QLD Fisheries puts call out for App developers

Queensland Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, Mark Furner, said expressions of interest are now open to create a new commercial fishing app and to also upgrade the existing recreational fishing app.

"I am calling on innovators and app developers to take on the challenge and come up with software apps that are engaging and simple to use," Mr Furner said.

"The new apps will aim to assist recreational and commercial fishers to better understand and comply with the relevant fishing rules and regulations."

QLD REC FISHING APP SUCCESS
Mr Furner said the existing 'Qld Fishing' app was already very popular among recreational fishers who have downloaded it more than 40,000 times.

"The upgraded version will give recreational fishers access to better information on fishing rules and allow them to become citizen scientists by providing data on their fishing catch," he said.

"The app will be more dynamic, with improved fish identification and GPS technology to notify fishers when they enter a restricted marine park or green zone."

COMMERCIAL FISHING APP
Mr Furner said a dedicated app for commercial fishers would also simplify business transactions for industry.

"More transactions will be available electronically, such as managing quota, vessel tracking and transferring licences," he said.

"This mean there'll be less of a need to fill out paper-based logbooks, allowing more accurate and timely data on fishing catch and effort."

NEW APP DETAILS
Mr Furner said a modern procurement process will be utilised before the contract is awarded and include a 'hackathon' where design prototypes for the apps are developed.

Expressions of interest close on Friday, May 4, 2018. For full details and to lodge a submission visit QTender online.