News Release - Put fish first

[QLD_Fisheries]

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/news/NewsReleases/15441.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

[NQCairns]

DPI&F urges to put fish first
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is encouraging recreational anglers and commercial operators to put fish stocks first.

Fishers are urged to think carefully about fisheries resources when deciding what fish to take and what to leave.

DPI&F fisheries resource general manager Jim Gillespie said generally the fishing community was becoming more aware of the need to protect and conserve fisheries resources.

However, he said there were still some people who put their personal gain ahead of the resource.

“Over the years, sustainable fishing practices such as catch and release have become widely accepted in fishing circles but there are still some questionable activities going on,” he said.

“For example, there are reports of high grading being carried out. High grading is a term used when a person has reached their take and possession limit but continues to fish.

“If they catch a bigger or more valuable fish, they throw the smaller ones back, usually dead, in order to keep the larger one. This is simply wasting fisheries resources.”

Mr Gillespie said high grading was a selfish fishing practice and was discouraged.

“Fisheries resources are a public resource and need to be treated accordingly and rules are in place to protect and conserve fish stocks,” he said.

“By doing the right thing and thinking carefully about their actions, fishers will ensure that these valuable resources will be around for current and future generations of Queenslanders.”

For more information about Queensland’s fisheries rules visit the Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb