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Three New Net Free Areas kick a goal for recreational fishing and tourism

10/14/2015

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MEDIA RELEASE 14/10/15

 
Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance has welcomed parliaments decision last night to implement  three commercial gill net- free zones in Queensland  namely Trinity Bay,  Cairns, St. Helens to Cape Hillsborough, Mackay and The Fitzroy River Rockhampton and part of  Keppel Bay.
 
  Spokesperson for the group Lance Murray said a dedicated Group of community minded volunteers have been working on the St. Helens- Cape Hillsborough net free zone for well over sixteen years, this is our gift to the next generation of fishers.  While the trawl and reef line fisheries had been significantly reformed, the inshore fish and crab fisheries had been consistently and inexplicably overlooked by successive governments and Fisheries Departments for decades. 
 
“The result of this long overdue initiative will see fish stocks start to rebuild in these areas and recreational fishers in the future, able to enjoy a day’s fishing with the family with a very good chance of catching enough fish for a decent feed,”” Lance Murray said.  This Net Free Zone is also a win for our iconic marine animals, dugongs, turtles and dolphins.
 
Mr. Murray said their volunteer group has had to contend with some very hostile media on their journey and unfortunately the truth by some sectors was the first casualty.  It was reported to the recent parliamentary Agriculture and Environment committee public hearing into the introduction of the net free zones that by weight the three combined net free zones would have an 8% impact on east coast net fishery, 6% of the Queensland (total) including the Gulf of Carpentaria.   1 % of the Queensland Seafood production, and 0.1% of the Australian seafood, 33% of the Queensland (East Coast) barramundi catch and 13 % of the total Queensland catch.   Most people are unaware that our premium seafood is exported he added. Australia is a net importer of seafood the bulk of which is clean/green product from New Zealand, and not from Asia as those opposed to the net free zones would have you believe.
 
Two weeks ago Mackay Recreational Fisher friends and associates conducted a weekend catch and release fishing exercise to ascertain base line data and the health or other wise of the proposed net free zone fish stocks, despite not perfect weather and fishing conditions some initial research have revealed some alarming statics.  In brief 128 hours were invested, 99 fish were caught of which just 16 were legal take size, and that equates to one fish every 77 minutes, that’s not flash, but not unexpected according to MRFA president Lance Murray following a 609 % increase in commercial netting effort from 2012 to 2014 (these figures were derived from commercial netter log book returns to Fisheries Queensland.)
 
Before the benefits of the net free zone can be realized we desperately need rain to increase fish stock numbers, MRFA will be conducting ongoing stock assessment data research on an annual basis to measure any improvement in fish numbers. Our group is currently refining a Code of Conduct, the idea of which is to give the Mackay and district anglers ownership of the net free zone, and also to encourage recreational fishers   not to raid the kiddies piggy bank, if everyone treats the net free zone as their private fishing paradise over a period of time fish stocks will replenish to a state of abundance, and then only then can we make claim to Mackay being the ‘fishing destination of Queensland’.
 
The district will then harness the economic benefits the net free zone has to offer. The tourism numbers are expected to increase which will lead to new jobs opportunities as well as important tourist dollars being spent locally.  
 
End of media release; for further information please contact Lance Murray 0411 550 684 or John Bennett 0408 844610. 

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Net Free Disallowance Motion Snubs Recreational Fishers and Environmentalists

9/23/2015

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Seafood industry hands petition to Queensland Parliament with 20,162 signatures opposing new net-free zones

9/23/2015

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Click here to hear an interview with Lance Murray

Seafood industry hands petition to Queensland Parliament with 20,162 signatures opposing new net-free zones

A petition containing 20,162 signatures was tabled in Queensland's Parliament yesterday, objecting to a plan for three net-free fishing zones in the state.

It brings the total to 27,670 signatures, across five petitions, presented to the Parliament since July.

The commercial fishing industry says the signatures show public support for their campaign against the three zones, due to be established from November 1.

Mackay Reef Fish Suppliers owner, David Caracciolo, said there is still a chance the State Government will reverse its decision.

"What [the petition] tells me is that the people of Queensland really want to maintain their seafood supply," he said.

"They've had enough of closures and political decisions that regulate primary producers' lives.

"This is a political decision, it's not a resource driven decision."

The Labor party announced, during the state election campaign in January, it would introduce the three net-free fishing zones.

There are in the Cairns, Mackay/Whitsunday, and Rockhampton regions.

Recreational fishing groups have been pushing for the policy for years, saying it would boost stocks of large breeding fish and lay the platform for a new era of fishing-tourism.

Commercial fishing groups argue the zones are not necessary and will affect supplies of local seafood, as well as putting some fishers and related operators out of business.

Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance president, Lance Murray, said he did not question the accuracy of the 27, 670 signatures, but he did argue the petition needed to be viewed in context.

"From what we understand, we assume the bulk of these [signatures] were collected at the Hervey bay Seafood Festival, which is some 396 kilometres away from the nearest net-free zone," he said.

"We are not questioning the amount of support they have got, it's just what was the question that was asked, because there has been a varying debate on this.

"Locally, it is about the supply of locally caught fresh fish, but we understand that the festival in Hervey Bay was about seafood, and seafood incorporates prawns, crabs, etcetera, etcetera."

The petition was compiled by Queensland Seafood Industry Association, which rejected Mr Murray's criticism of the process and said the signatures were collected across the state.

Opposition spokesperson for fisheries, Deb Frecklington, tabled the petition and told Parliament the Government was "blatantly ignoring scientific advice from their own fisheries department" in moving ahead with the policy.

Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Bill Byrne has been adamant since the election that the three net-free zones would go ahead.

