Looking after protected species in Queensland
A comprehensive guide for commercial fishers
Looking after protected species in Queensland
A comprehensive guide for commercial fishers PR11–4985
Photograph acknowledgements (cover) Grey nurse shark courtsey of DERM, all others DEEDI © The State of Queensland, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, 2011. Except as permitted by the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this work may in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or any other means be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or be broadcast or transmitted without the prior written permission of the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The copyright owner shall not be liable for technical or other errors or omissions contained herein. The reader/user accepts all risks and responsibility for losses, damages, costs and other consequences resulting directly or indirectly from using this information. Enquiries about reproduction, including downloading or printing the web version, should be directed to [email protected] or telephone 13 25 23 (Queensland residents) or +61 7 3404 6999. Contents
Introduction 1
Background 2 Threats to protected species 2 What fishers can do to protect biodiversity 3 How is an animal declared a protected species? 4 Jurisdictions 5
Reporting 7 Commonwealth obligations 7 State obligations 7 When should I report something? 7 What information should I provide? 8 How will the information be used 8 What happens if I don’t report interactions? 8 Report an interaction 8
Identification and practical tips 9 General handling practices 9 Crocodiles (freshwater and saltwater) 10 Dolphins 11 Dugongs 13 False water rats 15 Fish (freshwater) 16 Fish (marine) 20 Platypus 22 Sawfish 23 Seabirds 27 Seahorses, pipefish and pipehorses 30 Sea snakes 32 Sharks 35 Great white sharks 35 Grey nurse sharks 36 Long and short fin mako sharks and porbeagle sharks 37 Speartooth sharks 38 Whale sharks 39 Turtles (freshwater) 41 Turtles (marine) 42 Whales 48 Looking after protected species in Queensland
iii More information 51 Handling techniques 51 Identifying protected species 51
Contacts 52 Queensland 52 Commonwealth 52
Appendix 1: List of protected species 53
Appendix 2: Species protected under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983 59
Appendix 3: Species of Conservation Interest logbook 60 Introduction
Over recent decades, the global community has become more aware of the impact that human development and consumption has had on aquatic species and ecosystems. In response to these concerns, governments and international agencies have moved to protect certain species or groups of species that are considered at particular risk because of their biological traits (e.g. species that grow slowly and mature late), or that have shown signs of significant reduction in population numbers (e.g. grey nurse and great white sharks). Governments have also sought to protect particular species that represent important Indigenous, cultural and aesthetic value, such as dugongs and turtles.
As a result of the international importance placed on these species and the fact that these species often inhabit a number of jurisdictional areas, different departments and agencies now have a role in protected species management for waters off the Queensland coast. These include the:
• Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC), Australian Government • Australian Fisheries Management Authority • Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority • Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM), Queensland Government • Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI), Queensland Government.
These multiple jurisdictions may result in confusion as to who is managing which species in which areas. This comprehensive guide has been designed to assist Queensland commercial fishing operators understand the wide variety of legislation and other information about protected species management and reporting. It aims to be a ‘one stop shop’ for protected species information.
The information comes from a number of sources— government, research and industry—to make it useful for the widest number of commercial operators. The guide provides significant background, while also focusing on practical information that can be used at sea to avoid, minimise or handle interactions with protected species. This guide can also be used to provide the basis of training courses for master fishers. Looking after protected species in Queensland
1 2 Looking after protected species in Queensland ecosystems the genetic information including things, all of living variety is the Biodiversity iving community interacting with its environment its with interacting community iving 2 inherited particular for system storage genes—the in contained nformation characteristics 1 usually: species These have decreased. numbers and their vulnerable make more that them characteristics biological have certain species Some Background global ecosystem, representing: global ecosystem, national and the of feature and avital biodiversity Queensland’s of component significant a are wildlife 1992 Act Conservation Nature the example, For under legislation. protected are risk at considered are that species those biodiversity, its of losingTo of likelihood more Australia’s reduce world. in the else nowhere found are manywhich of and animals, plants of million species one than is to home more Australia ecosystems. aquatic occur in diverse that species of variety the protecting means biodiversity natural Australia’s of Protection change. and degradation resilience to environment’s the increase also can ecosystem Adiverse pollutants. down and break help erosion against protect can It and fertility. production climate soil and ensure regulate processes, ecological helpsmaintain biodiversity of preservation The medicines. of range a through health our for to provide also but food, with us to provide only not ecosystems on We rely depend. humans which on ecosystems the sustaining for vital
• lants • nly • ave • ake • ive • • A l I ecosystem processes maintenance the for of importance potential Australian biota Australian the of evolution the of an understanding young every few years few every young o h t l a a p
source genetic
long
have
a long
long and 2
they form. Maintaining biodiversity is Maintaining biodiversity form. they lives of
resource
a gestation
animals
genetic time few
young
to
of reach
information 1 of
they contain and the and the contain they (pregnancy)
potential
inherent each
maturity states that endangered endangered that states
season
benefit value
integral
periods
or
and
only to
to
society.
