Spanish mackerel is targeted by commercial and recreational fishers in Western Australia. We manage both sectors together to ensure long-term sustainability of the species.
The mackerel fishery operates from just east of Augusta to the Northern Territory border.
We manage recreational fishing through bag, size and possession limits. In addition, fishers using a powered boat require a Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence (RFBL).
In the commercial sector, mackerel catches are managed separately for three areas: Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne/West Coast. Most ‘effort’ (the amount of fishing) and catches are recorded north of Geraldton.
We manage commercial fishing through an individual transferable quota (ITQ) system, which sets a total allowable commercial catch (TACC) for each area. Gear restrictions also apply.
In 2012, the fishery was transferred to full management from interim management after extensive consultation with permit holders and the WA Fishing Industry Council. The move strengthened access rights for commercial fishers and streamlined management arrangements for the fishery.
For further information about commercial catch and effort please refer to the Status reports of the fisheries and aquatic resources of Western Australia. This publication should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report.
Monitoring, assessment and research
In the commercial fishing sector, a vessel monitoring system is used to monitor the amount of fishing activity. Skippers of licensed boats must also submit log books and catch and disposal records. Catch and effort and quota usage in the fishery are monitored through these records.
For Spanish mackerel, catch rates across the major areas of the fishery are used as a general indicator of breeding stock levels, which have been classified as adequate. The level of fishing effort on the species is considered acceptable.
Spanish mackerel is used as an ‘
indicator species’ in the West Coast Bioregion (from approximately Augusta to Kalbarri) and also in the Gascoyne Coast and North Coast bioregions.
As an indicator species, the status of its breeding stock is used to indicate the stock status of all offshore pelagic (surface-dwelling) fish in each of those regions.