jewfish - unspecified 18 (15, 4) 21 (18, 4) 39 (31, 8) Luderick 11 (11, <1) 14 (14, <1) 13 (13, 0) Mackerel - blue 2 (<1, 1) 2 (<1, 2) 3 (<1, 3) Mackerel - grey 332 (327, 5) 332 (325, 7) 390 (386, 4) Mackerel - school 156 (113, 42) 123 (99, 24) 143 (120, 23) Mackerel - shark 41 (<1, 41) 40 (0, 40) 48 (<1, 48) Mackerel - spotted 56 (6, 50) 55 (4, 51) 58 (6, 52) Mackerel - unspecified <1 (<1, <1) 7 (<1, 7) 8 (1, 6) Mangrove jack 1 (<1, <1) 4 (3, <1) 7 (5, 2) Mullet 2013 (2012, <1) 1493 (1493, <1) 1859 (1859, 0) Queenfish 102 (101, <1) 126 (125, <1) 121 (121, <1) Rabbitfish 93 (93, <1) 74 (74, 0) 33 (32, <1) Ray - unspecified 7 (7, <1) 21 (21, <1) 25 (25, <1) Scat 8 (8, <1) 7 (7, 0) 11 (11, 0) Shark - blacktip 227 (199, 29) 221 (217, 4) 267 (262, 4) Shark - blue whaler 12 (12, 0) 4 (3, <1) 7 (7, <1) Shark - bull 8 (8, 0) 8 (8, <1) 13 (13, <1) Shark - hammerhead 4 (4, 0) 80 (80, <1) 148 (148, <1) Shark - school 4 (3, <1) 5 (5, <1) 4 (4, 0) Shark - unspecified 60 (42, 18) 72 (45, 27) 66 (39, 27) Shark - whaler unspecified 513 (503, 11) 581 (569, 12) 576 (572, 4) Shark - white cheek 4 (4, 0) 2 (2, 0) 3 (3, 0) Silver biddy 10 (10, 0) 11 (11, 0) 13 (13, 0) Tailor 85 (84, <1) 96 (95, <1) 119 (117, 1) Threadfin - blue 165 (165, <1) 175 (175, <1) 181 (181, <1) Threadfin - king 130 (130, <1) 167 (167, <1) 187 (187, <1) Threadfin - unspecified 6 (4, 2) 12 (11, <1) 14 (14, <1) Trevally 143 (61, 82) 141 (68, 73) 111 (45, 65) Tripletail 2 (2, 0) <1 (<1, 0) 3 (3, 0) Tuna 45 (23, 21) 38 (20, 18) 42 (23, 19) Wahoo 4 (<1, 4) 3 (0, 3) 9 (7, 2) Whiting 298 (297, 1) 290 (290, <1) 256 (255, 1) Wolf herring 10 (10, <1) 13 (12, <1) 17 (16, <1) Other minor species 161 (159, 2) 66 (62, 4) 15 (11, 4) Grand Total 5856 (5495, 361) 5508 (5190, 318) 5955 (5645, 310)

Annual Status Report 2009—East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 7

Recreational 180 Retained Released Refer to the 'Recreational' section of the 2008 ECIFFF 160 Annual Status report for estimated weights of ECIFFF 140 120 species caught by recreational fishers based on the 100 Recreational Fishing Information System diary surveys 80 Catch (t) conduced in 1997, 1999, 2002 and 2005. 60 40 In 2010 Fisheries Queensland will commence a new 20 statewide recreational fishing survey. This survey will 0 provide current and robust data about the recreational 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 harvest of ECIFFF species and other species by Figure 4: Reported charter harvest of inshore species and release total estimates in the ECIFFF 2002–2008 (Source: Fisheries Queenslanders. The results of this survey will be available Queensland CFISH database 15 March 2010). by the end of 2011.

Charter 60 Retained Released 50 The total charter catch reported through logbooks has 40 declined by about 46% since 2004 (Figure 4). While the 30 proportional difference in discards compared to fish 20 harvested has varied between 20% and 40% since 2003. (t) catch Reported 10

Trevally, tuna, unspecified fish and barramundi were the 0

i r r l y a d o k d h d d a d l d e l n o o c s a o a inshore species groups most often caught by the e l ed am o i t d ed i n ark i i o c te i a u f h f a c f n e u f u h j e t v T i a r n h S c i a y o e c s T ci e c c B r ru a r e - W e v ath s p T a ee G l rr p l - s pe recreational fishers on charter boats in 2008 (Figure 5). It ram p o u u F a s r e s r t l - s r n a n g Q e B l e e u B u n Es un k er - - a - should be noted that the trevally species group represents c k er h a M k el rk s r ac i M ac a F M h ke M all trevally caught along the east coast of Queensland and c S a

