Reminder- Second annual coral reef fin fish closure

by Jodana Anglesey on 17 Nov 2014 Coral reef fin fish will be off limits for the second of two annual closures that protect these fish during the spawning season.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) district manager Greg Bowness said: 'The closed season starts immediately after midnight at the beginning of 19 November and ends immediately before midnight at the end of 23 November,' Mr. Bowness said.

'The timing coincides with the new moon when key coral reef fish species aggregate to spawn.

'The closures are in place from the tip of Cape York in the north, to Bundaberg in the south (the southern boundary is at latitude 24º50'S).

'The eastern boundary of the closure is the same as the eastern boundary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

'Fishers need to remember that they should not take and possess coral reef fin fish species during the closure period.

'Coral reef fin fish include cods and groupers, emperors, parrotfishes, sweetlips, wrasses, coral trout, fusiliers, surgeonfishes, tropical snappers and seaperches.

'A reef fish web guide is available online at here to help fishers identify fish listed as coral reef fin fish.'

Mr. Bowness said QBFP officers would be out patrolling Queensland waters over the spawning season.

'Officers conduct regular patrols and those found doing the wrong thing are risking an on-the-spot fine of $440 and a maximum penalty of $110,000.'

If you suspect illegal fishing, whether seen in person or online, report it to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116. Don’t engage the person, as this can compromise an investigation. All information provided to the hotline will be prioritised based on potential fishery risks, accuracy and reliability with an appropriate response formulated.

For more information on Queensland fishing closures, click here, call 13 25 23 or download the free ‘Qld Fishing’ app from Apple and Google app stores.