Qld recreational fishers- have your say on Gulf fishery

by DEEDI on 18 Oct 2010 Late last month, Fisheries Queensland released for public comment a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for one of Queensland’s last great fishing frontiers, the Gulf of Carpentaria.

The area is a popular recreational and charter fishing destination for those who are looking for some peace and tranquillity away from the hustle and bustle.

It is also an important multi-species fishery for commercial net and line fishers who target the Queensland tidal waters west of the northern tip of Cape York for barramundi, king and blue threadfin, shark, mangrove jack, estuary cod and grey mackerel.

Fisheries resource manager Mark Lightowler, from Fisheries Queensland, said the proposed management arrangements were developed following initial feedback from stakeholders after an options and issues paper was released late last year.

'While the proposed management arrangements primarily relate to commercial inshore and offshore net fishing, there are some proposals that relate to recreational and charter fishing as well,' Mr Lightowler said.

'In developing fishing rules, it is important for us to maintain a balance between recreational enjoyment, commercial viability and fisheries sustainability.

'Proposed changes affecting the recreational and charter sectors include the timing of the seasonal closure for barramundi.

'Changing the timing of the closure by introducing the closure at midday on 7 October and removing it at midday on 1 February each year would mean more consistency from year to year.

'Also it would mean that the closure would not commence during the September/October school holidays which has concerned some families under the current regime,' he said.

Mr Lightowler said changes were also proposed regarding the processing of barred javelin (sometimes known as grunter) at sea.

'Fishers will be able to fillet at sea as long as the fillets are at least 26cm in length and have the skin left on;

'If the fish has been processed in any way i.e. the head or tail has been removed, a 40 cm minimum size limit would apply.

'This change would allow fishers to store their fish more easily and allow the frames to be used for crab bait.

'Some changes to bag and size limits for barramundi, giant queenfish, golden snapper and black jewfish are also proposed.

'Changing the barramundi minimum size limit from 60cm down to 58cm, introducing a bag limit of five for giant queenfish and reducing the bag limit for golden snapper from 10 to five would make rules consistent with the east coast.

'The RIS also suggests removing the maximum size limit for black jewfish altogether and reducing the bag limit from five to two, regardless of the size of the fish.

'This is to address the high mortality rate of released black jewfish while maintaining the sustainability of this species.'

A fact sheet which provides recreational and charter fishers more information on the proposed changes which could affect them is available from bait and tackle stores in the area. Alternatively it can be downloaded from – www.deedi.qld.gov.au – Under Queensland industries – Fisheries.

A copy of the full RIS document and response form is also available online for those who wanting to provide feedback on the proposals. Copies are also available from the Business Information Centre on 13 25 23.

'All stakeholders including recreational, commercial, charter and Indigenous fishers as well as environmental and other interest groups have the opportunity to comment on specific management options for this fishery so that we get the balance right in this diverse fishery,' Mr Lightowler said.

All comments must be received by 5pm November 1, 2010.

Latest fisheries information is also available via Twitter – www.twitter.com/fisheriesQLD or find us on Facebook under Fisheries Queensland.