M is likely to also include some reef associated trevally Figure 5: Reported catch of inshore species by charter fishers in species. 2008 (Source: Fisheries Queensland CFISH database 15 March 2010). Indigenous Biological and ecological There are no estimates available of inshore fin fish catches information by Indigenous fishers within the ECIFFF area for 2007. Limited information is available on past Indigenous fish Monitoring programs catches throughout the northern part of the fishery area Commercial fishery catch and effort information for the from the National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing ECIFFF continues to be monitored through the compulsory Survey conducted in 2000/2001 and released in 2003 daily logbooks in the commercial and charter sectors. The (NRIFS) (Henry & Lyle 2003). development of a new net fishery logbook with the intention of providing greater level of catch and effort Spatial issues / trends detail in the ECIFFF is under consideration to meet No new spatial issues or trends to report. increased needs for logbook data associated with the new management arrangements. Socio-economic characteristics and trends Fisheries Queensland collects biological data for a number Gross Volume of Production (GVP) in the ECIFFF has been of fin fish species to complement the information obtained steady in recent years coinciding with total catches in the from commercial logbooks and recreational fishing diaries fishery (2006—$22.7 million; 2007—$22.4 million; 2008— for various Queensland fisheries. These data include $23.7 million). length, sex and age composition of the retained catch. Species monitored in the ECIFFF include barramundi, tailor, sea mullet, spotted and grey mackerel, yellowfin bream,

whiting (sand, golden-lined and winter) and dusky

Annual Status Report 2009―East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 8 flathead. Annual Status Reports for the ECIFFF aim to the age structure of males compared with females in the provide general information on the sampling programs commercial catch (Figure 6). Sea mullet sampled by the currently underway as well as detailed data summaries for program have been estimated to be as old as 14; however, a few species when available. Recent biological data from fish seven years or older make up only a small proportion 2008 include those for sea mullet and spotted mackerel of the catch. Young fish (age groups 2–6) dominate the (Tables 2 and 3, Figures 6 and 7). catch of both sectors. Results also indicate that female sea mullet tend to grow faster than males. Sea Mullet

Results for sea mullet indicate there is little difference in

Ocean Beach Estuarine

Female n=37785 0.5 2006 Male n=51072 0.4

0.3

0.2 Proportion 0.1

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14

Age Group

Female n=4946 2007 Female n=45913 2007 0.5 0.5 Male n=59689 Male n=2933 0.4 0.4

0.3 0.3

0.2 0.2 Proportion Proportion 0.1 0.1

0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14

Age Group Age Group

2008 Female n=31709 2008 Female n=7011 0.5 0.5 Male n=59875 Male n=6756 0.4 0.4

0.3 0.3

0.2 0.2 Proportion Proportion 0.1 0.1

0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 11 12 13 14

Age Group Age Group Figure 6: Age frequency of sea mullet sampled from ocean beach and estuarine catches between 2006 and 2008

Table 2: Summary of sampling for sea mullet from the commercial sector between 2006 and 2008.

Number of Catches Year Fishery Sector Number of Fish Measured Number of Fish Aged Sampled 2006 Ocean Beach 18 7229 595 Estuarine 33 3392 670 2007 Ocean Beach 17 3382 800 Estuarine 37 3661 757 2008 Ocean Beach 20 4173 990

Annual Status Report 2009—East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 9

Table 3. Number of spotted mackerel measured (catches in brackets) by sampling year, sector and spotted mackerel reporting region and number of otoliths collected and read by sampling year (C = Commercial; R = Recreational).

Number of fish measured Year Sector Total Other Bowen Otoliths read Mackay Moreton Townsville Otoliths collected Rockhampton Rockhampton Fraser-Burnett

C 142(9) 89(3) 0(0) 1(1) 534(12) 306(15) 0 1072(40) 2006–07 474 474 R 47(12) 44(19) 18(9) 144(52) 62(29) 337(109) 1(1) 653(231) C 380(8) 0(0) 0(0) 2(2) 573(18) 37(12) 0 992(40) 2007–08 337 336 R 101(29) 223(81) 3(1) 1(1) 66(14) 19(13) 0 413(139) C 439(16) 24(1) 28(3) 124(7) 1132(23) 299(18) 3(1) 2046(70) 2008–09 470 470 R 59(34) 27(20) 5(4) 3(3) 48(14) 154(62) 0 296(137)

