Have your say on charter fishing in Queensland

Fisheries Minister Bill Byrne today released for community feedback a discussion paper on the future of charter fishing in Queensland. 

Speaking in Cairns the Minister said: “Charter fishing is a popular activity for Queenslanders and tourists alike, so it’s important that we have plans in place to support this industry. 

“One of the Palaszczuk Government’s election commitments was to develop a charter fishing action plan and this discussion paper is an opportunity for fishers to contribute to the plan.

“All Queensland charter operators and interested members of the community are invited to have their say.” 

Minister Byrne said the vision and actions set out in the discussion paper aimed to help grow a world class charter fishery in Queensland. 

“Some clients use charter fishing services to catch a meal, others to experience the wilderness and others to catch and release a trophy fish, be it a 1 metre flathead or a 500 kg black marlin,” Minister Byrne said. 

“The diversity of the businesses, the clients and the areas of operation has meant that the appropriate management of the industry has been fragmented, with laws applying to some operators, but not others.

“This plan will bring industry players together, support the industry and grow the tourism benefits for Queensland.

“Part of the approach includes considering ways to allow charter fishing to operate on a sustainable basis without excessive regulation,” Minister Byrne said. 

Cairns Charter operator Kim Andersen welcomed the discussion paper and said it was great to see the Government recognising the value of the charter industry and looking at ways to help further grow it. 

The discussion paper also considers some of the challenges facing the industry, not just from fisheries rules and regulations, but also under other legislation.   

Seven main topics are presented for feedback in the discussion paper: 

1. A voice for the charter fishing industry 
2. Access to the charter fishery (including licensing and compliance) 
3. Maritime safety and infrastructure 
4. Declining resources and increasing fishing pressure 
5. Promotion of charter fishing 
6. Fishery enhancements 
7. Red tape reduction  
    

The goals and actions included in the discussion paper were developed in consultation with Queensland charter operators. 

To have your say on the future arrangements for charter fishing in Queensland, visit www.qld.gov.au/charterfishing by 5pm, Friday 4 August 2017.