Mr Murray said Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance had been running a petition in support of the net-free zones and had collected 4550 signatures in the Mackay region in five and half weeks.



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MEDIA RELEASE Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast Survey sheds light on fish availability 

9/23/2015

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Findings from a recently completed survey of the availability of fresh fish through 44 different outlets across Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast have raised serious questions about claims that people across Queensland would lose access to fresh fish if proposed Net Free Areas went ahead. Nathan Johnston, a spokesperson for Nets Out Queensland Campaign said “We knew that the claims of fish disappearing from the shelf were dubious, but even we were a bit surprised at the results” “Of the 18 supermarkets, clubs, pubs and taverns surveyed, no fresh fish product was offered for sale that was identified as being sourced from the proposed new Net Free Area”. “Of the 14 fish and chip stores surveyed, there was only one instance of fish being for sale identified as being sourced from the proposed Net Free Area.” “Of the 10 restaurants surveyed, only 2 had fresh fish product offered for sale potentially being sourced from the proposed Net Free Area.” Mr Johnston said. “If a customer wanted to source fresh fish from the local areas it appears the retail specialist seafood outlets are the place to go, with the two establishments surveyed both offering fish sourced from the proposed Net Free Area at the time of survey, but they also offered a range of fish species for sale sourced from areas outside the proposed new Net Free Areas.” Rockhampton and Capricorn Coast are directly adjacent to the largest of the 3 proposed Net Free Areas. It is also the area that produces 250 of 319 tonne of the fish netted from the three areas combined. “With Rockhampton and Capricorn coast being directly adjacent to the most productive of the three net free areas, we were expecting to see a lot more local product being offered for sale than was actually the case”. “The reality was that only one in nine instances of fish being offered for sale potentially came from the proposed net free area” “One can expect that this low prevalence of fresh local fish would slip back even further as you move away from adjacent areas.’ Mr Johnston said. Only 319 of over 10,500 tonne of Queensland’s total fish catch and production is currently sourced using gill nets in the three proposed net free areas. At the national level, these areas only account for 0.2% of Australia’s 163,811 tonnes total annual fish catch and production. The survey data also revealed that a significant segment of the market is seeking out high quality Australian farmed products like Atlantic salmon, which was available from 25% of all outlets surveyed. For the last decade Australians have been enjoying fresh farmed fish like barramundi and Atlantic salmon produced in aquaculture facilities across Australia. This has led to major and continuing expansion in the industry to help meet demand. “Our survey has found that closing three small sections to commercial netting will not result in the disappearance of fish from our shops. Queensland’s coastline extends almost 7,000 kilometres, most of which would remain open to commercial gill netting operations.” Mr Johnston said “We are deeply concerned about a recent disallowance motion tabled by LNP” “This motion aims to block regulations that would have led to the introduction of these net free areas” “A petition developed to bring about this disallowance motion was based on the availability of fresh fish and we are concerned the people of Queensland are forming their opinions on misleading information.” Nets Out Queensland campaign believe this may only be the tip of the iceberg, when it comes to recent claims and encourages members of the community, the media and politicians to carefully scrutinise the survey and other information on the matter and judge for themselves where the truth lies. The full report is available at www.netsoutqld.org ENDS Media Contact: Nathan Johnston Nets Out Queensland Campaign Spokesperson 0400221055
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July 2015 NewsletterMembers and supporters 

9/17/2015

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July 2015 Newsletter 


Members and supporters, welcome to our July 2015 newsletter.

KIDS ONLY FISHING COMPETITION
Just a reminder that Tackle World Mackay and MRFA are conducting their annual KIDS ONLY fishing competition in the Pioneer River, Sunday the 16th of August.
$4000 worth of prizes are up for grabs, including  some fantastic rod/reel combo’s, lures, terminal tackle, in fact each child who participates will win a prize, this is Neil and Helen Elworthy way of thanking Mackay for their support over the years.
Entry is free, BUT CONDITIONAL on prior registration at Tackle World, all entries must be signed by a parent/guardian, each child will be presented with a wrist band which must be worn and presented at the measure-in at the River Street boat ramp from between 3:00 to 3:30 pm on Sunday the 16th of August.
To ensure fairness and to give everyone a fair go, major winners will be selected on determined lengths as opposed to weight or numbers, only species caught in the Pioneer River are eligible to be entered (no mackerels – coral fin species).
 
NET- FREE ZONE DEVELOPMENTS
If all goes to schedule the implementation date will be the 1st of November 2015.  The have your say results have been made public with 96% of respondents in favour if the NFZ with 4% against.   Commercial fishers are waging a mighty battle (the truth being the first casualty).  Commercial fishers have solicited the support of the LNP to oppose the NFZ regulation when tabled in parliament.  This will be tabled as we understand mid-September.
MRFA would like to thank the Member for Whitsunday Jason Costigan for his support with the St. Helens to Cape Hillsborough NFZ. 
Following is a section of his letter to the MRAG (independent review into Queensland Fisheries Regulations) dated 30/10/2014.   
Dear Sir / Madam
As the Government MP who represents Mackay and the Whitsundays, I would like to register my support for a net-free zone, as proposed by the Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance. So long as there is adequate compensation for impacted commercial fishers, I believe the concept has enormous merit and will result in growing our all-important tourism industry, which is critical given the current downturn in the resources sector in the Mackay-Whitsunday region.
I strongly commend the Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance on their proposal and as stated earlier, so long as the few remaining commercial operators who work in this area are given the opportunity to exit the industry with dignity, by way of appropriate compensation, then the net-free zone is something that should be embraced for the overall benefit of our region.
 
