Boating and Fisheries Patrol Feedback.

[Big_unit]

[quote author=finga link=1159002765/30#31 date=1159181122]
If staffing is a problem why not have authorised people taking some pictures of the few fools or doing some PR/educational work at the ramps, jetties etc etc freeing up the paid staff to do hands on policing. I'd put up my hand to help with that one.

Scott, this already exists and is called a fishwatch volunteer.

Jeremy[/quote]


Never heard of it or seen one. I guess there is another issue, some people dont know much about QBFP.

Ive seen active QBFP Inspectors twice, in my time ( 10 years ) but have never been inspected. Ive seen them inspect the boats either side of me at Tin Can Bay, they waved to me. Ive been watched once from a distance so I got the binoculars out and watched back, they didnt come over though.

[Fat_Chilli]

I don't know if this would come under their job description, but I would like to see a detailed regional report mabe public. Possibly tabled monthly that lists how many offences were logged, where they occured and what they were. This might help to narrow down problem areas and what laws are being flaunted.
I think this may increase attention to issues and make honest fishoes look out for possible offenders in known trouble areas.
Currently, I only here of the odd charges laid every couple of months in BnB. Offenders names wouldn't be necessary.
Jim

This would be good! DIR WH&S (Dept of Industrial Relations - Workplace Health and Safety) used to do similar, their publications of offences recorded, taken to trail and punishments issued (fines/sentences) are available on their web site. It was a good read.

http://www.dir.qld.gov.au/pdf/global..._april2005.pdf

More are available under - Publications and Forms - prosecutions.

[Louis]

I would like to see the Boating and Fisheries Inspectors, perhaps in conjunction with the Police, spend more time on catching crab pot thieves.

Stealing crabs from crab pots and indeed stealing the crab pots themselves is becoming increasingly prevalent in my little neck of the woods.

I am a reasonably regular victim of this offence, particularly when I leave my pots out over night. I assume other ausfishers are probably also having these problems?



Likewise it might be an idea if Fisheries officers could pop into boat ramps of a night time with a view to seeing if there are any grubs hanging around looking to steal our trailers and break into our vehicles etc. This problem also appears to be very prevalent these days.

Obviously they lack the authority in law and training to do anything, but by popping in and ringing the police to come out and have a chat to any suspect persons loitering about, maybe the level of theft at boat ramps at night might be reduced.

Also it would be nice to see them pop in at the dams more frequently and check to see that anglers fishing the dams do actually have stocked impoundment permits.




Louis

[mylestom]

Not only check their SIP permit and catch. But also their freezers. Some of the people are low lifes.

Had the bolts and nuts and washers stolen off my Bulldog folding trailer the last trip north. Yeah stainless steel ones as well. Gues that their need was greater than mine.

Does really annoy me that the grubs of this world can ruin what is a great trip for a family or a retiree.

We live on the coast and river down here and always give the local inspectors a ring when we see something suspicious. But like you say not enough staff to go around.
But guess they Premier (both NSW and QLD) has all the staff he needs and never misses out on his little morning tea etc.

Trev

[T1]

Jeremy is on the money with Fishwatch being a dead end. No point haiving it if we cant report bad pratices. And i have never been inspected in my 25 years of fishing down the Goldy, but now i have been fishing the Bay i have been inspected 3 times in a year and have also had them drop bye to inform me of the no planning zones.

Interesting you say that Crestcutter! I remember fishing the Sand Pumping Jetty over the last few years and had several visits from fisheries late at night... It was actually good to see them there!

Take Care T

[T1]

[quote author=finga link=1159002765/30#31 date=1159181122]
If staffing is a problem why not have authorised people taking some pictures of the few fools or doing some PR/educational work at the ramps, jetties etc etc freeing up the paid staff to do hands on policing. I'd put up my hand to help with that one.

Scott, this already exists and is called a fishwatch volunteer.

Jeremy[/quote]

Jeremy, i was one of the original 'Fishcare' volunteers that started about 10yrs ago under the guidance of DPI. We used to go out regularly in an educational capacity only. I must admit that i haven't seen a volunteer out for years and didn't even know it still existed.

Take Care T

[Louis]

FISHCARE certainly still does exist.

I'm a member.

Basically we are a group of keen anglers who provide an educational role in relation to ethical fishing practices and size/bag limits and conservation etc.

We do not have any enforcement powers and only provide an educational role.

From time to time we run Fishing Clinics for kids and teach youngsters the great art and sport that Angling is.

Anyone who is perhaps interested in joining or finding out more, please feel free to send me a PM.


Louis

[Burley_Boy]

I fish the GC
never seen one.

Realize that with limited staff they need to be as efficient as possible and probably as visible as possible.

If there was an officer on the GC once or twice a year you'd think they would hit the pumping jetty on tailor fishing time, if they can't be bothered doing that then they should pack it in. Or have I missed the sting operations?? Whats the story there, you can't tell me they are unaware of the situation...

Another way of being efficient without blowing out the costs is obviously hitting the boat ramp when people are on the way back.

Sorry for the sarcasm I realize they are spread thin, but there has gotta be a way of raising their profile without spending a dollar more, (assuming they are staffing the GC??)
Its all about being a visible deterrant and actually handing out the fines to the dodgies.

[Big_unit]

Another thought that occurred to me -

The Qld Police service uses covert / plain clothes officers in many situations in thier role as law enforcement officers.

Why doesnt QBFP do the same ?

How easy would it be to get plain clothes officers in an unmarked tinny or on foot ?

Cheers
James

[jim_farrell]

Fished offshore gold coast today and got checked. I've been checked offshore 3 out of my last four trips. Jackets flares and esky each time.

Jim

[iank]

Was also checked out off the Gold Coast this morning, that makes it twice in two weeks down here, offshore today and at the Grand boatramp last tuesday, and not one check in the previous 25 years that I have been fishing. Hopefully I/we will get to see them on a regular basis.
Cheers Ian

[Loco_Pez]

Saw a guy get a ticket for being underway with youngsters with no PFD's a couple of weeks ago in Coombabah Creek. They spotted him coming up to the ramp (Turana St) & gave him one when he pulled up. Good on em ! Good to see they get around the small ramps as well.

[Dignity]

Saw a couple on PWC friday just south of Tipplers. They stopped another PWC going past the 6 knot sign full bore. None around sat/sun when even large vessels ignored the signage. No overtime, can't nab em.

sam

[Ozwald]

I for one would be happy to pay for an annual Qld fishing licence if the funds went towards improving the work of QBFP. Sounds like a few Asaian language specialists wouldnt go amiss either.

[Louis]

I would be happy to see a Fishing licence brought in if the money went to such things as offering to buyout the licences of those commercial fisherman that wish to sell and other things which advance the cause of recreational fishing in Queensland.



Louis