produce
process if it: if process threatening akey as listed be can Aprocess community. ecological or species anative of development abundance evolutionary or survival, the threaten may or threatens is that one process threatening A key threatening processes. of key andlisting identification 1999 Act Conservation Environment and Biodiversity Protection The species. of anumber on impact greatest havethe that threats human-made those often more manageable are are that threats key the Consequently, to difficult control. are disasters natural such as threats natural perspective, amanagement From others. than species certain on impact haveagreater can threats these of Some fishing. of climate forms change and some debris, marine pollution, clearing, land such as threats to human-made and flood, drought predation, such as threats natural from range can These sustainability. long-term their affect may that threats of under arange animals live All Threats to protected species re • ave • re • ome • evote • dversely • ould • ould • the environment. the habitats species or threatened ecological communities. ecological threatened or species endangered more to become community ecological threatened threatened list (other than conservation-dependent) adding for to a eligible to become community a h a c d a c c or disease low numbers low
poorly more
limited
from cause cause
a
lot exposed
affects
equipped a
of
an a geographical population
native time
already
two
(EPBC Act) provides for the the for provides Act) (EPBC or
to
to species susceptible
or caring
deal listed
more that
ranges
with
already for
or
threatened listed
ecological their
rapid to
or
predation
threatened
restricted
has offspring
changes
species
in
or
Threatening processes can be nominated by anyone What fishers can do to protect but must be assessed by the Threatened Species biodiversity Scientific Committee. The Queensland commercial fishing industry has been Once a threatening process is listed under the EPBC heavily involved in looking after protected species and, Act, a Threat Abatement Plan is put into place if it is in the last decade, has taken part in a number of specific proven to be ‘a feasible, effective and efficient way’ to programs. Industry has demonstrated its commitment abate the threatening process. Management of threats to sustainable management and world’s best practice to protected species generally focus on these key through development of a number of environmental threatening responses. management systems. Industry has also collaborated The current key threatening processes in effect and the with researchers in the design of apparatus that can date they were introduced are listed in Table 1 below. minimise the effect on bycatch3 and the ecosystem generally (e.g. bycatch reduction devices and turtle excluder devices), and contributed to publications such as the Oceanwatch Bycatch Solutions handbook.
3 Species that are discarded from the catch or retained for scientific purposes, and that part of the catch that is not landed but is killed as a result of interaction with fishing gear; includes discards of commercially valuable species
Table 1: Listed key threatening processes and effective dates
Listed key threatening processes Effective Competition and land degradation by feral goats 16 July 2000 Competition and land degradation by feral rabbits 16 July 2000 Dieback caused by the root-rot fungus (Phytophthora cinnamomi) 16 July 2000 Incidental catch (bycatch) of sea turtles during coastal otter trawling operations within 4 April 2001 Australian waters north of 28 degrees south Incidental catch (or bycatch) of seabirds during oceanic longline fishing operations 16 July 2000 Infection of amphibians with chytrid fungus resulting in chytridiomycosis 23 July 2002 Injury and fatality to vertebrate marine life caused by ingestion of, or entanglement in, 13 August 2003 harmful marine debris Land clearance 4 April 2001 Loss of climatic habitat caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases 4 April 2001 Predation by feral cats 16 July 2000 Predation by the European red fox (Vulpes vulpes) 16 July 2000 Predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission by feral pigs 6 July 2001 Psittacine circoviral (beak and feather) disease affecting endangered psittacine species 4 April 2001 The reduction in the biodiversity of Australian native fauna and flora due to the red imported 2 April 2003 fire ant (fire ant,Solenopsis invicta) Looking after protected species in Queensland