Furthermore, I believe there is strong, local community support for the net-free zone, and as a former resident of Seaforth, which is located along this stretch of coast, I know full well that residents, as well as tourists, are keen to see it approved by an LNP Government.
 
 
NET- FREE PETITION SEEKING YOUR SUPPORT 
As a demonstration of community support four of our net – free committee members attended the June Seaforth markets and in only four hours obtained 729 petition signatures of support. 
We have also obtained 1200 signatures of support while attending the Kuttabul Big Boar Competition. 
Every single vote of support is worth its weight in gold.  Please click on the following link and fill in the online petition.  http://netsoutqld.org
 
INVITATION TO ASSIST IN COLLECTING BASE LINE DATA.  
As part of the introduction of the NFZ, MRFA is conducting a fish data collection weekend on the 3rd and 4th of October.  We are hoping that 100 anglers participate, there are no prizes, we are asking anglers to fish anywhere in the proposed NFZ and record their catch on documentation (supplied by us).  Not catching any fish is just as important.
The data collected will be provided to Bill Sawynock from Info- Fish Services Rockhampton who is worldwide acknowledged in regards to fish data with over 30 years’ experience and 1.2 million fish in their data base.  
We intend to conduct annual catch data collection to measure fish stock recruitment numbers.  
If you can assist please contact Luke via email luke@lukesfishinmission.com
If you plan to camp over at the  Seaforth camping grounds for the event we will pick up the tab, depending on numbers plans are well advanced for us to cater for dinner and breakfast at a moderate cost.
 
MRAG   (independent review into Qld Fishers)
Our comprehensive response has been submitted in line with that as adopted by QRFN (Queensland Recreational Fishers network) copies are available on request.
 
SCHOOL FISH PROJECTS
Heads down, bums up, so far this year we are  committed with the following school fish angler education programs; Mercy College, 160  children, ( full fishing day activities  3rd/4th of September), Holy Spirit, 21st August  25 children, Whitsunday Anglican ( date to be confirmed ) 50 –60 children.   If you can lend a hand please contact please phone Michael Connelly on 49 548 961 or Glenn Fahy 49550665.
 
MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS 
Will be emailed where possible otherwise posted, those who have joined in the past six months will not be receiving a renewal notice.
 
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Our AGM will be held on Wednesday the 19th of August at the Mackay Conservation Groups admin building southern end of wood Street Mackay commencing at 7p.m. sharp, financial members and visitors most welcome.
 
JULY MEETING BRIEF
Website facelift; It was agreed that we need to update our website, this will be work in progress for the next two months as the NFZ is our priority.
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook as we are regularly updating the page.
 
Thanks MRFA.
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January Newsletter 2015

2/24/2015

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Welcome to our belated January 2015 newsletter

this newsletter contains the BEST NEWS EVER

Following the victory of the ALP in the state election, our net free zone St. Helens – Cape Hillsborough is GOING TO BE DELIVERED.


In a letter from Tim Mulherin on behalf of Queensland Labor and  addressed to Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance , reference no C/15/7532  The ALP have committed to declare net free zones in the following locations.

St. Helens – Cape Hillsborough, North of Mackay, Trinity Inlet Cairns, and Fitzroy River, Keppel Bay, Yeppoon, Capricorn Coast.

This will be funded by a $10 million from the Great Barrier Reef policy fund.

Mr Mulherin has also committed to improvements at the VMR boat ramp at Cannonvale along with a commitment to conclude the current Fisheries Management Review and they have  also committed to publically release the report document.

Members can read in full this fantastic letter along with Labor’s Sustainable Fishing Policy for Queensland on our
MRFA webpage or newly developed face book, readers can also contact me direct by email – lancemurray@mcs.net.au  and I will only be too happy to forward you a copy by email.

This breakthrough has been made possible by working in partnership with Queensland Recreational Fishers network, a
group of likeminded recreational anglers who have been frustrated with fisheries management, concerned about local
fish stock depletion in certain locations, and not happy chappies when it comes to the subject of compliance.  You can check out their webpage qrfn/org.

To   the almost 4000 people who signed our net free petition we express our sincere thanks.

When you table impressive documents such as our net free petition politicians take note and listen.

To those who became financial members of Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance because of our net free campaign, you too can claim ownership.

It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the assistance of John Formosa, and Geoff Walsh who have been with us on this campaign for a long 16 years, Darrell McLennan, for hanging in there for 13.5 years,  Councillor Alison Jones, who just happens to be a committee member of MRFA  for preparing our formal submission to this and the previous government, to Mick O’Donnell representing the Seaforth Progress Association and Seaforth Boating club who carried the load when it got too heavy, and his for his words of encouragement, and to  Ben Atherton, for his words of inspiration and behind the scenes work in rallying support from the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland, and the
Caravan Park and R.V  Association of Australia, and obtaining the REMPLAN  economic benefits document contained in our proposal  and the management committee of Mackay
Recreational Fishers Alliance  for having the courage to make a substantial financial investment in this project.  So far, I estimate this project has consumed about 4,000
volunteer man hours. Our net free zone will be the catalyst to achieving our
primary goal of making Mackay the Fishing Destination of Queensland.

Members there is much more work to do, we are hoping to work in partnership with commercial fishers to ensure that they are adequately financially compensated.  We will keep you in the loop with further developments.

MEMBERSHIP

Currently stands at 462.


AUSTRALIA DAY AWARD NOMINATION.

I am proud to advise that MRFA has been nominated in the Community Group Award category for Mackay Regional Council’s Australia Day Awards. This is the second such occasion.

