New Bloodworm Regulations Benefit Bayside Communities

December 13, 2002

The Department of Primary Industries new bloodworm regulations will protect important environmental resources as well as benefit Brisbane’s bayside communities.

The recently announced Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) regulations have introduced a recreational limit of 50 bloodworms (also known as Cribb Island worms), with restrictions also imposed on the commercial collection of bloodworms within the Moreton Bay Marine Park.

As well, a new closed waters declaration will ban recreational worm digging within 100 metres of the foreshore rock retaining wall between the northern bank of Lota Creek and the rock groyne near the northern end of Wynnum North Esplanade.

However, between Cedar and Charlotte Streets the closure will extend to the low water mark.

This whole area is already closed to commercial worm digging.

QFS senior policy officer Phillip Gaffney said the new legislation would provide both social and environmental benefits to bayside areas.

Mr Gaffney said worm digging often left large holes in the foreshore which were unsightly and could be dangerous.

“People who dig for worms should take the time to fill in the holes but many don’t making it potentially dangerous for people walking along beach or foreshore areas,” he said.

Mr Gaffney said the restrictions on collecting bloodworms in Moreton Bay would also protect valuable seagrass beds in the area.

He said the closed waters rule was implemented in response to conflict between user groups, particularly near the swimming reserve at Pandanus Beach, Wynnum.

Mr Gaffney said the new regulations would protect these important fisheries resources for current and future generations of Queenslanders.

“The new regulations highlight the value QFS places on the State’s natural resources and making sure they are managed in an ecologically sustainable way,” he said.

A comprehensive list of the new legislation changes can be found through the DPI Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb or 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)

For more information: Phillip Gaffney (07) 3247 5009
Communications Officer: Liz Smith (07) 3224 7757

More Press Releases here: