The Role of QSIA
The Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) is the peak industry body representing Queensland’s professional wild-caught seafood industry. From the Gulf of Carpentaria to the Great Barrier Reef and down to the Gold Coast, our members are the fishers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, allied businesses and seafood professionals who bring a collection of the freshest, most sustainable, and premium seafood in the world to your plate.
For over a century, QSIA has been the voice of Queensland’s commercial fishers, working to protect the future of the industry and promote the unique value of locally caught seafood. The Queensland commercial fishing industry has a gross value of production of $280m (beach price) and directly employs 3,500 (FTE) people.
Additionally, through QSIA’s own independently trademarked brand ‘QUEENSLAND CATCH’ we connect seafood consumers to the commercial fishing families who harvest wild caught seafood in Queensland, provide tasty recipes both online and through recipe books, nutritional information & helpful hints and most importantly we share the story of the journey from ocean to plate. Queensland Catch tells seafood lovers the story of true local seafood and proudly identifies that the commercially caught wild catch seafood is from the pristine clean waters of Queensland’s coastline. Consumers now more than ever, are asking about where their food comes from, how natural it is, and most importantly, ‘is it local?’
Who We Represent
QSIA’s membership spans the entire seafood supply chain:
Professional Fishers – small family operators and larger businesses who sustainably harvest prawns, crabs, scallops, reef fish, mackerel, and more.
Seafood Processors – businesses who ensure seafood is handled, packed, and transported to the highest standards.
Marketers and Retailers – those who bring wild seafood to restaurants, fish shops, and families across Queensland.
Allied Businesses – suppliers, service providers, and others connected to the industry.
Together, these members form a resilient, skilled, and proud industry that contributes millions of dollars to Queensland’s economy every year.
The Bigger Picture
QSIA does more than just represent fishers. We:
Advocate for Industry – We provide a unified voice to government on policy, regulation, and access to ocean space.
Update Industry – Through our “Queensland Seafood” Magazine printed quarterly, we keep Industry, allied businesses and the public updated on what’s been happening, share
information and stories.
Educate Consumers – Through our trademarked brand “Queensland catch” people are pleased to know how regulated, sustainable, and safe Queensland’s wild-caught seafood is. We bridge the gap between boat and plate, highlighting why local seafood should always be your first choice.
Support Research & Innovation – QSIA works with scientists and managers to ensure fisheries are guided by the best available evidence.
Celebrate Our Heritage – Commercial fishing has deep cultural roots in Queensland, and QSIA helps keep that tradition alive for future generations.
Our History
For more than a century, Queensland’s commercial fishers have stood together to protect their livelihoods, their waters, and their communities.
The story of the Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) is one of unity, resilience, and passion for the sea.
It began in 1913, when the Queensland Professional Fishermen’s Association (QPFA) was formed to give professional fishers a collective voice. Over time, fragmented local bodies recognised the strength of statewide unity. This vision took shape in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when fishers from up and down the coast petitioned the Queensland Government to formalise a single peak body.
In 1974, the Queensland Commercial Fishermen’s Organisation (QCFO) was officially gazetted, bringing together 26 branches, five district councils, and a 10-member State Council. By 1980, the QCFO had established a robust structure with a President, Board, CEO, and sectoral committees
– laying the foundations for the strong industry representation we know today.
The QCFO later evolved into the Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA), continuing the proud legacy of statewide advocacy. Through shifting political landscapes, growing regulatory pressures, and changing community expectations, QSIA has remained a steadfast voice for Queensland’s wild-caught seafood industry.
Our 100-year legacy is woven from the contributions of countless fishing families, like the O’Connell family, whose involvement dates back to QPFA’s earliest days. Denis O’Connell, a legendary Gold Coast fisherman and former QCFO Chairman, treasured his grandfather Jim O’Connell’s original gold membership badge — a symbol of dedication to the industry’s collective strength.
In the early years, membership carried a deep sense of pride and belonging. Founding members, including Denis O’Connell’s grandfather, were presented with gold membership badges — tangible symbols of their contribution and status within the fishing community. These medals reflected a time when professional fishermen were publicly celebrated as vital providers and stewards of Queensland’s seafood. Denis treasured his grandfather’s original badge as a reminder of those early days of unity and respect within the industry.
