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Mark Robinson MP
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Apprenticeships and Trade Training
(Assisting the Shadow Minister for Education and Training)
Member for Cleveland
16 December 2010
Where’s the science on snapper ban
THE BLIGH Labor Government seemed to be competing with Rugs a Million when it came to closures, LNP Member for Cleveland Mark Robinson said today.
Dr Robinson said Labor's only solution for sustainable fishing was more closures and now hugely unpopular plans for $70 to $90 fees to catch snapper which the LNP was totally opposed to.
“It’s the same as when Labor introduced Green Zones in Moreton Bay – no science, no demonstrated need, and still no discernible benefit to boaties and fishers and fish populations,” Dr Robinson said.
“Labor’s plan to hit recreational anglers with $70 to $90 fees and its ban for three species - snapper, teraglin and pearl perch - is further proof they don't understand fisheries management and cannot be trusted with the long-term future of Queensland's fish stocks.
“On July 17, 2010, Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin issued a press statement boasting only one of Queensland’s assessed fish stocks, snapper, had been classified as overfished.
“But this week he’s announced closures on snapper, teraglin and pearl perch after stating only snapper was under threat … why impose a ban on three …can any ban be justified? The Minister is 'lost at sea' when it comes to explaining his actions. And will Labor’s 3 species ban shift pressure onto other fish stocks …what does the science say?”
“Labor has failed to provide credible evidence to support the closure. Proper scientific research hasn’t been undertaken and until it is, Labor should refrain from closures because it has no idea what it’s closing, and what species should be included.”
Dr Robinson said the wonky statistics Labor was using to support its latest ban had been strongly challenged by Queensland's peak recreational fishing and charter boat groups.
“The LNP shares the anger and frustration of recreational fishermen, professionals and environmentalists who agree that fish protection measures can’t be based on telephone surveys which is how this Government made its decisions.
“The LNP does not support closures that are not based on science and hard facts. This decision is more about Labor appeasing the Greens with more closures than about good fisheries management.
Dr Robinson said charter boat operators, and other commercial fishers that rely on fishing for snapper, will have their incomes slashed severely for six weeks.
“Will the government compensate them for their losses and support them during the period of heavily reduced income?”
“Labor is closing fishing down so fast that buying your son or daughter a fishing rod at Christmas will soon be a thing of the past.
END
Originally Posted by darrend65
