News Release - Western QLD redclaw regulations

[QLD_Fisheries]

http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/news/NewsReleases/15555.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&F Fishweb site at http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb

[Fitzy]

Copy of News Release from DPI&F Website
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6 July, 2004

Western Queensland anglers reminded of redclaw regulations
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is encouraging western Queensland residents and visitors to become familiar with redclaw crayfish regulations to help prevent them from spreading throughout the Lake Eyre Basin.

Although native to far north Queensland and the Gulf of Carpentaria, redclaw are being found in a number of western Queensland rivers and creeks.

DPI&F senior policy officer Anita Wohlsen said there had been recent reports of larger redclaw catches upstream of tributaries and creeks flowing into the Barcoo River.

Ms Wohlsen said the Thomson River had also experienced a significant increase in redclaw catches following flooding earlier this year.

“While the impact of redclaw on new habitat is unknown, there are concerns they could cause environmental damage outside their natural range,” she said.

“We know they can compete with other species for food which means we need to be particularly protective of areas such as the Lake Eyre Basin which is ecologically important with its unique fisheries habitat.”

Ms Wohlsen said redclaw in western Queensland could have been established accidentally through anglers using them as live bait.

“Another reason could be that people have moved them to rivers and creeks from their dams and ponds not realising they are not native to the area and could cause environmental damage,” she said.

Ms Wohlsen encouraged people to become familiar with redclaw regulations to help protect the Lake Eyre Basin habitat.

“Redclaw cannot be used as live bait outside their natural range and if people catch them in these areas they should be either consumed or destroyed and disposed of carefully,” she said.

For more information about redclaw crayfish regulations and other freshwater fishing rules, contact the Longreach QBFP office on +61 7 4658 4427 or visit the Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb.


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Further information: Anita Wohlsen +61 7 3225 1843
Media Officer: Liz Smith Ph: +61 7 3224 7757
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001. Fax +61 7 3239 0860
DPI&F Call Centre 8am-6pm weekdays on local call 13 25 23