Gillnet Ban Threatens North Queensland Seafood Shops and Forces Fishermen to Retire

In 2023 Queensland and the Australian governments committed to phase out gillnets in the Great Barrier Reef fishing zone, with temporary licences set to expire on 30 June 2027. Trials of alternative gear have not produced viable solutions, leaving commercial fishers such as Neil Green facing retirement and prompting concerns that seafood outlets like the Bradfords’ Ayr restaurant, which sources 80% of its stock from gillnet catches, may be forced to close.

Fishermen are lobbying for a three-year extension, a proposal supported by Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Susan McDonald, who warns the ban could increase reliance on imported seafood. The Australian Marine Conservation Society opposes any delay, citing ongoing catches of threatened species and urging full implementation. Queensland Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrrett said the government continues to seek alternative gear but has not discussed compensation for affected businesses. Federal officials reiterated that the state holds responsibility for enforcing the ban and will not support postponement.