Fishing Rules

The annual closed season for Australian bass in Queensland tidal waters ends this week. Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol manager Ian Fricke said Australian bass had been off limits in tidal waterways from 1 June to 31 August to protect the species during its breeding cycle. “Fishers can return to their favourite tidal waterways to catch Australian bass from Thursday, 1 …

SEVERAL recreational fishers have been found in breach of fishing regulations along the Namoi, Castlereagh and Barwon rivers in northwest NSW. NSW Department of Primary Industries acting director of Fisheries Compliance Tony Andrews said a recent compliance operation by Fisheries officers focused on the Narrabri, Wee Waa, Coonamble, Walgett, Collarenebri, Dubbo, Tamworth and Inverell regions after rain improved fishing conditions …

“MBC and its partner agencies are committed to protecting Australia’s natural wildlife and resources. “However, the Australian public is also a valuable partner in helping MBC to identify maritime threats, so if you do encounter a ghost net I would urge you to report it to Border Watch on 1800 009 623.” More information on how Australia is working to …

Every year hundreds of kids learn to fish in Moreton Bay. Records indicate that Moreton Island alone is on average 80 percent non-residents on any given day. The Jumpinpin/Southport Broadwater region of southern Moreton Bay continues to be the most popular recreational fishing location in Queensland, providing a safe and productive fishing venue at the heart of the State’s tourist …

THE Queensland Government has published a vision for the future management of Queensland’s fisheries and announced 10 weeks of consultation with industry, recreational fishers and the community. Fisheries Minister Leanne Donaldson said it has been 22 years since fisheries management has undergone structural reform and modernisation is long overdue. “Our election commitment was to review the framework for sustainable management of our …

“Fish stocks are a limited resource,” he said. “While previously only one permit was needed per couple the expanded scheme requires all anglers over the age of 18 to have a permit. “The permit fees have been fixed for the next five years at $50 yearly, $36 for an annual concession and a weekly permit is $10. Fishers who hold an existing …

THIRTY Vietnamese foreign fishers from two separate vessels pleaded guilty and were convicted for breaking Australian fisheries and environmental laws in Darwin Magistrates’ Court after being caught illegally fishing in waters off north Queensland. The Australian Fisheries Management Authority conducted an investigation into the actions of the foreign fishers that resulted in the successful convictions of all crew from the vessels. Penalties included …

QUEENSLAND Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers enforce fisheries laws to ensure the sustainability of Queensland’s fisheries resources. Officers undertake patrols across the state and have powers to board and search recreational and commercial fishing vessels to ensure compliance with state fisheries laws. Last week, a Redlands man was ordered by the Cleveland Magistrates’ Court to pay $1800 for obstruction of …

“The court recorded a conviction, fined the fisher $6000 plus court costs and ordered the forfeiture of the man’s boat, net and fish,” he said. “Under Queensland law, a recreational fisher cannot possess a regulated commercial fishing net without an authority. “The regulations limit a recreational fisher to possessing or using a seine net that is no longer than 16m …

THE Queensland Government has started conversations with key stakeholder groups on how a net-free zone could be implemented in Moreton Bay. Fisheries Minister Leanne Donaldson said exploring the best way to implement a commercial net-free zone in Moreton Bay was an election commitment. “Six months after creating net-free zones off Cairns, Mackay and the Capricorn Coast we are talking to …