Step Forward for Spanish Mackerel Catch Limits

North Shore Seafood Owner, Lucas Dansie and Nick Dametto MP.

8 August 2025

Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto has welcomed the announcement that catch limits for Spanish mackerel will increase by the end of the year, calling it a positive step forward for commercial and recreational fishers across Queensland.

A 2025 stock assessment revealed the Spanish mackerel population has likely doubled since the controversial 2021 biomass estimate of just 17 percent. The new figure aligns more closely with what commercial and recreational fishers have been reporting when on the water.

The revised catch limits will still allow one Spanish mackerel per person, but with a maximum of four per boat when four or more recreational fishers are on board. Commercial fishers will see their total allowable catch increase from 165 tonnes to 250 tonnes annually, a rise of over fifty-one percent.

Mr Dametto said this decision was the result of an updated stock assessment that confirmed the mackerel population was strong and sustainable.

“There’s still a long way to go to bring full confidence and stability back to the industry, but this is a solid step in the right direction,” Mr Dametto said.

“The former Labor Government’s knee-jerk reaction to the flawed 2021 stock assessment unfairly punished hardworking commercial and recreational fishers, and many small businesses.

“At the time, the 2021 stock assessment was heavily, and publicly, criticised by members of the industry as well as researchers who questioned the modelling applied. Despite independent research proving the government figures were inaccurate, Labor refused to back down from the decision to slash quotas.

“Thankfully, the new government relied on science instead of green ideology and has acknowledged past failures. While it is not a full reversal of the damage done, it’s a strong step in the right direction. I’ll continue to push for further increases to the Spanish mackerel catch limit in the future.”

Owner of North Shore Seafoods, Lucas Dansie, said he was really proud of the way the commercial and recreational fishing sectors had worked together as one to apply pressure on the government.

“This is the first time I’ve seen a reassessment of the fishery after being presented with better science. It’s reassuring to see movement back in the right direction,” Mr Dansie said.

“I do feel the recreational sector deserved more, perhaps two fish per person, but we thank everyone involved for their efforts in working for a better outcome.

“Also a big thank you to Nick Dametto and his team for their efforts fighting for our primary industries and fellow fishers.”

While the increased limits are expected to take effect by the end of 2025, other rules such as size limits, seasonal closures and the one-per-person charter fishing limit will remain in place until the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries completes public consultation.

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