- Queensland Government proposes weakening Spanish mackerel recovery plan
- Sustainability target slashed from 60% to 48% despite long-term decline
- Decision undermines Reef protection commitments and sets a dangerous precedent
The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) has condemned proposed changes to Queensland's Spanish mackerel fishery as short-sighted and risky. The Government's decision to lower the sustainability target from 60% to just 48% of unfished levels walks away from key reforms and jeopardises the credibility of its Sustainable Fisheries Strategy.
"This sets a very dangerous precedent," said Simon Miller, GBR Fisheries Campaign Manager at the Australian Marine Conservation Society. "We have a key fish stock showing long-term declines over the last decade. Management of Spanish mackerel still requires a precautionary approach until we see stronger evidence of stock recovery."
The announcement includes increased commercial catch limits and limited changes for recreational fishers, despite a 2021 rebuilding plan committing to no changes until the stock reached 40%. Spanish mackerel were assessed as fished down to just 17% of their original levels as recently as 2021. However, a revised assessment now puts the stock at 34%, still well below sustainable levels.
"Maintaining fish stocks at 60% provides ecosystem resilience, higher catch rates and better recreational fishing experiences," Mr Miller said. "A 48% target exposes the fishery to external shocks, including climate change. Recruitment for Spanish mackerel has been linked to cooler waters, so warming seas could seriously impact future populations."
"This decision raises serious question marks over the Queensland Government's delivery of commitments to UNESCO regarding the management of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area," Mr Miller said. "Just last week, the Environment Minister told estimates that the Government remains committed to those obligations, including the 60% biomass target. This decision shows the opposite."
"The Queensland Government shouldn't be putting the long-term sustainability of Spanish mackerel at risk for a short-term sugar hit for commercial fishers," he said. "This decision undermines years of progress and raises serious questions about the Government's commitment to the Reef and to sustainable fisheries."
