News release - Free information brochures

[QLD_Fisheries]

http://staffwww/news/newsreleases/14899.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

[bugman]

I think they actually got the URL wrong but here's the press release anyway.

7 April 2004

Free information brochures about native fish
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries new information brochures are educating people of all ages about native fish and their use in ornamental ponds and aquariums.

Most fish used in aquariums and ornamental ponds are exotic and have the potential to cause serious environmental damage if released into local creeks or streams.

The three new information brochures include the Native Fish Activity Book for primary school children; the Native Fish for Aquariums brochure aimed at aquarists and pet shops; and the first brochure in a series of regional guides to selecting native fish for ornamental ponds, Native Fish for Ornamental Ponds – south-east Queensland.

Guides for the Gulf of Carpentaria, central Queensland coast, north Queensland coast, the Murray-Darling, Bulloo-Bancannia and Lake Eyre regions will be available in May.

Queensland Fisheries Service fisheries biologist Aimee Burton said many native fish have spectacular fins, beautiful colours and interesting behaviours and are comparable to many exotic fish.

“Many people may not consider using native fish. These new information brochures will help people select the right type of native fish for their aquarium or ornamental pond,” she said.

“People who are interested in the new educational material can call the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23, or residents in Townsville can go to the DPI regional office at Oonoonba.

“Teachers and parents are encouraged to call for copies of the Native Fish Activity Book, which has activities for primary school children about looking after waterways and the fish that inhabit them.”

The DPI Call Centre on 12 25 23 can provide free copies of the brochures. The Townsville DPI regional office is located in Abbott St, Oonoonba.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Further information:
Media Officer: Carly Wood Ph: +61 7 3224 7757
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
PO Box 46, Brisbane, Qld 4001. Fax: +61 7 3224 2805
DPI&F Call Centre 8am-6pm weekdays on local call 13 25 23

[Gazza]

So is it o.k. to catch Mangrove Jack ,in NSW ,where there is NO min.size and transport them in live wells to our Qld fish tanks?? ,albeit Saltwater Tank ???

That'd be legal , surely, as a 35cm. fish in a 60cm tank would be cruuuel

[Jeremy87]

Maybe in addition they should introduce a permit or license for people wishing to put native fish in a tank so that they can remove smaller specimans from the wild. Using your example of a jack. Bying a jack from pet stores costs a few hundred dollars. Of course strict guidelines would need to be put in place so people can't exploit it.