Reference points for the Queensland scallop fishery

Abstract

The project delivered biological reference points for management of the Queensland saucer scallop fishery. They will allow the fishery to be sustainably and profitably managed which will benefit all involved in the Queensland scallop fishery. Specifically, the project contributed to the following outcomes:
1. Updated estimation of stock status using improved methodology and integrated multiple previously unused data sources including Vessel Monitoring System data, fishery independent survey data and historical catch and catch-rate data.
2. Constructed a framework for evaluating spatio-temporal and other management strategies in relation to equilibrium reference points MSY and Emsy, and an indicator of catch rate.
3. Ascertained that, irrespective of management strategy, and assumptions on historical data, MSY for the fishery is around 500 to 800 tonnes.
4. Provided evidence that a 95 mm minimum legal size during the winter months leads to a marginally higher MSY than the current 90 mm year round system.
5. Provided evidence that a three-year, pulse-fishery oriented closure schedule leads to modestly higher values of the catch rate indicator.
6. The project delivered a set of reference points to implement within the Fisheries Queensland plan review.
7. The project better informed stakeholders and managers about the important need to spatially monitor and manage saucer scallops