Commercial Recreational 2006-07 2006-07 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.1 Proportion

Proportion 0.1 0 0 01 2345678 012345678 2007-08 0.4 0.4 2007-08 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 Proportion Proportion 0 0 01 2345678 01 2345678

2008-09 2008-09 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2

Proportion 0.1

Proportion 0.1 0 0 01 2345678 012345678

Age Group Age Group

Figure 7: Age structures (proportions) of spotted mackerel by sector (regions combined) for 2006-07, 2007-08 and 2008-09 sampling years.

recreational catch is indicative of the spotted mackerel Spotted mackerel population, the population appears to be predominantly The annual age structures of the spotted mackerel catch comprised of young fish, mainly within the 1–4 year old for each sector are similar (Figure 7). The relatively small age groups (Figure 7). differences that occur in the age structures between sectors in each year are most likely a result of spatial differences in the fishing activities between sectors (Table 3). Assuming that the combined commercial and

Annual Status Report 2009―East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 10 Table 5: Summary of sampling from commercial, recreational and charter sectors from 2006-2008 for yellowfin bream, sand whiting and dusky flathead.

Commercial Recreational Charter Species Year No of fish No of fish No of fish No of catches No of catches No of catches measured measured measured 2006 10 881 23 71 0 0

Yellowfin bream 2007 87 4565 687 2666 35 184

2008 94 3721 742 2884 26 120

2006 10 1291 9 39 0 0

Sand whiting 2007 106 11333 256 1234 4 6

2008 107 8194 310 1097 2 3

2006 14 421 19 40 0 0

Dusky flathead 2007 103 2050 435 830 29 101

2008 116 1887 406 674 21 69

Tailor turtles (80% released alive), one green sawfish (released deceased) and four narrow sawfish (75% released Biological data have been routinely collected since 1999, deceased). The FOP ensures fishers are educated and kept especially from the recreational catch on Fraser Island. up to date on best practice handling and release Commercial and recreational catches from estuarine areas techniques for SOCI to maximise their post-capture have been monitored since June 2006. The data collected survival and fisher safety. are currently being used to help assess the status of the east coast tailor stock, and the results of the assessment On 1 July 2009, under new management arrangements for will be known by early 2010. the ECIFFF, a new fisheries symbol ‘S’ was introduced to allow eligible fishers to retain more than ten sharks and Bream, whiting and flathead rays by net or more than four by line, subject to several Biological data have been collected routinely for yellowfin conditions. Participation in the observer program is one of bream, sand whiting and dusky flathead (among others) these conditions. An annual target of 120 observer days since 2006 to estimate the length, age and sex structure of has been set for ‘S’ symbol holders (July 2009 - June 2010) the retained catch of these species (Table 5). based upon a statistically robust observer program design. At-sea observing Sustainability Assessment The Fisheries Queensland at-sea observers recorded Performance against fishery objectives fishing activity for a total of 104 observer sea days on 22 individual trips in 2008. Observer surveys were focused The Performance Measurement System (PMS) for the ECIFFF where substantial shark catches have been reported. was implemented on 1 July 2009 following extensive consultation with stakeholders. The purpose of the ECIFFF During 2008, ECIFFF observers recorded 91 different PMS is to establish a set of reference levels in key fishery species caught. In terms of numbers of fish, 73 % were indicators (e.g. catch and catch rate) to provide a retained as target product and 27% as bycatch (comprised consistent basis for annual review of the fishery. The PMS of 2% unwanted target product, <1% SOCI, and 24% other includes preliminary criteria to monitor the sustainability bycatch). The most common species groups captured and of interactions with retained species, non-retained species their representation in the total catch were: whaler sharks, (bycatch) and protected species within the fishery area. It 55%; grey mackerel, 10%; hammerheads, 9% and also includes a process for reviewing and planning threadfins, 7%. appropriate management action in response to Species of Conservation Interest (SOCI) interactions performance of fishery indicators assessed against the observed in 2008 from 270 observed net sets, involved five criteria. Further development of socio-economic indicators

