As the grey mackerel is becoming staple seafood for the consumers of Queensland fishers are now getting involved in monitoring this species to help ensure its long-term sustainability. Most of this species are caught by commercial fishing nets, some are taken on rod and reel by commercial and recreational fishers. It is told that the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) has already started an extensive programme to monitor the size and age of grey mackerel being caught along Queensland’s east coast.
Stuart Hyland, DPI&F fisheries biologist, expressed that the data collected would supplement existing information from research projects and the current commercial observer and logbook programmes. He added that such information will be helpful to develop an understanding of the current structure of the grey mackerel population. He informed that DPI&F staff will focus the grey mackerel monitoring in coastal areas in and around Cairns, Townsville and Mackay, the Keppel and Curtis coasts, and Hervey Bay, which are known for the largest commercial landings of this species.
Hyland told that the samples will be collected from seafood markets and commercial operators from both the inshore net and commercial line fisheries, as well as recreational fishers, to ensure a complete picture.
