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).
Main Markets Domestic – fishmeal production, bait, human consumption.
Fishing Techniques Purse seine and midwater trawl
Stock Status BRS Fishery Status Reports (2008): the east and west Blue Mackerel stocks and the Redbait east stock have been assessed as not overfished and not subject to overfishing. The Jack Mackerel east and west stocks and the Redbait west stocks have been assessed as uncertain 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. Notice of the proposed allocation of statutory fishing rights under the Plan was given in May 2010. A number of appeals in relation to the statutory fishing rights application process and proposed allocation have been received. The final grant will proceed once the appeals are resolved.
Management Method Limited entry, total allowable catch (TAC) limits and trigger catch levels in two sub areas, gear restrictions.
Bycatch A Bycatch and Discard Workplan, has been developed in consultation with industry.
Consultative Mechanism Small Pelagic Fishery Resource Assessment Group (SPFRAG) and South East Management Advisory Committee (SEMAC). SPFMAC has been merged with South East MAC with effect from 1 July 2010.