News release from DAFF (the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)
Fishers are reminded to keep a look out for illegal fishing activities and report them immediately to authorities.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district officer Peter Dixon said officers had received a number of reports recently for suspected illegal fishing activities, but were limited in their ability to investigate as the activity had occurred many months prior.
“Public information on suspected illegal fishing is essential for us to ensure compliance with fishing rules and, in turn, maintain the sustainability of our fisheries,” Mr Dixon said.
“We need detailed and timely information to track illegal fishing activities.
“If sufficient detail is provided, an investigation may be undertaken. Less detailed information is retained for intelligence purposes.
“People who suspect illegal fishing activities shouldn’t engage with the illegal fisher as this could compromise an investigation and their personal safety. They should simply:
- record the date, time and area of where the activity is occurring
- record any vehicle registration numbers and their descriptions
- record any boat registration numbers and their descriptions
- give the details of the person or people involved if they are known
- give an accurate description of the activity involved
- ring their local QBFP office or the Fishwatch hotline to pass on this information.
“Photos or video of the activity occurring can greatly assist investigations, but should only be taken when it is safe to do so.
“We also need people to report suspect activities to us as soon as possible, as it can become difficult for us to investigate after a period of time has passed.”
Mr Dixon said all information is valuable, and members of the public were encouraged to report any suspected illegal fishing activity to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116, their local QBFP office or via the Fishwatch form at www.facebook.com/FisheriesQueensland.
“Information received via the Facebook form is processed during normal business hours. For immediate attention you should phone the hotline.
“Fishwatch is a 24-hour free hotline designed for people to report illegal fishing activities.
“Callers can remain anonymous, however if they leave contact details it allows us to make follow-up enquiries should we require further information and provide feedback on the outcome of the investigation.
“By working together, we can protect our valuable fish stocks for current and future generations.”
For more information on fishing rules in Queensland, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.
Follow Fisheries Queensland on Facebook and Twitter (@FisheriesQld).
Media contact: Jodana Anglesey, 3087 8601
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