Fish-LIGHT scientists are exploring if the catch performance of low-impact gear types can support commercial fishing operations in Queensland’s east coast inshore fishery.
Fisheries productivity
Commercial fishers working in Queensland’s east coast inshore fishery support regional jobs and livelihoods, local businesses and the supply of fresh, delicious seafood.
Commercial fishers are working with our fisheries technicians to trial low-impact gear types at inshore locations between Gladstone and Cairns.
Together with fishers, community and industry representatives we are gathering feedback to ensure these technologies are fit for purpose, operationally viable and support regional economies into the future.
Finding alternative low-impact fishing technologies that support the phase-out of gillnet fishing is important to safeguard the commercial supply of fresh, local seafood and fisheries jobs in regional communities in Queensland.
Profitable, low-impact fisheries
Fish-LIGHT aims to deliver solutions that enhance the value of Queensland’s wild-caught seafood and support profitable fishing businesses. The research will evaluate all aspects of a fishing business, from capture to processing and sale.
By developing a clear picture of how inshore fishing businesses operate, Fish-LIGHT researchers can help to inform where there are opportunities to maximise profits.
The importance of having profitable commercial fishing businesses is to ensure that fishers can both provide fresh seafood to their local communities and reinvest in maintaining best practice operations.
A key outcome is to provide commercial operators with certainty around their fishing futures.
More information
Fish-LIGHT is led by the Department of Primary Industries, and co-funded by the:
- Queensland Government
- Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.
Contact
Last updated: 03 Feb 2026