Mackay anglers are passionate about sustainable fishing
As of November 2015, thanks to the tireless campaigning of Mackay Recreational Fishing Alliance (MRFA) and supporters, the Mackay region was granted one of three new Net Free Zones in Queensland. From St Helens to Cape Hillsborough became completely off limits to gill nets (gillnets being the primary method for netting barramundi, salmon, grunter and assorted bycatch species like queenfish, snubnose dart and trevally). Since then, data gathered by both MRFA and the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has demonstrated an increase in catches, and the size of fish captured. For example, boat ramp surveys at Victor Creek boat ramp, Seaforth in 2016 reported 2603 fish caught and by 2018 that number had risen to 5012. By 2019, the number of barramundi caught in the area had more than doubled from 2016. For more information check out the Boat ramp survey program website.
Of course, recreational fishing can still have an impact on fish stocks, and those stocks will only continue to improve as long as anglers, both local and visiting, do the right thing. With this in mind, the a pledge was created to follow a voluntary code of conduct aimed at protecting our fisheries for future generations.
VOLUNTARY CODE OF PRACTISE FOR RECREATIONAL FISHERS
Value 1: Maintaining healthy fish stocks through sustainable harvest behaviours
Limit your take of barra and king threadfin salmon to a max of 3 of each species per trip
When keeping barramundi and king threadfin salmon, limit the size to a max of 100cm
Limit your catch of all other species
Value 2: Proper care and handling of all fish being released to maximise survival rates
Ensure fish to be released are supported along their length if removed from the water prior to release (especially if being photographed)
Do not lay fish on hot surfaces during the removal of hooks
Use of knotless landing nets which are less damaging to fish for catch and release fishing
Value 3: Zero tolerance for Illegal fishing activities
Immediately report any illegal of suspicious fishing activity observed
Any illegal or suspicious fishing activity observed within the Net Free Zone is to the Qld Boat & Fishing Patrol or Police (Fishwatch - 18000 17 116)
Promote the Voluntary Code of Practice among friends and visitors
Value 4: Care and Respect of our environment.
Keep our waterways pristine by removing all rubbish
Know your zoning - don’t be the next catch
Look after nursery areas such as lagoons, brackish and freshwater wetlands
Be croc wise - do not dispose of fish frames at boat ramps
Assist with sharing information and data involved in monitoring the effectiveness of the Net Free Zone
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Support those supporting our fisheries
Mackay Area Fish Stocking Association (MAFSA)
MAFSA is a non-profit, volunteer-run organisation that coordinates the breeding and stocking of Mackay's waters and impoundments with barramundi, sooty grunter and other native fish species. They are constantly working to replenish the Pioneer River fisheries degraded by weir obstructions and stock Eungella, Kinchant and Teemburra dams. They have released well over 2,400,000 fingerlings into our waterways to date. The group also run the annual World Sooty Grunter Championship at Eungella Dam to raise funds and spread the word about this amazing fisheries.
To learn more, to support or volunteer for MAFSA, head to their website.
Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance (MRFA)
MRFA is an active lobby group that supports recreational anglers and aims to educate future generations on the importance of fishing for the future. Their goal is to make Mackay the premier fishing destination of Queensland. The group is constantly promoting the improvement of fish habitat and took the lead in campaigning for our local Net Free Zone.
To learn more about the group and to join, head to their website.