The Queensland Government is seeking community feedback on proposed updates to the management and harvest strategies for Queensland’s coral fishery and marine aquarium fish fishery.
Operating in approved areas of the Great Barrier Reef, the coral fishery and marine aquarium fish fishery supply specialised aquarium markets in Australia and overseas.
It’s an important development for Bundaberg, which serves as a regional port and operational area near the southern boundary of these fisheries.
The proposed harvest strategies and severe event response plan aim to support the long-term sustainability of the fisheries while meeting Commonwealth export requirements.
The Queensland Government is inviting feedback on:
Draft Queensland Coral Fishery Harvest Strategy 2027-2032
Draft Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery Harvest Strategy 2027-2032
Draft Severe Event Response Plan for the Queensland Coral Fishery
The proposed management arrangements aim to strengthen protection of Great Barrier Reef resources, maintain access to export markets, and provide greater transparency and certainty for industry and the broader community.
DPI Deputy Director-General Fisheries and Forestry Pauline Jacob said the consultation was an opportunity for Queenslanders to have their say on the future management of the fisheries.
“Queensland’s coral fishery and marine aquarium fish fishery operate in one of the world’s most unique marine environments, and it’s important our management arrangements continue to support both sustainability and industry viability,” Ms Jacob said.
“These draft harvest strategies and the severe event response plan are designed to strengthen the long-term resilience of these fisheries while maintaining community confidence in how Great Barrier Reef resources are managed.
Consultation closes 24 September 2026.
