A boost in fisheries compliance puts government on track

Queensland’s fisheries compliance is set to go from strength to strength as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Sustainable Fisheries Strategy.

Acting Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Leeanne Enoch said compliance was a priority for this government, with 20 new Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) officers to commence next month.

“The additional officers will bring the total number of QBFP officers to 109, boosting compliance by 20 per cent,” Minister Enoch said.

“QBFP officers already provide an exceptional service, however it is expected the number of inspections will increase as a result of our investment of an additional $20 million over three years towards the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy.

“In the last financial year, a total of 30 305 inspections were undertaken resulting in 2625 offences with 1453 caution notices and 1012 fisheries infringement notices issued.

“Fisheries infringement notice fines exceeded $515,000 and 49 court prosecutions resulted in fines in excess of $250,000.

“The new recruits will be focusing on fisheries compliance activities, gathering intelligence to support prosecutions and to educate the public to ensure our fisheries resources and habitats are managed sustainably.”

Minister Enoch said 92 per cent of units inspected by QBFP offices were compliant with fisheries laws.

“It is reassuring that the work QBFP officers have been doing to educate the community about responsible fishing is working,” she said.

“The QBFP is moving to more intelligence-based compliance, which focuses on targeting non-compliant operators based on gathered intelligence, rather than randomly catching people breaking the rules.

“We are now starting to see the effects of our intel based approach, with some excellent outcomes especially in court prosecutions.

“Intelligence based compliance is also balanced with appropriate education and an on-water presence.

“Fisheries Queensland has invested in educational activities through industry forums, community groups and schools to ensure they are aware and understand Queensland’s fishing and boating regulations.”

The statistics are contained in the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries’ Annual Report, which was tabled by the Minister in Parliament today.

The Sustainable Fisheries Strategy is available online www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23. 

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