Time Running Out To Comment On Changes To Coral Reef Fishery

December 02, 2002

Time is running out to comment on proposed new management arrangements outlined in the Department of Primary Industries Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for Queensland’s coral reef fin fish fishery.

The Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) is urging people to reply in writing to the recommendations before the consultation period closes on December 16.

QFS manager Mark Elmer said more than 400 responses had already been received but he expected many more to come in during the next two weeks.

“Of the 6000 response forms printed, there are only 100 left which is an indication of the level of interest the proposals have generated,” he said.

“I cannot stress enough how vital it is for people to have their say about the proposed measures.

“It is important to remember that they are only recommendations and we do rely on public feedback to help assess the proposals and to determine whether they become legislation or not.”

A range of recommended changes has been outlined in the RIS including a return to the 1996 commercial catch and effort levels; restructuring the commercial line fleet; changes to size and bag limits for certain species; and a ban on taking certain species.

Mr Elmer said the fishery had significant commercial, recreational and tourist value containing well-known tropical fish species such as coral trout, red emperor and red-throat emperor.

He urged all members of the community particularly the usual silent majority who agreed with the proposals to make their views known and not leave it to those with invested interests.

“Fisheries resources belong to the public not just those involved in the fishing industry so it’s important that anyone who has an interest in the future of the State’s fisheries has their say,” he said.

“While there is no denying these recommendations will affect the various fishing sectors, we need to act now before these valuable fish stocks are lost to present and future generations of Queenslanders.”

More details are available on the DPI Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb/ or by phoning the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23.

Department of Primary Industries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Q 4001 Ph 07 3239 6380
DPI Call Centre 13 25 23 (weekdays 8 am to 6 pm)

Further information: Mark Elmer (07) 3225 1844
Communications Officer: Liz Smith (07) 3224 7757

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