Background:

AFTA is the national peak body representing Australia’s recreational fishing industry, our membership encompasses all aspects of recreational fishing from manufacturers, wholesale distributors, retail, media, and charter operations and in turn we are connected to every recreational fishing participant.

The Queensland recreational fishing trade comprises 394 independent tackle stores, 42 BCF stores, 20 Anaconda Stores, 2 major manufacturers, 44 wholesalers, agency representatives, the many service station outlets, holiday parks selling bait and tackle, plus the 69 KMART and 51 Big W retail outlets and the 179 Fishing Charter operators.

In Queensland, 26% of adults participate in recreational fishing, being much higher than the Australian average of 21.4%. The recreational fishing industry in Queensland contributes an estimated $2.52 billion to the state economy and 23,602 full-time equivalent jobs. This includes $1.04 billion and 9,025 jobs in Greater Brisbane, and $1.48 billion and 14,577 jobs in regional Queensland. The Queensland recreational fishing industry directly employs 10,142 jobs in charter fishing, sales of fishing equipment, tackle & bait, and in accommodation and retail businesses used by recreational fishers. 

Source: FRDC Social & Economic Survey of Recreational Fishers 2018-21

The recreational fishing sector is diverse and dynamic, as such we face a range of future challenges and opportunities. Over the next 4 years of government, it will be essential that future policy development be guided by clear objectives, strategies, actions, and inclusion based on sound, peer reviewed science, and to be appropriately tailored and effective, the development plan must be informed by our community, industry, organisations, and tourism operators. A strong recreational fishing sector relies on great fishing experiences, and this is dependent on a range of policy settings and investment decisions.

These include sound and participatory fisheries management practices, access to fishing grounds, infrastructure development and maintenance, environmental protection, water resource governance, and sufficient funding for community groups, projects, and inclusive activities.

Strategic planning has evolved significantly in recent times, with new, creative, and technological developments paving the way to enable greater participation, as well as to output innovative, time- bound and effective plans. Our community is ready for the challenge, we just need the support to enable an innovative and inclusive process, benefiting the importance of our sector.

AFTA is committed to working with governments at all levels and importantly the commercial sector to grow and develop our industry not just in Queensland, but all of Australia.

Policy issues to be addressed:

AFTA Trade Show – Public Day Sponsorship

AFTA has historically held its Trade Show at the Gold Coast Convention Centre every July/August. In conjunction with the “Trade Only” days (Thursday & Friday), AFTA has opened the Saturday for “Public Day”.   In 2023 & 2024 these have been able to be “free entry” due to support from our exhibitors and the Qld Government’s $25k sponsorship of the Public Day.

AFTA utilise our members corporate sponsorship of fishing media identities to engage with and educate not only children but their parents in fishing techniques, planning and responsible practices. In 2023, there were over 3000 registered attendees, the target for 2024 is 5000 registered attendees.

AFTA are seeking a commitment of ongoing Qld Government financial support in the amount of $35k for each year over the next 4 years to be able to keep AFTA Trade Show “Public Day” a free attendance family event promoting recreational fishing & participation.

On that basis:

  • Will your party commit to $35k per year over 4 years Qld Government financial support package to maintain the free entry to the AFTA Trade Show “Public Day”

Fisheries Management: 

The quality and sustainability of the whole of the fishing industry depends on effective and equitable fisheries management, allocation, planning and compliance. The Qld Harvest Strategies (pre-agreed decision-rules) are now in place.

AFTA recommends the establishment of a Management Advisory Committee (MACs) with members from the recreational, commercial, fishing tourism and Indigenous sectors tasked with overseeing the implementation and review of the Harvest Strategy. Sound management processes must continue to inform stakeholders and include all sectors in fisheries resource governance structures and decision making.

