Fisheries data shows LNP bought back 74 commercial fishing licences

Data released today from the East Coast Net Buyback Program demonstrates the buyback of inshore net fishing licences has had a limited impact on local fish supply says Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Bill Byrne.

“Today Fisheries Queensland is reporting that the previous LNP Government bought back 74 commercial fishing licences between 2012 and 2014.

“Those buybacks resulted in a 31.9% reduction in large mesh netting authorities on the East Coast.

“The LNP operated three buyback schemes in that time with a total budget of $9 million.

“I think those statistics are very telling given that some LNP MPs have added their voices to wild claims that the Palaszczuk Government’s proposals for three net-free zones off Cairns, Mackay and the Capricorn Coast will devastate fresh fish supplies.

“The voluntary buybacks from 2012 to 2014 were aimed at reducing commercial fishing pressure on resources and increased sustainability of the fishery.

“Fisheries Queensland says the program bought back 116 large mesh symbols, 19 small mesh symbols and 194 non-net fishery symbols across other commercial fisheries such as crab, line and trawl.

“The LNP’s buybacks did not wipe out local fish supplies and similarly the Palaszczuk Government’s net-free zones will not lead to a shortage of fish in Queensland’s shops or restaurants.

“I think it is vital that this generation takes sensible steps to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks in our inshore waters.

“Those fish are a resource to be shared by commercial and recreational fishers and once implemented the proposed net-free zones will bring significant benefits to local economies through tourism linked to recreational fishing and charter fishing."

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