Trawl regions in the east coast otter trawl fishery
Central and southern inshore regions closed to scallop harvesting
The central and southern inshore regions have been closed to scallop harvesting since September 2021 to allow the biomass to recover to a level that can sustain fishing. We are working with industry and other stakeholders to conduct a new survey of these fishing grounds that will inform future management arrangements.
Queensland's east coast otter trawl fishery is divided into 5 regions.
Map of trawl fishery regions
Download the east coast otter trawl fishery regional map.
Northern trawl region
Management
Effort caps
- FishNet lists current the effort cap units, usage and dates.
Annual reset dates
- 1 January—effort unit entitlements for all licence holders are renewed.
- 1 March—effort unit caps reset.
Annual closure
- From 15 December to 1 March.
Central trawl region
Management
Effort caps
- FishNet lists current the effort cap units, usage and dates.
Annual reset dates
- 1 January—effort unit entitlements for all licence holders are renewed.
- 1 March—effort unit caps reset.
Annual closure
- From 15 December to 1 March.
Scallop area closure
- The central trawl region is currently closed to taking scallops.
Southern inshore trawl region
Management
Effort caps
- FishNet lists current the effort cap units, usage and dates.
Annual reset dates
- 1 January—effort unit entitlements for all licence holders are renewed.
- 1 November—effort unit caps reset.
Annual closures
- From midday 20 September to midday 1 November.
- From midday on 23 December to midday 3 January.
These 2 closures do not apply to T6, T7 and T8 licences.
Scallop area closure
- The central trawl region is currently closed to taking scallops.
Southern offshore trawl region
Management
Effort cap
- FishNet lists current the effort cap units, usage and dates.
Annual reset dates
- 1 January—effort unit entitlements for all licence holders are renewed.
- 1 November—effort unit caps reset.
Strip closures
- From 20 September to 1 March:
- From 1 January to 1 March:
Annual closures
- From midday 20 September to midday 1 November.
Scallop closure period
- Scallops may not be harvested between 1 May to 20 January.
Moreton Bay otter trawl fishery
Management
Closures
- Closed to fishing every weekend.