Primary Industries and Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin in State Parliament urged fishers to express their opinions on the proposals for the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery. Mulherin said that the public meeting will continue through out the state for another four weeks. He says, “I strongly encourage stakeholders to continue to submit their feedback at the meetings and through the response form.”
Mulherin said that stakeholders need to keep in mind that the goal is to develop rules which are fair and equitable to those using this resource, as well as ensuring the fishery is protected and sustainable for future generations to enjoy. It is informed that the proposals have been developed in close collaboration with the Fin Fish Management Advisory Committee and its working groups, which include recreational and commercial fishers, scientists, conservationists and other stakeholders.
According to Mulherin new rules bring changes to size and bag limits for some species, new management arrangements to protect shark, new closures, and changes to netting arrangements in Dugong Protection Areas are all being proposed to ensure this fishery remains sustainable and profitable. But commercial and recreational fishermen opposed some of the changes mentioned in the new rules. The final decision on the new rules is yet to be made.