Annual Status Report 2009—East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 11 and reference limits progressed through 2009 in a tropical shark inshore research project. By 2010 it is collaborative Fisheries Queensland/FRDC funded research expected that the project will build upon the results of an project led by James Cook University. This project along earlier shark risk assessment project (Salini et al. 2006) with a new suite of socio-economic indicators to and provide information for ongoing sustainable incorporate into the PMS is expected to be finalised in management of shark stocks. 2010. The most recent (2004) stock assessment for tailor Current sustainability status and concerns indicated that the stock is heavily exploited. Following consultation with stakeholders, Fisheries Queensland has The ECIFFF is managed using a variety of input and output recommended an increased minimum legal length (MLL) to controls and is regarded as having a management regime 35 cm at which tailor may be retained. A guiding principle in place that does not adversely affect the survival or for setting size limits is to allow the fish to grow to maturity recovery of species listed under the Environment before capture. Concerns for a number of other pelagic Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. 2 species have also been responded to through introducing However, there are some concerns for the sustainability of or modifying the MLL and/or bag limit. Management certain species of sharks, which take a long time to responses to increasing grey mackerel and sea gar catches mature, give birth to few young and have a relatively long have also been accommodated in the new management life span compared with other fish. Increased catches over arrangements for the fishery. recent years resulted in the issue of an investment warning Quantitative assessments to monitor stock sustainability for fishers in 2002, advising against any further expansion status are regularly undertaken for target species in the of fishing effort towards shark. fishery. Barramundi, tailor, mullet and spotted mackerel New management arrangements developed for the ECIFFF have been assessed over recent years. The tailor resource were implemented in mid 2009. These measures assessment is expected to be completed in 2010. significantly improve management of species that are a greater sustainability risk. Queensland’s network of state Bycatch and Commonwealth Marine Parks further improves the Bycatch levels in the ECIFFF net fishery are low when sustainable management of this fishery. compared to the retained component of the catch, Concerns have been raised over recent harvesting trends indicating the gear and methods used in net fishing are for several species in the ECIFFF. Fisheries Queensland is highly selective at harvesting the target species. Research ensuring that the management of these species is by Halliday et al. (2001) found that bycatch levels in east responsive to these concerns and is adequate for their coast commercial netting operations for mullet, whiting, sustainable use. The new management arrangements small mackerels, barramundi and mixed species is address some specific concerns, particularly for tailor. low relative to other commercial fisheries. Fisheries observers also reported 27% total bycatch in net Given their biology, some shark species are more operations targeting sharks although these are preliminary vulnerable to overfishing than other more productive shark results only. A statistically robust observer program was and fin fish. The Queensland Government introduced a implemented from 1 July 2009 and will provide more number of management measures in 2009 to enhance comprehensive and representative estimates of bycatch sustainable outcomes for shark harvesting including that will be reported on in the 2010 annual status report. protection of more vulnerable species such as sawfish, a maximum size limit to protect larger breeding sharks and Interactions with protected species restricted access to shark through a new fishery symbol (endorsement). Greater certainty about the sustainability In 2003, a Species of Conservation Interest (SOCI) logbook status of harvested shark species will be an outcome of the was introduced to record interactions with all species that Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facilities (MTSRF) are of conservation concern. SOCI data indicates that interactions with turtle species occur more frequently than with other protected species (Table 6). The number of fatal interactions in 2008 for all SOCI species combined was 2 http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/fisheries/qld/east- coast-finfish/index.html very low (4%).

