Gulf of Carpentaria Barramundi Off Limits from October 3 as Closed Season Takes Effect

5 September 2003

THE annual closed barramundi season for the Gulf of Carpentaria will be effective from midday on October 3 and will reopen on January 28 2004, according to the Department of Primary Industries.

DPI's Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QB&FP) Weipa district officer Bob Russell said dates for the Gulf of Carpentaria closure were aligned with lunar and tidal cycles.

"This differs from the annual closed barramundi season on the east coast, which has the same dates every year," Mr Russell said.

The Gulf of Carpentaria closure allowed barramundi to be protected during peak breeding times.

"This closure is to allow for the congregation of barramundi near river mouths and foreshores. At this time, the fish are preparing to spawn. This spawning activity is activated by water temperature, salinity and moon phase."

During the closed season both commercial and recreational fishers cannot take barramundi and any barramundi caught during this period must be returned to the water to cause minimal damage to the fish.

He said the ideal catch and release method was to support the entire length of the fish by cradling it into the water, rather than by dropping it head or tail first.

The QB&FP would be stepping up patrols in the Gulf to ensure the barramundi closure was being observed.

Mr Russell said the maximum penalty for taking barramundi during the closed season was $75,000.

The preservation of barramundi stocks is a community issue. Suspected illegal netting or taking of barramundi during the closed season should be reported to the 24-hour Fishwatch Complaints Hotline on 1 800 017 116.


Further information:

Bob Russell QB&FP Weipa Ph: 40 698 114

More Press Releases here: