Opportunity to join three new fishery working groups

Expressions of interest are being sought from experienced individuals to join one of three new fishery working groups.

Fisheries Minister Bill Byrne said the working groups were fundamental to the delivery of a world-class fisheries management system under the new Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017-2027.

"We are in the early stages of the most significant reform of fisheries management in Queensland's history and this is an exciting opportunity for people to part of it.

“We want to hear from people who want to be part of the east coast trawl, crab, and east coast inshore working groups” Minister Byrne said.

“The working groups will provide advice on the operational aspects of the management of a particular fishery.”

The Minister said the initial focus for the groups would be to provide advice on management options and to develop a harvest strategy

Fisheries Queensland was seeking people with knowledge from a range of sectors including recreational, commercial or indigenous fishers, charter fishing licence holders, fishing tackle retailers, research or scientific advisors, seafood marketers and processors, or people with conservation experience, he said.

“Membership is on a voluntary basis with up to eight members to be appointed to each fishery working group.

“The three working groups are expected to be finalised by August 2017 and successful applicants will be notified in writing. Meetings will be held from September onwards.”

Minister Byrne said the long-term reform of Queensland’s fisheries would only happen when stakeholders sat down together to work through the issues.

“The working groups are a key mechanism for doing this and to support the implementation of the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy,” he said.

“The working groups will be complemented by a new Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel, made up of experts in the field of fish biology, fishery management, stock assessment modelling and economic and social science.

“The expert panel will be established shortly and is expected to meet in August for the first time.”

For more information on each of the fishery workings groups or to apply, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

Follow Fisheries Queensland on Facebook and Twitter (@FisheriesQld).

ENDS

Media: Adrian Taylor 0448 994 172