3 4 Looking after protected species in Queensland listed as: listed be Speciescan species risk. at to protect legislation and developing for afoundation policy as is used animal of both List Red and plant The species. status conservation global the to guide comprehensive most the as considered many by experts List, Red for Conservation ofNature Conservation for Union International the level, international the At International below. explained further are These 1).Appendix (see of protection levels different that provide species of protected categories different are law. There international or Commonwealth state, under protection of level some has that species any to describe used is broadly species’ ‘protected term The species? How is ananimal declared aprotected onofficer (07) 4032 2234. extension aSeanet contact or www.oceanwatch.org.au, websiteat (07) on their visit or 6021 5514 Oceanwatch contact To Oceanwatch. by thisinformation, obtain developed been also has information practice Best appropriately. impacts any manage can and interactions of level the of informed are all parties that so accurately interactions report should also They in thisguide. provided information practice best the with themselves familiarising by part their do can operator Each generations. future for maintained be can depend they which on ecosystem the and resources fisheries that will ensure fishers by to sustainability commitment This practice. of codes and regional courses awareness through fisheries green clean, on focus their to demonstrate hard haveworked associations commercial anumber of fishing areas, regional In east • ear • ulnerable • ndangered • itically • xtinct • • l n v e cr e t c n i t x e
threatened concern
in
endangered
the
wild ( IUCN) compiles the IUCN) protection: of level the determine which appendices, three of one in placed are concern conservation of Species survival. species threaten not does wildlife of trade to ensure designed agreement is an intergovernmental CITES (CITES). Fauna and Wild of Flora Species Endangered Trade in International on Convention and the Species Migratory on Convention the such as agreements, governmental international helps to progress that information important provides also List Red The Species can also be listed as: listed be also can Species categories: following into the divided are threatened as listed are that species Act, EPBC the Under Act. EPBC the through Government Commonwealth the by legislation into Australian translated are CITES of Iand II in Appendix listed Species Commonwealth ppendix • ppendix • ot • ata • • hales • • onservation • ulnerable • ndangered • itically • xtinct • • ppendix • be controlled to prevent unsustainable exploitation. unsustainable prevent to controlled be must trade which for but extinction with threatened circumstances. in exceptional only permitted is species Trade these inof specimens extinction. parties for assistance in controlling trade. in controlling assistance for parties CITES other asked has which country, one least at A A n d a w a c v e cr e t c n i t x e A
marine migratory
evaluated.
deficient
in and
the II I III
includes
includes other
species contains
d wild ependent.
cetaceans
species
species
species
threatened
not
that
necessarily
are
protected
with
in
Some species have multiple listings. For example, Queensland fisheries legislation may also list species of some seabirds listed as threatened species because of conservation interest as regulated species (i.e. limited conservation concerns are also migratory and fall under take or no take). the marine listing because of their presence in marine areas. All listings provide strong protection for the Jurisdictions species listed. Some of the legislation described only applies in certain Also at the Commonwealth level, the Great Barrier areas. Historically, state agencies have jurisdiction in Reef Marine Park Authority (tasked with protecting the marine areas out to 3 nautical miles. From there, the biodiversity of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Commonwealth usually has jurisdiction out to 200 Area) can declare certain species as protected under the nautical miles where the Australian Fishing Zone ends Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983, which and international waters begin (see Figure 1 overleaf). state the following: Under the Offshore Constitutional Settlement 1995 (1) For the definition of protected species in the Zoning Plan, between the Commonwealth of Australia and the State the following species are declared: of Queensland, DEEDI has responsibility for the day-to- ) a each species that is a listed threatened species, a day management of all fish stocks in waters adjacent to listed migratory species or a listed marine species Queensland’s east coast, except for tuna and tuna-like (in each case within the meaning given by the species and other Coral Sea fisheries managed by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Commonwealth. Act 1999); ) b each species of marine mammal, bird or reptile that World Heritage Areas such as the Great Barrier Reef is prescribed as ‘endangered wildlife’, ‘vulnerable World Heritage Area are managed under the jurisdiction wildlife’ or ‘rare wildlife’ under the Nature of the Commonwealth. Conservation Act 1992 of Queensland; ) c each species mentioned or referred to in Table 29. (2) An individual of a species of the genus Epinephelus (other than E. tukula or E. lanceolatus) is taken to be of a protected species if the individual is more than 1000 mm long.
Table 29 has been reproduced in Appendix 2 of this guide. Section 2 (of the Regulations above) relates to large cod species that are generally tame and are of iconic value to passive users (i.e. divers and tourists).