Effective, inclusive management is key to the successful planning and implementation of policies across the fisheries sector. AFTA recommend a more inclusive and unbiased consultation process in the development of sound fisheries management policy. The strict rules over eligibility to attend and the lack of inclusion of economic consultation within these working groups e.g. the tackle industry has been of major concern. These are the sectors with the actual “skin in the game”, they rely on a sustainable fishery to remain viable. Further as a part of the management process it is essential that only valid & reviewed scientific data be considered by working groups and not data that has been assumed, estimated, or simply presented for comment.

On that basis:

  • Will your party commit to appointing a Fisheries Management Advisory Committee with members from the recreational, commercial, fishing tourism and Indigenous Traditional fishing sectors to oversee the planning and implementation of all fishery Management Frameworks and Harvest Strategies?
  • Will your party commit to establishing a Ministerial Recreational Fishing Advisory Committee to report directly to the Minister on specific issues relating to the recreational fishing sector?

Gillnetting Closures 

AFTA fully supports and endorses the gillnet closures on the Qld East Coast and the Gulf Region.   The indiscriminate nature of gill nets, which result in the death of dugongs, turtles, dolphins, sawfish, and other non-targeted fish, is detrimental to the health and sustainability of these magnificent waterways and is environmentally irresponsible. The barramundi and threadfin salmon are iconic fisheries, nowhere more so than in the Gulf Region.

AFTA sought recent clarification and an urgent remedy from government in relation to planned removal of the netting exemption in the Sandy Straights Marine Park. This removal effectively leaves the area of the Mary River, above the yellow zone, extremely vulnerable to an exponential increase in netting.

It is this section of the Mary River that is the migratory path of many key recreational species and as such is completely at odds with the recent announcement of an action plan to remove gill nets in Qld and in particular local efforts to restore the Sandy Straights back to a key recreational fishing tourism destination through the removal of the yellow zone exemption to netting.

AFTA urge your party to use whatever powers within your means to act and stop the use of gill nets in the Mary River. AFTA stands ready to support this action and work with political parties to protect our precious marine resources.

On that basis:

  • Will your party commit to removal of the gill netting exemption in the Sandy Straights Marine Park in particular affecting the Mary River.

Spanish Mackerel

AFTA is deeply concerned about the bag limits, the length of seasonal closures, and the timing of these closures for Spanish Mackerel. We appreciate that the Government undertook a peer review of the Spanish Mackerel science at AFTA’s request. However, we find it unacceptable that the Spanish Mackerel Fishery Working Group discounted the well-considered points put forward by Dr Neil Klaer. All science must be able to withstand an independent Peer Review. AFTA has always supported sustainability measures based on sound science, but it appears that the application of sound science is not the case in the management of Spanish Mackerel.

We urgently request, after the election, a further detailed and comprehensive scientific study, in conjunction with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), on Spanish Mackerel aggregation, breeding patterns (triggers), and locations so that sound science can be accurately relied upon in the future.

We are also concerned with the Southern Section closure, where no spawning occurs, between 1 February – 21 February & 1 March – 2 March, a total of 6 weeks which is during the peak tourism period for Southeast Queensland. This only seeks to push recreational fishers into New South Wales waters for the same Spanish Mackerel stock.

Finally, the bag limit imposed of 1 per person and a maximum boat limit of 2 defies logic and only encourages more boats out on the water with subsequent environmental impacts. At a minimum, the plan would have been better served with 1 per person and no boat limit. AFTA’s recommended position on Spanish Mackerel is a limit of 2 per person & 4 per boat.

