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Qld Govt release - Second annual coral reef fin fish closed season

Coral reef fin fish will be off limits from this Saturday 26 November; the second of two annual closures that protect these fish during spawning season.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district officer Tony Loader said the
closure would start immediately after midnight at the beginning of 26 November and end immediately before midnight at the end of 30 November.

“The coral reef fin fish closure dates are based on moon phases, which is when coral trout and many other reef species aggregate to spawn,” Mr Loader said.

“October and November have found to be the most effective months for closures to protect coral reef fin fish.

“The closure only applies to coral reef fin fish, so people will still be able to enjoy fishing for a wide range of other fish during the closure.

“The closure period is vital to allowing stocks to replenish to ensure there are healthy fish stocks for current and future generations of Queensland fishers.”

The closure dates change slightly each year depending on the new moon phases.

Mr Loader said fishers caught doing the wrong thing during the coral reef fin fish closure risk on-the-spot fines of $487 for recreational fishers and $975 for commercial fishers and a maximum penalty in excess of $121,000.

“The Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol will be conducting regular patrols during the closures and will be reminding fishers of the closures,” he said.

“The closures are in place from the northern tip of Cape York to Bundaberg in the south (the southern boundary is at latitude 24º50'S).

“The eastern boundary of the closure is similar to the eastern boundary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.”