Annual Status Report 2009―East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 12 Ecosystem impacts conclude in 2010 and will also support stock assessment for sharks. Commercial net fisheries target high order predator fish species and use highly selective fishing gear types that Table 6: Reported interactions with species of conservation interest during 2008. (Source: Fisheries Queensland CFISH typically results in small amounts of bycatch. Due to the database 5 June 2009). low levels of discards, there is limited potential to supplement additional food resources for other marine Species Returned dead Returned live species through discarding. It is likely that ECIFFF discards Dugong - 1 present only a minor ephemeral food source for Green Turtle - 274 opportunistic scavenging species. Long term changes in Hawksbill Turtle - 1 densities of these species as a result of discard Loggerhead Turtle 12 11 provisioning are unlikely. Saltwater Crocodile 1 1 Marine Turtle–unspecified - 1 Research Total 13 289 Recent research and implications Collaborative research Fisheries Queensland, James Cook University (JCU) and Researchers from the Fishing and Fisheries Research CSIRO Marine Research are collaborating on an evaluative Centre, JCU are collaborating with Fisheries Queensland in study of the impacts from industry and community uses on assessing the impacts of inshore fisheries on marine inshore marine biodiversity adjacent to the Great Barrier biodiversity in the Great Barrier Reef region. The research Reef. The study is due for completion in 2010. Preliminary focuses on better understanding the biological and results have described the species composition and length ecological traits of important target species including distribution of shark and fish species caught by numerous inshore shark species, threadfins, grunter, commercial net fishers within the Great Barrier Reef World queenfish, fingermark bream, garfish, grey mackerel and Heritage Area (GBRWHA) from Princess Charlotte to other less common species in the east coast inshore net Gladstone. and line fisheries. Once the biology and ecology of these Researchers from the Fishing and Fisheries Research species is better understood, researchers will then conduct Centre, JCU commenced development of a risk assessment a ‘whole-of-fishery’ ecological assessment that will include framework for inshore species in June 2008. The project is information on the effectiveness of inshore marine parks. planned for completion in 2010 and will also include an When completed in 2010, project results will be used in investigation of potential strategies to mitigate the impacts future sustainability assessments of these species. of industry and community use on inshore resources within Further research collaboration with JCU has collected the GBRWHA. socio-economic data for Queensland east coast inshore Research to determine the spatial management units for recreational, charter and commercial fishers as well as king and blue threadfins across northern Australia is Queensland seafood consumers. These data will be used underway. Preliminary results suggest the likelihood of as a baseline with which to compare similar information several different stocks for both species in northern following implementation of the new ECIFFF management Australia. This project also includes biological research for arrangements, and to assist in developing long term socio- king and blue threadfins to provide relevant estimates of economic indicators for this fishery. longevity, growth, size-at-maturity and size-at-sex change. Scientific collaboration between Fisheries Queensland and This research will conclude in 2010. New South Wales researchers continues with quantitative Further FRDC research will determine the stock structure assessment of the shared east coast tailor stocks. The and biology of three commercially important shark project is planned for completion in 2010. species/groups on the east coast. These sharks are the milk shark (Rhizoprionodon acutus), scalloped hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini), and black tips

(Carcharhinus tilstoni and C. limbatus). This research will .

Annual Status Report 2009—East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 13

Table 7: Offences recorded in the ECIFFF for 2008.

OFFENCE FIN Prosecution Caution

Take/possess/sell regulated fish 121 3 73

Left fish in fishing apparatus out of water - 1 -

Contravened a regulated waters declaration 10 2 2

Contravened a regulated fishing apparatus or regulated fishing declaration 11 2 4

Use more than the prescribed number of apparatus (recreational fisher) - - 1

Use more than the prescribed number of apparatus (commercial fisher) - 1 -

Use/possess prohibited fishing apparatus (eg. net). (recreational fisher) 2 - 1

Take fish for trade/commerce with fishing apparatus not marked in the prescribed way 3 - -

Boat mark not placed correctly 5 - -

Use/possess apparatus without an authority 1 - 1

Contravened a condition of an authority - 4 -

Contravened a fishery provision - 1 -

Did an act that may only be done by the holder of an authority - - 1

Fail to have a document required to be available for immediate inspection 4 1 1

Failed to comply with an information requirement 1 2 1

Unlawfully interfere with fishing apparatus 2 - -

TOTAL 160 17 85

Note: The majority of prosecutions recorded here are still pending. In addition to the above offences 83 unlawful nets, four set lines and one drum line were seized during the period for which no owner could be identified.

Fishery management • Take/sale of fish by unlicensed operators; • Compliance with regulated waters provisions; Compliance report and During 2008, 18 163 units, including 71 commercial line • Quota compliance. fishing vessels and 358 commercial net fishing vessels, The QBFP will direct their compliance resources to were inspected in the ECIFFF, with an associated addressing the highest risks. Moderate risk activities will compliance rate of approximately 99.0% on units be addressed at a lower priority. Detailed strategies to inspected. The majority of inspections were of recreational address risks identified by this assessment have been fishers. A summary of offences is provided in Table 7. developed through QBFP strategic and operational Offences are reported as either a Fisheries Infringement planning processes. The risk assessment will be reviewed Notice (FIN); Caution (FIN Caution or official written every three to five years or earlier if there are major caution); or Prosecution (to proceed by complaint changes to the management arrangements for the fishery. summons). Education forms an important component of the A compliance risk assessment was conducted for this compliance strategy for all of Queensland’s fisheries. QBFP fishery in June 2009 to determine compliance priorities are proactive in their education programs which include and allow the most effective use of Queensland Boating attending events, such as boating and fishing shows, to and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) resources. The assessment liaise with fishers, delivering lectures, utilising various identified the following activities in the ECIFFF as having forms of media to release important information, the highest level of risk: answering enquiries and conducting extensive one on one education with fishers during the course of field patrols • Use of unauthorised apparatus; and inspections. During inspections officers hand out • Take/possession of regulated fish; recreational fishing guides and flyers which contain • Compliance with Information requirements;

