The East Coast Reef Line Fishery is concentrated between Cooktown and the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The fishery is made up of a commercial and recreational (including charter) sector. More than 120 reef species are taken in this fishery. The most common species include coral trout, red throat emperor, red emperor, tropical snappers, reef cods and some pelagic species (including Spanish mackerel). The fishery targets whole dead, filleted and live fish. However, the live fish trade is growing rapidly due to the high prices paid on Asian markets and more than 50 per cent of the reef line catch is now destined for the overseas live fish market.

The Reef Line Fishery is managed by the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries (PIF) under a Management Plan. Until the introduction of a quota system in July 2004, the fishery was managed under a limited entry system. With the introduction of a quota system, commercial catches were capped at a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) of 3061 tonnes per year for coral reef fish and 619 tonnes per year for Spanish mackerel. Commercial operators in the fishery who were eligible for a “RQ” or “SM” endorsement were allocated Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQs) based on their catch history. The new system caps the level of harvest in the Reef Line Fishery, while providing greater flexibility for the operators in trading their quota.

Information on the recreational take in the Reef Line Fishery is less available. Surveys of recreational fishers in 1999 estimated the recreational catch of coral reef finfish species at 2494, and 406 tonnes for Spanish mackerel.

In addition to the quota system, further management rules apply to both the commercial and recreational sectors. There are three nine-day spawning closures for coral reef finfish. Seven species are prohibited from commercial take for conservation concerns, iconic values or ciguatera concerns. Legal size limits also apply to many species. Access and gear restrictions also apply via the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park zoning arrangements.

Related Links

• Queensland Primary Industries & Fisheries
• Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts - Environmental Assessment of the Queensland Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery
• Cooperative Research Centres Reef Research Centre - Queensland’s East Coast Reef Line Fishery
• QLD Parliamentary Counsel – Fisheries (Coral Reef Fin Fish) Management Plan 2003