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Sunfish Response to New Government Regulations.
New Rules Unfair to Recreational Fishers/Net Fishing Remains Open Slather
The new rules for managing Queensland’s coastal fin fish and sand crabs are unfair and unreasonable. This is the opinion of many anglers and their representative organisation, Sunfish Queensland. Recreational fishing has again borne the brunt of restriction to ensure that fish stocks are sustainable. Commercial net fishing remains “open slather” with NO restrictions on catches. In accepting angler bag limits, Sunfish sought reasonable catch limits on commercial netters. This submission was NOT accepted by Government.
The stocks that support popular recreational fishing activities in coastal Queensland include whiting, bream, flathead, tailor, barramundi, dart, small mackerels, and mullet as well as many other species such as sand crabs.
Very few new restrictions have been placed on existing commercial fishing catches or net fishing operations. In fact netters have been given major benefits such as special net fishing endorsements for catching sharks and for using huge tunnel or barrier nets in Moreton Bay and in Hervey Bay/Sandy Straits. Their only new catch restriction is on sharks.
In contrast strict bag limits have been introduced on all fish taken by recreational fishers with limits as low as one or two fish for some species.
Major concerns of the recreational fishing sector over the new rules are:
1. Effectively stopping the “school jew” fishery by putting a size limit of 75cm on jew/mulloway. This will stop anglers from continuing to catch school jew in the rivers and estuaries in south Queensland where they are particularly popular. Sunfish argued strongly but unsuccessfully for the continuation of the school jew fishery, but was overruled.
2. Restricting catches of summer whiting to 30. Sunfish Queensland made a strong submission for a bag limit of 50 for all whiting. This is the basic bread and butter fish caught throughout Queensland by anglers who often travel large distances. The Fishery Department’s Management Advisory Committee for this fishery unanimously supported a bag of 50 for all whiting and the Department has ignored this advice, and no reason has been given.
3. Garfish sustainability. Garfish are vulnerable to excessive fishing due to their limited ability to produce eggs. A very restrictive bag limit has been placed on recreational fishers but commercial netters have no restrictions on garfish netting activities especially in sensitive seagrass areas. Under this new arrangement the future sustainability of garfish is in jeopardy.
4. Commercial bait nets. Sunfish Queensland submitted that commercial bait nets (some up to 600m) should only be used to catch bait. The Management Advisory Committee agreed to a compromise arrangement whereby these nets could not be used to take bream, whiting, flathead or barramundi in certain marine park zones. This recommendation has also been ignored so that the small mesh bait nets can be used to target all species.
5. Prohibiting the use of four inverted dillies to catch sand crabs. Many recreational fishers who own small boats use inverted dillies in the early morning to catch a small feed of fresh sand crabs. This activity has a very low impact and should not be stopped.
The fish taken in this review inhabit the most popular family fishing areas, and yet again recreational anglers have seen their lifestyle eroded while a small and mostly uneconomic commercial fishery is given precedence. This is not fair and equitable treatment and comes as anglers see more and more of their fishing areas closed in Marine Parks.
Contact: Dr Barry Pollock, Chairman Sunfish Queensland
Tele 07 33989306
Email: br_pollock@yahoo.com.au
New fishing rules strike a balance
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin today announced significant changes to rules and regulations affecting commercial and recreational fishers throughout Queensland.
Mr Mulherin said: "The new rules are aimed at ensuring that, with increasing population pressures, the State's fisheries remain sustainable while also maintaining a catch share balance between the two sectors.
"Changes to the Inshore Fin Fish Fishery - the largest and most diverse fishery in the State, the East Coast Trawl, East Coast Tropical Rock Lobster, Crab and Freshwater fisheries have now been finalised," Mr Mulherin said.
"Consultation on these changes has taken place over the past two years. More than 150 public meetings were held during this time with more than 2500 attendees. My Department also received over 3500 written submissions.
"A range of options were considered through this extensive consultation process. The final measures received both public and scientific scrutiny before they were approved by the government. The first phase of the review dealing with state-wide issues has been completed. A second phase will commence in 2009 to address regional fisheries issues.
"I would like to thank all those who participated in this process. The feedback received was invaluable in reaching the final management arrangements.
