community – Page 20 – ANGFA Queensland

Anglers raise their concerns over fish numbers

community, fisheries, waterways/wetlands

Aug 022013

A SURVEY of recreational fishers in the Mackay region has revealed many hold serious concerns for fish numbers if the proposed Dudgeon Point Coal Terminal goes ahead.

Land allocated for Dudgeon Point: The two proposed terminals will provide export capacity up to 180 million tonnes per year, which is 50 million tonnes more than the current capacity at the Hay Point port. Source: Google Maps

Environment group Communities Protecting Our Region surveyed 264 recreational fishers during the months of May and June.

The survey found 83% thought dredging would have an impact on recreational fishing, 87% thought dredging would impact water quality and 81% thought increased coal ships would adversely affect the reef and fish.

While Dudgeon Point's environmental impact statement is yet to be released, dredging of 13-15 million cubic metres of sediment has been proposed for the project.

Mackay Recreational Fishing Alliance president Lance Murray said his main concern was the exclusion zone that would be established if Dudgeon Point went ahead. "It's a compounding situation where it forces more people into a funnel, fishing in closer proximity to one another," he said.

A spokesperson for North Queensland Bulk Ports, the proponent of the Dudgeon Point project, has shot holes through the report, saying the survey was based on people's perceptions, not fact.

The survey predicted once Dudgeon Point was operational, shipping numbers at Hay Point would increase to more than 4250 per annum.

NQBP Regional Relationship Practitioner Simon Eldridge said this was wrong. "The Port of Hay Point has handled up to 1100 ships in a year," he said.

"Under the expected moderate growth scenario for the Dudgeon Point project, shipping into Hay Point is expected to reach 1530 ships by 2020, but actual numbers will depend upon market demand.

"This is far less than the inflated number of 4250."

Residents warned of weekend back-burning

community, government

Aug 022013

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Original story by Alyse Edwards, ABC News

The Rural Fire Service says residents with respiratory problems in Captain Creek and Miriam Vale should keep their doors and windows shut, with hazard reduction burns this weekend.

Back-burning will be carried out along Fingerboard, Tablelands and Round Hill Road to reduce vegetation that has grown over the wet season.

Meanwhile, controlled burns will also be carried out on Fraser Island.

The Parks and Wildlife Service says residents can expect to see smoke around Eurong, Dilli Village and Lake Boomanjin.

Green groups call for stronger CO2 target

community, environment, government

Aug 022013

Original story by AAP at The Australian

TRIPLING the nation's short-term target for cutting CO2 emissions is a good start but environmentalists warn it won't do enough to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

The federal government's climate advisory group is reportedly recommending Australia reduce its emissions by 15 per cent of 2000 levels by 2020 - three times the current bipartisan target.

Kellie Caught, WWF National Manager – Climate Change. Photo © Fiora Sacco

The report from the Climate Change Authority, leaked to some news organisations on Friday, also reportedly recommends slashing emissions by 90 per cent by 2050.

The independent authority is undertaking its first review of Australia's emissions reduction targets, and is due to present its draft recommendations to the government in October.

The World Wide Fund for Nature said the current five per cent goal was "way out of sync" with the world's major economies, and lifting the target would show Australia was willing to do its fair share.

"Anything less than that would imply that Australia expects other countries to do more, which is unlikely to be well received within the UN climate negotiations," the WWF's Kellie Caught said in a statement.

Other groups were pushing even harder.

"We're still advocating that Australia should step up to a 40 per cent cut by 2020," the Australian Conservation Foundation's Tony Mohr told AAP on Friday.

Australian Greens leader Christine Milne said developed nations had a responsibility to cut emissions by between 25 and 40 per cent by 2020 and she was alarmed the authority was considering a lower target.

She urged the authority to be guided by science, not politics, when it makes its final recommendations.

Fraser Island Conferences only come around every two years

community, environment, threatened species, waterways/wetlands, wildlife

Aug 012013

Original story by John Sinclair, Fraser Coast Chronicle

Eli Creek, Fraser Island. Photo: Photnart, WikiMedia Commons

IF YOU'RE interested in Fraser Island then consider attending the coming Fraser Island conference on August 8 at the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens auditorium in Brisbane.

Conference organiser, John Sinclair from the Fraser Island Defenders Organisation said it will more than justify people's interest and participation as it brought together a rare mix of scientists and stakeholders to discuss the issues of Fraser Island.

