Published Friday, 07 December, 2007 at 10:30 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Consultation on proposed new fishing rules underway
Consultation on proposed fishing rules for Queensland’s East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery - the largest and most diverse fishery in the state – begins today, Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said.
Speaking this morning at the Mackay Marina, Mr Mulherin said a Regulatory Impact Statement which outlined proposals for future management of the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery was being released for public comment.
“The release of the RIS follows an extensive preliminary consultation conducted by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries throughout the Queensland.
“DPI&F has worked more closely than ever with stakeholders to develop proposals for future management of the Inshore Fishery to ensure it remains sustainable, profitable and enjoyable.
“This review is a significant undertaking as this fishery is the largest in the State and one of our most valuable assets.
“The fishery covers 10,000 kilometres of coastline from Cape York to the Queensland-New South Wales border.
“With more than 750,000 recreational fishers and approximately 500 commercial operators accessing this fishery, current management arrangements need to be reviewed so that they meet stakeholder expectations while ensuring sustainability.”
A range of management changes are proposed in the Regulatory Impact Statement mainly focusing on:
• new and amended size and bag limits for a number of inshore fish species,
• new management arrangements to protect shark sustainability,
• changes to netting arrangements in Dugong Protection Areas,
• changes to commercial netting regulations,
• changes to commercial in-possession limits for spotted mackerel, and
• a small number of new or amended closures.
Mr Mulherin said the major species taken from the fishery included barramundi, threadfin, grunter, grey mackerel and shark, which are taken in the north of the state, as well as mullet, tailor, bream, whiting, flathead, and spotted mackerel which are taken in the south.
“The fishery also covers some offshore pelagic species such as dolphinfish, cobia and amberjack,” Mr Mulherin said.
“In late 2006, more than 40 consultation meetings were held throughout Queensland to gain a clear picture of the issues and needs of a broad range of stakeholders who have an interest in this fishery.
“Feedback from these meetings, along with extensive consultation with our Fisheries Management Advisory Committees, has been crucial in developing the proposed management arrangements which are now out for public comment.
“Stakeholders can be assured that the development of a management plan for the Inshore Fishery continues to be one of my highest priorities.
“From today, the RIS is available on the DPI&F website – www.dpi.qld.gov.au - and in the coming weeks information packs on the RIS will be mailed out to a range of stakeholder groups throughout the State.
“During the consultation, DPI&F will also hold more than 45 public meetings along the east coast seeking feedback about the RIS. These are due to begin late January 2008 and will extend to the end of February 2008.
“I would strongly encourage 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 the proposed future management arrangements,” Mr Mulherin said.
For more information on the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery consultation or for regular updates subscribe to the e-newsletter on the DPI&F website – www.dpi.qld.gov.au Alternatively, contact DPI&F on 13 25 23.
Submissions on the RIS close on March 17.
Media:
Minister’s office 3239 653
DPI&F 322 47757
Speaking this morning at the Mackay Marina, Mr Mulherin said a Regulatory Impact Statement which outlined proposals for future management of the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery was being released for public comment.
“The release of the RIS follows an extensive preliminary consultation conducted by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries throughout the Queensland.
“DPI&F has worked more closely than ever with stakeholders to develop proposals for future management of the Inshore Fishery to ensure it remains sustainable, profitable and enjoyable.
“This review is a significant undertaking as this fishery is the largest in the State and one of our most valuable assets.
“The fishery covers 10,000 kilometres of coastline from Cape York to the Queensland-New South Wales border.
“With more than 750,000 recreational fishers and approximately 500 commercial operators accessing this fishery, current management arrangements need to be reviewed so that they meet stakeholder expectations while ensuring sustainability.”
A range of management changes are proposed in the Regulatory Impact Statement mainly focusing on:
• new and amended size and bag limits for a number of inshore fish species,
• new management arrangements to protect shark sustainability,
• changes to netting arrangements in Dugong Protection Areas,
• changes to commercial netting regulations,
• changes to commercial in-possession limits for spotted mackerel, and
• a small number of new or amended closures.
Mr Mulherin said the major species taken from the fishery included barramundi, threadfin, grunter, grey mackerel and shark, which are taken in the north of the state, as well as mullet, tailor, bream, whiting, flathead, and spotted mackerel which are taken in the south.
“The fishery also covers some offshore pelagic species such as dolphinfish, cobia and amberjack,” Mr Mulherin said.
“In late 2006, more than 40 consultation meetings were held throughout Queensland to gain a clear picture of the issues and needs of a broad range of stakeholders who have an interest in this fishery.
“Feedback from these meetings, along with extensive consultation with our Fisheries Management Advisory Committees, has been crucial in developing the proposed management arrangements which are now out for public comment.
“Stakeholders can be assured that the development of a management plan for the Inshore Fishery continues to be one of my highest priorities.
“From today, the RIS is available on the DPI&F website – www.dpi.qld.gov.au - and in the coming weeks information packs on the RIS will be mailed out to a range of stakeholder groups throughout the State.
“During the consultation, DPI&F will also hold more than 45 public meetings along the east coast seeking feedback about the RIS. These are due to begin late January 2008 and will extend to the end of February 2008.
“I would strongly encourage 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 the proposed future management arrangements,” Mr Mulherin said.
For more information on the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery consultation or for regular updates subscribe to the e-newsletter on the DPI&F website – www.dpi.qld.gov.au Alternatively, contact DPI&F on 13 25 23.
Submissions on the RIS close on March 17.
Media:
Minister’s office 3239 653
DPI&F 322 47757