"The majority of these new rules will come into affect on March 1, 2009.
"Queensland's population has doubled in the last 30 years to 4.3 million. Most of that growth has occurred along the coast - placing greater pressure on our fishing resources. Our outdoor lifestyle has led to an increase in boat ownership among Queenslanders. This factor, as well as improvements in fishing technology, gives greater capacity for catching fish.
"First and foremost, these critical changes will ensure the sustainability of our fish stocks.
"We also want to ensure that commercial fi shing remains viable and recreational anglers can continue to enjoy the Queensland fishing experience. It is about striking the right balance.
"The changes include new bag and size limits for some of our most popular bread and butter species like bream, whiting, tailor, and flathead.(See attached table)
"Changes to crab pot rules will also apply to all fishers. Possession limits for crab pots now apply for recreational and commercial fishers. For example recreational fishers will not be allowed to have any more that four crab pots in their possession at a time. Fishers may also need to make adjustments to the openings of their crab pots as openings can now only be 45cm in circumference.
"The use of 'witches hat' dillies will also be phased out, as this equipment easily drifts away and has been seen entangled around turtles' flippers."
Mr Mulherin said the recreational sector would benefit from three new dams to be added to the Stocked Impoundm ent Permit Scheme.
"As part of the scheme, these dams will be stocked with native fish to enhance the recreational fishing experience. As with other dams on the scheme, anglers will need to purchase a permit to fish in these water bodies.
"The dams are Fairbairn Dam near Emerald, Theresa Creek Dam near Clermont, and North Pine Dam on Brisbane's north side."
The changes are on the DPI&F website now and new recreational fishing guides, which will include all the new management changes, will be available from early 2009.These guides will be available from DPI&F offices as well as a number of bait and tackle stores.
Mr Mulherin said changes had also been made to the commercial fisheries in Queensland, including the East Coast Net Fishery which targets shark, grey mackerel and barramundi; the East Coast Trawl Fishery, which targets prawns and scallops; and the East Coast Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery.
"The East Coast Net Fishery has been reviewed during the past two years and most of the new rules will be introduced from July next year. Some of the most significant changes relate to shark, which are slow growing and highly susceptible to overfishing," Mr Mulherin said.
"In response to an independent expert review of the fishery commissioned by the Commonwealth Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts, the Hon Peter Garrett MP a 600 tonne commercial total allowable catch of shark is proposed. This is a 350 tonne reduction from the current catch. This will be progressed in early 2009 and I intend to have it in place by July 2009 when the quota year will start.
"I am also committed to implementing a netting closure to the Normanby, Bizant, and Kennedy Rivers that flow into Princess Charlotte Bay. These three rivers represent critical habitat areas for sawfish and the only known remaining habitat of the speartooth shark.
"In other changes, the number of commercial net fishing days will be monitored annually to ensure that they do not exceed past a new yearly level of fewer than 30,000 days.
"Recreational fishers wanted a total allowable catch limit placed on major species taken commercially. However, this is not practical given the multi-species nature of the fishery and the monitoring required for such a scheme. Monitoring the net fishing days is a more sensible compromise.
"The management arrangements for the fishery will now be submitted to Minister Garrett for consideration for export approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
"Changes are also being introduced to protect the sustainability of eastern king prawn and tropical rock lobster, two of our most highly valued seafood products. These changes are in response to concerns expressed by our fisheries scientists about the sustainability of these stocks.
"These changes include the introduction of a commercial total allow able catch in the tropical rock lobster fishery. Limits on trawl activity will be applied in the middle of the year if fishing effort exceeds specified levels between January and March annually.
"I have also listened to the commercial fishers concerns about facing difficult times with increased fuel prices and competition from imports.
"As a result the government has lifted some restrictions to give fishers more flexibility in running their business, while ensuring sustainability of our fisheries. This includes allowing trawl operators to retain a small number of other species which are not taken by recreational fishers. This catch can be sold by commercial operators, rather than discarded."
Mr Mulherin said a number of new rules would have a strong conservation benefit.
"As part of the new rules, all sawfish and speartooth shark are no-take species, given their international and national listing as endangered species," Mr Mulherin said.
