Reef fish Working Group formed to assist industry
Published Wednesday, 25 March, 2009 at 04:29 PM
Others
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
Reef fish Working Group formed to assist industry
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin has established a Working Group to assist the commercial fishing industry in the wake of damage caused to reefs and in turn fish populations by Cyclone Hamish.
Mr Mulherin said: “Industry is telling me that there has been a reduction in the catch of coral trout from Bowen south.
“This is expected to persist for 12 to 18 months.
“The Working Group will include representatives from DPI&F, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Queensland Seafood Industry Association, marketers, and affected fishers.
“This group will look at short and long term initiatives to assist the industry.
“These will be developed and refined over the coming weeks.
“This particular event has not triggered the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements under the joint state/commonwealth scheme.
“That scheme focuses on the loss of public and private infrastructure such as occurred in the Victorian bushfires and the Gulf floods,” Mr Mulherin said
Media: Mark Symons 32396530/ Matt Watson 32393120
Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin has established a Working Group to assist the commercial fishing industry in the wake of damage caused to reefs and in turn fish populations by Cyclone Hamish.
Mr Mulherin said: “Industry is telling me that there has been a reduction in the catch of coral trout from Bowen south.
“This is expected to persist for 12 to 18 months.
“The Working Group will include representatives from DPI&F, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Queensland Seafood Industry Association, marketers, and affected fishers.
“This group will look at short and long term initiatives to assist the industry.
“These will be developed and refined over the coming weeks.
“This particular event has not triggered the Natural Disaster Relief Arrangements under the joint state/commonwealth scheme.
“That scheme focuses on the loss of public and private infrastructure such as occurred in the Victorian bushfires and the Gulf floods,” Mr Mulherin said
Media: Mark Symons 32396530/ Matt Watson 32393120