QUEENSLAND’S LARGEST FISHERY GOES UNDER REVIEW

THIS REPLACES PREVIOUS RELEASE PLEASE

The Queensland East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery - the largest and most diverse fishery in the state – is now under review, Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said today.

“With more than 750,000 recreational fishers and approximately 500 commercial operators accessing this fishery, current management arrangements need to be reviewed to ensure they meet stakeholder expectations while ensuring sustainability,” Mr Mulherin said.

“I am inviting all stakeholders who have an interest in this fishery, including commercial fishers, recreational anglers, tourism operators, local councils and the Indigenous community, to have their say on future management arrangements.

“This week, key stakeholders will be mailed information outlining the consultation process. The package also includes general information about the fishery and summarises the key challenges.’’

Mr Mulherin said that following the release of the brochure, a series of stakeholder meetings would be held in major centres throughout Queensland starting on Monday, October 23.

“In this first phase of consultation, no proposed management arrangements will be put forward,” Mr Mulherin said.

“This first round of consultation is simply an opportunity for stakeholders to provide their views on all aspects of the fishery.

“These views will then be taken into account to develop a draft fishery management plan which is likely to be released for further consultation in mid-2007.

“The review of Queensland’s East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery is a significant undertaking. Due to the high participation in this fishery we anticipate that many people will want to express their views on how it should be managed.”

The fishery stretches from Cape York to the Queensland-New South Wales border. The main species taken include many of Queensland’s most popular fish species such as barramundi, threadfins, several mackerel species, tailor, whiting, bream, flathead, shark and sea mullet.

“I strongly encourage all stakeholders who have an interest in this fishery to become involved in the consultation process.

“I am looking forward to building cooperative relationships with stakeholders throughout this consultation process to ensure we can work together to maintain a strong fishery for the future.”

For regular updates on the consultation, an email subscription service has been set up on the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries website - www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb

Information, including the consultation meeting schedule and background papers focussed on specific aspects of the fishery are available by contacting DPI&F on 13 25 23.

Media:David Potter 32396530