Fisheries
New gillnet-free areas in the Gulf of Carpentaria
New gillnet-free areas in the Gulf take effect from 17 May 2024 to protect threatened species and provide opportunities for First Nations communities, while ensuring continued commercial fishing and seafood supply.
Structural adjustment payments
Eligible commercial licence holders, skippers and crew affected by the phase-out of gillnets on the Great Barrier Reef, the Great Sandy Marine Park rezoning or the new Gulf of Carpentaria gillnet-free areas can apply for structural adjustment payments.
There's money in the water!
The 2024 Fish 'n SIP$ comp is now open, so grab your SIPS permit and head down to one of the competition locations to catch your share of $100,000!
Recreational fishing reforms: Have your say
We want your feedback on proposed recreational fishing changes in Queensland. Read more and submit your views.
Structural adjustment payments
Stage 1 (open)
Applications closed for round 1 licence and symbol buyback (N1, N2 and N4 fishers).
Closing date extended until 30 June 2024 for:
- $3,000 grant for independent advice (open now)
- Quota and loss of income payments (open now).
Apply now for Stage 1 payments.
Stage 2 (open)
- Round 2 licence and symbol buyback — for fishers who didn't have the previous N1, N2 or N4 symbols on their licence
- Gulf of Carpentaria licence and N3 symbol buyback
- Gulf of Carpentaria gillnet-free areas loss of income payments
- Great Sandy Marine Park marine aquarium fishery loss of income payments
- Hammerhead shark loss of income payments
- Skipper and crew support payments.
Apply now for Stage 2 payments.
Stage 3
This stage will include:
- support for eligible supply chain businesses affected by the phase-out of gillnets
- gillnet buyback from licence or lease holders of the previous N1, N2, N3 or N4 symbols
- grants to refit gillnet reel boats.
Need help with your application or want to talk to someone about your business? Access free and confidential financial counselling services in southern Queensland or northern Queensland, or call 1300 771 741.