We won the 2009 Community Event Award for our angler education program.  This public acknowledgement can only be achieved by teamwork. We have the best angler education team possible under the leadership of Russell Manley (who has taken over the reins from Glenn Fahy, who has retired   to be a full time carer for his wife ) and Michael Connelly. – Win, lose or draw, congratulations to our dedicated angler education team – you have done us proud! TILAPIA

It appears that we have lost the battle and possibly the war. Up until last Thursday, 22nd January they were “confined” in the Gooseponds. A 150 mm one day rain event changed all that.

The Gooseponds flooded as would be expected and it can be presumed that many of the stocked barramundi have escaped along with a number of tilapia and were flushed into Vines Creek which is a tributary of the Pioneer River. As Keith Day, spokesperson for Mackay Area Fish Stocking
Association said, “The horse with fins has bolted.” Tilapia in our water ways are akin to a smouldering bush fire, they can be extinguished, contained or become out of control. I would suggest the latter is appropriate on this occasion.

TAKE A KID FISHING DAY
Sunday March 8th. 2015.


Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance Inc. in partnership with our sponsor Tackle World Mackay will be conducting the16th annual Take a Kid Fishing Day at Shoal Point on Sunday the 8th of March 2015, commencing at 9 am.

This free to the community event  is designed to teach children the old fashioned value of fishing, and to ensure parents/guardians have some “Value” time with their children out in the fresh air, with the sand under their feet and away  from all the electronic gadgets that consume
children’s spare time these days. Attendees are requested to bring their own bait (small
prawns preferred)

Special guests include Turtle Watch who have a  brilliant static display, our friends Katie and Caroline from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Mackay, Ryan from Ezy – Throw cast nets, who will share his knowledge and skills and teach people to throw a cast net, Greg Sichter, professional crabber from Sarina, who will show attendees how to tie a mud crab but more importantly  teach people how to identify 1/2 empty,  1/2 full crabs ( floaters, A and B grade in commercial crabbers language ) and Mackay Area Fish Stocking who will have a ‘  live sooty grunter display’. Event coordinator Russell Manly said if the weather is kind to us our average child attendance numbers of 200 will be smashed. Please contact us with any queries by email on mrfa@easynet.net.au or phone on 4955 0600.

The event will conclude with a FREE sausage sizzle, expertly prepared by our friends APEX Mackay.

If you don’t have any fishing gear, you are welcome to borrow a rod/reel combo from us.
Russell said we have about 20 volunteers lending a hand on the day.



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November 2014 Newsletter

12/7/2014

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November 2014 Newsletter

 

ILLEGAL FISHING ACTIVITIES UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

A recreational fisher has been  fined $30,000 plus court costs after he was caught “ poaching “ during the coral finfish closure. 

The fisher appeared in the Bundaberg magistrates court in November charged with  being in possession of  116 coral finfish during a closed season  including  six skinless fillets, 93 coral finfish in excess of bag limit, three sharks( bag limit one ) 33 pearl perch(bag limit five )and undersize fish. The fisher was intercepted at Round Hill Creek in the town of 1770.

WHITSUNDAY RESIDENTS UP IN ARMS

 

Early in November, Whitsunday Boating and Fisheries Officers caught an unlicensed netter red handed in the Proserpine River (which is net free) with five giant nets. Rumour has it the person apprehended with an accomplice had   taken out more than $30,000 worth of product just before the barra closure.

The fishers boat was seized along with the net  can be viewed by googling ‘ Illegal netting in the Proserpine River on the Fisheries Queensland’  Facebook page.

Locals are on a mission to name and shame this fish thief before his day in court and his name is plastered all over the social media along with some unsavoury comments which I can’t print here. The Proserpine River is an iconic barra, king salmon and grunter fishing location and a classic example of where fish are in fair abundance due to its long term protection from commercial extraction. 

On behalf of all recreational anglers in Queensland three cheers to Queensland Boating and Fisheries patrol staff.

NET FREE UPDATE

 

We are pleased to advise members that the Member of Whitsunday Jason Costigan has confirmed in writing support for our proposed net free zone (St. Helens – to - Cape Hillsborough)

The Noosa Shire Council is pledging one million dollars ($1,000,000) to assist in the removal of commercial fishing nets from North Beach.  These monies are reported to be funded via the community environment levy. The Noosa Shire  Council is to be congratulated for their pro active approach in harnessing the tourist angler dollar addressing the social impact for local residents in regards to recreational fishing and protecting the environment,

Mackay Recreational Fishing Alliance is still struggling to obtain support from Mackay Regional Councillors for their St.Helen’s – Cape Hillsborough proposal.

They claim that net free proposals are state issues and not local government, but pardon my ignorance I thought Noosa was in Queensland!

COMMERCIAL NET BUY BACK SCHEME COMPLETED.

Fisheries Queensland emailed stakeholders on Friday 28th of November 2014 advising that the Queensland Government has delivered on its commitment and completed its $9 million dollar buyback of inshore net fishing licences. Commercial net fishers on the east coast have made the most of the opportunity to participate in the Queensland net buyback scheme.

In just over two years, the scheme has reduced the total potential effort in the east coast net fishery by around 25 per cent. The buyback process has guarded against a simple transfer of effort and provides a significant reduction in effort. Other fisheries will also benefit because additional commercial fishing authorities across the trawl, crab and line fisheries were voluntary surrendered d as part of the process. The Buyback scheme has closed following the expenditure of the remaining funds in the first and second stages of the final scheme.

COMMENTS:

Since this announcement my email has been running hot. Recreational fishers are disappointed. We all probably had unrealistic expectations of the outcome.