For generations, QSIA has been the trusted, state-wide voice for Queensland’s commercial fishers — bringing industry concerns to the table and ensuring there’s one clear point of contact for decision-makers.
As quoted by Dennis O’Connell in 2021 –
“Fishermen throughout Queensland today, more than ever, still need a Statewide industry body to give them a strong, united voice.
It is absolutely essential for the future of the fishing and seafood industry and fishing and seafood families that we are united and work together to secure a prosperous future.”
You can read Dennis’s interview in our publication – Queensland Seafood magazine here.
Our Commitment
At QSIA, we are committed to a simple but powerful vision:
” The trusted advocate for a profitable, thriving and sustainable Queensland Wild Caught Seafood Industry.”
We will continue to advocate for fair policy, promote our members’ incredible work, and keep the story of Queensland seafood
alive in the hearts, and on the plates of our communities.
Whether you are an industry member, a seafood lover, or simply someone who values fresh, local food, QSIA invites you to stand with us in supporting Queensland’s wild-caught seafood industry.
Who We Are
Board of Directors
Allan Bobbermen
President
Allan is a second-generation commercial fisherman based in Cardwell, Queensland, specializing in net and line fishing. He serves as the President of the Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA), actively advocating for the rights and sustainability of the state’s seafood industry.
Serving as a QSIA Board Member for many years.
Ph. 0458 546 300
Bradley Perkins
Vice President
Bradley is a second-generation net and crab fisher based in Lucinda, Queensland. Perkins brings extensive industry experience to his role, advocating for the interests of Queensland’s commercial fishing sector.
Perkins joined the Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA) Board at the November 2023 Annual General Meeting as Director and currently serves as Vice President as elected at 2025 AGM.
Ph: 0400 630 571
Karen Miller
Treasurer
Karen owns and operates Malanda Seafood and has boats in the Reef Line, Spanish Mackerel & Gulf Net fisheries. She has completed the National Seafood Industry Leadership Program, is a member of Women in Seafood Australasia, QSIA, SIA, QSMA & GOCCFA and is on numerous committees such as SIA’s Wildcatch Advisory Committee, SeaSafe National Safety & Well-being Committee, Futures of Seafood Qld Jurisdiction and GBRMPA’s LMAC for Cairns Region.
First elected to the board as Director in 2024.
Ph: 0427 864 449
David Caracciolo
Director
David is the founder of Mackay Reef Fish Supplies, established in 1986. He and his brothers have grown the business into a major supplier of fresh and frozen seafood locally and internationally. He also has multiple investments in the industry including licence and quota.
As a QSIA Director for many years, Caracciolo advocates for commercial fishers, addressing challenges like industry reforms and the impact of net-free zones on the seafood supply chain. Caracciolo also has a presence in the Northern Territory fishing industry and is a past Director of the Northern Territory Seafood Industry Council.
Ph: 0408 773 684
Jacky Cartwright
Director
Jacky is a prawn trawler owner based in Mooloolaba, Queensland. She manages the family’s wholesale business Silver Sea Seafoods. Cartwright actively participates in industry groups, serving on the QSIA Trawl Committee and Fisheries Queensland’s East Coast Otter Trawl Working Group.
Additionally, she is a policy officer for Seafood Industry Australia, Heads up the National Safety & Wellbeing Committee with a focus vessel safety and advocacy in safety policy.
First elected to the Board in 2024.
Ph: 0421 394 885
Andre Gorissen
Director
Andre is the owner of Fraser Isle Spanner Crab based in Mooloolaba. He is a qualified chef, and holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA). He has owned and operated small businesses for most of his career, and sits on the Spanner Crab Working Group as co-chair.
Gorrisen is an active participant of the industry, having been involved in numerous projects, particularly around marketing and value adding of seafood both domestically and internationally.
Elected to the Board in 2025.
Ph: 0407 701 763
Dan Atherton
Director
Dan is a third generation fisherman. Atherton started fishing in 1990 on the family prawn trawler before leasing his own fishing licence and then purchasing a licence.
Atherton’s experience in the fishing industry includes prawn trawling, netting, crabbing, line and bait (zone 3). Sucessfully obtaining an NX licence until 2027.
Elected to the Board in 2025.
