New Fishing Rules from 1 July - Media Release from QPI&F

Commercial fishers will need to brush up on their rules from 1 July 2009 with a number of regulation changes coming into effect along Queensland’s east coast that will affect the shark and ray fishery in particular.

Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Resource Manager Mark Lightowler said the new rules were to ensure that our state’s fisheries remained sustainable.

“Over the past two years there has been extensive consultation on the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery, with final measures receiving close public and scientific scrutiny before being approved by the state government,” Mr Lightowler said.

“The 1 July changes are mainly for the commercial fishers, and follow on from the new rules for both commercial and recreational fishers announced in March. 

“We have been communicating with commercial fishers since January about these new measures so that they are able to adopt the new rules into their fishing operations.

"The changes include new measures to protect sharks and rays. This fulfils a key commitment of the Queensland Government as part of the accreditation of our Inshore Fin Fish Fishery under the Commonwealth Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

“Many shark fisheries worldwide have been fished beyond sustainable limits, but in Queensland we recognise the important role sharks play in the marine ecosystem. 

“We are taking a precautionary approach to the management of sharks and rays until further information can be gathered over the next three years on which to base future management decisions.”

The new fishing rules for sharks and rays include:

• new licensing arrangements in the shark fishery, to reduce the number of commercial fishers that can take shark
• a reduction in total commercial shark catch from 950 tonne to 600 tonne per year
• a requirement that all fins and tails be naturally attached to the body for guitarfish, grey reef shark, white tip reef shark and shovelnose rays
• closures to net fishing in the Kennedy, Bizant and Normanby Rivers flowing into Princess Charlotte Bay.

There will also be changes to nets, including net length, mesh size and how and when they’re used by commercial fishers along Queensland’s east coast.

“Commercial fishers who set their nets in offshore waters will now need to attend their nets at all times – this is important for the safety of both people and animals,” Mr Lightowler said.

“Fishers need to be alert for species not meant to be caught in nets, such as sawfish, dugong and turtles, so they can be freed quickly.

“This will bring our offshore netting rules in line with other nets used in inshore waters, creeks and rivers.

“Grey mackerel are a key species in the east coast fishery, and have been reviewed for sustainability.

“To ensure further pressure is not placed on grey mackerel a commercial catch limit of 250 tonnes is being introduced.”

Mr Lightowler said over the past 30 years, Queensland's population had doubled to 4.3 million, putting pressure on our fishing resources particularly along the coast.

“These new fishing rules aim to ensure the sustainability of our fish stocks so that commercial fishing remains viable and recreational anglers can continue to enjoy Queensland fishing,” he said.

“I would like to thank all those who participated in the review process. The feedback received was invaluable in reaching the final management arrangements.”

For more information on the new rules visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au or phone 13 25 23.

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From the President Newsletter Issue 1

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East Marine Bioregional Plan

With the Federal Government pursuing the development of a draft East Marine Bioregional Plan, the Queensland Fishing industry needs to consider the implications on a fisheries wide scale.

The Commonwealth Government's draft East Marine Bioregional Plan rollout all the way around the Australian coastline is continuing with a completion date of 2010. The Northern Zone encompassing the Gulf and the East Marine Bioregion from the Torres Strait south has the potential to impact severely on not only fisherman but the whole of the local seafood industry. Proponents are heavily funded as you have seen with the influence of Pew Environment Group in the Coral Sea.

From a Queensland Government perspective, State fisheries are heavily regulated. After the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park zoning process and the introduction of State Maine Parks, the industry needs to carefully consider the long-term implications of the plan.  

Where to from here?
The Federal Government has set up a series of meetings beginning in Cairns on the 15th and 16th June 2009. Gary Wicks (QSIA Board Member and Trawl Delegate, Shaun Hanson (QSIA Line Committee Chair) and Stephen Murphy (QSIA Board Member and Trawl Committee Chair) will be representing the QSIA at this meeting outlining potential isses of concern for fisheries on a state-wide basis. More broadly, the QSIA will develop relevant materials and arguments for consideration by the Federal Government. QSIA will ensure that members are kept informed throughout the development of the draft East Marine Bioregional Plan.

Coral Sea Conservation Zone

Please see the QSIA response to the recent announcement of the establishment of the Coral Sea Conservation Zone by Minister Peter Garrett. We will be making further statements as the consultation process gets underway. The Association is consulting with licensed fishers and affected users of the area to ensure a satisfactory outcome from this process is achieved.
Click here to download Media Release

Marine Information Bulletin - National Standard for Commercial Vessels

Commercial and fishing ships must now carry the appropriate safety equipment as required under the NSCV C7A standard, or as varied by the new TO(MS)R requirements. Unregistered fishing ships less than 10 metres in length or class 1F hire and drive ships will not be affected as the current safety equipment requirements for these ships will be retained. Click here to download

2009 Queensland Seafood Awards

Please find below details of the 2009 Queensland Seafood Awards.Click Here to download Flyer

The Hopper Rebate

The Hopper Rebate Scheme for the purpose of installing a hopper is now avaliable for eligible applicants up to $30,000. Please read the guidlines for information on how to apply for the rebate and don't hestiate to contact the office on 3262 6855 of you have any questions about the scheme
Bycatch Hopper Rebate Guidlines
Bycatch Small Hopper Devices

East Coast Inshore Fin Fishery Plan

The Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has released the East Coast Inshore Fin Fishery Plan. To view the full list of changes for commercial fishers go to:
http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/cps/rde/dpi/hs.xsl/28_12569_ENA_HTML.htm