Snapper is off the menu at least for a while.
SNAPPER fishing will be banned for six weeks across Queensland from February 15 to March 31.
Fisheries Minister Tim Mulherin this morning announced the ban while releasing a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for public consultation.
The ban will extend from February 15 to March 31. [url=http://www.fisheries.qld.gov.au]Read more[/url]
It applies to all recreational commercial and charter fishing of snapper teraglin and peal perch.
Mr Mulherin pointed to two Fisheries Queensland audits of snapper in 2006 and 2009 that revealed snapper levels were less than 35 per cent of unfished levels.
Fish levels below 40 per cent of unfished levels are categorised as overfished according to accepted international standards.
Mr Mulherin indicated those reports were evidence enough to act now for six weeks while bolder more lasting strategies are considered.