Determined efforts to enforce Queensland fisheries laws have helped to protect fish stocks and the thousands of good jobs that rely on them.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said new figures for 2022 show the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol issued almost 500 Penalty Infringement Notices incurring fines of more than $270,000 in total.
There were 17 court prosecutions finalised resulting in a further $68,700 in financial penalties.
QBFP officers also issued 754 official cautions over the course of 2022 as part of an education process to help fishers comply with the laws.
“Queensland’s fisheries regulations are in place to ensure fish stocks are sustainable, because we want our children and grandchildren to enjoy fishing as much as we do,” Mr Furner said.
“And there are thousands of good jobs supported by recreational fishing, from bait and tackle shops to boating and tourism businesses such as charter services and accommodation.
“The vast majority of fishers make it their business to know the rules and to follow them, and my heartfelt thanks go out to those who do the right thing.
“With a compliance rate of almost 90 per cent, it is only a small percentage of fishers who are breaking the rules and threatening the livelihoods of those businesses that benefit from recreational fishing.”
Mr Furner also thanked the officers of the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol.
“The work our officers do can be dangerous and often takes place in tough conditions,” Mr Furner said.
“I met a new group of graduating officers just before Christmas and their passion and commitment to protecting fishing for Queenslanders was great to see.
“Remember, when you see our QBFP officers on the water they are protecting fish stocks so you and your families can continue to enjoy fishing.”
Central Queensland saw the highest number of infringement notices issued with 183, with 297 cautions also issued.
In the North Coast region 115 fines were issued and 152 cautions given.
On the South Coast there were 71 infringement notices and 109 cautions.
There were 69 infringements and 103 cautions issued in North Queensland and 47 infringements and 93 cautions in Far North Queensland.
Report any suspected illegal fishing activity to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116.
