Derek Bullock
08-03-2005, 01:22 PM
PRESS RELEASE
Primary Industries & Fisheries, Henry Palaszczuk
04/03/05
New fish habitat protection for Queensland
Three new Fish Habitat Areas have been declared in Queensland to help sustain fish populations, Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Henry Palaszczuk said today.
Two Fish Habitat Areas have been declared on the eastern side of Cape York - 29,500 hectares at Margaret Bay and 29,900 hectares near the Starcke River. The third is 19,700 hectares at Edgecumbe Bay near Bowen.
"Fish Habitat Areas are all about protecting the vital breeding and nursery grounds and habitats for all aquatic species," Mr Palaszczuk said.
"They take into account not only the mangroves and seagrasses, but also the sand and mud bars, rock formations, and yabby banks.
"Declaring a Fish Habitat Area means that for any development in these areas to be considered, a higher level of investigation of the potential impacts on the entire habitat needs to take place.
"While the declared fish habitat areas are protected from alteration and degradation, the community can still conduct certain activities in the area including all legal fishing activities."
Mr Palaszczuk said DPI&F currently manages 71 Fish Habitat Areas throughout coastal Queensland.
"To identify Fish Habitat Areas, DPI&F officers travel to the location and assess factors such as marine plants and other habitats, fisheries values, fish species, catchment land uses and current and future disturbances," Mr Palaszczuk said.
"A Fish Habitat Area is only declared after extensive consultation with the community. The three areas that have now been declared in north Queensland are the result of extensive consultation and negotiation between the DPI&F, local councils and indigenous communities."
The new Fish Habitat Areas are the result of a National Heritage Trust (NHT) funded project. NHT was set up by the Australian Government in 1997 to help restore and conserve Australia's environment and natural resources.
Media contact: John Algate 3239 3004 or 0418 197 350
Primary Industries & Fisheries, Henry Palaszczuk
04/03/05
New fish habitat protection for Queensland
Three new Fish Habitat Areas have been declared in Queensland to help sustain fish populations, Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Henry Palaszczuk said today.
Two Fish Habitat Areas have been declared on the eastern side of Cape York - 29,500 hectares at Margaret Bay and 29,900 hectares near the Starcke River. The third is 19,700 hectares at Edgecumbe Bay near Bowen.
"Fish Habitat Areas are all about protecting the vital breeding and nursery grounds and habitats for all aquatic species," Mr Palaszczuk said.
"They take into account not only the mangroves and seagrasses, but also the sand and mud bars, rock formations, and yabby banks.
"Declaring a Fish Habitat Area means that for any development in these areas to be considered, a higher level of investigation of the potential impacts on the entire habitat needs to take place.
"While the declared fish habitat areas are protected from alteration and degradation, the community can still conduct certain activities in the area including all legal fishing activities."
Mr Palaszczuk said DPI&F currently manages 71 Fish Habitat Areas throughout coastal Queensland.
"To identify Fish Habitat Areas, DPI&F officers travel to the location and assess factors such as marine plants and other habitats, fisheries values, fish species, catchment land uses and current and future disturbances," Mr Palaszczuk said.
"A Fish Habitat Area is only declared after extensive consultation with the community. The three areas that have now been declared in north Queensland are the result of extensive consultation and negotiation between the DPI&F, local councils and indigenous communities."
The new Fish Habitat Areas are the result of a National Heritage Trust (NHT) funded project. NHT was set up by the Australian Government in 1997 to help restore and conserve Australia's environment and natural resources.
Media contact: John Algate 3239 3004 or 0418 197 350