Developmental & exploratory fisheries in QLD | Developmental fishery process | Contacts
Developmental & exploratory fisheries in Queensland
- Fishermen gutting recently harvested beche-de-mer taken from the developmental fishery in Moreton Bay, Queensland.
Developing fishing is generally regarded as:
- Fishing for a species of fish that has been previously unexploited or significantly under-utilized; or
- Fishing for an existing commercial species using apparatus not permitted by the legislation for that purpose; or
- Fishing for an existing commercial species or use of prescribed apparatus (or both) in locations where such activities have not previously occurred; or
- Combinations of the above.
DPI&F can initiate a developmental fishing activity in Queensland by issuing a Developmental Fishing Permit. Developmental fisheries operate under a set of permit conditions, which are based on the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD), in particular, the precautionary principle. Permits are usually issued for a period of 3 to 5 years, during which time information is gathered through a combination of methods including logbooks, independent surveys and Fisheries Observers.
Developmental fishing determines whether or not a potential new fishery is commercially viable, socially acceptable and ecologically sustainable. For example "We believe that the resource is there - can it be harvested with this apparatus or fishing practice", or, "Is there a more appropriate method of harvesting what is currently harvested by another method?"
Exploratory fishing is usually a short-term operation designed to gather information relevant to the potential for development of a new fishery. For example, exploratory fishing could be focussed on, "What resource is available? Is it harvestable? Is it marketable? Could it be developed in an ecologically sustainable manner?"
Exploratory fishing is generally authorised by the DPI&F through the issue of a general fisheries permit. In most cases the term of the permit will be 12 months. Due to the scientific input required to obtain relevant information from such activities, exploratory fishing will generally not generate a significant economic return.
Developmental fisheries in operation and under consideration
Fisheries in operation
- Developmental squid jigging fishery in offshore waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria - 1 permit was issued in October 2007.
- Developmental inshore finfish trawl operating outside 25 nautical miles generally from the Gulf of Carpentaria coastline north of 15 degrees South latitude. Current Developmental Fishing Permits have been issued since 1998 and the future of the fishery has not been determined.
- Developmental jellyfish fishery in Tin Can Bay - 2 permits were issued in May 2005.
- Developmental jellyfish fishery in Moreton Bay and the Gulf of Carpentaria - 2 permits were issued for Moreton Bay and 2 were issued for the Gulf of Carpentaria in June/July 2005.
- Developmental trapping of prawns and bugs off the Queensland east coast - 4 permits were issued in July 2005.
- Developmental beche-de-mer fishery in Moreton Bay - the permit issued in 2003 has now expired and further activity will not be permitted unless supported by reliable abundance surveys.
Fisheries under consideration (applications and comments closed)
- Developmental beche-de-mer fishery in the Gulf of Carpentaria
- Developmental slipper lobster and spiny lobster trapping fishery in South East Queensland
Fisheries under consideration (comments invited)
For additional information about developmental fisheries or to obtain a copy of the "Policy for the Management of Developmental Fishing" see Developmental fisheries contacts
Last reviewed 8 July 2008
