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MORE AND BIGGER FISH IN CLOSED ESTUARIES?A new CRC Reef project is studying whether there are more and bigger fish in estuaries that are closed to commercial fishing. Ms Renae Partridge, a postgraduate student from James Cook University, is working on a two-year project to find out whether there is a difference in the recreational fishing quality between estuaries that are closed to commercial fishing and those that are open to commercial fishing. "Most recreational fishers believe that the fishing is better in estuaries that are closed to commercial fishing," said Ms Partridge. "They believe that there are more fish and they are bigger in these estuaries. But there is no scientific evidence to support their belief." "My study is designed to find out whether the fishing really is better in estuaries that are closed to commercial fishing," she said. "This is an important fisheries management issue," said Ms Partridge. "By collecting impartial data, managers will be able to make better informed decisions about allocating or sharing resources between competing users." "Whether you fish once a day or once a year, you can help with this research by filling in a logbook," said Ms Partridge. "It's important hat as many people as possible take part in this research about their fishery." "I am keen to talk to anyone who is fishing in estuaries between Cardwell and Ayr. I am asking recreational fishers to fill in log books and record the size and number of fish they catch, and where they caught them." Logbooks and brochures about the study are available from Ms Partridge and also through most local tackle shops. Click here for more
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