Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
TWO recreational fishers have been fined a total of $14,380 in the Townsville Magistrates Court for illegal and undersized catches.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district officer Robert Ibell said the two men were apprehended during a routine patrol at Morrisseys Boat Ramp south of Townsville. “QBFP officers approached the vessel with the intention of conducting a routine inspection,” Mr Ibell said.
“While on the boat, our officers found the fishers in possession of 20 undersized mud crabs, one female mud crab and 14 undersized fish. “We seized the entire catch and returned all crabs alive to the water.”
Mr Ibell said the fine issued demonstrates the seriousness of the offences, which pose a threat to the local mud crab breeding population.
“Recreational fishers should be aware of the restrictions surrounding the taking of mud crabs,” he said. “Anyone who breaches these restrictions runs the risk of heavy fines. “Rules are in place to protect and conserve fish stocks. “By following the rules these valuable fisheries resources will be around for current and future generations of Queenslanders.
“If anyone suspects illegal fishing, please report it to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116 so the matter can be investigated.”
For more information on Queensland fishing rules, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au, call 13 25 23 or download the free Qld Fishing app from Apple and Google app stores. You can follow Fisheries Queensland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@FisheriesQld).
Photos: Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
be good for the fisheries to add a few more spot checks in fish creek and Longford creeks around bowen for all the people pulling others pots and taking crabs , sooner of later they will be caught by fisheries or the owners of the pots