Fisheries Queensland
08-06-2012, 02:53 PM
Queensland Government
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Fisheries Queensland
8 June 2012
Catching tilapia could cost you
Fisheries Queensland is reminding the community that tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) is a declared noxious fish species.
Tilapia is listed in the top 100 of the world’s worst introduced pest species.
Fisheries Queensland pest fish officer Danielle Stewart said anglers should be aware of the fish they are targeting when casting a line.
“Anyone fishing needs to be on the lookout for any strange or different fish species, and in particular declared noxious species such as tilapia,” Ms Stewart said.
“Once tilapia enter flowing water bodies such as a river they are almost impossible to eradicate.
“Tilapia are prolific breeders and are able to survive in a variety of conditions. They affect native species by competing for habitat and food, behaving aggressively and disturbing aquatic vegetation.
“Tilapia are mouth-brooders, which means that adults protect eggs and larvae in their mouths. These larvae can survive in the mouth even after the fish has been killed.
“It is illegal to keep a pest fish, so if you catch a tilapia you should kill it humanely, put it in a bin or bury it. Do not throw it back in the water or use them as bait.”
Catching and then using tilapia in any way, or keeping parts of a pest fish is illegal and penalties of up to $200,000 apply.
People can help stop the spread of pest fish by:
learning how to identify pest fish
not moving or releasing pest fish between waterways
reporting any sightings of pest fish to 13 25 23.
For more information on pest fish, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au (http://www.fisheries.qld.gov.au).
Latest fisheries information is also available via Twitter – www.twitter.com/fisheriesQLD (http://www.twitter.com/fisheriesQLD) or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Fisheries (http://www.facebook.com/Fisheries) Queensland.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Fisheries Queensland
8 June 2012
Catching tilapia could cost you
Fisheries Queensland is reminding the community that tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) is a declared noxious fish species.
Tilapia is listed in the top 100 of the world’s worst introduced pest species.
Fisheries Queensland pest fish officer Danielle Stewart said anglers should be aware of the fish they are targeting when casting a line.
“Anyone fishing needs to be on the lookout for any strange or different fish species, and in particular declared noxious species such as tilapia,” Ms Stewart said.
“Once tilapia enter flowing water bodies such as a river they are almost impossible to eradicate.
“Tilapia are prolific breeders and are able to survive in a variety of conditions. They affect native species by competing for habitat and food, behaving aggressively and disturbing aquatic vegetation.
“Tilapia are mouth-brooders, which means that adults protect eggs and larvae in their mouths. These larvae can survive in the mouth even after the fish has been killed.
“It is illegal to keep a pest fish, so if you catch a tilapia you should kill it humanely, put it in a bin or bury it. Do not throw it back in the water or use them as bait.”
Catching and then using tilapia in any way, or keeping parts of a pest fish is illegal and penalties of up to $200,000 apply.
People can help stop the spread of pest fish by:
learning how to identify pest fish
not moving or releasing pest fish between waterways
reporting any sightings of pest fish to 13 25 23.
For more information on pest fish, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au (http://www.fisheries.qld.gov.au).
Latest fisheries information is also available via Twitter – www.twitter.com/fisheriesQLD (http://www.twitter.com/fisheriesQLD) or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Fisheries (http://www.facebook.com/Fisheries) Queensland.