As we reported recently, a review of the Gulf of Carpentaria Fisheries Management Plan is now underway. As part of that review is a controversial proposal for commercial netters to be granted a large increase in allowable longtail tuna by-catch – Read story here.
As it stands the proposal will allow commercialfishers to retain 500kg of longtail (northern bluefin) tuna per trip – the current limit is 10 fish. As the longtail tuna is recognised asone of our only national “recreational only” species, this proposal has understandably upset rec fishing groups and charter operators in North Queensland.
As part of the review Fisheries Queensland has issued a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) relating to the management of the Gulf’s fishery, which can be downloaded here. To respond to the Gulf of Carpentaria Fisheries Management Plan individuals need to answer a series of questions outlined in an official response form – download here.
To help concerned fishos complete the response form, former Recfish CEO and now fisheries consultant Len Olyott has interviewed independent fisheries scientists and charter operators in the area to prepare suggested responses to the RIS questions.
Download suggested responses here.
Responses need to be faxed, mailed or emailed before Monday 1 November.
