How to get started in commercial fishing

A limited entry policy has applied to all Queensland commercial fisheries since 1984. Queensland's mainstream commercial fisheries involve the use of licensed commercial fishing boats which must have a licensed Commercial Fisher aboard who is in charge of the operation. Before making any irreversible commitments to enter these fisheries, you need to consider the following:

• What type/s of fishing you intend doing; in which location; and when (e.g. weekend netting in rivers and some bays is prohibited)
• What investment warnings have been issued in relation to the fishery/ies you intend to enter
• Whether your boat meets the size and power limits
• The purchase price of a suitable licence, and in certain fisheries, the purchase price of quota units (required to operate in those fisheries)
• If you intend operating the boat yourself, do you qualify for a Commercial Fisher Licence (if you do not qualify, you will need to employ the holder of such a licence until you qualify to obtain one for yourself)

If you are satisfied that you want to enter the commercial fishing industry, your first step could be to locate a suitable boat licence (either with or without a boat) which is for sale. These are often advertised in newspapers and industry magazines, or you can contact a Ship Broker. The fisheries which a boat may work in are endorsed on the Commercial Fishing Boat Licence. Most licences are endorsed for two or more fisheries, which are identified by a fishery symbol marked on the licence. Certain fisheries limit the number of tender boats which can operate with the primary boat.

• For example, if "L1 (2)" appears on the licence, the primary boat and two tender boats can operate in the Line (Other Than Great Barrier Reef) Fishery.

When you purchase an authority, you and the current holder must complete and lodge applications to register the transfer with DPI&F. If you purchase a licence without the associated boat, you will need to apply to have the licence placed on your boat before commencing fishing operations. Don't forget that some limits apply to the size and power of replacement boats.

Different rules apply to the group of fishing activities referred to as the "harvest" fisheries. Because the management arrangements and species belonging to the harvest fisheries are diverse, enquiries should be directed to the Licensing Unit, DPI&F.

The licence details can be confirmed by applying to Inspect the Register of Authorities and Fisheries Developmental Approvals.You should also make enquiries about any investment warnings or impending changes to management arrangements for the fisheries you intend to become engaged in.

See Licences and permits for commercial fishing in Queensland for more information about:

• what each type of authority allows you to do,
• how to apply for them (either new or transferred from an existing holder),
• how to apply to amend them (by changing details such as the boat recorded against a licence), and
• how to apply to Inspect the Register of Authorities and Fisheries Developmental Approvals.

For more information, contact DPI&F on 13 25 23. Our call centre staff will direct your enquiry to the appropriate licensing officer.

Last updated 6 July 2006