When it comes to the science, the fatal flaw is the lack of quality, reliable data, and particularly the defined quantum of recreational fishers in Queensland. The 2017 Productivity Commission Report into Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture reported an estimate of 3.4 million RecFishers in Australia and correctly asserts that “A small number of fishers account for the majority of the recreational fishing effort” Source: Chapter 4, Table 4.1 Estimates of State-wide participations on recreational fishing, Page 124 and further asserts that “Surveys are undertaken on an ad-hoc basis and there is therefore little information on shifts in fishing activity and catch.” Page 125,

To extrapolate small survey numbers based on boat ramp surveys is wildly inaccurate. The 2016 Productivity Commission Report “Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture” recommended the introduction of licensing or compulsory registration as a more accurate measure of participation. Even though there is no licensing/compulsory registration scheme in Queensland to determine the exact numbers of Recfishers in Queensland, Queensland represents approximately 31% of all equipment sales in Australia. AFTA acknowledges that this includes some spending by interstate and international travel, but in determining fishing effort and effects on fish stocks a reliable base number needs to be established and that is not the case at present.

On that basis:

Will your party commit to:

  • adjusting the bag limits to 2 fish per person with a 4 per boat limit;
  • reduce the length of southern seasonal closures from 6 weeks to 2 weeks,
  • adjusting the timing of the northern closures for Spanish Mackerel to accurately reflect scientifically proven data on spawning aggregation.
  • a further detailed and comprehensive peer reviewed scientific study, in conjunction with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), on Spanish Mackerel aggregation, breeding patterns (triggers), and locations so that sound science can be accurately relied upon in the future.

Saltwater Fish Restocking

AFTA strongly supports and recommends the development of a funded program for the restocking of native species such as barramundi, kingfish, dusky flathead, snapper, whiting, bream, and mulloway.

AFTA believe that the government should invest in new hatcheries or acquire stock through existing hatcheries in Queensland or interstate. This is critical as an increased sustainability measure in areas where depletion occurs. Species such as barramundi fingerlings can be acquired from existing Queensland commercial operators.

On that basis:

  • Will your party commit to a fully funded program for the restocking of native species where stock depletion occurs?

Shark Predation

The next government needs to urgently address the issue of shark predation. This issue impacts not only recreational fishers but also commercial fishers. The reduction in shark culling has led to a rapid growth in sizable sharks who have become educated about the access to an easy feed from fishers. Our members have reported that at times they are lucky if they get one fish into the boat, and it becomes almost impossible to get two fish into the boat.

The incidence of shark predation substantially increased when the government introduced regulations that made it illegal to not only capture but to target sharks over 1.5m in length. AFTA recommends that this regulation be repealed so that sharks longer than 1.5m can be targeted by recreational fishers. Furthermore, AFTA recommends targeted studies of specific shark species stock levels and the learned behaviour of these species, such as bull sharks, with a strategy for removal and reduction from popular fishing destinations.

AFTA will be commencing a national campaign in the second half of 2024 on shark predation and urging all governments to take urgent action to address the situation.

On that basis:

Will your party commit to:

  • repealing regulations so as to allow sharks over 1.5m to be targeted by recreational fishers;
  • undertake targeted studies of specific shark species stock levels and the learned behaviour of these species, such as bull sharks, with a strategy for removal and reduction from popular fishing destinations

Saddle Tail Snapper

In relation to saddle tail snapper, AFTA will support any management changes to fisheries and rules that do not limit or impact on recreational participation. We recommend that any proposed changes to the saddle tail snapper bag limit be postponed until a more detailed stock assessment with peer review has been undertaken. Proper consultation with the recreational fishing industry to detail the effect any proposed changes may have should also be undertaken.

On that basis:

Will your party commit to:

  • Postponing any proposed changes to the saddle tail snapper bag limit until a more detailed stock assessment with peer review has been undertaken.
  • Undertake proper consultation with the recreational fishing industry to detail the effect any proposed changes may have should also be undertaken.

Additionally, AFTA recently completed the Governments’ “Have Your Say” on Recreational Fishing in Queensland, noting that changes may not be affected prior to the election, AFTA’s position is as follows:

 The banning of opera house style traps:

Q3: If opera house style traps were banned in Queensland waters, would you prefer an immediate ban or a phase-out period with the ban taking effect from mid-2025?

