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Gladstone Harbour fishing ban set to widen

A FISHING ban enforced in Queensland’s Gladstone Harbour appears likely to extend to cover waters within a 100km radius of the city a source has told Fishing World.

It has been reported that a contaminants plume is now visible from the air over Gladstone, the origins of which are believed to be dredging works underway for construction of a liquefied natural gas plant in the harbour. Since initial reports of widespread dying barramundi and other species which led to fishing closures in the harbour and surrounding waters, (earlier report here) Fisho has been told of incidents of Spanish mackerel and reef fish outside the harbour also being affected by contaminants.

It has also been reported that commercial fishermen in the Gladstone area have alerted authorities to problems associated with contaminants in the harbour since last year. The deaths of over 100 turtles in the region are also believed to be linked to pollution caused by dredging works. 

Insiders say that the current closure may soon include swimming and all other forms
of water contact, and the size of the closure may be increased as more information comes to hand after testing.

Of major concern to local anglers is the fact they can face fines of up to $200,000 if found fishing within the closed area. QLD Fisheries has issued advice on the closures, including a map of the affected closure areas, on its website which can be viewed here.

The Gladstone Observer reports that in a speech to council, Gladstone region Mayor Gail Sellers said the region’s residents had long accepted the need for industrial activity in balance with the region’s coastal lifestyle, but that acceptance was now pushed to the limit.

“On a daily basis our community is faced with industry, increasing impacts on roads and more significantly, housing shortages and rental increases”, she said.

“While the harbour and the ability to take the boat out, relax and catch a few fish was available to them, they were accepting, but now this is gone.

“It is extremely important to recognise that this event could be the one that takes away Gladstone’s most important asset – and that is acceptance of industry.”

Mayor Sellers said she had written to the State Government and asked that “the community be advised of all results of all testing, irrespective of how bad or good the results are”.

Newspapers and websites have been flooded with angry responses to the Gladstone Harbour contamination. A comment posted by Nat Minniecon on couriermail.com.au  reflects the feeling amongst the local indigenous community. 

“For years the Gurang Gurang nation of people, the Traditional owners of the Gladstone
Bundaberg region, have warned the state and commenwealth government about what will
happen to the marine life within the Gladstone harbour and the surrounding sea country, if we continue with the major infrastructure development in the gladstone harbour.” 

“Long time local residents have also voiced their concerns for years. We were asssured by Government that every precaution would be taken to ensure our marine environment would be protected,” he wrote.

Fisheries Queensland has said the fishing ban is initially in place for 21 days, but can be lifted at any time upon scientific advice or test results. The ban currently applies in Gladstone Harbour between Deception Creek at the top end of The Narrows, down to Rodds Peninsula and to the outer edge of Facing Island.

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