Published Thursday, 30 August, 2007 at 10:20 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
SPAWNING CLOSURES APPROACHING
Coral reef fin fish are off limits to fishers for three nine-day periods in October to December, 2007.
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said the annual spawning season closures for coral reef fin fish would run from October 5 to October 13, November 3 to November 11 and December 3 to December 11, 2007 – coinciding with the new moons.
The closures have been implemented as part of the Fisheries (Coral Reef Fin Fish) Management Plan 2003.
“During these periods, mature fish aggregate in certain locations on the reefs to spawn, generally corresponding with the new moon phase,” Mr Mulherin said.
“This makes them more vulnerable to fishing pressures and the closed seasons are needed to protect stocks during these periods to ensure that coral reef fin fishing can be enjoyed well into the future.”
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Resource Manager Dr Brigid Kerrigan said recreational and commercial fishers should steer clear of reef fin fish north of Waddy Point on Fraser Island during the closures.
The closures apply to all waters on Queensland’s east coast north of a line of latitude 24 degrees 50 minuted south (near the mouth of the Burnett River and Fraser’s Waddy Point).
Charter boat operators, recreational anglers and commercial fishers should be aware of these dates to be able to plan ahead.
Anglers are reminded that the closures only apply to those who are fishing for coral reef fin fish and not to fishers taking Spanish mackerel or other fish species.
“Authorised charter boat operations on long-term trips can also hold coral reef fin fish taken before the start of a closure period on board, enabling the trip to be completed without having to return to port to offload the fish,” Dr Kerrigan said.
Coral reef fin fish include coral trout, cods and gropers, emperors, parrot fish, sweetlips, tropical snappers and sea perches, among others.
A complete list of coral reef fin fish and Queensland’s fishing regulations can be found on the Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb of for further information call the DPI&F on 13 25 23.
Media:
Minister’s office 32396530
DPI&F 32247757
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin said the annual spawning season closures for coral reef fin fish would run from October 5 to October 13, November 3 to November 11 and December 3 to December 11, 2007 – coinciding with the new moons.
The closures have been implemented as part of the Fisheries (Coral Reef Fin Fish) Management Plan 2003.
“During these periods, mature fish aggregate in certain locations on the reefs to spawn, generally corresponding with the new moon phase,” Mr Mulherin said.
“This makes them more vulnerable to fishing pressures and the closed seasons are needed to protect stocks during these periods to ensure that coral reef fin fishing can be enjoyed well into the future.”
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Resource Manager Dr Brigid Kerrigan said recreational and commercial fishers should steer clear of reef fin fish north of Waddy Point on Fraser Island during the closures.
The closures apply to all waters on Queensland’s east coast north of a line of latitude 24 degrees 50 minuted south (near the mouth of the Burnett River and Fraser’s Waddy Point).
Charter boat operators, recreational anglers and commercial fishers should be aware of these dates to be able to plan ahead.
Anglers are reminded that the closures only apply to those who are fishing for coral reef fin fish and not to fishers taking Spanish mackerel or other fish species.
“Authorised charter boat operations on long-term trips can also hold coral reef fin fish taken before the start of a closure period on board, enabling the trip to be completed without having to return to port to offload the fish,” Dr Kerrigan said.
Coral reef fin fish include coral trout, cods and gropers, emperors, parrot fish, sweetlips, tropical snappers and sea perches, among others.
A complete list of coral reef fin fish and Queensland’s fishing regulations can be found on the Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb of for further information call the DPI&F on 13 25 23.
Media:
Minister’s office 32396530
DPI&F 32247757