QSIA - Catching Fish for Everyone

The rocky reef fishery targeting snapper and pearl perch is centred in the southern third of the State between Bundaberg and Southport. Smaller quantities of rocky reef fish are caught as far north as Mackay.

In southern Queensland, the rocky reef fishery plays an important role in providing fresh local reef for coastal communities. Typically, rocky reef fish are taken from small boats who return to their catch to port every day.

Rocky reef fish are harvested by the same hook and line apparatus used by recreational fishers.

The rocky reef fishery is governed by provisions in the Fisheries Regulations 1995, which places limits on the number of boats that can access the fishery, the types of apparatus that can be used and areas than can be fished.