New Spanish mackerel assessment shows sustainable populations
by Boating Industry Association 14 Aug 08:23 BST
Spanish mackerel are a regular feature of Hot Reels Charters © Fisho's Tackle World
BIA welcomes the Qld Government recent announcement it aims to restore fairness for the boat-based fishing sector, with a new stock assessment revealing sustainable populations that would support increased catch limits for Spanish mackerel.
This year's Spanish mackerel stock assessment found the population was now likely to have doubled since the 2021 review.
Based on this, the Department Primary Industries has proposed raising Spanish mackerel catch limits for both commercial and recreational fishing.
If these proposals are adopted, the recreational boat limit will double from two fish per boat to a maximum of four.
Public consultation will be announced in due course, with the proposed changes intended to take effect by the end of the year.