News Release - trawl closures set to start

[QLD_Fisheries]

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/news/newsreleases/13561.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 Fishweb site at http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb

[Lucky_Phill]

16 September, 2003

New trawl closures set to start
A range of new trawl closures along the Queensland coast will be in place from Saturday (September 20).

The Department of Primary Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) recently announced the closures as part of a number of changes to the State’s marine and freshwater fisheries legislation.

QFS trawl manager Brigid Kerrigan said from Saturday, trawl closures would be in place at Baffle Creek near Bundaberg; the Fitzroy River near Rockhampton; Hervey Bay; and Bustard Head south of Gladstone.

Dr Kerrigan said the new closures were developed for a variety of reasons.

“Some closures are to protect and replenish scallop stocks while others are aimed at reducing conflict between commercial operators and recreational fishers,” she said.

“QFS wants to sustain fisheries resources to ensure there are fish stocks for future generations while at the same time making sure fishing is an enjoyable experience for all those concerned.”

From September 20 trawl closures will apply to the following areas:

beam trawling will no longer be allowed in Baffle Creek near Bundaberg;
the weekend closure to beam trawling in the Fitzroy River has been extended to cover all waters between the Fitzroy River Barrage and the “cut through” (also known as the “breakthrough”);
two areas within the Hervey Bay region will be closed to trawling (not steaming) to allow for a scallop ranching trial; and
the Hervey Bay and Bustard Head Scallop Replenishment Areas have been amended so that each consists of two 10 nautical miles by 10 nautical miles areas that are open for nine months and closed for 15 months. The previous rotation system caused some loss to the fishery due to the extended period the areas were closed. The amendments simplify the rotation and reduce the loss to the commercial fishery.
Dr Kerrigan said all trawl operators had been notified in writing of the new regulations and she encouraged them to update the information aboard their vessels.

“The Scallop Replenishment Areas remain total exclusion zones so fishers should make sure they are aware of them. Maps and coordinates can be obtained from QFS,” she said.

For more information about the new fishing rules and regulations visit the DPI Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb or call the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23.



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Further information: Brigid Kerrigan (07) 3225 1842
Media Officer: Liz Smith Ph: +61 7 3224 7757
Department of Primary Industries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001. Fax +61 7 3239 0860
DPI Call Centre 8am-6pm weekdays on local call 13 25 23