"The 'witches hat' crab pots which are being phased out, will have a benefit to our dugong and turtle populations, particularly in areas such as Moreton Bay and Hervey Bay.
"In addition, commercial fishers will need to be in attendance of their nets at all times, which will help to ensure that if the nets interact with a protected species such as a whale or dugong, they can be released unharmed."
For more information on the new rules visit - www.dpi.qld.gov.au - or phone 13 25 23. Further information will be mailed out to organisations and individuals registered with DPI&F in the coming weeks.
Effective 1 March 2009
Species |
Current size limit |
Current bag limit |
New size limit |
New bag limit |
Amberjack and samsonfish |
No limit |
No limit |
75cm |
Combined bag limit of 2 for amberjack and samsonfish |
Barred javelin (spotted grunter) |
30 cm |
No limit |
40 cm |
10 |
Black jewfish |
45 cm |
10 |
75 cm |
2 |
Blackspotted rockcod (estuary cod) |
35-120 cm |
No limit |
38-120 cm |
5 (all cod species) |
Blue threadfin (salmon) |
40 cm |
No limit |
No change |
10 |
Camouflage cod |
50-100 cm |
5 (all cod species) |
50-70 cm |
No change |
Cobia (black kingfish) |
75 cm |
10 |
No change |
2 |
Diamondscale mullet |
No limit |
No limit |
30 cm |
20 |
Dusky flathead (mud flathead) |
40-70 cm |
5 |
40-75 cm |
No change |
Flathead (apart from dusky flathead) |
30 cm |
No limit |
No change |
5 |
Flowery cod |
50-100 cm |
5 (all cod species) |
50-70 cm |
No change |
Garfish |
No limit |
No limit |
No change |
50 |
Giant queenfish |
No limit |
No limit |
50 cm |
5 |
Golden snapper (fingermark) |
35 cm |
10 |
No change |
5 |
Goldspotted rockcod (estuary cod) |
35-120 cm |
No limit |
38-120 cm |
5 (all cod species) |
Grass emperor (grass sweetlip) |
30 cm |
No limit |
No change |
10 |
Grey mackerel |
50 cm |
10 |
60 cm |
5 |
King threadfin (salmon) |
60 cm |
10 |
No Change |
5 |
Luderick |
23 cm |
No limit |
30 cm |
10 |
Mahi mahi (dolphin fish) |
45 cm |
No limit |
60 cm |
5 |
Mangrove Jack |
35cm |
No limit |
No Change |
5 |
Mulloway |
45 cm |
10 |
75 cm |
2 |
School mackerel |
50 cm |
30 |
No change |
10 |
Sea mullet |
30 cm |
No limit |
No change |
20 |
Shark mackerel |
50 cm |
No limit |
No change |
10 |
Silver javelin (small spotted grunter) |
30 cm |
No limit |
No change |
10 |
Swallowtail dart |
No limit |
No limit |
30 cm |
30 |
Trevally |
No limit |
No limit |
No change |
20 |
Trumpeter whiting (winter whiting) |
No limit |
No limit |
No change |
50 |
Wahoo |
75 cm |
10 |
No change |
2 |
Whiting (all whiting except trumpeter whiting) |
23 cm |
No limit |
No change |
30 combined |
Wolf herring |
No limit |
No limit |
No change |
10 |
Yellowtail kingfish |
50 cm |
No limit |
60 cm |
2 |
Effective July 1 2009
Species |
Current size limit |
Current bag limit |
New size limit |
New bag limit |
Sharks and rays |
No limit |
No limit |
1.5 m max |
1 |
Effective 1 March 2010
Species |
Current size limit |
Current bag limit |
New size limit |
New bag limit |
Bream (yellowfin and pikey) |
23 cm |
No limit |
25 cm |
30 (combined limit with tarwhine) |
Tailor |
30 cm |
20 (extended limit for Fraser) |
35 cm |
No change |
Tarwhine |
23 cm |
No limit |
25 cm |
30 (combined limit with bream) |
Final coral reef fin fish spawning closure lifted
Fishers will be able to enjoy catching coral reef fin fish during the Christmas holidays with Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin today confirming that the last of three spawning closures for 2008 has now been lifted.