We will be following up with Qld Fisheries. Hopefully, in our next newsletter (January 2015), we will be able to inform members and associates of the types and locations of net endorsements purchased. The LNP election promise about the commercial net buy back is under the microscope by affiliates of our organization. We understand the difficulties and complexities of this and believe that the goal of sustainable fisheries (ecological, economically and social) has come a step closer. We’re here to help much more needed reform.

The next extension of reform should include the implementation of regional zoning (that way commercial fishers can husband their area) severe restrictions on transient operators and the compulsory introduction of vessel monitoring systems (VMS) to all commercial boats and dories which are currently excluded.  

There is also the need for better catch data from all sectors including recreational fishers.

TILAPIA UPDATE

 

The involvement of our Tilapia Army is on the backburner following risk assessments and possible insurance liabilities. However Catchment Solutions, a division of Reef Catchments have been conducting field electro fishing by foot and boat in the Gooseponds and adjoining waterways. No Tilapia have been found (this does not mean they are not there).   It appears that the barra in the goose ponds are thriving. Catchment Solutions is using “high tech”   by taking water samples and having the water DNA analysed for the presence of the pest. The Botanical Gardens off Lagoon Street has been identified as a possible Tilapia habitat. Catchment Solutions will be testing this waterway as part of a routine investigation.

Catchment Solution have also confirmed that they will be investing in 500  barra fingerlings which will be seeded in water holes in Jane Creek  upstream  of the Gooseponds by the Mackay Area Fish Stocking Group.

  

2015 DATE CLAIMERS

FREE TO THE COMMUNITY.

Take A Kid Fishing Day – Shoal Point   Sunday 8th March.  – Exclusively sponsored by Tackle World Shakespeare Street Mackay. 

Pioneer River Junior Angler fishing competition - $ 4,000.00 worth of prizes up for grabs – Sunday 16 August

More information in future news.

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October 2014 Newsletter

10/31/2014

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MEMBERSHIP

We start this news letter with good news.  In the past month we have received another 11 unsolicited new members bringing our tally to 438. Isn't that fantastic !

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SCHOOL FISH

There has been a flurry of activity with our schoolfish programs. In the past six weeks 305 children  have been taken on a day's fishing excursion by our trusty angler education team. Many of the children caught their very first fish – an experience they will remember for a lifetime.

 Now the hard work begins with our annual working bee on the trailer and upgrading the rods/reels and other gear ready for action stations next year. 

Our angler education activities have not gone unnoticed. A Sydney freelance  journalist is currently preparing a  media article highlighting the wonderful  work of  our  angler education team. This is soon to be published in one of the national fishing magazines.

We will keep you posted!

 For the benefit of those who are new to this newsletter, approximately 8500 – to 8750 children have been through our schoolfish program since its inception.

 Are we proud of our achievements – You  bet we are !                              
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FLARES

 This is a timely prompt for you to check to see if your boat flares are not out of date

 Hands up if you have kept a set of expired flares for extra security. I have news for you. They could cost you dearly.

 Did you know it’s an offence to be in possession of expired flares? Be assured if you are checked out by water police, the chances of a warning are slim and it will cost you plenty. 

Dispose of your flares by delivering them to your nearest fire station.
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INDEPENDENT QUEENSLAND FISHERIES REVIEW
Our submission has been lodged.

We invested close to 40 hours in the preparation  of our submission. This includes attending the public meeting at the PCYC, which was well attended by all sectors of the fishing community and a private consultation for two hours with the independent chair, Professor Glenn Hurry and his assistants. Our documented submission includes a  five  page covering letter. Attachments include our St. Helens- Cape Hillsborough Net Free Submission which was included at the request of fisheries minister Dr. John McVeigh, N24 Commercial Catch Data reports 1998 -2013 and the Model Recreational Fishing Licence  Draft of conditions  per QRFN  website www.qrfn/org.
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NET FREE DEVELOPMENTS

We are yet to receive formal support from the Member of Whitsunday, Jason Costigan. However we do acknowledge his assistance in arranging an appointment with the Queensland Fisheries Minister Dr. John McVeigh,  in Mackay  on the  4th of September 2014.

 In an endeavour to spread the good news this project has to offer, last week we emailed it to a committee member of Diversify Mackay. 

As we prepare this newsletter, Mackay is in an ugly economic downturn with no signs of an end. For the life of me I can't understand why some of our community leaders don't embrace our proposal. If they look at the REMPLAN economic benefits model contained in our submission they should be kicking the door down to help.

On the 23rd of October it was reported on the Tackle World website  http:www.fishingworld.com.au/news/council -pushes-for netting ban.  This communication relates to the Noosa Regional Councils push to have commercial netting banned on the north shore due to its impact on the local fishery.
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SUNFISH QLD  2015 STATE  ELECTION WISH LIST

Sunfish Queensland are to be commended for adopting the following Fisheries Management issues at their AGM in September 2014.

§     Introduce, in consultation with stakeholders, commercial Total Allowable Catches and or ITQ ( Individual Transferable Quota ) for the commercial sector on ALL species which have a recreational bag limit.

§     Introduce zoning for all east coast commercial net, crab and line fisheries.

§     Make all important recreational species such as tailor, barramundi, flathead,                            swallowtail dart, Australian bass, winter whiting  and bream  non- commercial species.

§     Increase the visible presence and responsiveness of Fisheries Inspectors

§     Remove netting from creeks, rivers and estuaries to protect nursery areas and spawning fish stocks.

§     TOTALLY BAN COMMERCIAL GILLNETTING.
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MACKAY- WHITSUNDAY HEALTHY RIVERS TO REEF PARTNERSHIP.

