'State of the Industry' commercial fishing survey

Queensland's commercial fishing sector supports communities, businesses and jobs across our regions.

The information we collect will give us a clear picture of the sector's economic contribution and profitability so we can work with industry to co-design solutions that reflect local priorities and maximise growth across the whole commercial fishing supply chain.

Survey

During May and June 2025, Action Market Research will call Queensland commercial fishers on our behalf and ask them to participate in the 'State of the Industry' phone survey:

• The survey is voluntary.
• It will take around 30–60 minutes.
• It will include business, financial and fishing practice questions.

Data collection

In previous years, we engaged BDO EconSearch to collect and analyse economic and social data for the commercial fishing sector. They stored the individual data and sent us summary data and reports.

For this survey, we will collect and analyse the economic data directly for the Queensland commercial fishing sector, as we do across other primary industry sectors (including grazing and horticulture). All data will be stored securely by the Queensland Government.

Privacy

We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the confidentiality of your information. Your information is protected under the Information Privacy Act 2009.

• All data collected from this survey will be stored on a secure server in Australia with robust safeguards in place to prevent unauthorised access.
• Access to your individual information will be restricted to designated Queensland Government officials and Action Market Research officers. They are bound by confidentiality agreements and data protection protocols to ensure the security of your data.
• Individual data will otherwise not be disclosed without consent, unless required by law.
• Any data shared publicly or with third parties will be a summary dataset of responses from at least 5 distinct businesses. Published reports will only include average figures from these combined datasets.
• The information you provide will be used to monitor the economic health of Queensland fisheries, manage fisheries resources and support business development initiatives for industry.
• Your data may also be used for other related objectives, such as informing future policy decisions. Any additional use of your data will adhere to the same standards of confidentiality and data protection.

Full privacy statement for participants of the survey

Action Market Research is conducting the 'State of the fishing industry' survey on behalf of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries.

Participation in this survey is entirely voluntary and as per the department’s functions and activities under the Fisheries Act 1994, the department will use any information you provide to:

• monitor the economic health of the fishery
• manage fisheries resources
• inform initiatives to aid business development within the industry
• inform future policy decisions.

Only summaries of the de-identified and aggregated survey data will be published by the department.

All personal information collected via this survey, including any financial or sensitive information you choose to provide, will be handled by both Action Market Research and the Department of Primary Industries in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009. Your personal information will otherwise not be used for any other purpose or disclosed, without consent, unless authorised or required by law.

For further information about how the department handles personal information, including how to access or amend your personal information, please refer to the department’s privacy information. Alternatively, any queries about the survey can be emailed to IndustryAnalytics@daf.qld.gov.au.

By voluntarily participating in this survey, you acknowledge and consent to the collection and handling of your information, as outlined in this privacy statement.

More information

• Contact us online, by phone or in person
• Email IndustryAnalytics@daf.qld.gov.au
• Visit Fisheries economic and social indicators