News from Marine Queensland

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Queensland Marinas Under Sustainability Pressures

Queensland marina operators and developers are under sustainability pressure as a result of massive State Government agency rent rises that have no bearing to the economic performance of the industry.  Adding to the pressure is uncertainty in relation to current and future wet and dry marina lease policies.

To add clarity to this issue, Marine Queensland engaged Pitcher Partners to undertake an analysis of a sustainable rent regime for marinas in Queensland.  This work builds on similar analyses undertaken by marina operators and developers in NSW.

Moreton Bay In Full Recovery After Oil Spill

One year after Queensland's largest environmental clean-up, Moreton Bay has suffered no lasting damage, Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said today.

Ms Jones told State Parliament thanks to an effective clean-up response involving more than 2,500 people from 22 agencies, the region had a quick recovery.

"Despite what the Member for Noosa would have people believe, today's reports have found the clean-up response was effective and successful," Ms Jones said.

Ship In The Bay for Sunday Sinking

The old tuna fishing vessel, the Tiwi Pearl, is in position in Moreton Bay ahead of its sinking on Sunday.

Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said boaties would be welcome to view the sinking provided that they observed a 250 metre radius exclusion zone.

The Tiwi Pearl is scheduled to be sunk around 9am on Sunday (March 14).

"The Tiwi Pearl is moored at its sinking position east of St Helena Island, 18 kilometres offshore from Manly," Ms Jones said.

"She'll be sunk by flooding rather than explosives.

Flood grants for Small Businesses and Primary Producers

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Premier Anna Bligh have announced joint Commonwealth-State funded grants to help small businesses and primary producers affected by recent flooding in Queensland.

The announcement will see small businesses and primary producers receive grants for clean up and recovery. Tier 1 grants will be available for up to $5,000 and Tier 2 grants will be up to $20,000.

The Prime Minister said his thoughts were with the people of Queensland's south- west who were going through a very tough time.

Flat Rock closed to protect the endangered

Two recreational fishers have been fined $1800 plus court costs for three separate fishing offences at Flat Rock.

Queensland Boating and Fisher Patrol (QBFP) district officer Don Garnett said the two fishers were caught at Flat Rock, off North Stradbroke with 29 mixed species of fish - a number of which were undersized.

"The fishers were in possession of eleven undersize snapper, and eight undersize red throat emperor," Mr Garnett said.

"The fishers also had 12 snapper in total - two more than the legal bag limit of 10."

Faulty crab gauges cause concern

A recent investigation into undersized mud crabs has uncovered faulty crab gauges being sold in Townsville.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said gauges from a number of outlets were faulty.

"They have been found to measure below 150 mm - the minimum size limit for mud crabs," he said.

"The discovery was made as part of an investigation into the exporting of seafood.

Marine Queensland Voices Tipplers Concerns

Marine Queensland has voiced serious concerns with the Gold Coast City Council's handling of the Tipplers Resort.

Marine destinations are essential community and tourism facilities within the Gold Coast region.  Boating destinations are important community assets and are a critical part of the recreational and light commercial marine industry for the Gold Coast.  They are essential for many community boating clubs, marine tourism operators and marine industry operators.

Labor 's Artificial Reefs are Just That

The Bligh Government is running silent over its failure to deliver three artificial reefs promised for Moreton Bay, Member for Cleveland, Mark Robinson said today. 

The artificial reef program was  announced in December 2008  by the then Sustainability Minister Andrew McNamara, as an offset to compensate recreational fishers for being locked out of the bay by the  government's controversial green zones.

Fish Learn Stranger Danger

Stranger danger a tough lesson for young fish

We all learned about stranger danger in school, and scientists have discovered the lesson is just as important for young fish.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said : "As unusual as it sounds researchers have been teaching hatchery reared fingerlings to fear and avoid predators - and it works."

"The research by Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries is part of a threatened species recovery program.

Old Girl of the Sea to Become a Popular Fishing Spot

An old fishing vessel built in Alabama will next month be sunk in the middle of Moreton Bay and become a new artificial reef for recreational fishermen, Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones said today.

Ms Jones, inspecting the Tiwi Pearl at a shipyard in Hemmant, said the 24-metre, 96-tonne ship form a major extension to Harry Atkinson Reef, east of St Helena Island.

"This is an old girl of the sea who will continue to help fishermen in retirement," Ms Jones said.

"But instead of catching fish, she'll soon be attracting fish.