Queensland At the state government level, DERM lists species of particular importance in Queensland that require protection under the Nature Conservation Act. Species can be listed as:
• extinct in the wild • endangered • vulnerable • r a r e • near threatened • least concern. Looking after protected species in Queensland
5 6 Looking after protected species in Queensland Figure 1: Figure ap of Queensland indicating the different jurisdictional areas jurisdictional different the indicating Queensland of ap M Reporting
Commonwealth obligations The Nature Conservation (Dugong) Conservation Plan 1999 has the following requirements: Under the EPBC Act, if you are a person who undertakes For a person taking a whale or dolphin in the course of a an activity that results in interference with or the lawful activity that was not directed towards the taking; and unintentional death, injury, trading, taking, keeping the taking could not have been reasonably avoided must: or moving of a listed threatened species (except a (1) if the whale or dolphin is alive and does not appear to be conservation-dependent species), a species from badly injured, the person must: a listed threatened ecological community, a listed (a) if the whale or dolphin can be immediately returned to migratory species, a listed marine species or a cetacean the water from which it was taken without injuring or in or on a Commonwealth area, and your activity was distressing it: not authorised by a permit, then you must notify the (i) take reasonable steps to immediately return the Secretary of SEWPaC within seven days of becoming whale or dolphin to the water; and aware of the results of your activity. (ii) as soon as practicable, tell an officer of the DEEDI and SEWPaC have negotiated an agreement department about the whale or dolphin and, if it that allows Queensland commercial fishers to report is injured, the circumstances in which the injury interactions with protected species through their happened; or compulsory logbooks, which are regularly provided (b) if the whale or dolphin cannot be immediately to DEEDI. SEWPaC will not take any action against an returned to the water—immediately tell an officer of authority holder (in respect to a failure to meet their the department about the whale or dolphin and, if seven-day reporting requirement) if the interaction it is injured, the circumstances in which the injury was recorded in the authority holder’s logbook at the happened. time of the interaction and the logbook was provided (2) if the whale or dolphin is badly injured or dead— to DEEDI as required. DEEDI will provide a quarterly immediately tell an officer of the department about the whale or dolphin and the circumstances in which the report to SEWPaC outlining the number and locations injury or death happened. of interactions. State obligations Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation Department of Environment and Resource As part of the commercial logbook program, DEEDI have Management introduced a Species of Conservation Interest (SOCI) The Nature Conservation (Whales and Dolphins) logbook for most fisheries. Operators in fisheries that Conservation Plan 1997 has the following requirements: receive a SOCI logbook are legally obliged to complete it under the Fisheries Act 1994. For a person that takes a dugong in the course of a lawful activity that was not directed towards the taking; and the When should I report something? taking could not have been reasonably avoided, the person must: As stated in legislation, you should report to SEWPaC (a) if the dugong is alive and does not appear to whenever your activity results in the unintentional be mortally injured—take reasonable steps to death, injury, trading, taking, keeping or moving of a immediately return it to the waters from which it protected species in Commonwealth waters. This means was taken; or that you are not required to report sightings of protected (b) if the dugong is dead or appears to be mortally species interacting indirectly with the fishing operation injured—immediately tell a conservation officer about (e.g. seabirds feeding on discarded fish). The same the dugong and the circumstances in which the death general requirement applies to providing information to or injury happened. DEEDI in SOCI logbooks. Looking after protected species in Queensland
7 8 Looking after protected species in Queensland case. The Queensland Government understands that that understands Government Queensland The case. is the not This interaction. of level in the arise showing as interpreted be will reporting and comprehensive accurate more that concerned be may operators Some How will theinformation beused be. may species the of status the and what breed, they and where when uses, species the that habitat the understand researchers help will information This sex. size and its its in, is it condition what (e.g. and habitat), found depth animal the is in where interested are Researchers better. the provide, you information more The however, you should indicate: to DERM; reported should be that information of type the prescribe not does Act Conservation Nature The logbook. commercial catch normal your with returned sheets and log all at times carried should be logbook 3). This in Appendix is (an provided example logbook SOCI in the out is set DEEDI by required information The the: includes SEWPaC to 7.08), reported should be that information the 2000 Regulations Conservation Biodiversity and Protection Environment under the prescribed As What information should Iprovide? to DERM. animals dead stranded or injured, any report also immediately. You should reported be must waters state and dolphins whales in with all interactions However, animal should the dead injured. or be DERM contact to need only operators waters, in state encountered dugongs For species. the on and is dependent different is slightly to DERM to report requirement The hether • he • onsequences • umber • rcumstances • ime • etails • the action the d w t c n ci t
species
and
of
of it
place
your
was members
involved
fishing of that released of
the the
led
of
action. action
operation.
