2019-07-18 OM Agenda - Item 1 - Attachment 2 - Fisheries Regulation Discussion Paper

              Ordinary Meeting Agenda - 18 July 2019 - Attachment 2 to Item 1




Discussion paper: Proposed amendments to the
Fisheries Regulation 2008
Message from the Minister
Queensland is renowned for its fisheries. Whether heading out for a weekend or drawing a living as a
commercial or charter fisher, every Queenslander has an interest in the effective and sustainable
management of this precious and finite public resource.
Over the last five years, Queensland’s fisheries have undergone a series of management changes. Our
goal is to create a framework for sustainable management of our fish stocks for our children and
grandchildren to enjoy.
In June 2017, the Queensland Government released the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017–2027,
paving the way for Queensland to have a world-class fisheries management system. It outlines 33
actions to be delivered across 10 reform areas. The proposed amendments would deliver on a number
of 2020 targets outlined in the strategy.
The necessary tools, like sustainable catch limits, harvest strategies and rules to minimise concerns
about bycatch and protected species interactions are not in place to manage our fisheries sustainably
into the future or to the standards expected by Queenslanders. Doing nothing is not an option.
I recognise the important contribution commercial fishers make to our regional communities and
economies. We want a professional industry supplying sustainable seafood products.
I also recognise the importance of fishing to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and
recreational fishers, for traditional custom, tourism and regional economies. We want fishing to be
sustainable and available for future generations to enjoy.
As the managers of our fisheries resources, we also want a more responsive fisheries management
system that avoids drastic and urgent changes. These changes are needed if we are to achieve all of
these outcomes.
While reforming these fisheries means significant change, there are benefits. Ecologically, fishing will be
less of a risk to our ecosystems and our fish stocks will be healthier, more resilient and able to better
support a range of commercial, recreational and cultural pursuits.
Commercial fishers will gain a range of social and economic benefits through increased certainty of
access, reduced competition for the resource, continued access to export markets by maintaining Wildlife
Trade Operation accreditation and a more positive investment environment as investment warnings that
have been in place for some time are removed.