Rule changes for bream, tarwhine and tailor 1/3/10

[tacklebox]

Media release from the dpi website:

Fishing rule changes for bream, tarwhine and tailor start next month

News release | 22 February, 2010

Commercial and recreational fishers should be aware that new size limits for bream, tarwhine and tailor will come into effect next month.

From 1 March 2010, the following minimum size limits apply:

* yellowfin and pikey bream will change from 23 cm to 25 cm

* tarwhine will change from 23 cm to 25 cm

* tailor will change from 30 cm to 35 cm.

Fisheries Queensland resource manager Mark Lightowler said the changes to size limits were part of last year’s overhaul of the inshore fin fish fishery regulations.

"The introduction of some rules was staggered because of the implications for net fishers, one of our main stakeholder groups," he said.

"We work closely with our stakeholders to minimise the impact that rule changes may have on our fishing industries.

"Commercial net fishers who take these species needed time to alter gear and fishing practices to ensure they could reduce the number of undersized fish they catch incidentally."

Mr Lightowler said feedback from public consultation showed strong support for the increase in size limits for bream and tarwhine.

He said being able to keep bigger fish resulted in a better feed for the family.

"It is a win-win situation for both fishers and fish stocks.

"By increasing the minimum size limit, fish can grow larger and mature - this helps the sustainability of a species by allowing these fish to spawn a number of times before they are caught and kept."

Mr Lightowler said the minimum size limit for tailor would increase from 30 cm to 35 cm for biological sustainability reasons.

"Our research has shown that over time the abundance of older fish in the tailor stock has decreased," he said.

"Figures from recent stock assessments indicate that one-year-old fish are supporting the population.

"This is not ideal as poor reproduction from one-year olds in a particular year could see stocks plummet.

"Consequently the minimum size has been increased to enhance the proportion of older fish in the population."

Mr Lightowler said research suggested that taking tailor sized 35 cm or above would protect approximately 50% of one year olds.

"This would therefore ensure the continued sustainability of this important recreational species," he said.

More information on fishing rules.