Project Overview
A Spanish mackerel stock assessment completed in 2021 showed the stock was most likely at 17% of unfished biomass. Following consultation, significant management changes were introduced in September 2022 as an alternative to closing the fishery. A rebuilding harvest strategy was also implemented from 1 July 2023.
This year, a new stock assessment of east coast Spanish mackerel was completed, which included a range of additional research information – the 2025 assessment estimated the stock at 34% of unfished biomass.
There is now an opportunity to provide greater access to these stocks through review of the harvest strategy.
A fact sheet summarising the proposed changes, a discussion paper and the proposed changes to the harvest strategy are available in the ‘Document library’.
The fastest and easiest way to provide your feedback is to complete the online survey below.
You can also upload written submissions using the form on the right-hand side of this page.
In addition, the survey questions are available at the end of the discussion paper if you prefer to print and post your submission to:
East coast Spanish mackerel discussion paper
Department of Primary Industries
GPO Box 46
Brisbane Qld 4001
Submissions close 5 pm, Wednesday 8 October 2025.
Summary of proposed changes
The following changes are proposed:
- Amend the harvest strategy target reference point from 60% unfished biomass to 48% unfished biomass, amend the harvest strategy objectives, and remove the 40% interim target reference point previously established when stocks were believed to be below the 20% threshold.
- Increase the total allowable commercial catch from 165 t to 250 t to improve industry viability and better align the commercial sector catch share to the established 60% commercial 40% recreational allocation in the harvest strategy.
- Increase the recreational boat limit from 2 per boat with 2 or more people on board to 4 per boat with 4 or more people on board, without significantly negatively impacting the sector catch share ratio.
- Amend the harvest strategy decision rules as drafted in the East coast Spanish mackerel harvest strategy: 2023–2028 – Proposed amendments.
The 75 cm minimum size limit, seasonal closures, charter fishing trip limits and the individual recreational possession limit of one fish per person would remain the same.
East Coast Spanish Mackerel Survey
Have your say on proposed changes to Spanish mackerel management arrangements and the harvest strategy.
Submissions close 5 pm, Wednesday 8 October 2025.
NOTE: The survey questions are designed to seek your input – they are not a voting tool. Your feedback will be used to help develop options for fisheries management action and provide an insight into the preferences of all stakeholders.
We recommend registering on this site to save your survey while you are completing it, so that you don’t lose your responses should you have a technical problem or your browser times out. Once you have submitted your survey, you will see an acknowledgement on-screen and receive an email confirmation. You can access your draft or completed survey by clicking on your User Dashboard in the top right-hand corner of the web page.
Download the Summary Fact Sheet here
Download Proposed Changes to Harvest Strategy here
Click here to visit DPI Engagement Hub
For more information, call 13 25 23 or email fisheriesmanagers@dpi.qld.gov.au.