2019-07-18 OM Agenda - Item 1 - Attachment 1 - Noosa Fishing Futures

Recreational Fishers’ Satisfaction and Expectations of Queensland’s Net Free Zones

Following the introduction of Net Free Zones in 2015, the Queensland Government have undertaken surveys
to determine if the satisfaction and expectations of recreational fishers changed following the establishment
of the NFZs. The surveys identified that satisfaction with fishing is generally positive and appears to be
increasing. The overall satisfaction over the previous 12 months was greater in 2016 than 2015. In Cairns and
Rockhampton, satisfaction was similar between years but in Mackay satisfaction was significantly greater in
2016. Recreational fishers were more satisfied with the number of big fish caught, the number of fish caught,
the size of the fish caught and the overall fishing in the area. All three Councils have developed recreational
fishing strategies since the introduction of NFZs. By way of example, the Mackay Region Recreational Fishing
Strategy 2017-202224 seeks to maximise economic benefits and opportunities from what it considers to be a
position of strength – its varied range of fish species and diverse range of freshwater and marine fishing
locations provide the core attributes necessary for the region to become a premier recreational fishing
destination. Designation of the Net Free Zone has provided the additional impetus necessary to take the next
step – it can be a gamechanger for the region. The Mackay Council is aiming to offer a recreational fishing
experience 365 days of the year by nurturing our fish stocks and habitats, and targeted investment in
infrastructure provide the basis for sustainable growth.

The key element of the strategy is collaboration between Council, State Government and the volunteer sector.
The Mackay Council recognises they will require external funding and partnership opportunities to invest in
recreational fishing infrastructure, and work to improve ecology and fisheries management whilst working
with the existing community resources available to them. This means utilising some of their inherent
strengths; education, accessibility, conservation, environment, sport and recreation, marketing and events,
tourism and business development. This is a success story in all three jurisdictions. The data for the most recent
Fisheries Queensland survey for 2018 is not yet available but early indicators are the feedback from survey
participants is very positive. These most recent surveys and further data from each jurisdiction will be provided
later in the report.

                                 CASE STUDY TWO - THE REMOVAL of NET FISHING from PORT PHILLIP BAY

In 2014, the Victorian government committed to phase out netting in Port Phillip Bay to improve recreational
fishing opportunities and contribute to the government’s aim to increase the number of anglers in Victoria to
1 million. The plan commenced in 2014 and will end on 1st April 2022. To date, 33 fishers have elected to exit
the fishery and 8 have decided to remain in the Bay are restricted to using non-net gear types and methods.
Two types of compensation packages have been provided to those whose fishery licenses are surrendered or
restricted by the scheme;

         a surrender package for license holders exiting the fishery, payable in the year in which they exit; and,
         an adjustment package for the license holders eligible to remain in the non-net fishery.

Under the Victorian plan the scheme provided $27M for compensation, depending on when a license holder
exits the fishery. A surrender package compensation scheme consisted of;

         the assessed market value of the license, assessed by the Victorian Valuer General as being $310,000;
         an allowance of $75,000 for commercial fishing equipment such as vessels and nets; and,
         an amount to provide compensation for loss of income based on 3 times the average annual catch
          value taken over 5 fishing years from1 April 2009 to 31 March 2014 under the license.



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     https://www.connectingmackay.com.au/25549/documents/55616


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