The Mackerel Managed Fishery (MMF) uses near-surface trolling gear from vessels in coastal areas around reefs, shoals and headlands to target Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson).
Jig fishing is also used to capture grey mackerel (S. semifasciatus), with other species from the genera Scomberomorus, Grammatorcynusand Acanthocybium also contributing to commercial catches.
The MMF was made a fully managed fishery in 2012 and operates under an Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) system which includes the setting of Total Allowable Commercial Catches (TACCs) for each Area of the Fishery, allocation of the entitlement to take quota in the form of units, and establishment of minimum unit holding requirements to operate in the Fishery.
A total of 13 boats operated in the MMF during 2013, with three, four and six vessels respectively in the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne/South management areas.
The bulk of the total catch is taken in the Kimberley area, reflecting the tropical distribution of mackerel species. An average of around 300 tonnes of Spanish mackerel has been caught annually since quotas were introduced in 2006.
About 11.5 tonnes of other species of mackerel were landed in the 2013 season, including 11.4 t of grey mackerel.
Species to show: Spanish mackerel, Grey mackerel, and other mackerel.