Annual Status Report 2009―East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 14 information on size and in-possession limits. Education provide stakeholders with a summary of management plays a particularly important role when new legislation is arrangements as implemented post March 31 2009. Online implemented and QBFP make every effort to ensure that copies of the booklet can be viewed at fishers have a good understanding of their rights and http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/documents/Fisheries_Commer responsibilities cialFisheries/Commercial-Fisheries-handbook.pdf Fishery management Fisheries Queensland’s Fisheries Observer Program held ‘hands-on’ Shark identification workshops in 2009 for Changes to management arrangements commercial fishers and Queensland Boating and Fisheries The Queensland Government implemented a number of Patrol (QBFP) officers State wide. The workshops will changes to current management of the ECIFFF in 2009. The continue in 2010. majority of the arrangements commenced on 1 March The workshops aim to: 2009, with some commercial arrangements commencing • provide fishers retaining sharks and QBFP officers with on 1 July 2009. There’s also at least 1 that will commence expert training in shark identification, so they can this year -2010 (e.g. tailor size limit). accurately fulfill their responsibilities and duties Changes to the fishery include: accordingly (e.g., completion and compliance checks of

• new and amended size and bag limits; logbooks and monitoring Regulated shark species);

• revised netting arrangements; • provide fishers with an opportunity to meet • a package of arrangements for more precautionary Queensland fisheries observers face-to-face and shark management; address any concerns they may have with regard to • Total Allowable Commercial Catch levels in place for participating in the Fisheries Observer Program; sharks and rays (600 t), grey mackerel (250 t); • provide a forum with direct links to fisheries • closure of three rivers to netting in Princess Charlotte management to highlight and address stakeholder Bay; concerns. • minor changes to closures to clarify boundaries.

Fisheries Queensland conducted a comprehensive Complementary management consultation process with fishery stakeholders to develop Queensland continues to work with NSW fisheries the new management arrangements for the fishery. For management officers on complementary arrangements for more information on the new management arrangements shared stocks. In particular, the two management agencies including size limits refer to the Fisheries Queensland have discussed complementary size and bag limits for website (www.dpi.qld.gov.au). species caught in both jurisdictions. The fishery agencies Given the importance of the fishery and the level of interest have also agreed to seek mutual beneficial approaches to in future management, the Australian Government meeting recommendations for management under DEWHA commissioned an independent review of the proposed approvals. Fisheries Queensland and NSW Fisheries have management arrangements for the fishery, with a also discussed management of shark stocks on the east particular focus on protected species, shark management coast. and commercial fishing effort (Gunn, Meere & Stevens

2008). The results of the independent review were made publicly available in November 2008.3

Communication and education

Fisheries Queensland published a set of Guidelines for commercial operators in the East Coast Finfish Fishery to

3 http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/fisheries/qld/east- coast-finfish/pubs/east-coast-finfish-review.pdf

Annual Status Report 2009—East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 15

References

DEEDI 2009, Guidelines for commercial operators in the East Coast Finfish Fishery, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Brisbane.

Gunn, J, Meere, F & Stevens, J 2008, Independent Review Proposed Management Arrangements for Queensland’s East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery, Canberra.

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.

Henry, GW & Lyle, JM 2003, The National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey, FRDC Project No. 99/158, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra.

Salini, J, McAuley, R, Blaber, S, Buckworth, R, Chidlow, J, Gribble, N, Ovenden, J, Peverell, S, Pillans, R, Stevens, J, Stobutzki, I, Tarca, C & Walker, T 2006, Northern Australian sharks and rays: the sustainability of target and bycatch species, phase 2. Project No. 2002/064 Final Report, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research.

Williams, LE 2002, Queensland's fisheries Resources - Current condition and recent trends 1988 - 2000, Department of Primary Industries Queensland., Brisbane.

Information compiled by

Anthony Roelofs

Acknowledgements

Brad Zeller, Kate Yeomans, Nadia Engstrom, Dr Tracey Scott- Holland, Michael O’Neill, Dr Jonathan Staunton-Smith, Jason McGilvray, Jonathan Yantsch, Darren Roy, Jason Stapley, Dr Julia Davies, Mark Lightowler and Anna Garland.

Image

Barramundi (Lates calcarifer)

Annual Status Report 2009―East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery 16