He said the conference also aimed to advance the island's case for its wider use as a natural laboratory and to better see the island's values with a global perspective.

"The hot topic of Fraser Island dingoes will be addressed by University of Queensland's Dr Greg Baxter who will report on the results of a satellite-tracking program that followed 18 Fraser Island dingoes over eight months to see what could be learnt on dingo behavior," Mr Sinclair said.

Climate Change, Biodiversity and Fraser Island is the subject of an address by Professor Roger Kitching, a co-ordinating lead author engaged in production of the next report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

Writer, broadcaster and Australia's longest serving science minister Barry Jones will deliver the keynote address drawing on his experience with UNESCO and as vice-president of the World Heritage Committee.

Mr Sinclair said the contributions of Prof Kitching and Dr Jones should add more justification for Fraser Island to be treated as a natural laboratory for climate change and this was the theme of this year's conference that is supported by the Fraser Island Natural Integrity Alliance and the Fraser Island Scientific Advisory Committee.

A global spotlight will be shone on the Fraser Island patterned fens in November when 10 leading peat scientists from the International Mire Conservation Group will visit Fraser Island fens following up the research of Patrick Moss, who will be reporting on his discoveries to the conference.

Another researcher, Jock McKenzie from James Cook University will report on his studies of the mangroves of Great Sandy Strait he has undertaken as part of his doctoral studies

"It won't only be scientists talking because Fraser Island is acclaimed as much for its outstanding aesthetic qualities as it is for its natural beauty and aesthetic qualities that are going to be discussed by leading Australian artist, Liz Cumming," Mr Sinclair said.

Additionally there will be poster presentations covering topics from visitor responses to dingo management, ground orchids, monitoring sediment movement, managing weeds and the coordination of research effort.

The conference will be held at the Mt. Coot-tha Botanic Gardens Auditorium from 9am to 5pm on Thursday, August 8.

Registrations are now open at fraserislandconference2013.eventbrite.com.au.

Further details can be found at www.fido.org.au.

Newcastle Sport anglers oppose new fish bag limits

community, fisheries, government

Aug 012013

Sports anglers are concerned that proposed changes to catch limits could see them more fishers exposed to fines and is just revenue-raising. Photo: ABC News

Original story at ABC News

Newcastle sports anglers are up in arms about proposed changes to fishing rules that would see their catch limits reduced substantially.

The Department of Primary Industries says there is increasing community concern the current bag limits are excessive and is proposing to cut them by about half.

But vice president of the Newcastle Sport Fishing Club Tom Kendall says there is no reason for recreational anglers to cut their catch.

He says they rarely reach their bag limits.

"Then they've put out all these proposals to reduce the bag limits by 50 to 60 percent, why?," he said,

"There's no science, there's no rigorous science in there to say there's any problem with the stocks.

"There's no reduction in commercial catch, none of the species are under threat, otherwise there would be some reduction in commercial catch or some significant science coming out and saying look these species are under risk."

There is also concern that the proposed change to their catch limits could see them more fishers exposed to fines and is just revenue-raising.

Mr Kendall says recreational anglers do not have any impact on fish stocks and he does not see why they are being targeted.

He says reducing the limits would have other effects.

"I just wonder whether it's a sneaky way of revenue raising," he said.

"If you reduce the bag limits, there's more likelihood of anglers accidentally exceeding their bag limits and they're open to a fine."

Qld NRM Minister rules out more Channel Country irrigation

community, environment, government, waterways/wetlands, wildlife

Jul 312013

Original story by Melinda Howells and Francene Norton, ABC News: Qld Natural Resources Minister Andrew Cripps rules out more Channel Country irrigation

The Queensland Government says it will not release more water for irrigation, as it winds back Wild Rivers declarations in the state's Channel Country.

A new management framework for the Georgina and Diamantina Rivers and Cooper Creek will replace the Wild Rivers declarations.

Some graziers had raised concerns that new irrigation projects would cause environmental damage.

However, Queensland Natural Resources Minister Andrew Cripps says no new licences will be issued.

"We'll be not allowing any further water to be released for irrigation purposes from the Georgina, Diamantina rivers or from Cooper Creek," he said.

Queensland's channel country rivers. Georgina River, Diamantina River, Thomson River, Cooper's Creek, Barcoo River and Warburton Creek feeding Lake Eyre North and Lake Eyre South. Longreach, Charleville and Mount Isa. Image at The Wilderness Society.

