From the general fishing population prospective, it may seem that the only tools being used to manage the fishery are rec angler restrictions. Size and bag limits, closed seasons, zonings etc.

These measures are put in place to attempt to attain a “ sustainable fishery “. These seem to be the only tools available to FQ, from an outsiders perspective.

Obviously with a people population increase, rec angling increases as does the need to supply seafoods to the non-fishing populas. So how do the Fishery managers provide equality and sustainability ?

There are some tools that don’t seem to utilised for various reasons and maybe it is time to re-visit them.

Habitat destruction… mainland. OK, so we can’t halt progress and the almighty dollar will always piss over the lowly environment… so let’s gets serious about water quality… fine the be-jesus out of polluters and place those funds directly back into the fishery management efforts.

Wild Stocking…. Apparently this option is not viable, but how about we give it a go because this way using brood stock bred fingerlings etc, we can use a “ dna marker “ that can be used by FQ for research upon re-capture. Let’s face it, even if .01 % of the stocked Snapper survived to legal size ( maturity ) and spawned twice, the extrapolated effect would be enormous, would it not ? The monetary return on the stocking costs would pale into comparison when the end result is calculated on the tourism dollar and health and well-being effects of a family day out catching fresh seafood to eat.

Artificial Reefs……….. these are necessary to replace or enhance the fishery habitat and environment. Providing shelter and suitable substrates for soft corals, ferns and marine growth as well as molluscs etc. The Arti’s also provide an essential service to the fishery in dispersing fishing pressures from popular places. Artificial Reefs are an amazingly cost effective fishery tool that is grossly under-utilized by Fisheries Queensland and associated departments.

All the FQ staff do a great job and are passionate about what they do, albeit under limited “terms of reference “ and budgets.

Cheers LP