Determined efforts to enforce Queensland fisheries rules have helped to maintain fish populations and the thousands of jobs that rely on them, the Queensland Government said.
Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner stated that the new numbers for 2022 show the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) issued nearly 500 Penalty Infringement Notices, totalling more than $270,000 in fines.
There were 17 court prosecutions finalised, resulting in a further $68,700 in financial penalties.
In addition, 754 official cautions were issued by QBFP officials throughout 2022 as part of an education process to help fishermen comply with the regulations.
Minister Furner said Queensland’s fisheries regulations are in place to guarantee fish populations are sustainable.
“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,” Minister Furner stated.
With a compliance rate of nearly 90%, Minister Furner added that only a small percentage of fishermen are breaching the laws and jeopardising the livelihoods of enterprises that rely on recreational fishing.
Minister Furner also thanked the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol personnel for their work.
Central Queensland had the most violation notices issued, with 183 and 297 cautions. In the North Coast region, 115 fines and 152 cautions were issued. North Queensland received 69 infringements and 103 cautions, while Far North Queensland received 47 infringements and 93 cautions.
