Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol District Manager North Queensland Glenn Shiels said fishers can expect to see fisheries officers on patrol at any stocked impoundment, at any time.

Fisheries blitz on freshwater permit evaders

September 11, 2020

A new seasonal campaign to crack down on people fishing without a freshwater permit in Queensland’s stocked impoundments is underway.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol District Manager North Queensland Glenn Shiels said fishers can expect to see fisheries officers on patrol at any stocked impoundment, at any time. freshwater permit

“It’s important that everyone does the right thing to ensure Queensland continues to have world-leading, sustainable freshwater fisheries,” Mr Shiels said.

“All fishers over 18 years must hold a permit to line fish, including catch and release fishing in Queensland’s 63 stocked dams and weirs, and they must produce it when requested by fisheries officers.

“The message is, if you don’t buy a stocked impoundment permit (SIP), you will be caught and pay the price of a $266 fine.” freshwater permit

Stocked impoundments are ‘put, grow and take’ fisheries, with nearly all of the funds raised from permits going back to local fish stocking groups to re-stock the impoundment.

“It’s unfortunate some fishers are taking and not giving back, by refusing to buy their fishing permit,” Mr Shiels said.

“That’s why Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol has commenced a targeted operation across the State to ensure compliance with all fisheries regulations at our stocked impoundments.”

The Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme has been supporting the stocking of Queensland’s impoundments to enhance fishing and maintain fish stocks for future generations since 2000.

In 2018/19, more than 44,000 permits were sold to recreational fishers to fish in Queensland’s stocked impoundments, generating more than $1 million to re-invest in fish stocking. More than two million fingerlings, including iconic species like barramundi, Australian bass, golden perch and Murray cod are expected to be stocked in 2020/21 to provide access to some of the best freshwater fishing around.

An annual permit costs $50 per person, an annual concession permit is $36 and a weekly permit is $10. It’s quick and simple to purchase permits online at www.fisheries.qld.gov.au, at any Australia Post outlet or sub-agent in Queensland.

Visit www.qld.gov.au/freshwaterfishing to find the nearest stocked waterway and buy a permit. For more information call 13 25 23. freshwater permit