QUEENSLAND’S net free zones are providing positive recreational fishing experiences in Cairns, Mackay and Rockhampton, a report released today has confirmed.
Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Bill Byrne, said recreational fishers overall reported increased satisfaction with their fishing experiences in the net free zones since their introduction in November 2015.
“In the Mackay net free zone we’ve seen a significant increase in recreational fisher satisfaction when compared to the previous year.
“In the Cairns and Rockhampton net free zones, recreational fishers are continuing to enjoy fishing in these areas, consistent with last year.”
The report, ‘Recreational fishers’ satisfaction and expectations of Queensland’s net free zones’, showed that people who fished recreationally more than two days per month showed the greatest increase in satisfaction.
Minister Byrne said these results were promising.
“The net free fishing zones were introduced to increase recreational fishing opportunities in regional Queensland and support tourism and economic growth, so it’s great to see these early positive results,” Minister Byrne said.
To download the reports or learn more about the net free fishing zones visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.
