Published Tuesday, 15 July, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery to be reviewed
Queensland’s Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery, which includes key species such as pink snapper and pearl perch, is now under review, Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said today.
Mr Mulherin said the review would focus on ensuring the future sustainability of fish stocks while also managing access to this fishery for all sectors into the future.
“Species such as pink snapper and pearl perch are highly sought after by the recreational and charter sectors and are also important to the commercial industry,” Mr Mulherin said.
“A number of stakeholders from the commercial, recreational and charter fishing sectors have raised sustainability concerns over rocky reef stocks such as pink snapper.
“Queensland is experiencing rapid population growth, particularly in the south east region, and these fish can be caught in highly accessible fishing grounds that are close to densely populated areas.
“We need to ensure that these types of impacts are taken into consideration when considering future management arrangements,” Mr Mulherin said.
“An innovative approach to the Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery review will ensure all issues are captured and considered in the wide-ranging consultation process.
“As a starting point, a Stakeholder Network Working Group consisting of recreational fishers, key fishing industry, conservation, media and scientific representatives has been formed in a partnership approach to reviewing and developing improved management arrangements for this fishery. The members on the working group have extensive knowledge of the fishery.”
Mr Mulherin said it was critical all issues and concerns were captured in addressing the fishery’s ongoing sustainability.
“This working group will have a central role in identifying fishery issues and developing management options to address these issues before they are released to the wider community for consultation.
“Stakeholders are encouraged to contact working group representatives to provide comment on issues and possible options for management for consideration in developing the proposals.
“We want this process to be fully inclusive and transparent and the Stakeholder Network Working Group will help to achieve this,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Once proposed management arrangements are developed by this group they will be released to the public for comment through the normal channels such as public meetings and the DPI&F website,” he said.
To provide comment to the Stakeholder Network Working Group or for more information contact DPI&F on 13 25 23 or visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au
Media:
Minister’s office 32396530
DPI&F: 3224 7757
Mr Mulherin said the review would focus on ensuring the future sustainability of fish stocks while also managing access to this fishery for all sectors into the future.
“Species such as pink snapper and pearl perch are highly sought after by the recreational and charter sectors and are also important to the commercial industry,” Mr Mulherin said.
“A number of stakeholders from the commercial, recreational and charter fishing sectors have raised sustainability concerns over rocky reef stocks such as pink snapper.
“Queensland is experiencing rapid population growth, particularly in the south east region, and these fish can be caught in highly accessible fishing grounds that are close to densely populated areas.
“We need to ensure that these types of impacts are taken into consideration when considering future management arrangements,” Mr Mulherin said.
“An innovative approach to the Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery review will ensure all issues are captured and considered in the wide-ranging consultation process.
“As a starting point, a Stakeholder Network Working Group consisting of recreational fishers, key fishing industry, conservation, media and scientific representatives has been formed in a partnership approach to reviewing and developing improved management arrangements for this fishery. The members on the working group have extensive knowledge of the fishery.”
Mr Mulherin said it was critical all issues and concerns were captured in addressing the fishery’s ongoing sustainability.
“This working group will have a central role in identifying fishery issues and developing management options to address these issues before they are released to the wider community for consultation.
“Stakeholders are encouraged to contact working group representatives to provide comment on issues and possible options for management for consideration in developing the proposals.
“We want this process to be fully inclusive and transparent and the Stakeholder Network Working Group will help to achieve this,” Mr Mulherin said.
“Once proposed management arrangements are developed by this group they will be released to the public for comment through the normal channels such as public meetings and the DPI&F website,” he said.
To provide comment to the Stakeholder Network Working Group or for more information contact DPI&F on 13 25 23 or visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au
Media:
Minister’s office 32396530
DPI&F: 3224 7757