Media report states that local fishermen are not happy with the development of the government policy. They questioned the research went into implementing the snapper ban and the changes in permit legislation. Sunfish North Moreton chairman Bill Turner said the research was not current or completed and it contradicted anecdotal evidence. Turner also questioned how many people from the fishing community were involved in Fisheries Queensland’s survey process.
According to Turner what was supposed to be a community consultation had turned out to be more about Fisheries Queensland justifying their research. He added that there were no true consultations. Fisheries Queensland says snapper are at less than 35 percent of pre-fishing levels and the ban will protect the species until new rules come in next year.
Recreational fisherman Jeff Archer agreed the research was unconvincing. He said it seemed the meeting was held just to comply with legislation. New rules for next year may include a $90 permit fee to fish for snapper, which Archer branded a cash grab.Meanwhile, Division Six councillor Rae Frawley has urged people to support the local seafood industry, as many were still doing it tough after the floods.
