Originally Posted by
Lucky_Phill
Thanks for the question Matt.
Not an easy one to answer.
1. We currently have a very good scientist in Southern Fisheries who is more than well acquainted with Qld's Snapper Fishery.
2. I believe that the CSIRO also have good people.
3. A lot of Snapper stock assessment and research has been done.
4. Modelling is an issue as many factors are either unknown or not taken into consideration.
5. No independent, peer reviewed assessment of the data supplied by Southern Fisheries has been done.
In short, I suppose, I would be happy with a State and Federal research project that looked at the Snapper history records and then made a stock assessment that is current. Have that independently, peer reviewed and make management calls after that.
The science has to include many factors.
Certainly a fairly accurate recreational take is important, as is seasonal climate conditions and landbased management practices, all of which were lacking in all previous stock assessments.
The big problem I see, still stands with Policing of regulations. This can be addressed by pro-active education programs and engaging with recreational anglers frequently to ascertain their understanding of the fishery and the regulations.
Fishing and Boating Patrol Officers should be seen as your friends and educators, but if you are intentionally and knowingly breaking the rules, then .... severe.... punishment needs to be handed out.
We must stop legislating for the minority.
LP.
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