each to
dead,
the
species
action
alive
or
affected
injured (section (section
by
on 1300on 130 372 To report a stranded, injured or dead animal, call dead or injured animal,call astranded, To report logbooks. SOCI the through identified interactions of level the to validate help will Program Observer Fishery DEEDI’s used to: used could be Information interactions. of distribution to indicate help may the information Logbook interactions. in trends actual of indication aclearer provide will it time, over continues program logbook SOCI the As past. in quitethe low been has reporting when particularly interactions, actual more indicate necessarily not do interactions reported more DERM to waters and dolphins whales dead), in or injured state (if dugongs with interactions report You also must SOCI logbook. interactions all Record aninteractionReport manner. sustainable and in atransparent conducted are in Queensland fishingoperations current that agencies conservation and stakeholders to external tocontinue demonstrate to agencies for management is it difficult interactions, number of the report accurately don’t operators If Act. Fisheries the under prosecuted be can you information logbook toand keep give fail if you addition, In Act. Conservation Nature and the Act EPBC the both under fined be can you to or DERM, logbook SOCI your through an interaction to report fail you If interactions? What happens ifIdon’treport dvise • lert • dentify • interaction occurs. interaction areas those protected species a a i on 1300 on 130 372
operators
operators
areas .
of
to
preferred
on
the with protected species in your in your species protected with .
how
possibility
to
habitat
reduce
of
for
their interaction
certain
impact
DERM
in
if
an
Identification and practical tips
General handling practices
When handling protected species, remember the following general practices:
• Try to minimise the stress on animals by releasing them as quickly and gently as possible. • Always consider your safety and the safety of the crew when handling protected species. • Remove as much fishing gear as possible from any entangled animals before releasing. • Hooks should be removed where possible. Where this isn’t practical or safe, try to cut the line as close to the hook as possible. Be aware that wire traces can create abrasions and infections on the side of animals. • Have tools such as pliers, wire cutters, de-hookers and line cutters on hand, which will help you release any animals you may accidentally catch. Looking after protected species in Queensland
9 10 Looking after protected species in Queensland Table 2: difference between the two species. two the between difference the tell fishers help will that characteristics the outlines Table however, crocodiles; 2 recognise able to easily be will people 3). Most (Figure crocodile (saltwater) 2) estuarine and the (Figure crocodile freshwater crocodile—the of types is to home two Australia Identification humans. of wary becoming less crocodiles of aresult as to likely increase are Interactions year. the of start the at particularly pots, in crab becoming trapped crocodiles juvenile of reports been havealso uncommon. There not are Australia of north in the in inshore nets becoming entangled crocodiles of Reports operations. fishing during incidentally taken occasionally also are Crocodiles nests. on animal attacks and feral loss include habitat crocodiles on impacts Current compromised. isn’t balance ecosystem in providing role their that ensure to species the on to minimise impacts the important is it still place, took hunting when were they as great as not certainly are to crocodiles threats current the While Act. EPBC the under threatened as is listed species Neither Act. Conservation Nature under the vulnerable as is listed consequently, and, certain is in less Queensland crocodile’s status saltwater The habitat. in its secure to be thought is currently crocodile freshwater The significantly. declined numbers their aresult, As skin. their for predominantly hunted were 1970s, crocodiles the Until Crocodiles (freshwater andsaltwater) ainly • sually • ow eedle-like • arrow • rey • • crocodile Freshwater
of Carpentaria of females) in adult head the M U R N N G
of haracteristics of freshwater and saltwater crocodiles saltwater and freshwater of haracteristics or C
four
found
olive snout smaller
large teeth
brown
in
in rivers
scales
size
in
colour of (up
on Cape
to
the
with 2.5
York
neck
m
ragged
in Peninsula
immediately
adult
dark
males
and
mottling
behind
and the
Gulf 2
m
Crocodile Adventures Crocodile Hartley’s of courtesy DERM, from obtained photograph Figure 3: Figure Adventures Crocodile Hartley’s of courtesy DERM, from obtained photograph Figure 2: Figure ound • sually o • • hick • road • rey, • crocodileSaltwater
adult females) adult mottling F U N T B G
row
olive altwater crocodile ( crocodile altwater reshwater crocodile ( crocodile reshwater teeth
snout from S
F
of larger
large
brown
Rockhampton
in
scales
size
or
almost
(up
on
to
its
to
7 Crocodylus porosus black
neck
Cape Crocodylus johnstoni Crocodylus m
in
with
adult York
ragged
