New round of commercial licence buybacks finalised

 A second round of voluntary commercial fishing licence buybacks has now closed.

Fisheries Minister Leanne Donaldson said 19 licences had been offered for surrender at a total cost of $2.614 million.

“This buyback is part of the net-free fishing zone program, which has seen three net-free zones established in waters off Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton,” the Minister said.

“Under the first round of voluntary buybacks late last year, 27 commercial fishing licences were acquired at a cost of $3.31 million.

“The latest buyback was offered to reduce the impacts of displaced fishing effort associated with the newly-declared net-free zones.

“Net fishers directly impacted by the net-free zones were given the first opportunity to participate in this buyback, followed by licence holders adjacent to the zones.”

The Minister said establishment of the zones was an election commitment.

“As part of this process, $10 million was allocated to help affected commercial fishers adjust to the new zones

“In addition, the Settlement Scheme and the Impact Alleviation Scheme have already provided assistance totalling $2.5 million to eligible fishers.

“We have fulfilled that commitment and fully implemented the three zones to take advantage of the tourism potential of our fishery resources.”

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