SUNFISH Queensland and the Redcliffe City Amateur Anglers are calling on rec fishers to sign a petition to end beach netting at Moreton Island in the state’s south-east.
The groups say they are pushing for the netting ban following increased commercial effort that has resulted in reports of illegal netting in marine park zones and large amounts of fish dumping.
Residents living on Moreton Island and regular visitors are reportedly not willing to supply information of illegal fishing activity due to threats of physical violence to property and family.
Local businesses are also reported to be suffering from a severe downturn in business as a result of recreational fishing tourists not visiting the island as local fish stocks are being depleted by the commercial effort.
To sign the e-petition to stop the beach netting at Moreton Island go to:
http://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/e-petitions
