Primary Industries & Fisheries, Henry Palaszczuk

21/07/05
Proposed fish filleting changes released

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) is calling for feedback on proposed changes to the filleting policy designed to help protect the State's coral reef fin fish stocks.

Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Henry Palaszczuk said the policy still aimed to control the levels of filleting of fish at sea in an effort to conserve coral reef fin fish stocks, while also allowing greater flexibility for commercial operators.

"As per the current arrangements, people will still be able to possess coral reef fin fish on board a boat in the form of whole, gilled and gutted, or filleted, if the fish is filleted under a filleting permit. Filleting permits will still be issued to licence holders who are eligible to take coral reef fin fish in a commercial capacity (RQ licence holders) and who meet criteria specified in the policy.

"However, the proposed new policy relaxes many arrangements in the current filleting policy. For example, the minimum criteria needed for a permit to fillet Coral Trout and Red Throat emperor would be removed."

The revised policy was developed following recommendations made by an Industry/ Government Working Group convened by the Reef Fish Management Advisory Committee (ReefMAC).

The DPI&F is seeking comments on the proposed policy from all holders of RQ fishery symbols, and other key stakeholders by September 1, 2005. Copies of the policy will be mailed to stakeholders this week or are available by contacting the DPI&F call centre on 13 25 23.

Media contact: John Algate 3239 3004 or 0418 197 350