Published Tuesday, 12 February, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Fishers voice their strong views on new fishing rules
Thousands of commercial and recreational fishers have voiced their opinions on new rules proposed for Queensland’s largest and most diverse fishery.
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin in State Parliament today urged fishers to “have their say’’ on the proposals for the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery.
“There have been very high attendance levels at the public meetings where the proposed rules, which were released for public consultation in December, have been discussed at length” Mr Mulherin said.
“Meetings will continue throughout the state for another four weeks.
“Some people have been very vocal about certain proposals, including size and bag limits and netting to dugong protection areas.
“I strongly encourage stakeholders to continue to submit their feedback at the meetings and through the response form.’’
Mr Mulherin said more than 400 response forms had already been received by DPI&F and were being analysed.
“These responses will be critical when reviewing the feedback on the proposals.
“I must strongly emphasise that these proposals are not set in stone. All feedback will be considered and the responses will help us to further refine the rules before they are implemented.
“Stakeholders also need to keep in mind that the goal is to develop rules which are fair and equitable to those using this resource, as well as ensuring the fishery is protected and sustainable for future generations to enjoy.”
The proposals were developed following extensive preliminary consultation conducted throughout the State in late 2006.
The proposals have also been developed in close collaboration with the Fin Fish Management Advisory Committee and its working groups, which include recreational and commercial fishers, scientists, conservationists and other stakeholders.
Queensland’s East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery is the largest and most diverse fishery in the state stretching from Cape York to the Queensland-New South Wales border.
“Being the largest fishery in the State means the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery is one of our most valuable assets with more than 750,000 recreational fishers and approximately 500 commercial operators accessing this resource,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Changes to size and bag limits for some species, new management arrangements to protect shark, new closures, and changes to netting arrangements in Dugong Protection Areas are all being proposed to ensure this fishery remains sustainable and profitable.”
A summary of the proposed management changes is available on the DPI&F website – www.dpi.qld.gov.au - and information packs on the changes have also been mailed out to a range of stakeholder groups throughout the State.
More information on the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery public consultation meetings can be obtained from the DPI&F website or by calling 13 25 23.
Media:
Minister’s office 3239 6530
DPI&F 3224 7757
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin in State Parliament today urged fishers to “have their say’’ on the proposals for the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery.
“There have been very high attendance levels at the public meetings where the proposed rules, which were released for public consultation in December, have been discussed at length” Mr Mulherin said.
“Meetings will continue throughout the state for another four weeks.
“Some people have been very vocal about certain proposals, including size and bag limits and netting to dugong protection areas.
“I strongly encourage stakeholders to continue to submit their feedback at the meetings and through the response form.’’
Mr Mulherin said more than 400 response forms had already been received by DPI&F and were being analysed.
“These responses will be critical when reviewing the feedback on the proposals.
“I must strongly emphasise that these proposals are not set in stone. All feedback will be considered and the responses will help us to further refine the rules before they are implemented.
“Stakeholders also need to keep in mind that the goal is to develop rules which are fair and equitable to those using this resource, as well as ensuring the fishery is protected and sustainable for future generations to enjoy.”
The proposals were developed following extensive preliminary consultation conducted throughout the State in late 2006.
The proposals have also been developed in close collaboration with the Fin Fish Management Advisory Committee and its working groups, which include recreational and commercial fishers, scientists, conservationists and other stakeholders.
Queensland’s East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery is the largest and most diverse fishery in the state stretching from Cape York to the Queensland-New South Wales border.
“Being the largest fishery in the State means the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery is one of our most valuable assets with more than 750,000 recreational fishers and approximately 500 commercial operators accessing this resource,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Changes to size and bag limits for some species, new management arrangements to protect shark, new closures, and changes to netting arrangements in Dugong Protection Areas are all being proposed to ensure this fishery remains sustainable and profitable.”
A summary of the proposed management changes is available on the DPI&F website – www.dpi.qld.gov.au - and information packs on the changes have also been mailed out to a range of stakeholder groups throughout the State.
More information on the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery public consultation meetings can be obtained from the DPI&F website or by calling 13 25 23.
Media:
Minister’s office 3239 6530
DPI&F 3224 7757