Inshore RIS collective response

Public meeting held at Rockhampton Leagues Club, Monday 4^th February, 2008

1                    Reject all proposed changes in the RIS at this time, until a more balanced management planning process is undertaken, as the  current proposed changes are grossly biased in favour of the commercial fishing sector and provide no benefits whatsoever for the recreational sector.

2                    The recreational fishing sector must be guaranteed a share of the inshore fisheries resource commensurate with its stakeholder dominance and economic contribution.

3                    Sustainable TAC's to be imposed on the commercial fishing sector for all key species of recreational interest before any new bag/size limits are determined.

4                    Reject increasing the maximum length of net in Keppel Bay from 200m to 600m.

5                    Reject any increase in the number of nets able to be used by individual N2 holders and demand a phased removal of all commercial nets from rivers, creeks and estuaries (including places like Corio Bay) by 2014.

6                    Reject the issuing of N4 symbols for the east coast fishery.  The proposed apparatus (1200m nets) poses an unacceptable risk to endangered and threatened species as well as the pelagic finfish species frequenting these waters.  It will also create significant on-water conflict between sectors.

7                    "S" symbols issued should be capped at a maximum number determined by resource sustainability and operator viability criteria.

8                    All commercial netting must be banned within 500m of headlands (to be clearly defined in the regulations), not just offshore nets.

9                    Absolutely no increase in netting in Dugong Protected Areas.  All netting should be banned in these areas.

10              Commercial bait nets should be only used to catch bait.  They should not be allowed in coastal Yellow Zoned areas. 

11              On-the-water at the net attendance (100m) mandatory for all nets set in locations where one end cannot be accessed at all times from the shore.

12              Marking of recreational bait and cast nets to be restricted to Moreton Bay.

13        Zoning of the commercial fishery is supported in principle.