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Buyers beware - “grey” imports a risk to safety

Australia's boat owners are being warned of the potential safety and financial risks attached to "grey" (or parallel) imports.

The Outboard Engine Distributors Association (OEDA) is concerned about the increasing number of outboard engines that are being imported into Australia outside the outboard manufacturer's authorised dealer networks - leaving buyers exposed.

"What's happening is that people are finding great deals, usually via the internet, on engines which are being brought in from overseas," said OEDA's Executive Officer, Lindsay Grenfell.

Splash Down for Dash Mounted Apple iPad

In what is believed to be a world first, Outback Marine Australia Pty Ltd is releasing an Apple iPad dash panel mounting system at the 2010 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show.

Know your limits around sharks

While most people don't mean to hook a shark when they go fishing, those who do find a shark on the end of their line should make sure they know the latest rules.

Since July last year, sharks have a take and possession limit of one and a maximum legal size of 1.5 metres total length or an interdorsal length of 60cm.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district officer Karl Roebuck said the shark and ray limits were adjusted to ensure the shark populations remained sustainable in Queensland by protecting large breeding sharks

Australian Boat Builders Win Big on GST

Submitted by AIMEX, Tuesday 11th May 2010

The Australian International Marine Export Group (AIMEX) the peak body for the Australian Marine Export Industry has been lobbying for several years to get GST removed on boats sold to overseas buyers who wish to sail in Australian waters.

Half a Million Dollars in New Fisheries Boats to Patrol Queensland Waters

Two new vessels worth $250,000 each are patrolling Brisbane and Townsville waters as part of the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) efforts to protect Queensland's valuable fisheries resources.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries, Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the new boats were a valuable upgrade that would boost the existing patrol fleet.

"The new vessels named ‘Tempest' and ‘Paluma' - represents a $500,000 commitment to educating anglers and enforcing fishing and boating regulations," Mr Mulherin said.

Gold Coast Dredging Update

The marine industry has hit back at a recent media release by the Transport Minister Rachel Nolan where she calls on greater financial contributions by industry to marine infrastructure maintenance and development.

The ongoing development of the marine industry in this State needs appropriate investment in safe marine infrastructure.  The call is somewhat akin to asking motor vehicle manufacturers to contribute to the maintenance of the State road network.

Recfish Australia forced to move backwards

The peak body representing all Australian recreational fishers, Recfish Australia, has been forced not to renew the CEO's contract and accept the resignation of the Chair of the Board following the rejection of a request for financial support from the Australian Government.

Clean Seas for Cairns

Local Government Minister and Member for Cairns Desley Boyle today officially opened the $188 million Cleaner Seas Project.

"Cleaner Seas is a fantastic project that is protecting the Great Barrier Reef and ensuring far northern Queensland has the infrastructure required to tackle the challenges of future growth," Ms Boyle said.

"The Great Barrier Reef is so precious to our region - not only does it help power our economy but it also holds a special place in our hearts.

Maths + fish = sustainable fisheries

What does mathematics have to do with fishing? It turns out quite a lot.

Queensland is turning to mathematics to increase the sustainability and profitability of its fisheries.

In a new partnership, the Queensland Government and University of Queensland are funding the Centre for Applications in Resource Mathematics - a group that will use mathematical theories and tools to better manage the state's fisheries.

Dr You-Gan Wang has been appointed to lead the Centre's research activities.

New Crabbing Gear Laws From 2 April

Inverted crab dillies also known as witches' hats will be banned in Queensland from  2 April 2010.

Fisheries resource manager Mark Lightowler said the ban was in place to combat ‘ghost-fishing' and reduce entanglement and death of non-target marine species.

"Inverted dillies are made of a light gauge mesh, which can easily entangle marine species such as turtles, sharks, rays and fish," he said.

"It is difficult to release these species and female and undersized crabs from this mesh unharmed.