Ph: 0402 210 296
Morgan Hand
Director
Morgan is Managing Director of Open-Seas, a business based in Redcliffe with interests in fisheries including the Spanner Crab fishery.
Hand also has extensive experience in interstate fisheries and has been on multiple committees and boards relating to commercial fishing.
Elected to the Board in 2025.
Ph: 0437 633 208
David Bobbermen
Executive Officer
David Bobbermen has over 30 years of business experience across various industries. Since late 2022, he has been advocating for Queensland’s commercial fishing sector, tackling challenges like marine park zoning changes and conducting fundraising campaigns to support independent reviews, such as the 2021 East Coast Spanish Mackerel Stock Assessment. Before this role, he successfully ran a wholesale and retail meats business for 16 years.
Bobbermen’s diverse background and proactive approach underscore his commitment to supporting and advancing the interests of Queensland’s seafood industry.
Keith Payne
Patron
Keith Payne VC AM is a highly decorated Australian soldier, renowned for his exceptional bravery during the Vietnam War, which earned him the Victoria Cross(VC), the highest military honour.
He has dedicated his post-military life to supporting veterans’ health and mental wellbeing.
As the Patron of the Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA), he champions the interests of the seafood industry.
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
David Bobbermen
David Bobbermen has over 30 years of business experience across various industries. Since late 2022, he has been advocating for Queensland's commercial fishing sector, tackling challenges like marine park zoning changes and conducting fundraising campaigns to support independent reviews, such as the 2021 East Coast Spanish Mackerel Stock Assessment. Before this role, he successfully ran a wholesale and retail meats business for 16 years.
Bobbermen's diverse background and proactive approach underscore his committment to supporting and advancing the interests of Queensland's seafood industry.
PATRON
Keith Payne
Keith Payne VC AM is a highly decorated Australian soldier, renowned for his exceptional bravery during the Vietnam War, which earned him the Victoria Cross(VC), the highest military honour.
He has dedicated his post-military life to supporting veterans' health and mental wellbeing.
As the Patron of the Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QSIA), he champions the interests of the seafood industry..
Our Industry Partners
Seafood Industry Australia
The national peak-body representing Australia’s seafood industry, uniting wildcatch, aquaculture, and post-harvest sectors as the voice of Australian seafood.
QISA are proud members of Seafood Industry Australia (SIA).
Stay Afloat
Australia’s national mental health program for the seafood industry, supporting fishers and communities with wellbeing resources and outreach.
QISA welcomes the work Stay Afloat does for Industry and is appreciated.
Australian Council of Prawn Fisheries
ACPF has been operating for over 10 years and is made up of membership from local industry bodies and companies that work with wild prawns or the prawn industry.
QISA are members of ACPF and happily support their marketing initiatives such as “Taste The Wild” campaigns.
Fisheries Research Development Corporation
FRDC is committed to providing evidence-based science for decision making, with guidelines ensuring the quality and integrity of research and scientific information for Australian fisheries and aquaculture.
1100+ Researchers, 408 Projects, $42m invested.
Ocean Watch Australia
OceanWatch Australia Ltd is a national not-for-profit environmental company that works to advance sustainability in the Australian seafood industry.
OceanWatch’s key activities involve; enhancing fish habitats and improving water quality in estuaries and coastal environments; working with industry and local communities to minimise environmental impacts; introducing industry and communities to sustainable technologies and behaviours.
Supporters of
Seafood Careers Australia
Find your career within the seafood industry.
From life on the water as a deckhand, skipper, diver to shore-based roles in processing, packing, logistics, retail and admin, the seafood sector offers diverse, stable and practical careers for people who want variety, teamwork and a job they can be proud of.
Explore pathways, take a quiz to find a career suited to you, find training available and hear stories of those in the industry.
SeaSafe
Sea Safe is a national safety program led by Seafood Industry Australia to improve safety culture across commercial fishing, aquaculture
and seafood processing. Funded by AMSA and FRDC, it aims to reduce injuries, strengthen incident reporting, and create consistent safety practices across the industry.
The program focuses on peer-to-peer learning, with real safety stories shared through local Safety Communities and industry Safety Advocates. By encouraging operators to learn from each other’s experiences, Sea Safe supports
practical improvements and long-term cultural change.
Overall, Sea Safe provides a unified framework to help keep people safe at sea and onshore, driven by industry for industry.