News release - Investment warning in QLD fisheries

[QLD_Fisheries]

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/news/newsreleases/13537.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]

12 September, 2003

Investment warning for range of Queensland fisheries
The Department of Primary Industries Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) has issued an investment warning for a number of the State’s fisheries.

Investment warnings have been issued for Queensland’s east coast mud and blue swimmer crab fisheries as well as for rocky reef fish species such as snapper, pearl perch and teraglin jew, starting from today (September 12).

QFS deputy director-general Peter Neville has warned those people with a current interest or considering investing in any of these fisheries that increases in their commercial and current level of catches or fishing effort might not be recognised in future management arrangements.

Mr Neville said the investment warnings followed concerns about the sustainability of Queensland’s fish stocks and the risk of transferring excess fishing effort from other fisheries particularly the coral reef fin fish fishery for which new management arrangements have just been announced.

“Increases in pressure on east coast mud crab and snapper stocks are of particular concern and need to be managed with their sustainable use in mind,” he said.

“Operators and investors are therefore being warned that any increase in their level of investment or operations may not be recognised in forming new management arrangements.”

Mr Neville said the investment warning was the first step towards ensuring that those commercial operators with a demonstrated reliance on any of these fisheries would be able to continue to fish within sustainable limits.

He said QFS would review the status of the fisheries in consultation with its Management Advisory Committees.

“Queensland has some of the most progressive fisheries reforms in Australia and these investment warnings will ensure this continues,” Mr Neville said.

Investment warnings are still current for all the Torres Strait fisheries, Gulf of Carpentaria Mud Crab Fishery; East Coast Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery; and East Coast Net Fishery.

For more information on the investment policy for the Queensland East Coast Mud and Blue Swimmer Crab (C1) Fisheries and fisheries taking rocky reef fin fish species in particular snapper, pearl perch and teraglin jew, contact the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23 or visit the DPI web site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb.



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Further information: Jim Gillespie (07) 3225 1839
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