Mr Mulherin said: "The lifting of the December spawning closure is now official.
"This follows an amendment to the fisheries regulation to remove the December closure.
"The final nine-day closure for coral reef fin fish, which was due in December, was lifted after we received independent scientific advice.
"This closure would have spanned the Christmas period effectively stopping many people from fishing through their Christmas holidays because the Barra closed season is also in force.
"Recreational and commercial fishers, as well as charter boat operators, have been in favour of removing the December closure as it has a significant impact on these sectors."
Mr Mulherin said that the scientific revie w found that the biological effectiveness of closures was higher in October and November than in December.
"During these seasonal closures large numbers of mature fish gather in certain locations on the reefs to spawn, generally corresponding with the new moon phase," Mr Mulherin said.
"This may make these fish easier targets for concentrated fishing and the closed seasons are used to provide additional protection during these periods.
"We want to ensure that any closures put in place are effective in ensuring that there are plenty of reef fish out there for people to catch into the future but we also need to balance this with maintain viable fishing industries.
"Two spawning closures have already been completed this year and I would like to congratulate fishers for their adherence to the two nine day closures held from 22 to 30 October and 21 to 29 November.
"There will need to be further consideration of potential closure regimes for
2009 onwards," Mr Mulherin said.
More information on Queensland's fishing regulations can be found on the DPI&F website - www.dpi.qld.gov.au - or by calling 13 25 23.
MEDIA RELEASE : Greater Mary Association
25 November 2008
Postponement is the last nail in the coffin of the Traveston Crossing dam proposal
The Greater Mary Association were today ecstatic at the announcement by Premier Bligh that the proposed Traveston Crossing dam would be delayed, but cautioned that opponents to the dam need to remain vigilant and continue to pressure the Queensland ALP to can the dam forever.
"The Coordinator General's recommendations to the Queensland Government are a clear indication that the proposed Traveston Crossing dam has big problems. This is the last nail in the coffin for the proposal. All that remains is the burial," said Darryl Stewart, Chair of the Greater Mary Association, the organization representing communities in the lower Mary River and Great Sandy Strait estuary.
"We've argued all along that key mitigation measures for the proposed dam are untested and will not come close to reversing the damage the proposed dam would do to the Mary River ecosystems and local communities. Nothing is going to change in several years, it will still be a flawed proposal with major economic and social and environmental impacts. The only way to avoid these impacts is to can the dam forever.
According to the Greater Mary Association, the Queensland Government and the proponent Queensland Water Infrastructure Pty Lt has sort to side step the downstream impacts of the proposed dam since it was announced in April 2006. The Premier's announcement has not included any mention of more attention being paid to downstream and estuarine impacts. Her comments have related specifically to the environmental rehabilitation of the dam site.
"Despite what the Premier implies, the fact remains that research by international water experts has revealed that the proposed Traveston Crossing dam is not needed. Evidence to support this position is there in black in white in Queensland Water Commission reports," explained Greater Mary Association Research Coordinator Tanzi Smith.
"We completely reject Premier Bligh's suggestion that the people of SEQ think this dam is needed. She has no research to back up this statement. As the Premier herself noted in parliament today, people's attitudes to water have changed. The little research the Queensland Government has done supports this view and gives even more weight to our argument that the dam is not needed," added Ms Smith.
Mr Stewart called on Anna Bligh to show real leadership and acknowledge that the proposal is fatally flawed and consign it to the history books. He said, "It is cruel of her to leave the affected community in limbo. Planting a few trees now instead of later isn't going to make the proposal viable."
The Greater Mary Association also extends a huge thank you and congratulations to all it's members and supporters and the role their efforts have had on this decision.
"Let's celebrate, but let's also keep up the fight and make sure this dam is damned forever," urged Mr Stewart.
Closed Season - Barramundi
Throughout the Queensland east coast, a closed season applies to barramundi from midday 1 November to midday 1 February. Throughout the Gulf of Carpentaria and adjoining waterways west and south of the intersection of longitude 142°09´E with the shore at high tide, a closed season applies to barramundi. The timing of the closed season varies each year according to lunar and tide cycles coinciding with spawning peaks.
