Grey Mackerel Scomberomorus semifasciatus is one of the smaller mackerels, growing up to just over one metre long. They are pelagic predators of baitfish, most often found in large bays and off coastal headlands.

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Fishnote on Grey Mackerel

Data from http://chrisweb.dpi.qld.gov.au extracted 30 June 2004, with permsission Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

Grey Mackerel is a seasonal fishery on the east coast of Queensland. Most commercial catch is using set mesh nets – commercial line fishing is responsible for a very small proportion of the overall catch. There is also a recreational grey mackerel fishery, using hook and line. Surveys of recreational fishers across Queensland (RFISH) in 1997 and 1999 suggest that around 4% of grey mackerel landed are caught by recreational fishers.

There has been no formal assessment of the commercial or recreational grey mackerel fisheries.

Tonnes: 220.5
Boats: 97
Days: 1,385
Data from http://chrisweb.dpi.qld.gov.au extracted 30 June 2004, with permsission Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

$1,323,000
Data from http://chrisweb.dpi.qld.gov.au extracted 30 June 2004, with permsission Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

Estimated at 18 tonnes in 1997, and 19 tonnes in 1999.
Data from http://chrisweb.dpi.qld.gov.au extracted 30 June 2004, with permsission Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries

The fishery for grey mackerel fishery along the Queensland east coast is mainly close to the population centres of Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Maryborough.

Commercial fishers mainly use set mesh nets, with a small number using drift nets or hook and line fishing. Recreational fishers use hook and line.

The fishery is regulated under Queensland’s Fisheries Regulations 1995.

Size limit (recreational and commercial): A minimum size of 50cm applies to grey mackerel on the East Coast of Queensland.

Take and possession limit: Recreational fishers are limited to 10 grey mackerel.

Commercial fishers must have a licence with a fishery symbol from DPI&F allowing them to fish for grey mackerel. These licences are valid only for specific geographic locations, and also regulate fishing gear and practices.

The effects of net fishing project co-ordinated by DPI&F and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) between 1997 and 2000 addressed biodiversity and bycatch issues in Queensland inshore waters.

CRC Reef, DPI&F and recreational fishing groups are also working together on the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation funded National Strategy for the Survival Of Released Line Caught Fish.

Cameron DS, Begg GA. 2002. Fisheries biology and interaction in the northern Australian small mackerel fishery. Final report to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra. Project No. 92/144 and 92/144.02.

Williams LE. (ed). 2002. Queensland's Fisheries Resources. Current condition and trends 1988-2000. Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane.