Reef Line Fishery Level 2 Ecological Risk Assessment

Abstract

A Scoping Study and Level 1 Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) for the Reef Line Fishery was released in July 2019 (Jacobsen et al. 2019). The Level 1 assessment identified ecological components at higher risk from line fishing activities, and these were progressed to a Level 2 assessment. Level 2 ERAs are focused at the species level with risk evaluations based on a Productivity & Susceptibility Analysis (PSA). The PSA evaluates risk for each species through an assessment of seven biological attributes and up to seven fisheries-specific attributes.

This Level 2 ERA examined the risk posed to 35 target & byproduct species (Other Species quota management unit), and four protected teleosts. Collectively, 17 species were found to be at high risk from line fishing activities, and the remaining 22 species were assessed as a medium risk. Risk profiles were influenced by data deficiencies, an underdeveloped management regime, and cumulative fishing pressures. For a portion of these species, final risk ratings were precautionary and are more representative of the potential risk. Management of precautionary risks beyond what is already being undertaken as part of the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017–2027 is not considered a priority.

The Level 2 ERA made a list of recommendations to assist in the management and mitigation of risk in the Reef Line Fishery. A number of these measures are already being discussed or addressed through the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017–2027 and the Reef Line Fishery Harvest Strategy. As the Level 2 ERA commenced prior to the implementation of the harvest strategy, the results are based on the previous management regime. The harvest strategy will be taken into consideration is subsequent ERAs.