North Australian FISH FINDER TM forums

Queensland Government

Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation

Media Release

14 April 2011

Unattended net threatens protected species


Two north Queensland men have been ordered to pay more than $4000 in fines and court costs this week for failing to be in attendance of their commercial fishing net after the case was heard in the Cairns Magistrates Court.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district manager, Bob Russell said unattended set mesh nets can be a threat to marine life such as dugongs and turtles.

“In late 2009 officers received information concerning a set mesh net located offshore Taylor Point situated at the northern end of Trinity Beach,” Mr Russell said.

“Officers conducted a search of the surrounding area around Taylor Point and found that there were no vessels present in any direction within 800 metres of the net.

“It is a requirement of a commercial fishing licence to be with a set mesh net at all times.

“This is to ensure that any bycatch such as turtles and dugongs can be immediately removed from the net and have the best chance of survival.

“Unattended set mesh nets can also be a hazard for other boaties in the area which is why they should be monitored.”

Mr Russell said the first defendant was convicted and fined for being more than 800m from his net as required under the Fisheries Act 1994 and Fisheries Regulation 2008

“He was ordered to pay court costs of $1523.45 and a conviction was recorded,” he said.

“The second defendant, the authority holder, was fined $300 for failing to ensure that the first defendant, complied with licence requirements.

“A conviction was not recorded, but he was ordered to pay another $1523.45 in court costs.

“The net, valued at approximately $7,000 was also forfeited to the state.”

For more information on Queensland’s commercial fishing rules and regulations visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or phone 13 25 23.

ENDS

Not harsh enough, should have been made example of...

At least he got pinched but why give out the old 556a – no conviction recorded?
That means that he is still a cleanskin and next time he will only be treated as a 1st time offender