A STATEWIDE survey in Queensland has revealed that 639,000 of the state’s residents enjoy recreational fishing, crabbing or prawning.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh said the survey showed fishing remained an enormously popular recreational activity in Queensland.
“The number of rec fishers represents 15 per cent of all Queenslanders aged five or older, far higher than other popular outdoor sports such as cycling, swimming and golf,” said Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister John McVeigh.
“It’s a great result for the fishing sector given the wide range of pastime choices people now have.”
The two-part survey started in August 2013 with more than 15,000 randomly selected Queensland households called to ask whether they had fished recreationally in the previous 12 months.
Mr McVeigh said more than 90 per cent of rec fishers surveyed volunteered to take part in a further 12-month telephone diary survey which collects information on the individual’s fishing trips including such things as fishing location and number of fish caught.
“This high cooperation rate is very positive and shows the willingness of rec fishers to get involved in monitoring programs,” Mr McVeigh said.
“The full spectrum of recreational fishers will be represented, from those who go fishing come rain or shine, to those who only wet a line once or twice a year.
“This information is important because it will be combined with commercial, charter and scientific research data to help ensure our fisheries are well managed.
“The results will benefit stock and sustainability assessments and the recreational fishing sector.”
The full results of the survey will be released in the first half of 2015.
To find out more about the statewide recreational fishing survey visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.