Mackay Recreational  Fishers  Alliance Inc. signed a  MOU  on the 30th of  September along with other stakeholders including local government, Cane growers, Tourism, Qld Bulk Ports, GBRMPA, Reef Plan Independent Science Panel, Mackay Tourism N.Q. Dry Tropics, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal PL, Resource Industry Network , DNRM , Reef Catchments, EHP, DAFF 

A total of $230K will be invested initially in the preparation of   Mackay- Whitsunday regional waterway health report card which will inform whole of catchment management in the region from the catchments to the rivers to the reef.
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GREAT BARRIER REEF   Water Quality  report card 2012-2013

The six page glossy Great Barrier Reef  Report Card 2012-2013 Reef Water Quality Protection Plan delivers bad news:

The report concludes in part – Great Barrier Reef-wide

The overall condition of the inshore reef remained poor in 2012-2013. Inshore water quality was poor and varied from moderate to poor depending on the region. Inshore sea grass showed signs of recovery in some regions and improved from very poor to poor. Inshore coral reefs remained in poor condition.

The report is broken down in zones.  The zones are Cape York, Wet Tropics,  Burdekin, Mackay  Whitsunday Fitzroy and Burnett Mary.

Back to our region,  Mackay- Whitsunday.

The Mackay Whitsundays overall inshore marine condition remained poor.  Inshore water quality improved from poor to moderate. Inshore sea grass meadows remained very poor and coral reefs remained in moderate condition.

More information is available on the Reef  Plan website, www.reefplan.qld.gov.au.
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QUEENSLAND RECREATIONAL FISHERS NETWORK

Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance Inc. are proud to have an informal relationship with an independent  fishing group,  formalised last year. Queensland Recreational Fishers Network website, qrfn.org, provides interesting and informative information.

You may find some of the articles interesting or explosive depending on your opinions.

I do draw your attention to the groups submission to the QRFN Submission to the 2014 MRAG Review of Qld Fisheries which can be found under the heading ‘OUR WORK – Position  Papers’.

You will find other interesting documents including a contribution by Dave Donald about Indonesian Snapper, sometimes called the cockroaches of the Whitsundays and  a brilliant paper by  Lindsay Dines  – personal observations called  Fisheries & Sea birds – A Spooky Flight Path.
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FISHWATCH  HOT LINE   1800 017 116

Log this into your mobile phone and do it now!

Fisheries Queensland is to be commended for the recent upgrade to this facility. Right now when you call this number you will get a prompt asking where you want your call directed. If you ask for Mackay the call will automatically be sent to Boating & Fisheries Mackay 24/7.

Having said that, fisheries staff may be out of   telephone  range or home mowing the lawn   or  doing something personal. Please leave a message with your name, contact details – remembering that your call  has been  diverted  from a call centre  and will not  indicate the phone number from where you are calling.   Don’t forget to leave a brief of what your message is about.

If your call is in relation to any illegal activities, please try to record the boat or vehicle registration number. Taking a photo with your mobile phone may also assist fisheries with  their  follow up enquiries.

                                              *********************************

                                 

 

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Annual Meeting 2014

8/25/2014

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 Annual Report 2014

Members and Friends, welcome to the 2014 Annual Report for Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance Inc.  -   Putting true meaning into ‘fishing for the future’ and putting our ‘money where our mouth is.’ 

Two major projects have consumed most of our time and lots of dollars.

Early this year, Tilapia were discovered in the Gooseponds. Tilapia are acknowledged as one of the most invasive fish in the world. Tilapia have the ability to seriously impact our barramundi. If introduced to our local stocked impoundments, they could create havoc and put at risk the volunteer efforts of the Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association stocking our regional dams with 20 years of hard work.

Two options were placed on the table to rid our waterways of the tilapia. The first was to poison the waterways, the second to opt for a biological trial releasing of thousands of barramundi.

On expert advice, it was suggested that the Gooseponds be seeded with 1000  barra 300 mm long, with a further release of 1000  slightly smaller fish upstream of the Gooseponds in Jane Creek- the headwaters to the Gooseponds.

The most important consideration of all was that TIME was not on our side. These tilapia are currently  confined – until the first flood that is. After dozens of phone calls and in the space of less than a week,  $8,000.00  was raised by way of sponsorship ( MRFA taking the lead role contributing $2,500.00) and dozens of anglers( the Tilapia Army) from all walks of life put their hands up to help.

The Mackay Area Fish  Stocking Association have released the initial 1000 Barra. I must say working with Keith Day is a pleasure. I might add that if I were on the battle front down to my last two bullets, I would want   Keith Day by my side. We would both survive the onslaught and come out unscathed. 

There is a long way to go until we rid these waterways of these pests, but I tell you working in partnership with MAFSA has been a pleasure and hopefully with the assistance of those with more knowledge and skills we will rid our waterways of these pests before Xmas this year.

At this stage Reef Catchments who are co-coordinating the eradication program will have a working bee, to be scheduled for a date to be advised where the Tilapia Army will join forces to remove the tilapia habitat.

NET FREE PROPOSAL: St. Helens – Cape Hillsborough.

Another project where we have worked in partnership, thousands of hours and dollars have been invested into this alone in the past year, if we can pull this off ( if local and state governments make business decisions based on facts ) our Net Free zone will put Mackay on the map for other reasons

than coal and sugar, our REMPLAN  economic model indicates such a proposal is a “no brainer”  creating well over one hundred jobs and injecting extra millions into the Mackay economy.

Win lose or draw, those who have assisted over the years will be able to look in the mirror and say we did our very best to make this happen in our life time.

