25,000 Queensland fisheries inspections reveal the truth

Despite all the reports of illegal fishing activity, the statistics are in for the 2016 year of fishing in Queensland and they point to a very impressive 94 per cent compliance across the State.

Fisheries Minister Bill Byrne has praised Queensland’s law-abiding recreational and commercial fishers for the efforts they take to comply with the regulations that protect stocks from over exploitation.

"That high level of compliance shows that the vast majority of our fishers are doing the right thing.

"It is the second successive year that our patrols have recorded a compliance rate of 94%," said Mr Byrne.

MORE THAN 25000 INSPECTIONS
In 2016, Queensland Boating and Fisheries (QBFP) carried out 25,092 inspections across the state. They detected a total of 2447 offences.

There were 1337 Caution Notices and 986 Fisheries Infringement Notices issued with fines totalling $502,230, and 50 court prosecutions resulted in fines of $226,609.

The most common fisheries-related offence in Queensland in 2016 was recreational fishers breaching size and possession limits for regulated fish species.

"The patrols enforce compliance with Queensland’s fishing and boating safety laws through surveillance, inspections and education," the Minister added.

QUEENSLAND FISHERIES PATROLS
Regular patrols are conducted across Queensland, including joint enforcement operations with partner agencies including Queensland Police, Maritime Safety Queensland and other organisations.

Compliance activities focus on the highest priority risks and targeted operations are conducted in response to community concerns and specific intelligence information.

"We rely on members of the public to be our eyes and ears and to report suspicious activity that could be damaging fish stocks," Minister Byrne explains.

QBFP relies on ongoing community support to provide relevant and timely information relating to potential offences against our valuable fisheries resources.

REPORTING ILLEGAL FISHING IN QLD
If you suspect illegal fishing activity in Queensland you should report it by calling the 24 hour toll-free Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116

You should also provide as much detail as possible including:
>> The date, time and area where the illegal fishing activity occurred
>> Any vehicle registration numbers and a description of any vehicles involved
>> Any boat registration numbers and a description of any vessels involve
>> If they know the person or persons involved, give their details as well
>> Give an accurate description of the activity involved, e.g. setting large numbers of crab pots, netting the local creek on low tides.

TOP 10 QLD FISHING OFFENCES
The most common fishing offences in 2016 were:
1. Recreational fisher take or possess up to 3 fish regulated by size or up to 3 fish more than the regulated number: 605 offences
2. Contravene a regulated fishing apparatus declaration by a recreational fisher: 423 offences
3. Recreational fisher take or possess regulated fish: 316 offences
4. Recreational fisher contravene a regulated waters declaration: 122 offences
5. A person required to have a document available for immediate inspection must produce it immediately: 116 offences
6. Take or possess or sell fish regulated by size: 34 offences
7. Fail to comply with regulated fishing apparatus or regulated fishing declaration: 22 offences
8. Contravened a condition of an authority (licence): 12 offences
9. Take or possess or sell fish regulated by number: 12 offences
10. Interfere with an aquaculture activity or apparatus: 11 offences

SIX TOP QLD FISHING TIPS
Follow these six top tips for responsible fishing in Queensland...
1. Check your limits: For a complete list of size and possession limits, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or download the Qld Fishing app.
2. Measuring devices: Use a sturdy ruler with an end stop to measure the length of your fish or a crab gauge to measure your crabs.
3. Identify your catch: Always carry a fish identification guide or download the Qld Fishing app. Remember, fish that look similar may in fact be different species with different size and possession limits. If you can’t ID it, free it.
4. Gently does it: When a fish is hooked, avoid playing it on the line for too long. The stressed fish will become exhausted quickly and have less chance of survival if required to be released.
5. Check your gear: A number of restrictions apply to fishing gear in Queensland. Check the rules online at
www.fisheries.qld.gov.au.
6. If it’s not yours, don’t touch it: Interfering with crab apparatus you didn’t set is illegal. If you’re concerned apparatus has been abandoned, report it to Fishwatch on 1800 017 116.

For more information on Queensland’s fishing rules and regulations call 13 25 23 or download the free ‘Qld Fishing’ app from Apple and Google app stores. More at
www.fisheries.qld.gov.au.