THERE’S been a noticeable increase in fishers throwing fish frames back in the water near several popular swimming spots. In addition to kids and swimmers standing on fish spikes, discarded fish frames can also attract sharks and crocodiles. While it’s not an offence under fisheries legislation, everyone is encouraged to think of others when disposing of frames. Here are some …
Read More »Seafood wholesaler fined for black market sale
A seafood wholesaler in Brisbane was fined more than $24,000 for assisting fish sales on the black market. The wholesaler helped recreational fishermen sell yellowfin tuna, Spanish mackerel, and wahoo without a licence. Fisheries Queensland produced video evidence to the Brisbane Magistrates Court of the wholesaler receiving fish in exchange for cash. The two recreational fishers were also fined $4226 …
Read More »80-year-old midnight snapper found in WA
AN 81-year-old midnight snapper caught off the coast of Western Australia has taken the title of the oldest tropical reef fish recorded anywhere in the world. The octogenarian fish was found at the Rowley Shoals—about 300km west of Broome—and was part of a study that has revised what we know about the longevity of tropical fish. The research identified 11 …
Read More »More than 4,000 oysters seized in Sydney area since September
Three major seizures of illegally harvested oysters have occurred since September this year while NSW DPI fisheries officers have been patrolling hotspot areas around Botany Bay. On 11 September fisheries officers apprehended a man from Castle Hill NSW at Bald Face Point Reserve at Blakehurst in possession of 2903 oysters taken from the Georges River. In his company was a …
Read More »Navigation aids in Moreton Bay updated
OCCASIONALLY it’s necessary to make a bit of noise to get a job done, and that is exactly what happened with the recent upgrade of the navigation buoys in the Rous Channel. After a concerted effort with multi-agency support, the upgrade finally took place and the outcome has been considerably better than many people anticipated. The biggest problem with the …
Read More »Seizure of nearly 2500 cockles
Four people are potentially facing charges in court after being caught with nearly 2500 cockles at Wandandian south of Nowra on the NSW South Coast. On Monday 5th October this year a concerned person contacted the NSW DPI Fishers Watch service to report a group of people collecting large amounts of cockles in Sussex Inlet. Local fisheries officers receiving the …
Read More »On-the-spot fines for mangrove destruction in Moreton Bay
Two Russell Island residents who were caught illegally cutting up and burning protected marine plants have been fined $2,668. Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district officer Chris Watts said fisheries officers caught the offenders red-handed in a rapid response to a complaint to the Fishwatch hotline. “Fisheries inspectors observed them cutting mangroves with a chainsaw and throwing them onto a …
Read More »146 disused crab pots seized
146 crab pots have been seized by Gold Coast QBFP. Officers recently teamed up with the Gold Coast Waterways Authority to remove derelict crab pots from the Southport Sundale Bridge to the Logan River. Don’t lose your pots! Crab pots must be marked with the user’s surname and address and your gear should be removed from the water when you finish …
Read More »Fisheries want help investigating dead sawfish
QBFP officers at Mackay are investigating after receiving a complaint about a dead sawfish found on Belmunda Beach, Mackay on Monday 16 November 2020. If you have any info about who might have caught or discarded the sawfish, please give QBFP Mackay a ring on 4999 8551 or call the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116. Sawfish are a no-take …
Read More »Crazy kingie growth rate!
Many keen kingie fishos might be surprised at just how old (or young!) their catches could be. Samples donated to the Research Angler Program (RAP) have shown the age of a just legal fish (65cm) can range from one to four years. This is because growth rates are variable; however, most fish sampled grow relatively quickly and reach 65cm between …
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