Overview of commercial trawl fisheries
Threshold notice for the southern inshore trawl region
In the southern inshore trawl region, 70% of maximum effort units for the current fishing season (1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023) have been used.
From 3 August 2023, T1 licence holders must not use, or allow another person to use, the primary boat identified in a T1 licence in the southern inshore trawl region for more than 24 days in each whole month. The first whole month starts on 3 August 2023 and will end on 2 September 2023. The 24 days per month restriction will remain in place until 31 October 2023.
Note: The annual closure for the southern inshore trawl region will still be in effect from midday 20 September to midday 1 November.
This notice was issued in accordance with s86BA of the Fisheries Declaration 2019.
Trawl fisheries are Queensland's largest commercial fisheries.
There are 2 basic types of trawling: otter trawling and beam trawling. The otter trawl fishery, which operates in more open waters, is by far the larger, accounting for about 95% of the total harvest taken each year. Beam trawlers are used in estuaries.
Queensland has 4 main trawl fisheries:
- the east coast otter trawl fishery
- the Moreton Bay otter trawl fishery
- the river and inshore beam trawl fishery
- the fin fish (stout whiting) trawl fishery.
This guide gives an overview of Queensland's commercial trawl fisheries, including management areas, target species, gear used, licensing and regulations.
- Last reviewed: 24 Dec 2021
- Last updated: 2 Aug 2023