Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy
The Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017–2027 (QSFS) sets out the government’s reform agenda over ten years. As the strategy is approaching its conclusion, the government is transitioning to 5-year plans developed with industry and stakeholders under the Department of Primary Industries' 25-year blueprint.
QSFS sets clear targets to be achieved by 2020 and 2027 and a range of actions to deliver on the vision and targets. There are 33 actions across ten reform areas.
Targets
QSFS has set several targets to establish sustainable catch limits based on achieving maximum economic yield for all Queensland fisheries and demonstrating that no Queensland fisheries are overfished.
By 2027, Queensland aims to have:
- set sustainable catch limits based on achieving maximum economic yield for all Queensland fisheries (around 60% biomass)
- identified that no Queensland fisheries are overfished
- increased certainty for commercial operators
- reduced the volume of fisheries regulation
- improved trends of compliance rates
- implemented a responsive and consultative approach to fisheries management.
Outcomes
The QSFS annual reports set out the progress related to the strategy.
The most recent annual progress report is the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy progress report—year 7 (2023-2024). It outlines the 30 actions that were delivered from a total of 33.
Key outcomes 2022 and 2023 annual reports:
| Key Outcome | 2021-22 | 2022-23 | 2023-24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Reforms | |||
| Working groups meetings | 41 | 15 | N/A |
| Expert panel meetings | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Commercial fishing app training and staff | 20 |
113 (40 Staff) |
113 (40 Staff) |
| Commercial catch limits | 26 | 26 | 14 |
| Ecological risk assessments completed | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Implementing Reforms | |||
| New Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol recruits |
16 (training & onboarding) |
14 (graduation) |
10 (appointment) |
| Inspections | 16,978 | 20,544 | 22,806 |
| Compliance rates | 88.1% | 87% | 88.4% |
| Infringements | 686 | 950 | 944 |
| Cautions | 1,125 | 1,568 | 1,700 |
| Prosecutions | 33 | 128 | 18 |
| Joint Patrols | 178 | 362 | 317 |
| Reform Tools | |||
| Queensland eFisher Commercial fishing app downloads/updates |
4500* (released in December 2021) | 13,774 | 17,723 |
| Queensland eFisher Commercial fishing app - Daily average | 16% | 33% | 49% |
| Queensland Fishing 2.0 Recreational Fishing app - downloads/updates | 43,552 | 102,300 | 193,200 |