News from Marine Queensland

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Flat Rock closed to protect the endangered

Two recreational fishers have been fined $1800 plus court costs for three separate fishing offences at Flat Rock.

Queensland Boating and Fisher Patrol (QBFP) district officer Don Garnett said the two fishers were caught at Flat Rock, off North Stradbroke with 29 mixed species of fish - a number of which were undersized.

"The fishers were in possession of eleven undersize snapper, and eight undersize red throat emperor," Mr Garnett said.

"The fishers also had 12 snapper in total - two more than the legal bag limit of 10."

Faulty crab gauges cause concern

A recent investigation into undersized mud crabs has uncovered faulty crab gauges being sold in Townsville.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said gauges from a number of outlets were faulty.

"They have been found to measure below 150 mm - the minimum size limit for mud crabs," he said.

"The discovery was made as part of an investigation into the exporting of seafood.

Marine Queensland Voices Tipplers Concerns

Marine Queensland has voiced serious concerns with the Gold Coast City Council's handling of the Tipplers Resort.

Marine destinations are essential community and tourism facilities within the Gold Coast region.  Boating destinations are important community assets and are a critical part of the recreational and light commercial marine industry for the Gold Coast.  They are essential for many community boating clubs, marine tourism operators and marine industry operators.

Labor 's Artificial Reefs are Just That

The Bligh Government is running silent over its failure to deliver three artificial reefs promised for Moreton Bay, Member for Cleveland, Mark Robinson said today. 

The artificial reef program was  announced in December 2008  by the then Sustainability Minister Andrew McNamara, as an offset to compensate recreational fishers for being locked out of the bay by the  government's controversial green zones.

Fish Learn Stranger Danger

Stranger danger a tough lesson for young fish

We all learned about stranger danger in school, and scientists have discovered the lesson is just as important for young fish.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said : "As unusual as it sounds researchers have been teaching hatchery reared fingerlings to fear and avoid predators - and it works."

"The research by Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries is part of a threatened species recovery program.

Old Girl of the Sea to Become a Popular Fishing Spot

An old fishing vessel built in Alabama will next month be sunk in the middle of Moreton Bay and become a new artificial reef for recreational fishermen, Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said today.

Ms Jones, inspecting the Tiwi Pearl at a shipyard in Hemmant, said the 24-metre, 96-tonne ship form a major extension to Harry Atkinson Reef, east of St Helena Island.

"This is an old girl of the sea who will continue to help fishermen in retirement," Ms Jones said.

"But instead of catching fish, she'll soon be attracting fish.

Open Season for Crustaceans

Tropical rock lobsters are back on the menu in Queensland with the season underway.

Queensland Boating and Fishing Patrol (QBFP) education officer Karl Roebuck said it was essential anglers were aware of bag and size limits for tropical rock lobster also known as spiny rock lobster.

"Recreational fishers will again be able to enjoy catching these crustaceans, with the season reopening on January 31, but are encouraged to familiarise themselves with rules and regulations for Queensland before heading out.

Survey to Reel In Fishing Data

With more than 700,000 people fishing recreationally in Queensland each year, new data on participation and catch are needed.

To help determine the true worth of recreational fishing, more than 4,000 recreational fishers will take part in a telephone survey beginning later this year.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the survey would more accurately capture the state's recreational fishing catch.

Work Begins on Moreton Bay's Artificial Reefs

Recreational fishers will soon benefit from more fish on the bite as construction begins today on the first artificial reef promised as part of the Bligh Government's $1 million trial artificial reef program.

The artificial reef program is a key element of the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan to protect Moreton Bay so that future generations can enjoy all the bay has to offer.

Sustainability Minister, Andrew McNamara, oversaw the deployment of 150 cubic metres of large granite boulders at the Harry Atkinson Artificial Reef east of St Helena Island.

Fishers Celebrate a Decade of Unlocking Barra Secrets

Tin or aluminium is the usual gift people get for their 10 year anniversary but this year Queensland's long-term monitoring program want barramundi.

Fisheries Queensland fisheries technician, Brenda Foley said that this year the barramundi monitoring program was celebrating 10 years of collecting information from fishers about the species.  

"The barramundi fishery is an important and popular fishery across Queensland and it is important that we understand its sustainability," Ms Foley said.