jaybee
11-08-2004, 07:08 PM
ABC News
Last Update: Tuesday, August 10, 2004. 11:22 AM (AEST)
The Queensland seafood industry wants a new fin fish management plan to be based on objective scientific information.
The State Government has announced it will soon begin community consultation on the proposed East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Management Plan, which will be reviewed over 18 months.
The review will consider size and take limits for key fish species, such as bream and whiting, the need for spawning season closures and simplified commercial netting regulations.
Queensland Seafood Industry Association spokesman Duncan Souter says recent closures and catch reductions along the coast have created uncertainty among fishers.
"There is the opportunity for the Government to lock in some certainty and security, some long-term security for commercial fishermen who form a very important economic component of coastal communities right throughout the coast and also supply fresh local seafood to communities right throughout the coast," he said.
He says fishers are looking for a commitment from Government that there will not be unnecessary restrictions or further closures.
"What the fishing industry is looking for from the State Government is that the management plan will be based on objective scientific information and socioeconomic information, and not based on some of the myths and misinformation surrounding the fishing industry," he said.
A discussion paper is expected to be released later this year.
Last Update: Tuesday, August 10, 2004. 11:22 AM (AEST)
The Queensland seafood industry wants a new fin fish management plan to be based on objective scientific information.
The State Government has announced it will soon begin community consultation on the proposed East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Management Plan, which will be reviewed over 18 months.
The review will consider size and take limits for key fish species, such as bream and whiting, the need for spawning season closures and simplified commercial netting regulations.
Queensland Seafood Industry Association spokesman Duncan Souter says recent closures and catch reductions along the coast have created uncertainty among fishers.
"There is the opportunity for the Government to lock in some certainty and security, some long-term security for commercial fishermen who form a very important economic component of coastal communities right throughout the coast and also supply fresh local seafood to communities right throughout the coast," he said.
He says fishers are looking for a commitment from Government that there will not be unnecessary restrictions or further closures.
"What the fishing industry is looking for from the State Government is that the management plan will be based on objective scientific information and socioeconomic information, and not based on some of the myths and misinformation surrounding the fishing industry," he said.
A discussion paper is expected to be released later this year.