To  those who have been on this project from day one, namely Geoff Walsh, ( 16 years ) Darrell Mclennan  12 years , John Formosa since day dot, and newcomers  Paul Formosa, Mick O’Donnell  and   Ben Atherton special thanks , we also acknowledge  the support of  Mackay Tourism Limited, Mackay  Region Chamber of Commerce,  Yuibera  Traditional Owners,  Caravan  Parks Assoc. of Qld Inc.  Caravan, R.V. & Accommodation  Industry of Australia Ltd,  The Seaforth  Progress Association,  The Seaforth Boating Club, and the Mackay Amateur  Fishing Clubs association.

We also say thanks to those unknown who have assisted in the collection of thousands of names for our petition document.

At this stage we have an appointment with Qld Fisheries Minister  Dr. John McVeigh in early September. After this meeting we will release our economic study for all to see. Hopefully we will have an influx of community business leaders come on board to harness the economic benefits our community will enjoy. 

ANGLER EDUCATION: Going from strength to strength under the leadership of Glenn Fahy and Michael Connelly.

By years end  nearly three  hundred children ( not including the 156 who registered at our annual Family Fishing Day and the two hundred or so who participated in our Tackle World Mackay kids only fishing competition  )  will have been through our school fish program  and  for those who caught their very first fish at our event they will have a lifetime of memories.

Success stories like this need two ingredients, people and money. Two Mackay locally owned and operated companies have assisted us financially  big time, namely Tackle World Mackay and Reef Marine.  

The  following  have assisted with our angler education programs during the year and we say thanks to.  Ron “Mengie”  Meng , Ralph Furlong,  Jim Ryman, David and Margaret Hope,   Michael Connelly, John Blaxland, Doreen Townson, John Cant, Brian Shepherd, Russell and Karen Manley, Michael Wynne, Sarina commercial crabber Greg Sichter, whose skills and knowledge about crabbing matters are worth their weight in gold, and members of the Mackay Apex Club who undertake catering duties at our annual Family Fishing Day at Shoal Point.

OUR FINANCIAL SITUATION:

Our secretary/treasurer Margaret Hope holds the key to our very healthy piggy bank, and our current financial situation is a credit to her diligence. If you want to spend money in this organization there needs to be more than one very good reason.

We hope our investment in promoting our net free zone and contribution to the tilapia eradication pay handsome dividends to our members /sponsors and members of the community.

 
MEMBERSHIP:  We are proud to announce that our membership is 416.


ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS :  MRFA   wish to take this opportunity to thank  the following people and organizations for their  assistance during the past 12 months, namely George Christensen, M.P.  Federal  Member for  Dawson who promised and delivered a substantial  financial contribution  to ensure we have  sufficient economic funds for new and replacement fishing gear for years to come, to Tim Mulherin  M.P. State member for Mackay for his kind donation to the tilapia eradication  program , to the editor  N.Q  fish and Boat  for their balanced reporting of issues such as our commercial net free project, to Meech  Philpot and Kim  Kleidon of  ABC Radio, David  Perkins  ( 

Perko ) 1026 am  radio , community radio  4CRM, to the Daily  Mercury and Midweek newspapers and   the Mackay Regional Council, in particular the infrastructure and engineering departments who are pro active when it comes to recreational fishing facilities within its jurisdiction. 

PARTNERSHIPS: 

Many of our projects have the moral support of Queensland Recreational Fishers network ( website  qrfn.org ) we continuously get messages of encouragement from the foundation members.  As mentioned before we have teamed up with the Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association. This informal arrangement was able to achieve wonders in relation to the tilapia outbreak in  a relatively small space of time. Our partnership arrangement with the   Midge Point fishing and social club “Family Fishing Day” at Midge Point   was an outstanding success.


COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

To our committee members I extend thanks, many have turned up  faithfully for monthly meetings even on state of origin nights, some with golfing aliments and others with aches and pains that come  when one has  few too many  miles on the clock.
 

CONCLUSION :

Twice in as many months  I  have had people , one I  have known for years stop me and tell me, keep up the good work, one said, I  don’t exactly  know what you do, but  I  want to become involved, the other owns a local  hotel  and   retail liquor outlet, he wants me to call in one day to discuss how he can assist by way of sponsorship.  I told him at this time we don’t need dollars just like minded people to lift the load on our exhausted group of committee members.

NEW BLOOD:

Our future is in the hands of another generation, we MUST commit more energies to seeking new blood to take this fantastic volunteer organization to a new level of excellence.

Please share  our 2014 Annual Report with friends and associates – that’s how we grow !

REMINDER:  Don’t forget to attend the Queensland Fisheries Management Review public meeting -  to be held at the PCYC hall, off Norris Road on Monday, September 15 at 6pm.

 PS   A message to our political leaders -  There is no shortage of Remarkable Ideas, what’s missing is the will to execute them ......Seth  Godin

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JULY  2014 NEWSLETTER

7/31/2014

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  One of our blue ribbon angler education activities is planned for Sunday the 24th of August. If you have children aged between five and fifteen there are 4000 reasons to be involved. One of our major sponsors, Tackle World Mackay, is  tipping in $4000 worth of prizes, making this one of Queensland’s most valuable kids only fishing competitions.

MRFA’s involvement is to conduct the event.  The rules are simple- entry is free, but conditional upon entries being made in person at Tackle World Shakespeare Street Mackay. Parents and guardians must sign the indemnity form, each child will be issued with a wrist band which must be presented at the “measure in” at the River Street boat ramp between 1.30 pm –2.30 pm.

