- Crisafulli Government is developing a science-backed, five year rebuilding strategy to restore Queensland's saucer scallop stocks.
- The scallop rebuilding strategy delivers on the Crisafulli Government's election commitment for scientifically based decision making and casts aside Labor's ideologically driven approach.
- The strategy also recommends reopening commercial scallop fishing in some parts of the east coast otter trawl fishery.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy, with a plan for Queensland's future.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a five-year rebuilding strategy to restore Queensland's saucer scallop stocks and secure the long-term future of the fishery.
The science-led strategy is informed by the 2025 saucer scallop survey and delivers on the Crisafulli Government's election commitment for scientifically based decision making.
Under the Crisafulli Government's scallop rebuilding strategy, commercial scallop fishing is recommended to resume in some parts of the east coast otter trawl fishery, using an adaptive management approach.
The strategy recommends a Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) of 167,776 kg for the 2026 season in the central region, to be implemented through an in-possession limit for commercial fishers, and 248,609 kg for the southern offshore region.
It further advises that the scallop fishery remain closed (no-take) in the southern inshore region, as the 2025 survey found biomass levels remain low and below the 20 per cent reference point for the fishery. These recommended changes are intended to take effect in 2026.
The development of this rebuilding strategy follows a fishery independent survey undertaken in 2025, between industry and the Department of Primary Industries. The survey collected a range of information and scallop density data in 3 of Queensland's trawl regions.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said this science-backed approach was helping maintain the fishery's export approval, boost productivity and viability in the commercial sector and expand opportunities for the industry.
"Queensland's saucer scallop stocks had been severely depleted, with biomass previously recorded at just 15 per cent of unfished levels. That's why the Crisafulli Government is implementing an environmentally responsible, science-based strategy to rebuild scallop stocks and ensure their long-term sustainability," Minister Perrett said.
"The rebuilding strategy prioritises stock recovery, aiming to maintain scallop spawning biomass above the 20 per cent limit reference point and increase it towards 40 per cent within 5 years.
"This scientifically-backed decision making approach is exactly the platform we took to the 2024 election and importantly it aligns with our Primary Industries Prosper 2050 initiative, national and international sustainability standards and ensures the fishery maintains its export approval under the Commonwealth obligations.
"Gone are the days of the former failed Labor Government flawed decision making which was driven by ideology with complete disregard for science.
"I commend industry for working closely with the Department to deliver the 2025 survey, which has strengthened our understanding of scallop stocks and supported evidence-based decision-making."
Public consultation was undertaken from 3 September to 8 October 2025 through the release of the Saucer scallop rebuilding and harvest strategy discussion paper , with 36 submissions received from commercial fishers, recreational fishers, seafood businesses, industry bodies, environmental organisations and local government.
