FISHERS are being reminded that barramundi will be off limits in the Gulf of Carpentaria from midday 7 October 2016 until midday 1 February 2017. Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) acting district manager Tony Loader said the closure was in place to protect barramundi stock during their vulnerable spawning season. “Barramundi typically aggregate in one area to spawn, making …
Read More »Freshwater cod closed season
IN Queensland, Mary River cod and Murray cod closed season runs from September 1, 2016 to November 30, 2016. Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officer Coby Walker said the annual closure during spawning season is an important measure to allow the species to reproduce so there are viable stocks of these fish for future generations to enjoy. “For Mary River …
Read More »Australian bass is back
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 …
Read More »Compliance operation catches illegal fishing activity in northwest NSW
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 …
Read More »Recreational Fisher Convicted and Fined $6000 With Boat Forfeited
“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 …
Read More »Net-Free Zone Could Be Implemented in Moreton Bay
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 …
Read More »Fishers Fined $5000 for Undersized Catch
A BRISBANE recreational fisher with a history of fisheries offences has been convicted and fined $3000 after undersized fish were found in a large catch on the Gold Coast. A second Brisbane man who was also charged in relation to the matter was fined $2000 in the Southport Magistrates’ Court. Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district manager Rob McDonald said …
Read More »Man Fined $1178 for Selling 2 Crabs on Facebook
Thinking of making some quick cash by selling your fish or crabs on Facebook? Think again. You must have a licence to sell fish in Queensland. The taking of fish for sale other than by licensed fishers is prohibited. A Toowoomba man advertised two mud crabs his mate caught for sale on Facebook and later sold them. It cost him …
Read More »Big Month for Fisheries Court Prosecutions
IT’S been a big month for Fisheries Queensland, with four separate investigations into illegal fishing activity resulting in successful court prosecutions in Ayr, Maryborough and Gladstone, including seizure of a vessel. Ayr A recreational fisher appeared in the Ayr Magistrates’ Court and was convicted and fined. $10,000 and had his vessel, motor and trailer forfeited to the Crown for offences including …
Read More »Crabber Fined $11,000 in Black Market Bust
“The black market sale of fish is a serious issue in Queensland that not only undermines the sustainability of fish stocks but it also devalues the product supplied by commercial fishers who rely on it for their livelihood,” he said. “The illegal trade in fish and crabs is also of health concern to the public as there are no requirements …
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