Independent onboard monitoring for Queensland trawl fisheries

The Independent onboard monitoring (IOM) program will provide accurate and independent information about interactions with threatened, endangered and protected species to:

  • maintain Australian Government export approvals and access to export markets
  • support ongoing access to fishing grounds within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
  • support sustainable fisheries management decisions.

The IOM program is funded by the Queensland Government and an approved supplier will provide installation, maintenance and technical support to fishers during the implementation period.

Who the IOM requirements apply to

IOM requirements apply to:

  • all commercial fin fish trawl fishery vessels – T4 fishery symbol
  • east coast otter trawl fishery vessels that account for 90% of fishing effort – T1, T2, M and M2 fishery symbols.

All authority holders will receive written advice about the IOM requirements that apply to their primary commercial fishing licence.

Responsibilities

Primary commercial fishing licence holders and commercial fishers operating a vessel subject to IOM requirements will need to:

  • use approved video monitoring equipment
  • check cameras and equipment are operating correctly before and during fishing activities
  • keep cameras clean and free from obstructions
  • report equipment issues or malfunctions as soon as possible
  • provide footage and related information when requested
  • keep an approved vessel monitoring plan on board
  • complete reporting via the Qld eFisher app.

About the cameras

Approved video monitoring equipment will be installed on commercial trawl vessels to record fishing activities and provide independent information about interactions with threatened, endangered and protected species.

Video cameras are triggered by fishing activity and are not designed to record continuously throughout a fishing operation.

Before requirements commence, Fisheries Queensland will contact authority holders to:

  • arrange installation of approved video monitoring equipment by an approved supplier and its authorised sub-contractors
  • develop a vessel monitoring plan
  • provide training and support materials.

An approved supplier will also provide maintenance and technical support to fishers during the implementation period.

Implementation timeline

The IOM program will be implemented over 6 years, with cameras installed on the highest-effort vessels during the first 2 years.

Future implementation arrangements will be reviewed as the program progresses, including a planned review after the first 2 years.

For more information, read the IOM for Queensland trawl fishers fact sheet, found on the IOM in Queensland trawl fisheries engagement hub.

Electronic reporting timeline

Electronic reporting is also being rolled out on a regional basis and will take effect in:

  • southern inshore and offshore trawl regions on 1 November 2026
  • northern and central trawl regions on 1 March 2027
  • Moreton Bay trawl region on 1 July 2027.

From these dates, all reporting will be submitted through the Qld eFisher app and Fisheries Queensland will not accept paper logbooks.

Learn more about the changes to electronic reporting.

Training and support

Fisheries Queensland and an approved supplier will support fishers throughout implementation with:

  • one-on-one assistance
  • guidance materials
  • fact sheets and frequently asked questions
  • training opportunities
  • installation
  • technical and equipment repairs.

One-on-one training

Fisheries Queensland is also providing free one-on-one training and support to help trawl fishers transition to electronic reporting via the Qld eFisher app.

Register for a training session.

More information