Published Wednesday, 27 December, 2006 at 09:00 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
STINGRAYS: HANDLE WITH CARE
Anglers are reminded to handle stingrays with care.
“Stingrays are shy and non-aggressive animals, however, when threatened, they will defend themselves,” Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said.
“Stingrays have one or more spines on the tail that can inflict a painful and potentially deadly sting.”
Mr Mulherin said stingrays were extremely common in Queensland waters, inhabiting oceans, rivers and estuaries, and were commonly found in shallow water over sand and mud flats.
“In many instances, anglers cut the tail off a stingray because they are concerned about getting stung however stingrays often die as a result,” he said.
“The best thing to do if you inadvertently catch a stingray is to release it by cutting the line and allowing it to swim away. This will not put the angler at risk and it increases the stingray’s chance of survival.”
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) has compiled a list of safety tips for anglers that will increase stingray survival and minimise the risk to personal safety:
• Release a stingray by cutting off the trace/line;
• Do not cut off a stingray’s tail—avoid injuring the animal as much as possible;
• Return stingrays to the water as soon as possible;
• Do not allow the stingray to come close to your body;
• Avoid removing hooks—the use of rapid degrading hooks is recommended;
• Take particular care if you catch a stingray on a beach—wave action may wash the animal back against your feet when you try to release it;
• If you are stung by a stingray, seek medical attention immediately.
A copy of the safety tips can be obtained from the DPI&F Business Information Centre on 13 25 23 where you can also report suspected cases of animal cruelty.
Media: 323 96530
“Stingrays are shy and non-aggressive animals, however, when threatened, they will defend themselves,” Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said.
“Stingrays have one or more spines on the tail that can inflict a painful and potentially deadly sting.”
Mr Mulherin said stingrays were extremely common in Queensland waters, inhabiting oceans, rivers and estuaries, and were commonly found in shallow water over sand and mud flats.
“In many instances, anglers cut the tail off a stingray because they are concerned about getting stung however stingrays often die as a result,” he said.
“The best thing to do if you inadvertently catch a stingray is to release it by cutting the line and allowing it to swim away. This will not put the angler at risk and it increases the stingray’s chance of survival.”
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) has compiled a list of safety tips for anglers that will increase stingray survival and minimise the risk to personal safety:
• Release a stingray by cutting off the trace/line;
• Do not cut off a stingray’s tail—avoid injuring the animal as much as possible;
• Return stingrays to the water as soon as possible;
• Do not allow the stingray to come close to your body;
• Avoid removing hooks—the use of rapid degrading hooks is recommended;
• Take particular care if you catch a stingray on a beach—wave action may wash the animal back against your feet when you try to release it;
• If you are stung by a stingray, seek medical attention immediately.
A copy of the safety tips can be obtained from the DPI&F Business Information Centre on 13 25 23 where you can also report suspected cases of animal cruelty.
Media: 323 96530