Qld Rec Fishos Urged to have Say in Fisheries Review

[Gad]

Taken from FW emailnewsletter

10 Jul 2014

QUEENSLAND fishos are being urged to be involved in a review of the state's fisheries.

According to the state government, Queenslanders can help ensure their fisheries remain sustainable by having their say in the review which will involve advice from leading experts.

Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said written submissions could be made to MRAG Asia Pacific independent consultants who were working closely with his department on the Fisheries Management Review.

See related stories:
/>http://www.fishingworld.com.au/news/fisheries-review-kicks-off-in-sunshine-state

and
/>http://www.fishingworld.com.au/news/qld-fisheries-minister-responds-to-fisho

Mr McVeigh said it was important all fishing sectors, as well as other community groups with an interest in fishing, provided input into the review.

“MRAG Asia Pacific is leading the review on our behalf and I encourage anyone with an interest in our fisheries to email their feedback to qldfisheriesreview@mragap.com.au,†Mr McVeigh said.

“Submissions close on Thursday, 30 October at 5pm. MRAG will examine the submissions and together with their findings will develop a series of recommendations to guide fisheries management in Queensland.

Mr McVeigh also announced the members of the Fisheries Ministerial Advisory Committee who will provide strategic advice to the consultants for their consideration.

“We undertook an extensive selection process and are pleased to advise that the Committee includes 12 representatives with expertise in recreational, commercial and indigenous fishing as well as fisheries and conservation science,†he said.

“The Committee will also directly advise me on important fisheries matters and on the final recommendations that will be presented by the independent review team at the end of the year.â€

The Ministerial Advisory Committee members are:

Mr David Bateman - Recreational fisher, Chair, Sunfish Queensland; Mr Stephen Murphy - Commercial fisher, Southern Trawl fishery; Mr John Page - Commercial fisher, Net fishery; Mr Edwin Morrisson - Commercial fisher, Northern Trawl fishery; Ms Claudine Ward - Commercial fisher, Secretary of the Gulf of Carpentaria Commercial Fishermen Association; Ms Karen Collard - Commercial fisher, Chair, Queensland Seafood Industry Association; Mr Neil Green - Commercial fisher, Net and Crab fishery; Mr Les Kowitz - Recreational fisher, Executive Officer, Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland; Mr Andrew Tobin - Fisheries scientist and commercial fisher, Line fishery; Ms Sian Breen - Fishing and conservation expertise; Mr Chris Calogeras - Aquaculture, Chair, FRDC Indigenous Reference Network; Mr Matt Barwick - Recreational fisher, Queensland Fisheries Research Advisory Board

For more information visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au, http://www.mragasiapacific.com.au/ or call 13 25 23.

[Do$tylz]

Some more info for those that may be a bit lazy looking further.

Receive updates throughout the Fisheries Management Review process by subscribing to our mailing list

The Queensland Government is undertaking a wide-ranging review of fisheries management in Queensland to deliver a better system for the state's commercial and recreational fishers.

The purpose of the review is to fix a system that is complex, costly to administer, and inconsistent.

The review will seek to address red tape to maintain a viable and sustainable fisheries resource for industry and the community.

Why are we doing the review?

Overall, we need to reduce regulatory burden on fishers and improve the resilience of our fishing sectors.

What will the review look at?

The review will examine our entire approach to managing our fisheries. It is too soon to say particular issues that will be addressed, as this will need to be identified and discussed with stakeholders during the consultation process.

Will the review include recreational fishing?

Yes, recreational fishers are an important voice in the review and in the development of the process and the principles upon which future management will be based. All fishing sectors, as well as other community groups with an interest in fishing (e.g. conservation and tourism), will be asked for input.

How long will the review take?

It is anticipated that the initial stage of the review, including consultation and policy development, will take about nine months, though this will be dependent on consensus amongst stakeholders.

Development and implementation of new legislation will then roll out over a number of years.

What will happen to existing fishery reviews?

The current review of the crab fishery will not proceed given the scope of the new review.

Elements of the trawl fishery review will still be considered (e.g. changes to effort levels and controls on interactions with protected species) to maintain Commonwealth export accreditation.

The East Coast Net Buyback will continue.

The recreational freshwater fishing and line fishery review will still be considered.

How will the review be managed?

An independent consultant has been appointed to undertake the review. A Ministerial Advisory Committee has been formed to guide the review.Commercial, recreational, conservation and indigenous groups will be consulted.

Who will be responsible for the review?

The Agriculture Committee of Cabinet will oversee the review process, supported by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

How can you get involved?

You are encouraged to have your say on fisheries management by sending a written submission to the independent consultants appointed to the review, MRAG Asia Pacific.

Please email your submission to qldfisheriesreview@mragap.com.au

Submissions close on Thursday 30 October at 5pm.

Further information

Independent consultant appointed

Provide your feedback for Fisheries Review

Contact the Customer Service Centre

Terms of Reference – Fisheries Management Review