Fishing Rules

“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 …

CORAL reef fin fish will be off limits from this Monday, November 9 in the second of two annual closures that protect these fish during spawning season. Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district manager Bob Russell said the closure would start immediately after midnight at the beginning of November 9 and end immediately before midnight at the end of November 13. “The coral reef …

“In Queensland, it is illegal to take female mud crabs; and male mud crabs have a minimum size limit of 15cm across the carapace, with a possession limit of 10,” he said. “The fine issued is significant and demonstrates the seriousness of the offences, which pose a threat to the local mud crab breeding population.” Mr McDonald said the Logan River …

THE annual barra closed season along Queensland’s east coast will be effective from midday on November 1, 2015 through to midday on February 1, 2016. Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district officer Robert Ibell said officers will be stepping up surveillance during the three-month closure to protect this valued fish species during the summer wet season. “The barramundi closed season applies …

A REMINDER that all species of tropical rocklobster are off limits to fishers from midnight, October 1, 2015 until midnight, December 31, 2015 in Queensland tidal waters. Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district manager Bob Russell said the closure was vital to protect tropical rocklobster during their spawning season. “Closed seasons or regulated waters prevent people from fishing at certain times of the year to protect …

The Indonesian and Australian Governments yesterday signed a Joint Communiqué to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and to promote sustainable fisheries governance across the region. The agreement was officially signed by Australian Agriculture and Water Resources Minister Barnaby Joyce and Indonesian Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti, in Indonesia yesterday. Speaking from Indonesia, Minister Joyce said the agreement deepened an already strong …

CORAL reef fin fish will be off limits from this Saturday, October 10 as part of the first of two annual closures that protect these fish during spawning season. Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol District Manager Bob Russell said the two five-day closures coincided with the new moon when key coral reef fish species aggregate to spawn. “October and November have been found …

TARGETED compliance patrols in high-risk areas of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area have detected a four-fold increase in recreational fishing offences over three years. In 2014-15, 538 recreational fishing offences were reported, representing the highest annual number recorded. The incidences were among 1161 reported breaches of Commonwealth and state laws in the World Heritage Area for the year, covering …

A RECREATIONAL fisher was fined $7000 for multiple fishery offences in Townsville Magistrates Court recently. “His Esky also contained two tilapia. “While no nets were located, the barramundi and tilapia displayed signs around the gills consistent with being netted.” All nets (except landing nets, scoop or dip nets and dilly nets) are illegal to use in Queensland fresh waters. “Barramundi have …

IF you’re taking the kids fishing this school holidays, don’t forget to check the rules before dropping a line in. Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district manager Rob McDonald said it’s important everyone sticks to the rules because they are in place to ensure the sustainability of our fisheries for future generations of Queensland fishers. “Taking the kids fishing is a wonderful …