Confusion reigns over coronavirus fishing bans

In a confusing day in Queensland yesterday, launching a boat to go fishing was first ruled as in breach of Stage 3 coronavirus lockdowns by Maritime Safety Queensland, but the ruling was later overruled by Queensland Water Minister Mark Bailey, who said there were no restrictions on boating for fishing.

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Queensland government websites, which went strong on the ban messages, have since taken down all notices and social media posts suggesting recreational boating and fishing were not approved activities.

In Victoria, police are challenging fishers who launch or retrieve their boats – when they can find a boat ramp that is not closed off to public access.

However, rather than issuing fines, Victorian boaters appear to be receiving a notice stating that launching a boat to go fishing “is not an essential activity or reason to travel”. It also warns they could be issued with a $1682 fine for spending time out on the water.

Meanwhile, the government-backed Victorian Fisheries Authority has said that land-based fishing is still on the table as long as those doing it practice social distancing, even though – just like boat-based fishers – they will still need to buy bait to fish with and fuel to get there.

“Social distancing measures are crucial to helping limit the spread of the virus and this also applies to fishing,” it said.

“Please do not congregate in groups on piers and jetties, and avoid transmission risks in regional towns.”

Outspoken Victorian Liberal Democrats Member for Northern Victoria Tim Quilty has come out in favour of fishers, saying the activity was not banned under coronavirus restrictions “despite what police may think”.

“If you are doing it to provide for food and obtain exercise, and obeying the other social distancing rules, then you are within the law, and the police have no business bothering you,” he said.

In NSW, Maritime NSW is calling on recreational boaters to think of others before heading out.

“NSW Maritime will continue to be out on the water but is appealing to recreational boaters to stay home during the coronavirus outbreak,” it said.

“We are asking for all boaters not to be reckless and to heed the government’s advice around social distancing for the safety of yourselves and our officers.

“It is important we all play our part in limiting the spread of this virus and act responsibly, and avoiding unnecessary boating activities is one way of doing just that.”

The Boating Industry Association of Australia has sided with caution, advising that it is best if boaters stayed off the water.

“The Boating Industry Association (BIA) recognises the challenge and the need to support the federal and state government directives and suggestions in slowing the rate of COVID-19 transmission," it said in a statement issued this week.

"State governments around the country are now issuing directions to stay at home unless absolutely necessary and a number of states have been explicit in stating that recreational boating is not an essential activity under the conditions of this pandemic.

"The advice is clear; if you do not have to go boating for a defined essential reason, don’t.

"Our understanding is that examples of essential reasons for boating are where a boat is used for transport for people who live in residences with boat access only, people who work on boats and people whose boat is currently their principle place of residence."

Meanwhile, social media continues to flood with images of fishers showing off their catch for all to see after defying the Stage 3 lockdown.

“I went out for my last session until we have the all-clear again, such a mixed bag getting pinkies and snook on the same hook-up with a cheeky mullet too,” one post that went up yesterday reads.

“Stay home, stay safe now.”