AFTA supports a planned phase out of opera house traps provided a suitable alternate is legislated such as the current pyramid trap.  Queensland Fisheries are advocating for national consistency from recreational yabby and redclaw fishing, so it follows there should be consistency on specifications. In light of this AFTA suggest a change needs to be made to make the height on open pyramid nets to be a maximum of 15cm, not a minimum.  All other measurements to remain the same.  This would bring Queensland in line with other states.

Regarding the timing of a phase-out consideration must be brought to all parties, namely importers, retailer, and consumers. There is considerable retailer demand for the opera house pot, however purchasing commitments for importers are dictated by factory lead times, particularly on the MOQ for components.  Our advice is to phase-out importation by June 2025.  This date may well be brought forward depending on individual importer circumstances.  A reasonable timeframe for retailers to sell through would be six months.

In turn, AFTA would advocate for a 12-month period for consumers to use and derive value from their pots, during which time AFTA would be amenable to assist the Queensland Government through education and awareness campaigns, utilising our extensive member network.Whilst a state-wide swap out scheme by the Queensland Government is not currently under consideration, there would be options for local government regions to participate.  This practice has been adopted in other states to great success. In total this is a maximum of 30 months (but most likely less) before the complete cessation of the opera house pot in Queensland.  AFTA consider any shorter timeline would result in retail losses and mass dumping of opera style traps that would have a detrimental effect on our industry and the environment.

Q4: Which of the following gear should continue to be used in Queensland non-tidal waters? 

AFTA support the continued use of

  • Shrimp traps
  • Canister traps
  • Hoop Nets
  • Open top pyramid traps

Q5: Do you support introducing trap boat limits (consistent with limits for crab gear)? 

No as each state varies on the number of crab pots an individual may have.  We believe the current laws for an individual using a yabby net should apply regardless of whether that individual is using from land or boat.

Q6: Do you support introducing requirements to mark traps (consistent with crab gear)?

AFTA would support the marking of all traps consistent with the current crab traps rules.

Banning lightweight crab pots, and new minimum gear specifications

Q7: Do you agree with banning the use of lightweight crab pots in Queensland waters?

AFTA agree that the use of lightweight crab pots in Queensland should be banned.

While a change in the minimum ring size will help to reduce ghost pots, the proposal does not propose any minimum standard for square, rectangle, or wire traps, which then leaves a potential loophole for this style of pot to become the new lightweight pots.

All pots, regardless of the type of mesh, or whether is collapsible or not, should have the same rules applied or they will become the new ghost pots.

Q8: If lightweight crab pots were banned, would you prefer an immediate ban or a phase-out period with the ban taking effect from mid-2025?

Regarding the timing of a phase-out consideration must be brought to all parties, namely importers, retailer, and consumers. There is considerable retailer demand for the crab pots, however purchasing commitments for importers are dictated by factory lead times, particularly on the MOQ for components. Our advice is to phase-out importation by June 2025.  This date may well be brought forward depending on individual importer circumstances.  A reasonable timeframe for retailers to sell through would be six months. In turn, AFDTA will advocate for a 12-month period for consumers to use and derive value from their pots, during which time AFTA would be amenable to assist the Queensland Government through education and awareness campaigns, utilising our extensive member network.

Whilst a state-wide swap out scheme by the Queensland Government is not currently under consideration, there would be options for local government regions to participate.  This practice has been adopted in other states to great success. In total this is a maximum of 30 months (but most likely less) before the complete cessation of the opera house pot in Queensland.  AFTA consider any shorter timeline would result in retail losses and mass dumping of opera style traps that would have a detrimental effect on our industry and the environment.

Q9: Do you agree with introducing minimum crab pot specifications for recreational fishers?

