Traffic lights used to rate Queensland fish stocks

[Jim Groves]

Fisheries Queensland has released a new fisheries stock status report that rates the state’s fish stocks on a traffic light system.

While the push worldwide is to put a stop on fishing due to sustainability concerns, 18 of Queensland’s fish stocks have been given a green light rating.

Under the new traffic light system, 62 Queensland fish stocks were considered and 47 have been put through rigorous scientific assessment, with only the snapper stock receiving a red light.

With approximately 25 per cent of the world’s fish stocks either overfished or depleted, Queensland’s fish stocks are in a relatively healthy position.

This healthy position is the result of a strong history of monitoring Queensland fish stocks and fisheries management reform.

However, it is concerning that snapper, one of our most popular commercial and recreational fish species, is showing as overfished.

Recent stock assessments show snapper at less than 35 per cent of its unfished levels - it is internationally recognised that fish stocks at 40 per cent or less of their ‘unfished levels’ are classed as ‘overfished’.

This is alarming and steps will need to be taken to reduce fishing pressure on this stock to ensure its future sustainability.

Fisheries Queensland will soon be consulting with industry and recreational fishers on options for managing snapper into the future.

Fishers are also urged to help protect Queensland snapper by registering their details online with Fisheries Queensland and getting involved in future consultation.

For a copy of the Queensland Fisheries Stock Status Report (http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/28_16916.htm) or to register (http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/30_18088.htm) for more information on snapper visit the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation website – www.deedi.qld.gov.au (http://www.deedi.qld.gov.au/) - under Fisheries.

Click here (http://www.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=70695) for the full media release from Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Minister Tim Mulherin or go to http://www.cabinet.qld.gov.au/MMS/StatementDisplaySingle.aspx?id=70695

[dayoo]

Well the writing is well and truely on the wall in respect of snapper.

This appears to be a well planned media release to get Recreational anglers used to the idea of impending lengthy closures and reduced bag limits on snapper.

The alternative is a TAC (total allowable catch) but this will require monitoring by Fisheries which will require funding and as Fisheries are not too high on the Treasurys priority list for handing out $$$$$ recreational anglers will be forced to accept the closures and reduced bag limit.

Port meetings will held by Fisheries later this year but I fear that the decision has already been made.

Recreational anglers will be forced to accept closures and reduced bag limits while the commercial sector will be able to harvest annual tonnage close to the commercial harvest for the past few years.

Recreational anglers in SEQ will have to travel into northern NSW for a snapper fishing session where the bag limit is 10 BUT Mr Garretts areas of interest may stop recreational fishing in this area as well off Fraser Island.

Might have to take up freshwater fishing OR travel up to 1770 for a fish offshore >:(

Cheers
Barry

[finga]

How do they work out these unfished levels??
Sounds like more hockus pockus here's a figure we'll use that to this little black duck.