Perceived and actual differences in recreational line catch trends between estuaries open and closed to commercial gillnet fishing in north Queensland (B4.10S)

Task leader: Ms Renae Tobin, CRC Reef and James Cook University.

Task associates:
Mr Darren Cameron, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Auhtority
Dr Daryl McPhee, University of Queensland.

Throughout tropical Queensland, the long-term closures of selected estuaries to commercial gillnet fishing often stimulates much discussion about what these areas provide for the recreational fishing sector. Opinions regarding whether recreational catch is ‘better’ (in terms of numbers and size of fish) in estuaries closed to commercial fishing are mixed, and there are no data within north Queensland to support any anecdotal claims.

To address this issue, Ms Tobin will be examining the opinions and perceptions of recreational, charter and commercial gillnet fishers via questionnaires. She will be examining opinions about resource competition, whether fishers believe there is a difference in catch quality between open and closed estuaries, and each groups attitude towards their competitor.

Information about catch is being collected directly from willing recreational and charter fishers fishing in local estuaries (from Ayr to Cardwell) over two years, using voluntary logbooks. Historic catch data, from tag records, fishing clubs and individual fishers’ records, will investigate catch changes within and adjacent to the Dugong Protection Areas (DPAs), and differences between all estuaries over time. Independent structured fishing surveys will reduce variation found in recreational fisher records and help to validate any trends found.

This project will provide important impartial information about whether significant benefits of closed areas for competing users exist. By teasing apart some of the fact and fiction surrounding sector-specific closures of estuaries, the project will assist management decisions by providing independent information about this highly charged issue. It may also provide some relief to the continuous conflict between competing user groups.