Tunnel Net. Code of Practice

[Lucky_Phill]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
The Honourable John McVeigh

Friday, May 04, 2012
Moreton Bay best practice code key to fishing sustainably
The Moreton Bay tunnel net fishery today launched a new Code of Best Practice that will see the industry not only improve catch efficiency, but reduce its impact on the marine environment.

Speaking at Manly, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry John McVeigh said the Code demonstrated the industry’s environmental credentials and commitment to sustainability and upholding community values.

“The local tunnel net fishery has developed this voluntary code to help build the industry’s reputation and reassure the community of their practices,” Mr McVeigh said.

“Tunnel net fishing is regarded as an environmentally-friendly way to fish thanks to its use of by-catch reduction devices that help ensure unwanted catch can be released alive.

“Of particular benefit is the Code’s focus on minimising impacts on species of conservation interest like turtles, dugongs and large sharks.

“We know that a number of protected species such as dugongs and turtles inhabit areas of the Bay where tunnel net fishing operations take place, so it was of particular importance that the Code addressed their safety.

“The Code details a need to take exceptional care when fishing so that protected species can be safely released according to set procedures.”

Mr McVeigh said the Code would also provide significant economic benefits to the fishery.

“With an annual value of around $2 million, the Moreton Bay tunnel net fishery is a valuable contributor to the state’s commercial fishing industry,” he said.

“By lowering the level of by-catch, fishers will be able to increase their targeted catch, maintain locally caught produce for markets and improve the industry’s profitability.

“Moreton Bay is well known as a key source of Queensland’s high quality seafood, with the tunnel net fishery in particular contributing species such as mullet, bream, garfish, whiting and flathead.

“With the help of the Code of Best Practice, we will continue to see our reputation for outstanding seafood grow nationally and internationally.”

The Code was developed by net fishers in consultation with the Queensland Government, and funded by the Australian Government’s Caring for Our Country program.

For a copy of the Moreton Bay Tunnel Net Fishery Code of Best Practice, visit www.mbsia.org.au

Media: Lachlan Millar 0407 394 580

[tunaticer]

http://www.nearmap.com/?q=@-27.19424...h&nmd=20100720

That net appears on a semi regular basis in that location.

[rando]

Almost 500 metres in a straight line from corner to corner.

[nigelr]

$2 million, valuable contributor to the state's commercial fishing industry?????
According to Allan Hansard in this article Australia's roughly 5 million rec anglers generate $10 billion in related expenditure per annum.
http://www.fishingworld.com.au/news/...ne-park-debate
adds a little perspective, perhaps.....even if, for the sake of argument, only 1 billion was generated in Qld......

[Macks forever]

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
The Honourable John McVeigh

Friday, May 04, 2012
Moreton Bay best practice code key to fishing sustainably
The Moreton Bay tunnel net fishery today launched a new Code of Best Practice that will see the industry not only improve catch efficiency, but reduce its impact on the marine environment.


For a copy of the Moreton Bay Tunnel Net Fishery Code of Best Practice, visit www.mbsia.org.au

Media: Lachlan Millar 0407 394 580

Hi Phill

I visited the site you refer to above. Nothing there. Only mention of a 2009 project funded by DAFF:
Adoption of best management fishing practices within the Moreton Bay region

But no current code. Do you have a link or copy of the actual code?

My experience of Codes of Conduct and Codes of Best Practice is that they are only relevant for the ones who want to do the right thing. Those that don't want to abide by them simply don't. They are also often used to deflect or delay the introduction of compulsory legislation that may be a lot harsher.

I also saw a lot of other stuff funded by DAFF and FRDC. For instance from FRDC:
Participatory and coordinated fishing industry solution to the rezoning of the Moreton Bay Marine Park

Do rec anglers get that sort of funding to lobby their case? Has any rec group applied for that sort of funding to lobby their case? If so was it approved? If not why not?
Some fair questions don't you think?

[Mike Delisser]

Perhaps we rec anglers could get in on the act and have a "Self Policed" "Code of Practice" to fishing in Green Zones.

[Macks forever]

Perhaps we rec anglers could get in on the act and have a "Self Policed" "Code of Practice" to fishing in Green Zones.

Yeah Mike.

And perhaps we could get DAFF or FRDC to fund it. Shame Ecofishers is not still active in Qld. Could be a nice little funding source! Isn't that the way it works with these 'grants'?

[Mike Delisser]

" Lovey80 disliked this post " Sorry Lovey80, I thought everyone would be able to understand that post without needing to use a or a . Please note, elsewhere on this site where I wrote "I'd give my right arm to be abidextrous" (in the left or right hand winding thread) I am not realy concidering cutting off my right arm.

Macks I may be wrong but I thought I read on here that Eco Q were always keen on avoiding grants or any form of Gov support.
Cheers

[Lucky_Phill]

Here's a video for you''''''''

[nigelr]

Good video - made a believer out of me. If that's a true representation, IMHO damn good job being done as long as the practice is sustainable within the fishery.

[Mike Delisser]

If the by-catch reduction devices are so good, why hasn't the Government made their use compulsory instead of leaving it to a "Voluntary" Code of Best Practice.
Do you think the pros who turn up in the middle of the night to work areas that are off limits are going to obay a "Voluntary" Code of Best Practice?

[nigelr]

If the by-catch reduction devices are so good, why hasn't the Government made their use compulsory instead of leaving it to a "Voluntary" Code of Best Practice.
Do you think the pros who turn up in the middle of the night to work areas that are off limits are going to obay a "Voluntary" Code of Best Practice?

Good questions Mike; and somehow I doubt we'll see any videos of their nocturnal activities.....