On The Land
14 September, 2025
Mackerel catch limits to rise
A NEW stock assessment of Spanish mackerel has revealed sustainable populations would support increased catch limits for the popular fish.
This year’s Spanish mackerel stock assessment found the population was now likely to have doubled since the 2021 review.
Based on this, the Department of Primary Industries has proposed raising Spanish mackerel catch limits for both commercial and recreational fishing.
If these proposals are adopted, the recreational boat limit will double from two fish per boat to a maximum of four.
For commercial fishers it will see a 51.5% increase in allowable catch, with the annual commercial limit expected to increase from 165 tonnes to 250 tonnes.
The State Government is also proposing to set the Spanish mackerel harvest strategy at a target of 48% of unfished levels, ensuring enduring and sustainable access to the fishery.
The reduction from 60% to 48% will align the harvest strategy with Commonwealth fisheries.
Existing Spanish mackerel limits will remain in place while public consultation is conducted. The impact of current limits will be evaluated in the next stock assessment.
The 2025 stock assessment found Spanish mackerel were fast-growing and highly reproductive. Combined with the protections around spawning grounds, assessors had confidence fish populations would be sustainable.
Public consultation will be announced soon, with the proposed changes intended to take effect by the end of the year.
Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett said the proposed changes struck a balance between allowing fishers and seafood consumers to enjoy this prized catch while continuing to protect this valuable fishery for future generations.
IN BRIEF
The minimum legal-size limit will remain at 75cm.
The charter fishing limit will remain unchanged (one fish per person, no boat limit).
A 51.5% increase to the commercial quota has been modelled to provide approximately $3.5 million in gross value of production to the Queensland economy.
93% of Queensland stocks assessed under the national process have no sustainability concerns.
