FISHERS in the Whitsundays have voiced concerns about the future of fishing.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox MP said local fishers were expressing growing concerns over the future of both commercial and recreational fishing, citing a range of challenges including regulatory changes and economic pressures.
Mr Willcox, who is Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability, and Ross Cadell, Federal Shadow Minister for Fisheries, called a meeting with local fishers, at Mackay Reef Fish Supplies, last week.
It was part of a two-day Regional Queensland Fisheries listening tour, which met with local fishers and stakeholders in Mackay, Bowen and the Burdekin.
“At this initial meeting, we discussed NX licences, which allow commercial fishers to continue to use gillnets, which are being phased out over the next two years.” Mr Willcox said.
“The regulations being imposed on our fishermen and women are unrealistic and this is why I have asked Senator Cadell to the region, to talk with these people who are just trying to earn a living while feeding the nation.
“Every time we reduce the numbers of fishers, the knock-on effects are enormous. The boat builders, ice makers, chandlery shops and many other small businesses, and our communities suffer.
“Our fishers are already carrying out environmentally sustainable practices, with quotas, zone management, boat trackers and cameras onboard, so the best thing that government can do, is reduce the red tape and let the fishers fish.
“There’s nothing better than going down to the local park with your family and friends and enjoying some fresh, wild caught seafood, cooked at your local fish ‘n’ chip shop. But if these heavy regulations continue, this will become a thing of the past.”