Unlike most fishing competitions the prizes (every child wins a prize ) are determined by secret lengths, and anglers MUST have caught their fish in the Pioneer River. Most popular fish species include whiting, bream, flathead, queenies, Barra and mangrove jack. All coral fin fish and mackerel will be automatically  disqualified as they are species of fish not found in the Pioneer River. If the weather is kind we expect registration numbers to be in the mid 200’s.

For more information please contact event coordinator  Glenn Fahy  on 49550665.

SCHOOL FISH   ANGLER  EDUCATION  PROGRAMS :  2014 FULLY BOOKED OUT.

Thanks to our sponsor Reef Marine, Prospect Street Mackay   all of our available practical fishing days are fully booked out until the end of the year.

Each schoolfish program  consists of about 1.5 days.  Activities including  class room introduction  to fishing  from personal  safety, why bag limits are in place and environmental responsibilities, plus  school yard practical demonstrations and participation  i.e. practice casting, knot tying and   bait presentation  then  finally  a full day usually at Dunrock, or Shoal Point  bait gathering and fishing. 

This year we are working with Holy Spirit, Mercy College, Whitsunday Anglican and Pioneer High School, Michael  Connolly who looks after our school fish activities reports that student numbers collectively exceed 200. A typical day’s  beach fishing activity involves about eight MRFA volunteers.

NET FREE PROPOSAL -   ST. HELEN’S  TO CAPE HILLSBOROUGH:

In recent weeks we have completely formalized our net free zone proposal for personal presentation to the Queensland Minister of Fisheries Dr. John McVeigh. After 16 long arduous years, and after investing thousands of volunteer man hours  and thousands of dollars we finally

have all the information for  governments (local and state ) to make an informed business  decision and deliver this important tourist gold mine  to our community.

You may not heard of our  REMPLAP economic modelling  plan yet, but we promise you will.

Thanks to   Ben Atherton of Cape Hillsborough Resort we can now table the undisputable  financial benefits to our community such a commercial  net free zone will deliver to our  region. 

In recent months we have also  secured exclusively for the purpose of our net free campaign amateur  fishing club  XL spread sheets for club outings at St.Helens only going back to 1963, (  a combined total of 41 years ) and these documents show an alarming decline in catch numbers since 2006. 

The  Member for Whitsunday Jason Costigan has arranged  an appointment  for four members of our net free sub- committee to present the Fisheries  Minister with our proposal on the 4th September.

Like Big Kev ‘ We’re Excited ‘

After we have met with Minister McVeigh our submission in full will be posted on our website  www.mackayrecfishersalliance.org  for all to see. Until then the contents must remain confidential.

TILAPIA UPDATE

In partnership with the Mackay Area Fishing Group and working   with Reef Catchments Mackay 1000 off 300mm long barra costing $8 each were released into the Gooseponds  as part of the biological  trial to wipe out the infestation of tilapia  found in our local water ways called the Gooseponds in the middle of a comprehensive residential estate in North Mackay. 

We are fortunate in some  way that this infestation was found by  Tim  Marsden, a marine biologist attached to Reef Catchments Mackay. The Gooseponds consist of  four lagoons with a gross total area of about eight hectares all interconnected, which then run into Vines Creek and into the Pioneer River.

The Gooseponds is one of two major barramundi grow out  habitats attached to the Pioneer River and until the wet season  and our first flood event  the tilapia are confined.  

On Saturday the 30th of August, Reef Catchments will be arranging for the Tilapia Army to conduct a working bee during which volunteers will remove the tilapia habitat and assist with the construction of fish hotels to provide a natural habitat for predatory native fish species.

Reef Catchments will also be conducting an open information day  about tilapia for the community.

Tilapia Army volunteers will be advised by email near the day exactly what is planned when and where.

Keith Day from MAFSA and I are pleased with  progress to date. We are in constant contact with Claire Peterken of Reef Catchments who is coordinating the  eradication  program.

We also pay tribute to the Mackay Regional Council who are taking a pro active approach to assisting in every way possible. 

CARGO NETS FOR BOATS ON PUBLIC ROADS

Be warned.

The Mackay Daily newspaper recently featured a news article  about a police warning to boat  owners about their responsibility to ensure all items in their boat  to and from fishing  are  securely stored. They liken a boat to that of a box trailer or the back of a “tradies” ute, where all items must be securely fastened.

The most practical way to unsure no objects fly out of your boat in transit is to have all the items inside your vehicle or use a cargo net.

In recent months there has been much email chatter about what is legal or illegal on this subject. It would be wise to heed the warning rather than take the risk. 

FISH KILL CAMPWIN BEACH    just south of Hay Point   30/7/14.

Thousands of fish washed up on the beach at Campwin   Beach on Wednesday the 30th of July. The matter has been reported to the appropriate authorities. From photos I have seen, most appear to be about  40 mm long.

MEMBERSHIP  

I am proud to say that our  financial membership has surpassed the 400 mark, we are encouraged by the attendance of new younger members to our monthly committee meetings.  This makes for a healthy future. 

POSITIONS VACANT

We are desperately seeking help from someone with excellent computer skills to assist in the preparation of submissions and to take charge our electronic communications with our financial members, sponsors and stakeholders.

QUEENSLAND FISHERIES REVIEW

Our draft submission is currently about 90% complete , part of the contents are the recommendation that all mackerel species be line caught only, the establishment of commercial net free zones in locations of high population throughout Queensland, increased penalties for serious fishing offences, more compliance officers appointed in Mackay and throughout the state etc.

Our submission in full will be posted to our website hopefully before the closure of submissions on the 30th of October.

Please feel free to share this newsletter with friends and associates. That’s how we grow and prosper.   

P.s. There is no shortage of remarkable ideas. What’s missing is the will to execute them. - Seth Godin

Lance Murray.

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