Report lost and found fishing gear

[Fisheries Queensland]

Queensland Government
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Media release
24 July 2013

Report lost and found fishing gear

The community is being urged to report fishing or shark control equipment found on local beaches so it can be returned to its owner.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) District Officer Russell Overton said it is illegal to interfere with fishing equipment.

“If you unlawfully interfere with fishing equipment you risk an $1100 fine,” Mr Overton said.

“Commercial fishing equipment is expensive, so it can damage a business’ bottom line if a fisher has to constantly replace it.

“Sometimes in rough seas equipment may come adrift, or unfortunately some people will just take it home for their own use.

“We also sometimes see shark control equipment misappropriated, which is particularly dangerous given the service it provides in keeping our beaches safer.

“Shark control equipment is easily identifiable by the large yellow buoys attached to it, bearing the Shark Hotline details.

”By immediately reporting fishing or shark control equipment found, you are helping local business and the community.”

Mr Overton said a recent joint investigation by QBFP and the Mooloolaba Queensland Police Service found a man in possession of both shark control equipment and commercial and recreational fishing gear.

“Inspection of the Woorim property uncovered nine drumline buoys, ropes and hooks belonging to the Queensland Government, as well as equipment belonging to 17 commercial fishers and a small number of recreational fishers,” he said.

“QBFP officers are now making attempts to return all equipment to its rightful owners.

“The investigation is ongoing, but it’s a timely reminder that even if you are merely beach scavenging, you should report any fishing gear you find, or risk a fine.”

If you locate shark control equipment, contact the Shark Hotline on 1800 806 891.Fishing gear can be reported to your local QBFP office or the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116.

Follow Fisheries Queensland on Facebook and Twitter (@FisheriesQld).

[solemandownunder]

Queensland Government
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Media release
24 July 2013

Report lost and found fishing gear

The community is being urged to report fishing or shark control equipment found on local beaches so it can be returned to its owner.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) District Officer Russell Overton said it is illegal to interfere with fishing equipment.

“If you unlawfully interfere with fishing equipment you risk an $1100 fine,” Mr Overton said.

“Commercial fishing equipment is expensive, so it can damage a business’ bottom line if a fisher has to constantly replace it.

“Sometimes in rough seas equipment may come adrift, or unfortunately some people will just take it home for their own use.

“We also sometimes see shark control equipment misappropriated, which is particularly dangerous given the service it provides in keeping our beaches safer.

“Shark control equipment is easily identifiable by the large yellow buoys attached to it, bearing the Shark Hotline details.

”By immediately reporting fishing or shark control equipment found, you are helping local business and the community.”

Mr Overton said a recent joint investigation by QBFP and the Mooloolaba Queensland Police Service found a man in possession of both shark control equipment and commercial and recreational fishing gear.

“Inspection of the Woorim property uncovered nine drumline buoys, ropes and hooks belonging to the Queensland Government, as well as equipment belonging to 17 commercial fishers and a small number of recreational fishers,” he said.

“QBFP officers are now making attempts to return all equipment to its rightful owners.

“The investigation is ongoing, but it’s a timely reminder that even if you are merely beach scavenging, you should report any fishing gear you find, or risk a fine.”

If you locate shark control equipment, contact the Shark Hotline on 1800 806 891.Fishing gear can be reported to your local QBFP office or the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116.

Follow Fisheries Queensland on Facebook and Twitter (@FisheriesQld).

SO...what are the penalties for this kind of behaviour AND what happens to the guy who HAD this "supposed illegal" gear ?

Hopefully MORE than what "whoever" has been dumping fish over on Moreton has received thus far

Thanks, Ray.

[Fisheries Queensland]

Hi Ray,

Investigations are ongoing so we are unable to provide further comment on the case at this stage; however the maximum penalty for interfering with fishing apparatus is $55,000.

Cheers,
Fisheries Queensland