Queensland Government
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

30 January 2013
Lobster and barra are back

Queensland fishers will be hitting the water this weekend as the tropical rock lobster and barramundi closures come to an end.

The tropical rock lobster season opens midnight 31 January, with the barramundi open season following from midday 1 February.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district officer Rob Ibell said both species had been off limits to fishers since late last year.

"Closed seasons are an important measure in sustaining fish stocks for the future,” he said.

“Before dropping a line, remember to check the size and possession limits that apply to each species.”

Size and possession limits

Barramundi
East Coast: size limit 58-120cm, possession limit 5
Gulf of Carpentaria: size limit 58-120cm, possession limit 5
Freshwater: size limit 58-120cm*, possession limit 5#
*one greater than 120cm from some dams. Check the website for details
#one during closed season for some dams. Check the website for details

Tropical rock lobster
Painted crayfish: size limit 11.5cm tail minimum & 9cm caraspace minimum, possession limit*
All other: No size limit, possession limit*
*Above 14° south latitude: combined limit of 3 per person/6 per boat in total of all species.
Below 14° south latitude: combined limit of 5 per person/10 per boat in total of all species.

“Fishers should also be aware that they must not possess live tropical rock lobsters, and they must remove the central flap of the tail or puncture the flap with a hole of at least 10 mm in diameter,” Mr Ibell said.

"It's important that fishers refresh their knowledge of the rules, which are in place to protect our fishing resources, to avoid on-the-spot fines.”

For more information on closed fishing season in Queensland, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

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