ALARM AT CONTINUING MANGROVE DESTRUCTION
Published Wednesday, 03 October, 2007 at 12:52 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries Tim Mulherin has warned against the wanton destruction of mangroves following the poisoning of plants on Karragarra Island in Moreton Bay.
“Views and access to waters and coastal grounds are increasingly taking precedence over the natural habitat protection and the simple message is: It’s illegal, Mr Mulherin said.
“Department officers are currently investigating a recent incident on Karragarra Island, where poison was administered into tree trunks through drilled and axed holes, with one tree being severely ringbarked.
“There is serious damage to about 20 mature Grey Mangrove trees and I am informed that this is not the first time such an incident has occurred in the area.
“Although this appears to be deliberate, many people don’t realise that cutting down or destroying mangrove trees on Queensland shores is illegal and incredibly destructive to native wildlife.
“Any loss of mature mangroves like these will have a flow-on effect to the fish and crab populations they support .
“This is an ongoing problem and although it is extremely difficult to prosecute, anyone who is caught destroying or poisoning mangroves can be fined up to $225,000.’’
To help raise awareness in protecting mangroves and fish habitats, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries will place new signs and posters in the area explaining the importance and protected status of marine plants.
The damaged trees, discovered during a routine inspection of the southern foreshore area near the Krummel Passage, are currently under investigation and anyone with information on the incident should contact the DPI&F.
Any suspected illegal activities should be reported to the 24-hour Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 017 116 or contact the DPI&F on 13 25 23 for more information.
Media:
Minister’s office 32396530
DPI&F 32247757
“Views and access to waters and coastal grounds are increasingly taking precedence over the natural habitat protection and the simple message is: It’s illegal, Mr Mulherin said.
“Department officers are currently investigating a recent incident on Karragarra Island, where poison was administered into tree trunks through drilled and axed holes, with one tree being severely ringbarked.
“There is serious damage to about 20 mature Grey Mangrove trees and I am informed that this is not the first time such an incident has occurred in the area.
“Although this appears to be deliberate, many people don’t realise that cutting down or destroying mangrove trees on Queensland shores is illegal and incredibly destructive to native wildlife.
“Any loss of mature mangroves like these will have a flow-on effect to the fish and crab populations they support .
“This is an ongoing problem and although it is extremely difficult to prosecute, anyone who is caught destroying or poisoning mangroves can be fined up to $225,000.’’
To help raise awareness in protecting mangroves and fish habitats, the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries will place new signs and posters in the area explaining the importance and protected status of marine plants.
The damaged trees, discovered during a routine inspection of the southern foreshore area near the Krummel Passage, are currently under investigation and anyone with information on the incident should contact the DPI&F.
Any suspected illegal activities should be reported to the 24-hour Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 017 116 or contact the DPI&F on 13 25 23 for more information.
Media:
Minister’s office 32396530
DPI&F 32247757