It will also improve our knowledge of the level of interaction between the commercial tuna fishery in area 'E', off Cairns, and the black marlin recreational and charter fishery. The researchers will use two types of 'smart' tags to assess the movements of black marlin. Recreational fishers will play a key role in the research project by tagging marlin in October and November this year. Senator Parer said the research team wanted to gather information on the time spent by marlin in the areas fished by recreational and commercial boats. It is also important to develop a better understanding of marlin migration in the north-west Coral Sea in response to such factors as water currents and water temperatures, which can affect the numbers of marlin off North Queensland from year to year.
Black marlin are an important target species for recreational and charter game fishers.
AFMA also imposes a mandatory seasonal ban from September to January on the taking of black marlin in area 'E'.