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Fight against fishing zone bans continues
JENNA DAROCZY
10/08/2009 3:42:00 PM
CLEVELAND MP Mark Robinson last week hosted a visit from Shadow Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Ray Hopper as they continued the LNP's campaign against the State Labor Government's recently introduced fishing green zones in Moreton Bay. Dr Robinson used the visit to launch a petition, calling for 'one line per fisher' in the green zones and for all the science behind the zones to be released, as well as drawing attention to incomplete green zone signage, which the State Government promised would be completed before fines became enforceable last month.
"A significant component of my election win came from fishermen who usually vote Labor and were angry about their best fishing spots being taken," Dr Robinson said.
"Now we're continuing to do what we said we would do ? fight the changes and consult widely with stakeholders about the best way to approach the situation."
Minister for Climate Change, Kate Jones, said 80 per cent of markers had been installed to mark out green zones in the bay, with the remaining 20 per cent to go in over the coming weeks.
"I'm confident that the boaties and fishermen in Marine Bay [sic] are well aware of the location of the zones, given only one breach has occurred since July 1," Ms Jones said.
Mr Hopper said while the green zones were unclear to fishers, the political point-scoring behind the decision was obvious.
"This decision was the result of a deal done with the Greens at the last election. It won them nine seats through preference deals and put them in power, but it's hurt a lot of people along the way, including recreational fishers and our local bait and tackle shops."
Dr Robinson and Mr Hopper were joined at a public meeting by Chris Ryan of Ecofishers Queensland, which evolved from 'Save Our Bay', a group of recreational fishers formed in opposition to the first draft of the green zones released last year.
"There is no science behind the bans, and there was no consultation. The areas that have been shut down may only be 16 per cent of the bay, but they take up 60 to 70 per cent of the fishing areas," Mr Ryan said.
Wellington Point resident John Daffy also said the measures didn't seem right.
"We already have bag limits in place, minimum size limits, and fish that you can't catch in certain seasons and seasonal closures ? these could be better acted on and possibly taken up a level before 'no go' zones are enforced," he said.
