SPF at a glance

The Small Pelagic Fishery (SPF) extends from the Queensland/New South Wales border, typically outside 3 nautical miles, around southern Australia to a line at latitude 31° south (near Lancelin, north of Perth).

At a glance
Target Species Jack Mackerel (Trachurus declivis, T. symmetricus, T. murphyi), Blue Mackerel (Scomber australasicus), Redbait (Emmelichthys nitidus) and Australian Sardine (Sardinops sagax – Informally Managed Fishery Permits only).
Total Allowable Catch Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for 2012-2013 Season
Species               Eastern Zone TAC   Western Zone TAC
Blue Mackerel          2,600 tonnes             6,500 tonnes
Redbait                    6,900 tonnes             5,000 tonnes
Jack Mackerel         10,100 tonnes            5,000 tonnes
Australian Sardine       200 tonnes                 n/a

See also: Historical Total Allowable Commercial Catch for the Small Pelagic Fishery
Main Markets Domestic – fishmeal production, bait, human consumption.
Fishing Techniques Purse seine and midwater trawl
Stock Status BRS Fishery Status Reports (2010): the east and west Blue Mackerel and Jack Mackerels stocks, Australian Sardine and the Redbait east stock have been assessed as not overfished and not subject to overfishing. Redbait west stock has been assessed as not subject to overfishing but with an uncertain biomass due to lack of information.
Management Plan The Small Pelagic Fishery Management Plan 2009 (the Plan) was determined by AFMA on 2 November 2009 and accepted by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on 30 December 2009. Statutory fishing rights under the Plan took effect on 1 May 2012.
Management Method Limited entry, total allowable catch (TAC) limits and gear restrictions.
Bycatch Bycatch and Discarding Workplans have been developed in consultation with industry.
Consultative Mechanism Small Pelagic Fishery Resource Assessment Group (SPFRAG) and South East Management Advisory Committee (SEMAC).