Dpt Premiers` Media Release on Snapper

[Gad]

Deputy Premier and Attorney-General, Minister for Local Government

and Special Minister of State

The Honourable Paul Lucas

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Solution found with no more bans on fishing snapper

Recreational bag limits on snapper will be reduced from five to four under new rules to manage one of the State’s most important fisheries.

The move means the sustainability of the species can be protected with no future bans on catching snapper in Queensland.

Acting Premier Paul Lucas and Fisheries Minister Craig Wallace said today that a six-week ban earlier this year on catching snapper would not be repeated.

“This move comes after the Minister consulted with the public across the State and representatives from the charter, commercial and recreational fishing sectors about how best to protect this important resource,†said Mr Lucas.

“What they told us was in everyone’s interests to protect this species but it became clear that this could be achieved without blanket bans on fishing.

“We have to balance the need to protect this species, the jobs the fishing industry provides and the right for Queenslanders to chuck in a line.

“Under these regulations recreational fishers will be able to keep four snapper instead of five and only one of those four is permitted to be over 70cm.

“We are still committed to rebuilding snapper stocks but doing it in such a way that doesn’t threaten industry or the Queensland way of life.

“Fisheries Queensland will closely monitor the success of this program and we will know more about this species than ever before.â€

Mr Wallace also announced that he would form a new recreational fishing advisory group, including Sunfish and other recreational fishing groups, to advise him on fishing policy.

“Queenslanders have a passion for fishing and for the wonderful seafood that this State’s waters produce,†Mr Wallace said.

“However, we need to ensure that our fisheries are sustainable so our children and grandchildren can enjoy the same unique lifestyle,†he said.

“In close consultation with fishers we have come up with sensible changes that protect some of the most popular commercial and recreational fish species in Queensland.

“As a keen angler myself, I personally oversaw the consultation process to ensure community views were heard at the highest levels of government,†he said.

.

The Bligh Government announced last year that it was seeking public input on the management of fish species including snapper, pearl perch and teraglin.

The public consultation finished in April this year and Mr Wallace said he had carefully considered the 712 public submissions, industry feedback and scientific recommendations.

Mr Wallace said changes included:

o No further bans on snapper fishing;

o

o Reducing the recreational bag limit for snapper from five to four, with a maximum of one fish with a total length over 70cm allowed. The minimum size limit for snapper will remain at 35cm. This will apply to all recreational anglers, including fishing from charter boats;

o

o There is no proposed change for the size and bag limits for pearl perch and teraglin;

o

o An online monitoring program will be introduced for recreational fishers to log snapper catch data, to ensure up-to-date and accurate information is available for future reviews. The program will be launched later this year;

o

o There also will be an education program to reduce snapper deaths through incorrect catch and release;

o

o Another review of fisheries management, including an updated snapper assessment, will be held in 2014; and

New recreational fishing advisory group

A new recreational fishing advisory group, including Sunfish, will be formed to advise Minister Wallace on fishing policy. The government will be looking for expressions of interest to join this group.

“I thank Sunfish for its advice and guidance while the government has considered this vital issue,†Mr Wallace said.

“I believe these proposed changes strike a fair balance between the interests of commercial and recreational anglers and the need to protect stocks of this iconic species,†Mr Wallace said.

Media inquiries: 0448 853 610

[coldy]

I can live with that.......better than closures. And we all know the closures would be more often and longer if not stopped. Would be glad to here others thoughts on this. Cheers All

[rayke1938]

I will be very interested in the make up of the Rec Fish Advisory Group and what its charter will be.

Cheers

Ray

[dassa]

When does this come into effect?

[daveylad]

After all that work they'll not be in a job after the next election.

[Gad]

After all that work they'll not be in a job after the next election.

John Hewson lost an "Unlooseable Election" :pinch: