Gulf barramundi season

[Matt Flynn]

Qld Govt Press Release

Barra off limits: Gulf of Carpentaria

Fishers are being reminded that barramundi will be off limits in the Gulf of Carpentaria from midday October 7, 2016 until midday February 1, 2017.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) acting district manager Tony Loader said the closure was in place to protect barramundi stock during their vulnerable spawning season.

"Barramundi typically aggregate in one area to spawn, making them more vulnerable to predators and fishing pressure,” he said.

“Closed seasons allow stocks to replenish to ensure there are healthy fish stores for current and future generations of Queenslanders.

"It's important that barramundi are not targeted for catch and release during a closed season as the stress of capture may actually prevent the fish from spawning.”

A barramundi closure will also apply in Queensland’s east coast waters from midday November 1, 2016 to midday February 1, 2017.

Mr Loader said QBFP officers would be out patrolling Queensland waters over the spawning season.

"Officers conduct regular patrols during closed seasons and those found doing the wrong thing are risking an on-the-spot fine of $487 and a maximum penalty of $121,900.

“QBFP rely on the support of the public to help protect our fishing resources for future generations.

"People who suspect illegal fishing are urged to do the right thing and report it to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116.”

The closure does not apply in East Leichardt Dam and Belmore, Corella, Julius, Fred Tritton and Moondarra lakes, and to waterways upstream of these impoundments.

[disco]

I've always wondered how people target threadies at the same time as not-targetting barra

[ronje]

Its all in the intention.

If you intentionally attempt to catch a barra then its an offence.

If you don't intentionally attempt to catch a barra then its not an offence.

In addition if you unintentionally catch a barra then the Fisheries Act does not apply at all as long as you release it unharmed but you can use a landing net or gaff to lift it gently into the boat. The gaff has to be blunt so that it doesn't harm the fish too much.

But wait! There's more!

If you have in your possession a barra that was caught unintentionally or intentionally then that's an offence even though the capture or the attempt to catch was unintentional.

Got that Disco? Clear as mud?

And the Fisheries Dept in Qld still can't understand why people laugh when these rules are trotted out every year.

[dannett]

How do you intentionally catch mangrove jacks, threadies, bream and flathead without targeting barra?

[pagey]

My guess would be when your unintentionally fishing for barra!

[Matt Flynn]

The Queensland barramundi fishing laws are ridiculous.

The states have very different fisheries rules. There should be one governing body dealing with the whole of Australia, they could implement uniform rules with local tweaks where needed.

[disco]

Having lived for 3 years in North Queesnland and 4 Years in Darwin I can attest to the old saying:

North Queensland: Where fishing is tolerated, but not encouraged

[ronje]

The Queensland barramundi fishing laws are ridiculous.

The states have very different fisheries rules. There should be one governing body dealing with the whole of Australia, they could implement uniform rules with local tweaks where needed.

" with local tweaks where needed" is regional management.

Bit like a voluntary code of practice.

Test it for a while with Fisheries looking on ready to apply the "real rules" if necessary. If COP works then legislate it. Regions will probably have differing rules.

How does one regulate/enforce differing local rules?

With a local law officer of course. The regional council.

Do away with the one-size-fits-all approach of a Govt Dept.

Councils have differing building standards, development standards, dog laws etc. That all seems to work OK between different Councils.

Why not fishing? Maybe some core rules to be incorporated in every Councils framework but the rest are locally drawn up and locally policed.

Save a lot in Govt Dept overheads, resourcing etc.