Boat-ramp fishing surveys reveal the top Queensland catch

Fisheries Queensland is continuing to monitor Queensland’s boat-based recreational fishing to collect details on the species, number, and size of fish caught throughout the state, including in the net-free zones.

From November 2015 to October 2016, more than 8000 boat crews were interviewed at boat ramps throughout Queensland and more than 4500 fish were measured from 34 species.  

Pikey bream, barred javelin, sand whiting, common coral trout and yellowfin bream were the most commonly measured species throughout Queensland.  

A variety of species proved popular among recreational fishers at boat ramps providing access to the net free zones, with barred javelin the most commonly kept species in Cairns, pikey bream in Mackay, and school mackerel in Rockhampton.

The Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries in Queensland, Bill Byrne, said the boat-ramp monitoring program, together with the recreational fisher surveys, help build a more complete picture of recreational fishing in Queensland and the effects of the net-free zones.  

"Monitoring is necessary to ensure our fisheries are managed responsibly and sustainably for the benefit of all Queenslanders," he said.  

"We know it takes a number of years to see the results of fisheries management changes and the introduction of the net-free zones is no different.  

Nathan Johnston, President of the Queensland branch of the Australian National Sportfishing Association, said it’s great to see robust science and monitoring of recreational fishing to reinforce any long-term changes attributed to net-free zones and wider afield across 45 boat ramps in Queensland. 

"Personally, I have participated in the boat ramp surveys twice this year. I strongly encourage anglers not to be shy and to brag about their catches when approached by Fisheries Queensland staff conducting boat-ramp surveys, as this information is critical to informing sound management decisions," Johnston said.  

More at Queensland Fisheries.