Australia. New laws to protect dugongs off Facing Island
Monday, 13 July 2009
New laws for commercial net fishermen will now afford greater protection for the local dugong population around Facing Island off the coast of Gladstone.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the rules came in on 1 July 2009 and followed extensive community consultation.
"Our goal is to reduce our marine footprint and support industry best practice," Mr Mulherin said.
"Concerns were raised by the community about net fishing, as the nets can inadvertently trap unwanted fish and animals by mistake. Over the past few years several dead dugong have washed up on the beaches of Facing Island and we want to avoid the unnatural deaths of all dugongs.
"The new rules require fishers to be within 200 metres of the net at all times. In the past fishers have set their nets during the day and gone home, leaving the nets set overnight. Unfortunately this means they are not able to release trapped animals before they drown.
"The quality can also be affected as fish can be caught in the nets for a long time, damaging the product before it gets to market.”
The Minister said the Queensland Government has now rectified these problems by requiring those commercial fishers to be within 200 metres of their nets at all times.
"Fishers who abandon their nets could receive a $1000 on the spot fine or risk having their nets seized," he said.
"The other option is court prosecution with a maximum penalty of $10,000.
"The new laws coincide with the recent introduction of a $1m rebate for trawl operators who purchase new netting and upgraded turtle exclusion devices to reduce bycatch.
"Commercial fishers play an important role in supplying locally caught, fresh fish to the community, and the government continues to work with industry to maximis e efficiencies," he said.
"This approach balances the sustainability of our fisheries with industry viability and our attempts at reducing bycatch. We all have a responsibility to leave the smallest impact on our environment if we are to continue to enjoy our fisheries both recreationally and commercially."
Should anyone see a net in the water unattended, they can report it to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116.
Last Updated ( Monday, 13 July 2009 )
