News Release - Fishwatch Hotline upgraded

[QLD_Fisheries]

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/news/NewsReleases/15481.html

The information contained in this document is distributed by the Queensland Government for information purposes only. All reasonable steps have been made to ensure the information is accurate at the time of publication. For more information visit the DPI&F Fishweb site at http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb

[bugman]

17 June, 2004

DPI&F upgrades Fishwatch Hotline
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries has upgraded its Fishwatch Hotline to respond more readily to illegal fishing reports.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) senior project officer Bob Ferguson said when people rang the hotline they would now be directed to a QBFP officer in the area the alleged activity was occurring.

Mr Ferguson said the new system would mean a faster response time and the caller could also speak to an officer with local knowledge of the area.

“Previously, when callers rang through to the Fishwatch Hotline after hours, they only spoke to the officer on call who could be stationed anywhere throughout the State,” he said.

“Now callers will be transferred to the relevant officer in their area which will mean a much quicker response time.

“This officer will also have a much better idea of where the activity is taking place and other local information that could assist in the investigation.”

Mr Ferguson encouraged members of the public to contact the hotline whenever they suspected an illegal fishing activity.

“At times it might be impractical to respond immediately to some calls because of higher priority commitments,” he said.

“However, we still want people to phone that information through as it could be extremely useful to us to help build a picture of illegal fishing activities, where they are happening and then provide the enforcement resources accordingly.”

People witnessing what they suspect to be an illegal fishing activity should:

record the date, time and area of where the activity is occurring;
record any vehicle registration numbers and their descriptions;
record any boat registration numbers and their descriptions;
give the details of the person or people involved if they are known;
give an accurate description of the activity involved; and
ring the hotline to pass on this information.
Suspected illegal fishing activities should be reported to the 24-hour toll-free Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 017 116.


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Media Officer: Liz Smith Ph: +61 7 3224 7757
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001. Fax +61 7 3239 0860
DPI&F Call Centre 8am-6pm weekdays on local call 13 25 23

[Jeremy]

They'd bloody well better want to upgrade this hotline service if the response to my last call is anything to go by. Still haven't returned my call >:( >:(

Jeremy