2015-11-10 - P&O Agenda - Item 7, Attach 1 - Historical Ecology of the Noosa Estuary Fisheries

Lake where they could be targeted. Portions of the lower river, as well as Weyba
Creek, were subsequently closed to net fishing (Fig. 2). Despite these closures, it
was widely believed that line fishing was becoming poorer as a result of
extensive net fishing and consequent destruction of young fish (e.g., Courier Mail,
6 Oct 1936; Department of Harbours and Marine 1937). However, subsequent
enquires by the fisheries inspector led him to report that line fishing had not
decreased:


“Every one I spoke to [about fishing] gave the same reply, “very good, could not be
better”. This is the outcome of the recent rains, which goes to show that when poor
results are obtained by the anglers, natural conditions such as prolonged spells of
dry weather are primarily the cause, and not net-fishing. As a general rule, when
line-fishing is poor, net-fishing is also poor. Another factor which could be taken
into consideration is the shallow nature of the river, and the number of small
motor-boats cruising about; this tends to frighten the fish, and does not allow them
to settle down.” Department of Harbours and Marine 1937.


In 1939 three separate petitions were presented to the Fisheries Department.
The first, from the local net fishers, requested that the closed area at the mouth
of the Noosa River and the South Shore be opened to net fishing for several
nights a week during July and August. The second and third came from local
residents, both objecting to the proposed reopening of the closed area, with one
requesting that further closures occur. These residents, however, distinguished
between net fishing and bait nets, which many recreational fishers used at the
time, stating that bait nets should continue to be allowed within the closed area.
The fisheries inspector of the time noted that:


“I do not think the request a reasonable one, if bait-nets were allowed, it would be
more detrimental to the young fish life than the ordinary fishing nets. I do not
consider that the closing of further waters would be of any benefit to line fishing,
not to the general advancement and progress of Tewantin, or the professional
fishermen.” Department of Harbours and Marine 1939.




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