Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin today announced that he is supporting a move that will allow people to fish for coral reef fin fish over the Christmas holidays.

Mr Mulherin said: “Following scientific advice, I’m backing a recommendation to remove the coral reef fin fish closure that was planned for December - subject to the Governor’s approval

“For the past four years there have been three, nine-day periods when fishing for coral reef fin fish has been off limits.

“This year, the closures are from 22 to 30 October, 21 to 29 November, with the third planned for 21 to 29 December.

“Through spring and summer large numbers of mature fish gather in certain locations in the Great Barrier Reef to spawn.

“Coral trout, the most valuable of the coral reef fin fish species, generally spawn coinciding with the new moon.

“This may make them easier targets for concentrated fishing and the closed seasons are used to protect them during these periods. We want to ensure that there are plenty of reef fish out there for people to catch into the future.

“The closures apply to coral trout, cods and gropers, red emperors, parrotfishes, sweetlips, tropical snappers and sea perches, among others.

“Fisheries officers police these closures and fines of up to $75,000 apply to those caught fishing coral reef fin fish.

“Recreational and commercial fishers, as well as charter boat operators, have been in favour of removing the December closure as it has a significant impact on these sectors.

“The December closure spans the Christmas period effectively stopping many people from fishing through their Christmas holidays.

“The Reef Management Advisory Committee (MAC) has now recommended the removal of the December 2008 spawning closure and I am supporting that recommendation.

“A recent independent scientific review of the closures has indicated that removing the closure in December will not impact on the sustainability of these fish stocks.

"This review found that the biological effectiveness of closures was higher in October and November than in December.

“There will need to be further consideration of the closure regime for 2009 onwards,” Mr Mulherin said.

DPI&F fisheries resource manager Brigid Kerrigan said: “Fishers are reminded that there is still a spawning closure in place from 21 to 29 November to protect coral reef fin fish stocks during their spawning periods.

“Recreational and commercial fishers need to steer clear of coral reef fin fish north of Waddy Point on Fraser Island during the closure. The closure applies to all waters on Queensland's east coast north of a line of latitude 24 degrees 50 minutes south (near the mouth of the Burnett River and Fraser's Waddy Point).

“Anglers are reminded that the closure only applies to those who are fishing for coral reef fin fish and not to fishers taking Spanish mackerel or other fish species,” Dr Kerrigan said.

Coral reef fin fish include coral trout, cods and gropers, emperors, parrotfishes, 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 DPI&F website – www.dpi.qld.gov.au - or by calling 13 25 23.

Media: 32396530