Feb2015_FISHING – Are you keeping up with the changes
New freshwater fishing rules come into effect from 1 February
A number of changes to Queensland’s freshwater fishing rules will come into effect from 1 February 2015.
Fisheries Queensland manager Tony Ham said the changes will ensure the sustainability of our fisheries for future generations.
“Queensland’s fishing rules are constantly being evaluated and amended as appropriate to ensure the best management of our fisheries,” Mr Ham said.
“From February 1, a number of changes to Queensland’s freshwater fishing rules will come into effect.
“These changes will see new closed waters areas added adjacent to waterway barriers on the North Pine River at North Pine Dam, Sideling Creek at Lake Kurwongbah, Teviot Brook at Wyaralong Dam and Yabba Creek at Borumba Dam to provide these areas with the same protection provided at other dams.
“Greater protection will be provided to a number of freshwater fish species including Mary River cod, Murray cod, silver perch, Edgbaston hardyhead and cling gobies, freshwater mullet, gulf grunter, lake grunter and eel-tailed catfish will ensure the sustainability of these species.
“The use of marine baits will be restricted in all freshwater systems, and new rules relating to the use of set lines, funnel traps, round traps and the marking of freshwater traps will come into effect.”
Mr Ham said all fishers – local, interstate or from overseas – have a responsibility to ensure they know the rules and are fishing within the law.
Abandoned traps kill and injure wildlife
On a recent sweep of Maroon Dam, Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) officers took possession of 26 traps prompting calls for fishers to be more responsible with their gear.
QBFP district officer Coby Walker said abandoned traps were a growing environmental issue, with numbers being recovered on the rise.
“Some of the traps found had been reported stolen and were returned to their rightful owners,” Mr Walker said.
“Most of the equipment, however, was quite obviously abandoned or lost but was still catching fish, shrimp and redclaw.
“Ghost fishing is the term used for lost or abandoned fishing gear that continues to catch fish and other wildlife and it’s a major environmental problem.
“Fishers need to make sure they remove their gear from the water when they’ve finished fishing so it doesn’t unnecessarily entrap, kill or injure wildlife.”
Mr Walker said it was also important fishers correctly mark their traps so that lost gear can be returned if found.
“Many of the traps collected were unmarked so can’t be returned to their owners,” he said.
“Anyone who uses a trap for freshwater fishing must have a tag on the trap showing the owner’s surname and address.
“From 1 February, all freshwater traps will also be required to be marked with a solid light-coloured float that is at least 15 cm in any dimension.
“Previously this rule only applied to traps that weren’t fixed to something stationary.
“The new rules will also come into effect relating to funnel traps and round traps, the use of set lines and marine baits, and size and possession limits for a number of fish species.”
Is your mud crab full of meat?
Opening up a crab to find it empty of meat is disappointing, not to mention a waste of a good crab.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district manager Rob McDonald said there were methods people could use to assess whether their prized crab was full or empty.
“Generally, crabs that are low on meat have recently moulted their shell and have not had a chance to fill their body cavity with flesh,” Mr McDonald said.
“Recently moulted crabs will often contain mostly liquid or a jelly mass with little edible flesh.
“Whether you’re an avid crabber, or you buy them at the local market, you can ensure every crab you catch or buy is full by following a few simple tips.
“Firstly, take a look at the shell condition. A crab that has recently moulted will have a very clean, shiny and intact shell. Sometimes the shell will appear translucent.
“Full mud crabs often have algae or barnacles on the shell. Their shells are also likely to exhibit some general signs of wear and tear, such as worn inner ‘teeth’ on the claws.
“You should also look for the darker coloured maltese cross on the underside of the crab.”
Mr McDonald said there were also areas on the crab shell that could be pressed in order to get an indication of fullness.
“You can apply pressure with your thumb and finger either side of the carapace or by turning the crab over and pressing firmly on the abdomen plates adjacent to the third leg. If the shell flexes at all, the crab is not full.
“For crabs where the shell appears new, be careful not to press too hard as your thumbs will penetrate the shell.
“Crabbers should ensure the crab is firmly tied or restrained before attempting to test the shell.”
Mr McDonald urged crabbers to return empty mud crabs to the water as soon as possible.
“Mud crabs grow very rapidly after moulting their shells,” he said.
“When empty mud crabs are returned to the water they become full of meat and are a better quality catch within a few weeks.
“Returning empty mud crabs to the water is important for the sustainability of the fishery.”
For more information on the fishing gear requirements, crabbing rules and changes to Queensland’s freshwater fishing rules, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au , call 13 25 23 or download the free ‘Qld Fishing’ app from Apple and Google app stores.
Follow Fisheries Queensland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@FisheriesQld).
