Fisheries Minister Craig Wallace today reminded recreational fishers that new fishing rules for catching snapper in Queensland will take effect from September 1.

“The bag limit on snapper will be reduced from five to four per person, with a limit of one fish over 70cm in length,” Mr Wallace said.

“No future bans on catching snapper in Queensland are necessary.

“These sensible changes came about after close consultation with recreational fishers and key stakeholders, through a process that I personally oversaw.

“The rule changes are part of a package of arrangements that include educating anglers on best practice handling techniques to reduce fatalities of fish when released.

“As a keen fisher myself, I am confident the measures we have taken to protect this popular species will ensure future generations have the opportunity to enjoy the experience of catching a snapper for many years to come.”

Mr Wallace said the bag or ‘possession’ limit of snapper included any previously caught fish people had in their possession.

“A 'bag' or 'possession' limit refers to the total number of fish an individual can legally take and have in their possession at any one time - it does not apply on a per-day basis,” he said.

“This includes the fish you have caught previously that are in your freezer at home, camp site or in your caravan.”

Mr Wallace said a series of short, instructional YouTube videos were now available for recreational fishers to view.

“Videos on correct fish handling techniques, how to measure fish correctly, and requirements for responsible crabbing in Queensland, among others, are all now available on our Fisheries Queensland YouTube channel,” he said.

“These YouTube videos are part of an education program delivered by the State Government to reduce snapper deaths through after being caught and released.

“I urge all recreational fishers to head to www.youtube.com/fisheriesqld to check out the videos for themselves.”

Mr Wallace said the minimum size limit for snapper would remain at 35cm, and the changes would apply to all recreational fishers, including those fishing from charter boats.

Other important developments for the snapper fishery included:

•No further bans on snapper fishing;
•No proposed change for the size and bag limits for pearl perch and teraglin;
•An online monitoring program will be introduced for recreational fishers to log snapper catch data, to enable anglers to provide information for use in future reviews.
•Another review of fisheries management, including an updated snapper assessment, will be completed in 2014.
For more information on the new snapper rules, head to www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23.

Latest fisheries information is also available via Twitter – www.twitter.com/fisheriesQLD or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FisheriesQueensland