15 Oct 2015

NET-FREE FISHING ZONES PASS FINAL HURDLE

WWF-Australia and the Australian Marine Conservation Society said Queensland’s threatened marine species are big winners after three new proposed net-free zones passed their final hurdle last night.   

“The net-free zones will now take effect on 1 November 2015 after members of the Queensland Parliament voted to reject a disallowance motion,” said WWF-Australia spokesperson Jim Higgs.

“WWF congratulates the Queensland Government for delivering the net-free zones which effectively create refuge areas that protect dugongs, snubfin dolphins, and turtles from drowning in nets."

“It also fulfils an important commitment in the Reef 2050 Plan which the World Heritage Committee wants to see implemented in full,” he said.

AMCS spokesperson Tooni Mahto said it was crucial populations of turtles, dugongs and snubfins were protected. 

“AMCS and our supporters are pleased the Queensland Government is now free to deliver critical protection zones for iconic and vulnerable QLD wildlife.”

“For species like snubfin dolphins, a single death can be significant."

“The Queensland Government has set an important milestone in the protection of threatened marine wildlife."

“Now there will be three new important areas of habitat free from nets, improving the chances these vulnerable species can survive,” she said.

The new net-free zones are near Cairns, north of Mackay and on the Capricorn Coast.

WWF-Australia Media Contact:

Mark Symons, 0400 985 571