PHP Warning: Use of undefined constant VBA_SCRIPT - assumed 'VBA_SCRIPT' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in ..../includes/functions_navigation.php(802) : eval()'d code on line 1 Crab Dillies to be phased out in Qld??
Came across this press release on Nugget's website. The headline is a bit deceiving!!;
Commercial fishing changes
Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries
The Honourable Tim Mulherin Friday, July 11, 2008
Fisheries changes to boost industry Proposed changes to a number of Queensland's fisheries have been released for public comment, Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin said today. "The Combined Fisheries Management Regulatory Impact Statement and draft Public Benefit Test contain a number of positive changes aimed at improving the profitability and sustainability of the commercial fishing industry in Queensland," Mr Mulherin said. I would hope that the implementation of these proposed changes added to the action plan being developed by the Department, would provide a significant boost to the fishing industry. "In concert with industry, we are determined not only to ensure the long-term future of our fisheries but also a sustainable fishing industry. "The RIS includes proposed changes to management arrangements for the East Coast Trawl, Finfish (Stout Whiting) Trawl, East Coast Tropical Rock Lobster, Crab and Freshwater fisheries. "A number of the proposed changes have been suggested through stakeholder, industry or public forums. "Some proposals have been recommended to improve sustainability, while others are commitments that the Queensland Government has made with the Australia Government." Proposals include:
• A revised definition of a Turtle Exclusion Device (TED) which will ensure maximum protection to marine turtles while also opening up new markets in the USA.
• Changes to management arrangements for Tropical Rock Lobster which will ensure continued long-term sustainability of this lucrative Queensland fishery.
• The phase out of inverted dillies or ‘witches hats' in crab fisheries. This apparatus is particularly prone to ghost fishing if lost and pose a threat to marine turtles and other non-target species which can easily become entangled in the mesh.
• The phase-in of Square Mesh Codends (SMC) into the Saucer Scallop Fishery. Recent research has found that a trawl net using a SMC and TED effectively reduce bycatch rates by up to 77 per cent and the catch rate of undersize scallops by 63 per cent with minimal loss of marketable scallop catch.
• Three existing impoundments being added to the DPI&F Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme. Currently, there are 30 successful stocked recreational fishing impoundments throughout Queensland. The main aim of the SIP Scheme is to raise funds to stock native fish fingerlings in the dams involved in the scheme. "I am very aware of the difficulties facing the fishing industry at this time with factors such as record high fuel costs, competition from imported seafood, a strong Australian dollar and labour shortages all negatively impacting on the industry. "I would therefore strongly encourage all stakeholders who have an interest in this fishery to become involved in the consultation process. "I am looking forward to continuing cooperative relationships with stakeholders throughout this consultation process to ensure we can work together to maintain viable fisheries for the future." Public consultation on the proposals will be open until August 27. For information on the consultation, visit the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries website - www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb or phone 13 25 23.
Yes, I saw that too and wondered whether it applies just to commercial operators or to eveyone.
During the "consultation" phase of the development of the Moreton Bay Marine Park rezoning, EPA and their greeny cronies raised concerns with MBAA about turtles being caught and drowning in crab pots too. They were particularly dirty on "dillies" and also the cheap rectangular collapsable pots - they said that they had evidence that these were the cause of significant numbers of turtle deaths in the Bay. Normal round pots in wire or collapsable ones didn't escape their wrath either.
The reason, we were told, is that these rectangular pots in particular have such a wide entry that the turtles can get their heads and half their bodies into them when they are after a free feed of crab, they then get tangled and drown.
The commercial crabbers in MBSIA are at present well advanced in developing "turtle proof" crab pots - in fact, there is a trial underway right now and they just need some funding to help get the documentation done to prove that the new design concept is working - at a practical level, I'm told that since they've strted using these new pots their has not been one turtle tangled up.
Its a win for the turtles, and a win for crabbers who now don't lose their catch or have their pots towed away or damaged by turtles. A win-win solution, as they say, just what we want!
The new pots cost virtually the same as a decent round collapsable pot does now. About $35.
I would predict that there will be a growing push from the greenies to ban crabbing because of the "danger to turtles". That would be typical of their knee-jerk reactions to these types of things: rather than work with us fishers (rec and commercial) to help develop crab pots that are safe for turtles, they will just try to ban it altogether. In all the discussions we had with them, "win-win" and working collectively on a solution were not concepts that they appeared to understand.
If a "turtle friendly" crab pot can be developed and proven to work as we expect it will be, with scientific assessment proving its effectiveness, and be available at a reasonable price, how do you think rec anglers would react to the idea to gezump the greenies by the rec and commercial sectors getting on the front foot and asking DPIF to ban all other non-turtle friendly crab pots from use in the Bay?? I for one would think that's a pretty fair idea, but would like to hear other reactions.
there is a lot of places in NSW where Dillies/witches hats are not legal, the only crab traps allowed are the wire "cage" sort of thing, any net types are banned in certain rivers and places, I do believe that to use a Dillie in the Ocean is illegal anywhere in NSW Waters, I asked and emailed the Fisheries to see if I could use them near the Entrance of my Local Lake to catch Blue Swimmers, and was told definately not!
I have never seen pro crabbers use dillies, not saying they don't but have just never seen it. I have always assumed that they use pots exclusively, as the need to check dillies regularly would be too labour intensive for them I would have thought.
If dillies are used the way they are designed to be and checked regularly (every half hour or so) then they should not be a major problem for the environment. They are prone to "float away" though, much easier than a pot and need to be watched.
Dillies are very effective if used correctly, but I prefer pots 1) because you can use them for both Muddies and Sandies (Dillies and Muddies don't go together for me!) and 2) I like to go off and fish whilst the pots are out and do not need to check them as regularly as dillies.
But I know there are some Dillie fans out there and they can be very effective on the Sandies when they are around.
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