AFTA’s position is that there should be minimum crab pot specifications introduced but should go further than the proposed 8mm ring.  AFTA suggests to have a greater potential reduction in the incidence of ghost pots, a minimum upper and lower rings size of 10mm be introduced. AFTA agrees to a round crab pot diameter at 800mm minimum and maximum 1000mm, with mesh to be 50mm minimum over the stretched diamond. AFTA believes that rectangular pots, due to the nature of their design, should be banned completely, however refer to our response to Q7. In order for the Queensland Government to attempt to achieve their desired goals, the above changes, along with a stringent crackdown on the importation of non-compliant nets from overseas-direct internet sales would need to be affected.

Q10: Do you agree with the requirement for crab pots used by recreational fishers to have escape vents installed (as per the specifications included in this discussion paper)?

No as there are too many variables when considering escape vents that complicate the solution, including, but not limited to:

  • Commercial crabbers typically target one species,
  • Commercial legislation is very complicated leading to rule ambiguity,
  • Recreational crabbers use one pot for both sand and mud crabs,
  • Recreational crabbers use of pots, unlike commercial, are typically short-term soakings and therefore checked on a far more regular basis,

There may be a solution on escape vents providing for the capture of sand crabs, however a number of factors would need to be addressed such as:

  • Clarity on rules on how escape vents are inserted into the pot. For example, would ties inside the opening count as part of the opening, therefore making the opening 2mm wider which in turn will allow legal sized crabs to escape?
  • Clear definition of the materials the escape vents can made from, and:
  • Positioning of the vents

Separate possession limits for crimson and saddletail snapper and other considerations

Q11: Do you support having separate possession limits for crimson and saddletail snapper?

Yes, AFTA would support a bag limit of 5 saddletail snapper, also known as large mouth nannygai, and 5 crimson snapper, also known as small-mouth nannygai, rather than a total of 9 between the two species.

Q12: Do you support the proposed possession limits of 4 saddletail snapper?

No, but AFTA would support a bag limit of 5 saddletail snapper, 

Q13: Do you support the proposed possession limits of 4 crimson snapper? 

No, but AFTA would support a bag limit of 5 crimson snapper, 

Q14: What are your views on changing the size limit for saddletail and crimson snapper to improve management of these stocks?

AFTA would consider any reasonable increase in size limits that alleviate the need to decrease bag limits or fishing participation and support species sustainability. AFTA would however need to examine all peer reviewed science that addresses variables like barotrauma, shark depredation and catch rates factored into any desired increased size increase.  An increase in the size limit could well have unintended opposing outcomes.

Q15: What are your views on recreational catch reporting to support management for at-risk or high value species such as saddletail snapper?

AFTA do not support mandatory reporting.  Whilst we understand the perceived intentions of the direction, AFTA feels the ultimate data would be too open to manipulation and construed without all factors being considered.  There is history of survey sample sizes, and survey application skewing data incorrectly.

New black jewfish closed season.

Q16: Do you support introducing an annual black jewfish closed season (to protect them during spawning) from 1 November to 31 January?

No as conservative bag limits are already in place.  AFTA would not support a spawning ban that covers the entire period of the summer school holidays, coinciding with the Barramundi closed season. AFTA feels such an action would not help industry trade and would result in an increased fishing pressure on more vulnerable species such as saddle tail snapper.

Possession limit changes for black jewfish

Q17: Do you support an increase in the in-possession limit for black jewfish?

Yes, AFTA recommends the increase in the in-possession limit to 2 fish per person / 4 fish per boat (for more than 2 people on board).  AFTA believes such a change this would give anglers a stronger focus on this species instead of more vulnerable inshore species like saddle tail snapper.

Expanding the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme

Q18: Which of the following impoundments should be added to the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme?

AFTA fully supports the SIPS scheme being introduced into the 3 suggested impoundments:

  • Enoggera Reservoir,
  • Mount Morgan No.7 Dam,
  • Paradise Dam

In conclusion, AFTA look forward to your party’s response and prompt attention to these matters.  AFTA is available for further discussion at your earliest convenience.