New laws to protect dugongs off Facing Island

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New laws to protect dugongs off Facing Island

Tuesday, 14 July 2009 17:20

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New laws for commercial net fishermen will now afford greater protection for the local dugong population around Facing Island off the coast of Gladstone. Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the rules came in on 1 July 2009 and followed extensive community consultation.

"Concerns were raised by the community about net fishing, as the nets can inadvertently trap unwanted fish and animals by mistake. Over the past few years several dead dugong have washed up on the beaches of Facing Island and we want to avoid the unnatural deaths of all dugongs.

"The new rules require fishers to be within 200 metres of the net at all times. In the past fishers have set their nets during the day and gone home, leaving the nets set overnight. Unfortunately this means they are not able to release trapped animals before they drown.

"Fishers who abandon their nets could receive a $1000 on the spot fine or risk having their nets seized," he said.

"The other option is court prosecution with a maximum penalty of $10,000.

Should anyone see a net in the water unattended, they can report it to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116.

(From bymnews.com, Facing Island, Queensland)