When size really matters
Is it logical that Queensland demands a 40cm coral trout fillet while maintaining a 38cm overall minimum size?
Queensland’s legal framework for managing the size of coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus) has been carefully designed to ensure the species’ sustainability. The minimum legal size for common coral trout is 38cm total length (TL), measured from snout to tail. This regulation applies to both recreational and commercial fishing, ensuring that fish reach sexual maturity and reproduce before being harvested. Research indicates that about 50% of female coral trout mature at around 37.6cm TL, typically between 2 and 3 years old, though growth rates vary. The 38cm threshold is crucial because it ensures that a significant portion of the population spawns at least once, supporting larval replenishment and maintaining spawning stock biomass. Studies show that young mature females below this size limit contribute substantially to population replenishment, sometimes up to 36% in certain models. Furthermore, the size limit helps mitigate risks like recruitment overfishing.
The size limit was increased from an earlier 35cm, introduced in December 1976 under the Fisheries Act, during or before the 2003 management reforms. While the exact date of the change to 38cm isn’t clearly documented, it coincides with broader updates to coral reef fin fish regulations at that time.
On December 20, 2003, as part of the Fisheries (Coral Reef Fin Fish) Management Plan 2003, a rule was introduced requiring that fillets be at least 40 cm long and have skin and scales intact. This rule excludes blue-spotted coral trout (Plectropomus laevis) because it can’t be filleted on board due to its specific size range of 50-80 cm. The primary reason for the 40 cm fillet length is enforcement and compliance. Whole fish are easier for fisheries officers to inspect and measure accurately, whereas filleting can obscure the fish’s original size and complicate detection of undersized catches. By setting the minimum fillet length slightly above what might be expected from a borderline 38 cm fish, the rule discourages filleting minimum-sized fish at sea, encouraging them to be kept whole for inspection. This also provides a buffer to ensure that fillets come from fish well above the minimum size, reducing the risk of non-compliance. Keeping the skin on also aids in species identification. This approach balances practical fishing needs, like filleting larger fish for storage, with conservation goals as part of broader reforms to address overfishing concerns in the early 2000s.
AFTA has no issue with the 38 cm minimum size; however, an expert fish filleter would struggle to get a fillet of over 25 cm from a 38 cm fish, whereas a 55 cm fish produces a fillet of 40 cm. Surely the fillet length could be reduced from 40 cm to 30 cm to allow for filleting and freezing at sea?
Perhaps it’s time for the Queensland Government to revisit this issue? I would appreciate your thoughts on this matter.