Post release survivorship of emerging species in the reformed east coast inshore fishery

Queensland’s East Coast Inshore Fishery (ECIF) is a complex, multi-species fishery of commercial, recreational and cultural importance. However, commercial gillnets have been identified as a key threat to species of conservation concern. They interact with threatened, endangered and protected species (TEPS) such as sea turtles, dugongs and dolphins. In response, federal and state governments have committed to phasing out gillnets within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area by mid-2027.

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To support this transition, alternative low-impact fishing gears, including trap nets, are being trialled. Initial results indicate low interaction rates with TEPS and favourable release condition of bycatch. However, there limited data exists on longer-term (multi-day) impacts of trap netting on fish bycatch survival.

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This study aims to assess the post-release survival of three commonly caught teleost species (Pomadasys kaakan, Pomadasys argenteus, Drepane punctata). These fish are regularly captured in trap nets, with small or undersized individuals released as bycatch. Field trials will be conducted in estuarine systems in North Queensland during neap tides. Catch composition, fish length and initial condition will be recorded. A subsample of individuals will be held in tanks, pens or cages for up to 96 hours to assess survival, condition and behaviour, while remaining fish will be tagged and released for mark–recapture analysis.

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Results will help provide critical data on bycatch survival and support the sustainable implementation of alternative fishing gears within the reformed ECIF.