tshort
10-05-2006, 05:17 AM
Looks like a number of Bundaberg trawlers are fishing from Mooloolaba to Morton again this month. Some years ago these boats didnt have to fish anywhere but the Swains, then it was the Bundaberg deep, now. As shown in the last attempt at (or research into) the buy-back scheme the government has shown that it has the formula to arrive at acceptable payout sums for the fisherman, they just havnt got the money. They may have also been surprised at the majority wanting out and who can blame them. With the new zonings and associated restrictions that apply being introduced at present the powers to be will go for the easy targets which have been proven in the past not to be the professional fisherman as they are in the too hard basket, so who do you think is the next cab off the rank. Increased pressure in any area by any form of fishing should influence the zoning process but as was shown in the Great Sandy Straits professional levels of professional fishing are "to be maintained". I think all rec fishers should become aware and look into the zoning process and become involved. It will get you no-where, probably not even a response, but you will as I did realise that the government doesnt give a hoot unless you can change the numbers, its all about winning at any cost and they are pretty good at it.