CORAL reef fin fish will be off limits from this Saturday 26th November; the second of two annual closures that protect these fish during spawning season.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district officer Tony Loader said the closure would start immediately after midnight at the beginning of 26th November and end immediately before midnight at the end of 30th November.
“The coral reef fin fish closure dates are based on moon phases, which is when coral trout and many other reef species aggregate to spawn,” Loader said.
“October and November have been found to be the most effective months for closures to protect coral reef fin fish.
“The closure only applies to coral reef fin fish, so people will still be able to enjoy fishing for a wide range of other fish during the closure.
“The closure period is vital to allowing stocks to replenish to ensure there are healthy fish stocks for current and future generations of Queensland fishers.”
Fishers caught doing the wrong thing during the coral reef fin fish closure risk on-the-spot fines of $487 for recreational fishers and $975 for commercial fishers and a maximum penalty in excess of $121,000.
The closure dates change slightly each year depending on the new moon phases.
The closure dates through to 2018 are available on the Queensland Fisheries website or in the Queensland Recreational Boating and Fishing Guide which is a free publication for fishers available at QBFP branches statewide or by calling 13 25 23.
A reef fish web guide is available on the Queensland Fisheries website to help fishers identify fish listed as coral reef fin fish.