"The existing licences that are in place will be allowed to continue their operations and we'll not be buying or removing any of those existing licences."

The State Government has also approved oil and gas developments near protected rivers in the area, but says they will be subject to strict environmental conditions.

Mr Cripps says open-cut mining will not be allowed in the region but oil and gas developments will be, but under strict conditions.

He says mining developments will face a tougher approvals process than in other parts of the state.

"We recognise the unique environmental values of those western rivers means that we need to ensure that the conditions under which these petroleum and gas projects proceed are very high," he said.

"We will be making sure that they are assessed on a site-by-site and project-by-project basis."

White-necked Heron and Intermediate Egrets fishing on Coopers Creek. Photo by Glenn Walker at The Wilderness Society

But environmental groups have slammed the announcement.

Pew Charitable Trust spokesman Rupert Quinlan says Mr Cripps has gone against community advice.

"Advice from that panel said there should be no weakening of protections against mining in Channel Country - he's ignored that," Mr Quinlan said.

"He's also ignored calls from AgForce that there should be a moratorium on all oil and gas activities in Channel Country.

"He's ignored his local MP Vaughan Johnson and lastly he's ignored Aboriginal leaders."

However, Queensland Resources Council chief executive officer Michael Roche says the Government's decision is an important opportunity for jobs and investment.

"The news coming out of the companies that are exploring that part of the country, mostly as I say happening on the South Australian side of the border, talk about billions of dollars of potential production that can be generated in that part of Queensland," he said.

Redmap Queensland

community, fisheries, waterways/wetlands, wildlife

Jul 252013

Octopus tetricus - Gloomy Octopus or Common Sydney Octopus. © Kevin Deacon, Australian Museum

It looks like the gloomy octopus may be moving its home further south; followed by crimson banded wrasse and rock cale. Redmap has developed a ‘report card’ to assess and report potential shifts in the ranges of fish and marine species along the Tasmanian coast. And all using the observations collected by divers and fishers in Tasmania (where Redmap started 3 years ago before it launched nationally). Check out which fish may be on the move in the Report Card.

The Redmap website invites you to share sightings of fish and marine critters that you think are ‘uncommon’ and do not usually live along your coastline. Over time, Redmap will use your ‘citizen science’ data and photos to sketch a picture of Australian fish and marine species that may be extending their distribution range – a.k.a shifting house - in response to changes in the marine environment, such as warming seas.

Redmap allows Australians to collect their own marine data, share stories and upload photos of ‘unusual’ sightings. Redmap is science created by the people for the people.

Anglers ignore no-fishing zone around wreck

community, fisheries, government

Jul 212013

Original story by Janine Hill, Sunshine Coast Daily

ROGUE anglers are blatantly ignoring the conservation zone around the wreck of the HMAS Brisbane, risking thousands of dollars in fines to catch fish in the protected area.

Commercial dive operators permitted to enter the HMAS Brisbane Conservation Park say they are constantly finding evidence of fishing on the wreck. Photo: Greg Riddell

Commercial dive operators permitted to enter the HMAS Brisbane Conservation Park say they are constantly finding evidence of fishing on the wreck.

In one instance, a man was spotted spear-fishing while scuba-diving around the artificial reef. Entry to the park is by permit only. General tourism operations, fishing, boating and other watercraft activities are not permitted at the site. Fines range up to $8800.

Mike McKinnon, of Scuba World at Mooloolaba, said that fresh evidence of fishing was visible on the wreck several times a week.

"WE'RE always finding hooks and lines on one of the transit lines that lead down to the ship that the divers follow, or we just find them on the wreck itself," he said.

"We see fish with hooks in their mouths."

A spokesman for Sunreef Scuba Diving Services said it was not unusual to find the skeletons of fish that had been filleted aboard boats above the wreck.

Both businesses have begun photographing intruding vessels and reporting them to authorities.

So far, only one person has been hit with a $330 fine in the past three months.

Both dive operators said Parks and Wildlife officers did their best, but had to cover a large area and could not be at the park around the clock.

Mr McKinnon said most of the people he approached claimed they had no idea they needed a permit.

But neither he nor Sunreef's spokesman believed them.

"There's a percentage where I would like to say it's ignorance, but it's marked on every chart as a conservation zone," Sunreef's spokesman said.

"It's been out there for eight years. Locals should know. If guys have got their own boat, they usually have their own charts and GPS.

