North Australian FISH FINDER TM forums

Hefty fines for undersized recreational catch in NQ

From Qld Fisheries today ...

Two recreational fishers found with a large catch of undersized fish and mud crabs in far North Queensland have been fined $19,000 in the Ayr Magistrates Court.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol field officer Trevor Thomson said valuable information from a member of the public led fisheries officers to identifying the offenders.

“QBFP officers searched a van during a patrol at Barrumundi Creek between Ayr and Townsville and found 56 undersize fish including 44 barred javelin, 11 pikey bream and one goldenline whiting, with 12 undersize mud crabs,” Mr Thomson said.

“Fisheries officers also discovered seven mangrove branches, which are a protected marine plant.”

Two recreational fishers were charged with nine offences under the Fisheries Act including possessing undersized fish and unmarked fishing apparatus, unlawfully damaging marine plants and obstruction of a fisheries inspector.

An Ayr Magistrate fined one of the fishers $10,000 and gave the second man a $9,000 fine, with no convictions recorded.

Mr Thomson said the penalties should serve as a reminder to fishers to adhere to Queensland’s fish size and possession limits which are in place to protect fish stocks for future generations.

“This successful court prosecution also demonstrates how Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol can achieve great results with the community’s assistance,” he said.
ed.”

Matt Flynn wrote:“Fisheries officers also discovered seven mangrove branches, which are a protected marine plant.”

I know that you are not allowed to clear mangroves, but really? Snapping off a branch is illegal?

Fark, I always used to cover crabs in with mangrove leaves and branches kinda remember reading about it as a tip for keeping muddies alive, times change I guess.... sounds like they wanted to throw the book at them