Following is the submission we are making to the new fisheries legislation as prepared by Paul Cahill. Please leave any comments you may have.
Dear Sir/ Madam,
Thank you for the opportunity to submit input to the fisheries review legislation. These are the matters regarding fisheries management Queensland Oyster Growers Association would like to comment on for your consideration.
With fish stocks decreasing there is an increase in the number of net fishermen setting nets around tray and long lines, then running over the top of these tray and long lines using the boats propeller or hand held chain thrashed over the side to scare fish into a set net.
Scientific research has recognised oysters as having a major role in the ecology of estuarine eco systems as “water filterers“ also in the “reef affect “ as a nursery attracting smaller fish, crabs small and large and egg laying species as well as attracting the bigger species targeted by net and recreational fishermen.
Shellfish reef restoration has been recognised as a major contribution to improving fish habitats refer to attached PDF and attachments. Chesapeake Bay, Haurak Gulf and Port Phillip Bay are currently being re- established with shellfish reef restoration after 10 -100 increase in biomass of fish and large invertebrates have been measured on restored shellfish reefs.
There is an ongoing issue with theft and also with damage to oyster farming infrastructure in the four oyster farming areas, of Moreton Island, Stradbroke Island the Pimpama area and Bribie Passage. This is in spite of previous efforts to deter offenders by making it known that it is a serious offence with heavy fines for “interference with aquaculture activities” current legislation is ineffective.
A major problem faced by growers is that oyster areas cannot be physically monitored continuously without major effort and expenditure by the grower and/or enforcement agencies.
As the regulations stand now anyone can enter on to an oyster area at any time day or night and this is the source of the problems.
Tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of oysters and equipment are exposed for around 2 hours either side of an average low tide, day and night. Baskets containing oysters are often stolen when this occurs.
The vulnerability to theft at low tide and damage to long lines and baskets when the tide is covering them by both amateur and professional fishermen is a major concern to growers and is an obstacle to confidence in oyster farming generally and affecting its viability and growth. Growers are reluctant to report theft or damage as convictions have been very rare because offenders are seldom able to be caught “in the act “of offending. It is seen by growers as a waste of time and effort to report offences to authorities.
There are also serious work place health and safety issues
<!–[if !supportLists]–>- <!–[endif]–> Net fishermen injuring themselves whilst going at speed over the top and around tray lines and basket lines.
<!–[if !supportLists]–>- <!–[endif]–>People taking oysters and on selling or consuming when there is “a closure “in place.
<!–[if !supportLists]–>- <!–[endif]–>Crab pots sunk in between tray or long lines or in access areas on an oyster farm.
<!–[if !supportLists]–>- <!–[endif]–>Lures, hooks, gang hooks and fishing line and nets caught in baskets and trays and long lines.
After much deliberation QOGA believes banning fishing that is, a “No Fishing Zone “on oyster areas may go some way towards easing the problem of theft and damage to infrastructure as well as protecting fish habitat and would like to enter into discussions with the relevant authority’s to instigate moves towards resolving this problem.
Water quality is affected by pollution in the catchment areas of creeks and rivers that run into Moreton Bay. Although this may be beyond the scope of the review it should be recognised that the continuation of water quality and meat samples of oysters taken by oyster farmers gives a strong indication of the health of the water in the Bay and further reinforces the importance of oyster farming in this area.
Also worth a look is the video http://www.chesapeakebay.net/indicators/indicator/restoring_oyster_reefs
Please confirm once email has been received.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Cahill Q.O.G.A. (Queensland Oyster Growers Association)
Queensland Oysters 