About the Torres Strait Spanish Mackerel Fishery
The Torres Strait Spanish Mackerel Fishery (a sub-fishery of the Torres Strait Finfish Fishery) operates predominantly in the eastern Torres Strait, targeting the narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson).
In 1999, the fishery was expanded to include School Mackerel (Scomberomorus queenslandicus), Grey Mackerel (Scomberomorus semifasciatus), Spotted Mackerel (Scomberomorus munroi) and Shark Mackerel (Grammatorcynus bicarinatus) however, Spanish Mackerel remains the main target species.
Spanish Mackerel are fished by trolling, generally from dories/dinghies operating either to a primary vessel or by themselves. Most of of the catch is taken by a small number of commercial operators.
During 2007-2008 a voluntary buy-back of all non-Traditional Inhabitant licenses was undertaken in the Torres Strait Spanish Mackerel Fishery which transferred all catch entitlements to the Traditional Inhabitant sector.
These entitlements are held in trust by the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA). Entry into the fishery is limited to Traditional Inhabitants so as to maximise their economic development and employment opportunities, however non-Traditional Inhabitant fishers can still participate in the fishery through leasing an annual 'sunset' licence from the TSRA.
Leasing arrangements stipulate agreed conditions for fishing in the fishery including a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and area closures. Catch entitlements are also held in trust for Papua New Guinea as per catch-sharing arrangements outlined in the Torres Strait Treaty.
Fishery Map
Map showing the area of the Torres Strait Finfish Fishery
The objectives for the Torres Strait Finfish (Reef Line) Fishery have been developed in conjunction with the objectives of the Torres Strait Fisheries Act 1984 and the Torres Strait Treaty.
The objectives, outlined under the Torres Strait Finfish Fishery Management Plan 2013, are:
- to acknowledge and protect the traditional way of life and livelihood of traditional inhabitants, including their rights in relation to traditional fishing for finfish
- to ensure that harvest levels are at, or below, levels that maintain biologically viable stocks of target and non-target species
- to provide for the use and conservation of Torres Strait finfish resources in a way that minimises impact on the marine environment
- to optimise economic viability of the fishery
- to provide for optimal utilisation, cooperative management, and for catch sharing to occur with Papua New Guinea.
The Torres Strait Finfish Fishery is managed under the Torres Strait Finfish Fishery Management Plan 2013. The Plan covers arrangements for both the Reef-line and Spanish mackerel sub-fisheries (or sectors) of the fishery. These arrangements include all gear restrictions and size limits as specified below.
The Torres Strait Fisheries Management Arrangement Instrument No. 14 outlines regulations that apply to the Torres Strait Spanish Mackerel Fishery.
Rules include, but are not limited to:
- prohibition of fishing methods other than trolling, hand-lining and drop-lining
- area-specific restrictions for the holders of sunset licences in the Australian territorial sea surrounding Bramble Cay/Black Rocks
- limits on taking, processing, or carrying mackerel.
Minimum legal size limits measured from the snout to caudal fin tip apply to the following mackerel species:
| Species | Size (mm) |
|---|---|
| Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) | 750 |
| Spotted Mackerel (Scomberomorus munroi) | 600 |
| School Mackerel (Scomberomorus queenslandicus) | 500 |
| Grey Mackerel (Scomberomorus semifasciatus) | 500 |
| Shark Mackerel (Grammatorcynus bicarinatus) | 500 |
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARES) produces Fishery Status Reports annually that independently evaluate the biological and economic status of fish stocks managed solely or jointly by the Australian Government. The latest assessment of the Torres Strait Finfish Fishery was undertaken in 2024.
Information available for the Torres Strait Spanish Mackerel Fishery indicates that the stock has been relatively stable during a period of several decades. Stock assessment reports for the Torres Strait Mackerel stock are available here:
The Torres Strait Finfish (Reef Line) Fishery was strategically assessed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 during 2023 and was reaccredited as a Wildlife Trade Operation in late October 2023.
Information about the Torres Strait Finfish Fishery strategic assessment can be found on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website.