This newsletter is for general distribution to your members & the public.

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER No 19, JUNE, 2025

Editors Note – This newsletter is being produced to ensure our Members are kept informed on relevant matters. Issues will be covered briefly & for further details please contact Myself by phone or email.

Sunfish activities.

Congratulations to Bruce Alvey AM on his appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia- the recognition is well deserved for his contribution to recreational fishing. Members are reminded that the Sunfish AGM will be held on August 10th at the Chermside Library starting at 9.30 am.

Following our March meeting with Fisheries Qld another has been held this month & the following information has been provided.

• Information on the use of the Recreational Use fee is still being prepared & we will circulate it when received.
• Contact points for all Fishery Managers have been provided
• Issues in relation to simplifying Recreational fishing regulations will be part of the new working group responsibilities. (see later)

Additionally we raised other following issues in relation to recreational fishing & the strategic direction for Fisheries Qld.

With the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy due to finish next year the Government is embarking on a new pathway that builds on previous work but with increasing community consultation.

This pathway will consist of the following

• A DPI 2050 Action Plan for all primary industries including fishing - submissions for this have closed & will be collated by a consultant in the near future.
• Later this year a “Ministerial Round Table for recreational fishing” will be convened with appointed statewide anglers voicing their thoughts for the future management of recreational fishing. A similar commercial round table will occur.
• This will lead to the development of a 5-year industry specific Strategic Plan for recreational fishing.
• Working groups will be reappointed with a change in responsibilities to reflect the industry strategic plans.
• Consideration is being given to having an FQ Manager for recreational fishing.

Research –

The new Spanish Mackerel stock assessment shows that the stocks are now stable.

The Sunfish Scientific Officer has commenced a new project in conjunction with the U of Qld on snapper reproduction. This follows Barry Pollock’s successful paper on flathead reproduction & several publications on snapper & bream.

The current Recreational Fishing Surveys by FQ will be scaled down in favor of other data collection methods.

The Fisheries Research & Development Corporation are calling for people to nominate for a position on the Qld Research Advisory Committee. The application form can be accessed through the FRDC website.

FQ Grants.

Several Members have applied successfully for grants to conduct fishing events for Juniors. Others have been “knocked back” & we have asked why.

Marine Parks.

Stakeholder consultation is expected to commence later this year on the Moreton Bay MP.

with a completion date for the new plan by 2029

GBRMPA are proceeding with their 3-year consultation on the future management of the Southern section of the GBR. This generally extends from Mackay to Bundaberg & Seawards. Research

David Bateman AM, Secretary Sunfish Qld. 14/6/2025

Note- Information contained in this newsletter is as accurate as possible as of this date.