These closures do not apply in East Leichhardt Dam and Belmore, Corella, Julius and Moondarra lakes, and to waterways upstream of these impoundments. See also the section on freshwater closed seasons (barramundi) for information on taking barramundi from some freshwater during the closure.
Why do we have closed seasons?
Closed seasons prevent people from fishing at certain times of the year to protect species at vulnerable times in their life cycle, such as during spawning seasons.
SHARK AND RAY TAG AND RELEASE.
The University of Queensland has established a three year research program into the shark and ray populations of Hervey Bay and the Great Sandy Strait. Headed by PhD student Adrian Gutteridge, the project aims to investigate the diversity and abundance of sharks and rays in the area and the movement patterns of these populations.
To do this, a tag and release program was established earlier this month to capture a wide range of species (e.g. black tip sharks, milk sharks, bull sharks, hammerhead sharks, shovel nose rays and stingrays). If you capture any tagged animals during this time you can become involved in this research simply by following these steps.
1.) Upon capture please record the tag number, the length of the animal (head to tail for sharks; across the back to the wing tips for rays), the location of capture (GPS reading or general area if GPS co-ordinates give away your secret fishing spot!!) and the weight of the animal. Length and weight measurements for large specimens only need to be approximated to reduce the stress on both the captured animal and the captor.
2.)Release the animal alive back into the water.
3.) Ring the free call number listed on the tag and follow the operators instructions. If the animal dies during capture, please retain the carcass whole and follow the procedure listed above but contact Adrian directly on the contact information below.
Information that you collect will allow Adrian to compare your measurements with his original measurements to see how much the animal has grown and how far it has travelled since initial capture. If you have any further questions or queries please feel free to contact Adrian on 0405 390 660 or by email at adrian.g@uq.edu.au.
LATEST EPA - GREAT SANDY MARINE PARK MAPS NOW AVAILABLE.
The Great Sandy Marine Park protects a range of marine and coastal environments, including rocky shores, fringing reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows and sandy beaches. Hervey Bay’s waters are protected by Fraser Island. The island has extensive surf beaches, separated by rocky headlands. The protection provided by Fraser Island led to the formation of shallow bays and sheltered channels, which blend into seagrass meadows, mudflats and mangroves. The marine park protects rivers, creeks and estuaries.
These habitats provide important seasonal resources and stopover points for migratory species including humpback whales, migratory wading birds and marine turtles. Resident species dependent on these habitats include dugong, dolphins, shorebirds, grey nurse sharks, fish, molluscs and cetaceans.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) manages the Great Sandy Marine Park through a zoning plan. The zoning plan identifies different zones within the marine park, states the objectives for each zone and identifies the level of protection for the zone. The zoning plan lists the activities which can occur "as of right", those for which a permit is required, and those that are prohibited.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Latest Update is available in store now. The new maps show more topical views and also satellite imagery, to make sure boaties know exactly where all zones and areas lie. Available free to all Tackleworld Customers.
QUEENSLAND NOTICE TO MARINERS
MARYBOROUGH PILOTAGE AREA
LOCALITY: BIG WOODY ISLAND, GREAT SANDY STRAITS
ACTIVITY: MARINE NATIONAL PARK ZONE BOUYS
Mariners are advised that two unlit Marine National Park buoys (Green Zone) have been
established at the northern end of the Big Woody Island area of the Great Sandy Straits.
The buoys are spar buoys, 600mm high with a 600mm diameter base. They are white in colour
with a green band around the top and the base with black lettering "Marine National Park Zone".
The buoys have been established at the following coordinates:
A - latitude 25° 16.1058' S, longitude 152° 56.3988' E
B - latitude 25° 16.6866' S, longitude 152° 55.6701' E
AUS Charts Affected: 241
Maritime Safety Queensland Charts Affected: Great Sandy Strait (North) (GSS2)
Maritime Safety Queensland Beacon to Beacon Directory 7th Edition maps 25 & 26
LOCALITY: WIDE BAY BAR SECTOR LIGHT - HOOK POINT
ACTIVITY: SECTOR LIGHT AND DAY LIGHT ALTERED CENTRE LINE
Refer to Notice: 504 of 2008
Mariners are advised that the sector light and day light at Hook Point has been altered 15° to the
north due to shifting of Wide Bay Bar. The new centre line is 281° T. Refer to attached chartlet.
