30th September, 2025
The Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) Response to Department of Primary Industries Discussion Paper
Introduction
The Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) is the national peak body representing Australia’s recreational fishing industry. Our membership spans manufacturers, wholesale distributors, retailers, media, and charter operators, ensuring our connection with every recreational fisher in Queensland.
This submission on behalf of AFTA, responds to proposed changes in the management and harvest strategy for East Coast Spanish Mackerel.
Background and Context
Recent government statements suggest that the Spanish Mackerel population has doubled since the 2021 review. The Department proposes adjusting the harvest strategy target reference point from 60% to 48% unfished biomass, revising strategy objectives, and removing the interim 40% reference point previously applied when stocks were thought to be below the 20% threshold.
While the improved stock status is encouraging, the proposed increase of the total allowable commercial catch (TACC) by 51.5%, from 165 tonnes to 250 tonnes, directly benefits commercial viability. In contrast, there is no corresponding increase in bag limits for recreational fishers, which undermines the viability and experience of our sector. A vibrant recreational fishing sector is dependent on equitable policy settings and appropriate investment decisions.
Analysis of Proposed Changes
Historically, the commercial TACC for East Coast Spanish Mackerel was 578 tonnes, but average annual landings since 2004 – 2023 had been approximately half that figure. The 2023 reduction to a commercial TAC of 165 tonnes represented a 28% decrease from the previous caught allocation. The current proposal to restore the TAC to 250 tonnes effectively returns the commercial sector to pre-2023 catch levels.
Conversely, recreational bag limits were reduced in July 2023 from 3 fish per person (maximum 6 per boat) to 1 per person (maximum 2 per boat), a significant 66% reduction. The proposed change to allow a maximum of 4 fish per boat (with 4 or more people on board) does not translate to increased catch, only to more people on fewer boats.
In summary, the commercial sector faced a 28% reduction followed by full restoration, in comparison, Recreational bag limits were reduced by 66% in 2023, with only marginal relief proposed. This imbalance is inequitable, unjustified and risks undermining the recreational sector’s viability and public confidence in fisheries management.
Economic and Social Contribution of Recreational Fishing
Recreational fishing is a cornerstone of Queensland’s community and economy, with 26% of adults participating—well above the national average of 21.4%. The sector contributes approximately $2.52 billion to the state economy and supports 23,602 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs, including $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 trade comprises 94 independent tackle stores, 47 BCF stores, 20 Anaconda stores, 17 Tackle World outlets, 5 Compleat Angler stores, 2 major manufacturers, 44 wholesalers and agency representatives, numerous service stations and holiday parks selling bait and tackle, as well as 69 KMART and 51 Big W outlets, and 179 charter operators.
By comparison, the commercial sector generates $558 million and sustains 4,576 FTE jobs. For every commercial sector job, 5.2 are supported in the recreational industry; for every dollar generated commercially, $4.50 is generated by recreational fishing. These figures highlight the importance of equitable resource allocation and support.
Call for Equity in Resource Sharing
AFTA does not seek to diminish the commercial sector’s contribution, recognising both sectors are vital to Queensland’s economy. However, we urge the Queensland Government to acknowledge the recreational sector’s substantial economic and employment impact when determining harvest allocations and support. The proposed changes prioritise commercial viability without adequate consideration for recreational fishing trade and its participants.
Effective policy development must be guided by clear objectives, sound peer-reviewed science, and meaningful stakeholder engagement. This includes participatory fisheries management, access to fishing grounds, infrastructure development, environmental protection, water governance, and community funding.
Concerns Regarding Science and Data
AFTA appreciates the previous government’s peer review of Spanish Mackerel science, but notes with concern that the Fishery Working Group did not fully consider the points raised by Dr Neil Klaer. Robust management requires reliable data, particularly on recreational fisher numbers. The 2017 Productivity Commission Report estimated 3.4 million recreational fishers nationally, noting that a small number account for the majority of effort and that survey data are limited and ad-hoc.
Extrapolation from small-scale boat ramp surveys is inadequate. The 2016 Productivity Commission Report recommended licensing or compulsory registration for accurate participation measurement—a system not currently in place in Queensland. While Queensland accounts for approximately 31% of national equipment sales, more reliable data must be established to make inform management decisions.
AFTA supports sustainability measures grounded in sound science, but past management of Spanish Mackerel has not consistently reflected this approach.
AFTA Recreational Fishing Recommendations
Bag Limits:
Increase recreational limits to 2 Spanish Mackerel per person and 6 per boat. This remains a 33% reduction from pre-2023 levels and balances sustainability with access. The current and proposed limits do not align with any logical or beneficial outcomes for recreational fishers, nor do they impact sustainability.
Southern Seasonal Closures:
Remove restrictions for east coast waters south of latitude 22˚S for recreational fishers, as there is no scientific evidence of aggregation or spawning events in this region. The closures coincide with peak tourism, potentially displacing recreational effort into NSW waters for the same stock.
Northern Seasonal Closures:
Allocate funding for comprehensive scientific research, collaborating with the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) to accurately determine Spanish Mackerel aggregation, breeding triggers, and locations. Future closures should be based on robust, location-specific science.
Conclusion
AFTA remains committed to collaborating with all levels of government and the commercial sector to ensure sustainable, inclusive and transparent fisheries management, in order to grow and strengthen the fishing industry across Queensland and Australia.
We respectfully urge the Queensland Government to consider the recreational sector’s economic, social, and cultural value in shaping Spanish Mackerel management policy. Equitable access, robust science, and collaborative engagement are essential to long-term sustainability and sector confidence.