QUEENSLANDERS interested in the state's landmark Sustainable Fisheries Strategy have until the end of the month before consultation on the latest phase of reforms closes.
Acting Minister for Fisheries Yvette D'Ath said public consultation on draft fisheries harvest strategies is open and expressions of interest are sought for stakeholders to join fishery working groups.
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"Finalising harvest strategies is a key step to enable our fisheries and fishing stakeholders to be ready for new management arrangements on September 1," Ms D'Ath said.
Ms D'Ath said nominations are also open for membership of 10 fishery working groups which are integral to delivering fisheries management reforms.
"Fishery working groups provide important operational advice on the management of specific fisheries and serve as an effective communication and consultative forum between fishing stakeholders, Fisheries Queensland and the government," she said.
Fisheries Queensland is seeking a range of stakeholders including commercial and recreational fishers, charter operators, seafood marketers and processors and people with conservation experience to join the groups.
Under the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy, working group membership is renewed every two years.
"The initial working groups were very effective in narrowing down reform options, developing 13 draft harvest strategies and leveraging operational knowledge and advice from fishing stakeholders," Ms D'Ath said.
Two new fishery working groups will review Gulf of Carpentaria inshore and East Coast Spanish mackerel fisheries while the Rocky Reef Working Group will continue its work.
Seven other fishery working groups are also being re-formed to continue implementing harvest strategies and monitor performance.
Ms D'Ath said a new Vessel Tracking Working Group will be established and a dedicated e-hub engagement portal has been launched for stakeholders as part of a Fisheries Queensland review of vessel tracking.
Expressions of interest to join the new fishery working groups are due by January 31 with the first meetings likely to commence in March.
To nominate for the fishery working groups, provide feedback on the draft harvest strategies or view the vessel tracking portal, visit https://daf.engagementhub.com.au/.