Cancel Notice: 504 of 2008
AUS Charts Affected: 365, 817
Maritime Safety Queensland Charts Affected: Great Sandy Strait (South) (GSS1)
Maritime Safety Queensland Beacon to Beacon Directory 7th Edition map 34
MARYBOROUGH PILOTAGE AREA
LOCALITY: URANGAN FAIRWAY, GREAT SANDY STRAIT - NORTHERN
PORTION
ACTIVITY: SUBMERGED OBSTRUCTION
Refer to Notices: 063 (T) of 2008 & 125 (T) of 2008
Mariners are warned not to navigate with 50 metres of the temporary buoy marking the location of
the damaged Urangan Fairway beacon in approximate position latitude 25° 08.68' S,
longitude 152° 49.09' E, due to a submerged obstruction.
Cancel Notices: 063 (T) of 2008
AUS Charts Affected: 365, 817
Maritime Safety Queensland Charts Affected: Great Sandy Strait (South) GSS(2)
Maritime Safety Queensland Beacon to Beacon Directory 7th Edition maps 33 - 36
MARYBOROUGH PILOTAGE AREA
LOCALITY: URANGAN FAIRWAY, GREAT SANDY STRAIT, NORTHERN
PORTION
ACTIVITY: FAIRWAY BEACON DESTROYED
Mariners are advised that Fairway Beacon L Fl. 10s located in approximate position
latitude 25º 08.5' S, longitude 152º 49.9' E has been destroyed.
A temporary Safe Water Mark Buoy, L Fl. 10s will be placed in the above position at
approximate 1000 hours Friday, 22 February 2008 and remain until further notice.
AUS Charts Affected: 241, 817
Maritime Safety Queensland Charts Affected: Great Sandy Strait (North) (GSS2)
NOTE: Latitude and longitude positions on WGS84 horizontal datum (compatible with GDA94 datum).
For further information about this Notice, please contact:
The Gladstone Regional Harbour Master’s office on 07 4973 1200
Authorised by: DIRECTOR (MARITIME SERVICES)
Issued: Brisbane 22 February 2008
LENTHALLS DAM NEWS, ACCESS AND BOATING RESTRICTIONS
Wide Bay Water Corporation's primary drinking water storage, Lake Lenthall, offers a unique recreation opportunity for the public. Historically, boating restrictions on the lake were implemented to maintain the safe, quiet and peaceful ambience of the site for both passive and active recreation while at the same time achieving the primary objective of the lake which is that of providing high quality water for the City of Hervey Bay.
Recent advances in outboard engine technology have resulted in a significant reduction in engine emissions from newer clean engines. For example a 60hp 4-stroke or Direct Injection 2-Stroke engine emits less than 50% of the emissions as a 6hp carburetted 2-Stroke engine. These advances have warranted a review of the boating restrictions.
From 1 December 2007 boating restrictions at Lake Lenthall will allow:
- Speed Limit 6 knots - no wash and no skiing
- 4-Stroke and Direct Injection 2-Stroke engines up to 60hp. This equates to all 2 & 3 Star OEDA
(Outboard Engine Distributors Association) rated engines. - 1 to 6hp traditional 2-Strokes (0 and 1 star OEDA rated) permitted until January 2010.
Wide Bay Water Corporation Rangers have been suitably trained by representatives of the Outboard Engine Distributors Association of Australia to identify compliant engines.
Non-compliant engines (eg: 2 stroke carburettor and fuel injected outboards) are prohibited from using the lake. Additional restriction may be imposed on those engines that are clearly polluting the water (eg Smokey engines).
The Wide Bay Water Corporation laboratory has also been engaged to conduct routine hydrocarbon monitoring within the lake to monitor the impacting of fuel powered boats on the lake.
Please note that currently the only Direct Injection 2-Stroke engines available in Australia are the Evinrude E-TEC and Tohatsu TLDI.
See www.oeda.com.au for more details.
For more information contact Wide Bay Water Corporation on 1300 808 888
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
Queensland Government