Time is running out to comment on proposed new fisheries rules that will affect the Coral Reef Fin Fish Management Plan and Spanish mackerel Fisheries Regulations.

The proposals are outlined in the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) Combined Fisheries Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) and Draft Public Benefit Test currently released for public comment.

DPI&F reef line manager Mark Elmer said the amendments followed the development of more comprehensive commercial documentation and reporting requirements for coral trout, red throat emperor, other reef fish species and Spanish mackerel, introduced in September 2003.

“A number of issues have appeared which need to be addressed such as quota reporting and Integrated Voice Response (IVR) arrangements, tagging and whole-of-chain documentation to track fish from catch to sale,” Mr Elmer said.

Major proposals outlined in the RIS include:

Introducing an Integrated Voice Response (IVR) system, similar to telephone banking, to be used as a secure and efficient quota reporting tool for fishers;
Upgrading documentation obligations to eliminate illegal sales of reef fish either through a stand alone whole-of-chain documentation process to track fish from catch to sale, or a combination of the documentation process and fish tagging;
Making a special circumstances provision for fishers who are regarded as having been particularly disadvantaged by the quota allocation process for the fisheries; and
Allowing late applications for RQ (coral reef) and SM (Spanish mackerel) fishery symbols to be assessed.
Mr Elmer said the main objective of the proposed changes were to ensure the continued sustainable development of Queensland’s fisheries.

“I’d encourage members of the public, commercial and recreational fishers, licensed fish buyers and retailers, those with conservation interests, all levels of Government and other interest groups to comment in writing on the proposed new fishing regulations,” he said.

Copies of the RIS and Response Form are available by phoning the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23 or from the DPI Fishweb site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb

The public has until 5pm Monday, May 31 to comment in writing on the proposals outlined in the RIS.