"There's so many green zones you can barely fish anywhere without thinking about it.

"If they're not thinking about it, they should be."

Regional director for the Department of National Parks, Recreation, Sport and Racing, Peter Wright, said rangers continued to conduct patrols and monitor compliance in the park.

The HMAS Brisbane was scuttled on July 31, 2005 to form an artificial reef for the diving industry.

It lies in 28m of water, about 9km offshore from Mooloolaba.

Entry is prohibited without a permit or written approval.

Take the kids fishing

community, fisheries

Jul 212013

Original story by Lucy Martin, the Daily Mercury

HAVE a great day out with the kids.

Glenn Fahy admires the beauty of the Pioneer River ahead of the junior fishing competition. Photo: Tony Martin

Glenn Fahy has the perfect opportunity for the family to enjoy the great outdoors.

Mr Fahy from Mackay Recreational Fishing Alliance and Sunfish said the Pioneer River was one the best kept secrets when it comes to fishing.

"It's one of only three blue rivers in Australia," Mr Fahy said.

Sit by the Pioneer River and have some quality family time while the children take part in a junior fishing competition.

Children will have the chance to win prizes for the longest fish caught from the iconic Mackay river.

"We don't go by weight," Mr Fahy said.

And parents might learn a thing or two from the kids.

"Children can be fantastic anglers," Mr Fahy said.

The river can offer whiting, bream and flathead.

"Towards the mouth of the river you can get queenies, trevally and cod," Mr Fahy said.

While fishing with his grandson Ned, Mr Fahy once caught 22 flathead in one day.

"I kept four of them," he said.

Children can fish anywhere on the river during the competition - either on shore or off.

Once registered, kids will receive a wristband.

"We are trying out the bands this year because we found some people were double-dipping the prizes last year," Mr Fahy said.

About 156 kids took part in last year's competition and every child gets a prize of some sort.

"Last year they were coming back with buckets full of fish," he said.

As long as the fish are legal they will be measured for the competition.

Mr Fahy said taking a kid out to fish was a great family day out.

At the recent Sunfish "Take your kid fishing day", about 300 took part in fishing at Shoal Point.

The junior fishing competition will be held on August 4 and is open to children and teens aged between 5 and 15 years.

Mr Fahy said a big thanks had to go to Neil Elworthy of Tackle World Mackay for his contribution to the competition.

For more information on how to register contact Glenn Fahy on 4955 0665.

QPWS & DAFF fail to police illegal netting and fish dumping on Moreton, Sunfish

community, fisheries, government

Jul 192013

Original story by Brian Williams, The Courier-Mail

ILLEGAL netting and dumping of fish has been occurring on Moreton Island for more than five years and successive governments have done nothing about it, says recreational fishing group Sunfish.

Fish dumped at Yellow Patch on the northern tip of Moreton Island off Brisbane.

Spokeswoman Judy Lynne said she had contacted the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Queensland Fisheries more than 10 times over the past five years with no results.

Ms Lynne said the Government knew who was behind the issue because many people had reported them but no prosecutions had been launched because officials never bothered to police the area.

Island residents and recreational fishers have taken photographs of tonnes of fish dumped at a creek at Yellow Patch on the northern end of the island off Brisbane about a week ago.

"Everyone knows who it is. People phone up the Government about it but they do nothing,'' she said. "Until they start to police things, it will continue.''

A Fisheries Queensland spokeswoman said 11 complaints had been recorded about fishing activities on Moreton over the past three years.

"Moreton Island is regularly patrolled, however a person needs to be caught in the act of illegal fishing, or have strong evidence linking them to the act, in order for a fine or prosecution to be enforced,'' she said.

Ms Lynne said illegal fishing occurred in a yellow zone at Yellow Patch under the Moreton Bay Marine Park Zoning Plan.

"Fisheries used to have a flying squad to handle these sorts of things but it's been disbanded,'' she said. "This has got to be policed. We need action.''

Fisheries and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service officers were investigating the dumping of bycatch.

The Fisheries spokeswoman said the flying squad had not been disbanded, rather it was renamed the Surveillance and Investigation Unit and some limited fishing was allowed in yellow zones.

A recreational fisher said there was no policing on the island.

"It's disgraceful what's happening over there,'' he said. "People are trying to sell undersize fish, other stuff that's gone off is being dumped and people are just not following the rules. They are running rampant and the Government is allowing it.''

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