Gulf Fisheries
Commercial
Four commercial fisheries exist in the Gulf
- Trawl Fishery: The Commonwealth administers the Northern Prawn Fishery. The trawlers mostly target prawns.
- Estuarine and Inshore Net Fisheries: The Queensland multi-species fisheries operate in near shore tidal waters using set gill nets and targeting finfish. Regulations are in place which control the net dimensions and mesh size and require fishers to attend the net at all times.
- Line Fisheries: There are two primary fishing methods used, baited handlines set close to the bottom for demersal species and trolling baits or lures for pelagic species.
- Mud Crab Fisheries: Operators use pots (wire mesh traps) almost exclusively. Crabs are taken as incidental catch in the estuarine and inshore net fisheries.
Recreational
A significant proportion of the Gulf’s tourism industry is based
on recreational fishing centred on Karumba. Estuarine and inshore fishing
occurs primarily on the Norman and Mitchell Rivers. The species that dominate
catches include barramundi, salmon, trevally, bream, mangrove jack, fingermark,
grey mackerel, queenfish and grunter.
Very little formal research has been undertaken in relation to recreational fishing in the Gulf nor do recreational fishers have an obligation to provide catch data. Therefore specific data on the recreational fishery is not available.
Traditional
The majority of traditional fisheries are concentrated on coastal and estuarine fisheries in areas within 2-4 hours of travel by boat from communities. The fishing includes line fishing, crabbing, hunting dugong and turtle, and collecting molluscs and crustaceans. The Wellesley Islands provide a traditional hunting ground for dugong and turtle.
Value of Fishing
Commercial
Whilst commercial and non-commercial fisheries have been a significant resource in the Gulf, it is claimed that fishing in the area has now reached a point where over-fishing is a concern. As a result, it is anticipated that the current fishing activities in the Gulf are likely to either remain constant or decrease over time.
In Queensland as a whole, the best opportunities to increase fisheries production are likely to come from a combination of better management and use of catches, improved use of under-utilised species, waste fish and fisheries products and by capitalising on value adding processes.
The Northern Prawn Fishery (NPF) is Australia’s most valuable Commonwealth fishery with the Gross Value of Production for the NPF conservatively estimated to be approximately $74 million and the catch 8700 tonnes annually (ABARE - 2004).
50 % of the NPF catch is harvested in the Gulf, commercial fish catches in the Gulf in 1996-97 totalled approximately 6,200 tonnes, at a value of about $67.5 million. The predominant commercial fish species currently being caught in the Gulf are barramundi and salmon with a smaller proportion of shark and mackerel.
Whilst the prawning industry is worth more than $50 million to the Gulf region, much of the processing and supplies are based around mother ships, which work in the Gulf. Hence the dollar return coming directly from this industry into the Gulf is relatively low. However, Karumba is being used as a support centre for the prawning industry as it services a large proportion of the commercial fleet.
Whilst the Gross Value of Production for the NPF is estimated to be $74 million and the catch 8700 tonnes, only 50% of this could be attributed to the Queensland economy.
Recreational
Recreational fishing activity is focussed on Karumba and is also a major
activity at Burketown, Kowanyama is also an extremely popular fishing destination
but has a relatively minor role due to its relative isolation and limits
on visitation. In relation to island destinations, Birri fishing Lodge
on Mornington Island and Sweers Island to the south both cater for small
groups.
The major factor which affects the distribution and level of recreational fishing in the Gulf is access, as practically all recreational fishing occurs within 40-50km of road access points. It is also limited in the wet season when access is restricted even further. Available data on the recreational fishery is limited. Whilst recreational fishing is increasing, the average catch and value attributed to this sector is unknown, but would be expected to be significant.
Traditional
The traditional estuarine and inshore fishery comprises barramundi, threadfin salmon, fork-tailed catfish, eel-tailed catfish, mud crabs and shellfish. Traditional hunting of dugong is permitted for non-commercial use. Dugong remains an important source of food with great cultural significance for traditional communities. Whilst all species of marine turtles in Queensland are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, there is allowance for non-commercial traditional hunting. The average catch and value attributed to this sector is also unknown
Aquaculture
Aquaculture does not currently exist as an industry in the Gulf. Its potential in the medium term appears limited due to the Gulf’s remoteness from technical support services which are vital where aquaculture ventures are technology dependent. However, species which may potentially be farmed in the future include prawns, red claw, barramundi , sleepy cod and crocodile.
Gulf Barramundi Restocking Association
Located on the Norman River in Karumba, the Restocking Association has been operational for several years and provides barramundi fingerlings to a range of clients across the Gulf, including Mt Isa Council for stocking Lake Moondarra, Croydon for Lake Belmore, mining companies and to other shires for stocking the Gulf rivers. Future development of the Restocking facility will see expansion into tourism activities such as ‘catch and eat ’ from ponds at the centre. See website: http://www.gulfbarramundi.org.au
Weather, Tides and Roads
Included on this page are links for information on weather conditions, road conditions and tidal information. No visit to the Gulf Savannah should be planned without consideration of factors, which may affect your trip.
- Bureau of Meteorology - http://www.bom.gov.au
- RACQ - http://www.racq.com.au
- Recreational Fishing Rules - http://dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb/2881.html
- Savannah Way - http://www.savannahway.com.au
- Gulf Savannah Web Portal - http://www.the-gulf.info
Department of Primary Industries website - Summary of some of the provisions of fisheries legislation Oct 99 including general provisions; sizes & bag limits; measuring fish & crabs; protected species, closed seasons, & closed areas; & equipment - http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb/.