and males
in
the dark and )—
Gulf )—
4
m
in
Dolphins
The freshwater crocodile is endemic to Australia—it is Dolphins tend to live long lives. They give birth to found nowhere else in the world. It plays an important one live young and invest significant time and energy role as the top predator in much of Australian’s northern raising it. Dolphins are highly intelligent and can detect wetlands. Should this predator be lost, the ecological movement through echolocation (like sonar). A number balance of these systems may be threatened. of species are known to form large social groups (or pods). All dolphins are protected. Under Queensland legislation, both species of crocodile are protected. Interfering with crocodiles or their eggs While all dolphins are protected, there is particular and possessing or taking parts of crocodiles is illegal interest in certain species such as the Indo-Pacific without a licence from the Queensland Parks and humpback dolphin and the Irrawaddy dolphin. Both Wildlife Service (part of DERM). species can be found in shallow inshore areas and estuaries in tropical and subtropical areas. Key Practical tips localities for the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin include Moreton Bay, Tin Can Bay and the Great Sandy Strait. The following are some simple tips on how you can The Irrawaddy dolphin is generally found in inshore avoid crocodiles or reduce your chances of interactions: areas north of Gladstone. • When fishing, stand a few metres back from the Commercial fishers are also likely to encounter some water’s edge. Do not stand on logs or branches of the more common dolphin species such as the overhanging deep pools. bottlenose dolphin and the common dolphin. The • Never dangle your arms or legs over the side of bottlenose dolphin is generally found close to the a boat. coast or in bays, and can often be seen feeding behind • Avoid setting fishing gear near crocodile slide trawlers. The common dolphin is generally found south marks. Crocodiles may still be in the vicinity and of the Great Barrier Reef and can often be seen riding may approach people and boats. bow waves. • e B more aware at night and during breeding season Interactions occur mainly in the net fishery, with (between September and April). impacts on the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin and the Irrawaddy dolphin mainly associated with inshore • Don’t attract crocodiles by discarding bait, offal or nets. In addition, the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin is bycatch in areas they’re known to inhabit. known to feed in association with Moreton Bay trawlers. Both species of crocodile are a genuine safety threat Interactions with other species of dolphin could to fishers during any interaction. Freshwater crocodiles potentially occur in all types of net fishing. are generally not aggressive but will bite if provoked. Dolphins are extremely intelligent animals and Saltwater crocodiles, on the other hand, have been interactions with fishing gear are often a learned known to attack humans unprovoked. Under the Nature behaviour—they associate fishing gear with food and Conservation Act, handling of crocodiles is prohibited. are attracted to vessels and apparatus over time. If an interaction occurs, call DERM on 1300 130 372 for Through the engine sounds, dolphins can detect vessels further assistance. and the possibility of food over several kilometres.
Identification Figure 4 overleaf shows the differences between various species of dolphins. Most species are quite easily identified. Looking after protected species in Queensland
11 12 Looking after protected species in Queensland Figure 4: Figure to scale) to not are (images entry logbook for code species their and Code: SD flipper and eye between stripes Dark Spinner dolphin ( Code: ID flippers Paddle-like ( dolphin Irrawaddy Code: IPHD fin dorsal triangular and small low, with beak slender Long humpback dolphin ( Indo-Pacific Code: CD patterns colour complex with head sloping smoothly Low Common dolphin ( Code: BD beak thick Short dolphin ( Bottlenose olphins commonly found in Queensland waters waters Queensland in found commonly olphins D Stenella longirostris Stenella Delphinus
Orcaella brevirostris Tursiops truncatus spp.) Sousa chinensis Sousa
) ) ) )
in danger.in be will and scene you to the attracted be may Sharks adolphin. to untangle to attempt water in the get Never tail. the fishinggear.dolphinthe to remove hangby up Never aboard it to bring appropriate be may it small enough, dolphin the If is flippers. the fin and top(dorsal) the between body under placed the using rope boat the of dolphin’s side the the at water the head above support gear, untangling When usingby linefins or cutters. its from rope the un-looping by thiseither animal. Do the from fishing the gear to remove side boat the of to the slowly dolphins brought should be Entangled operators should consider following: the operators dolphins, To with minimise or avoid interactions Practical tips ry • ooperate • onsider • heck • se • interactions in the future. inthe interactions fishingreducinggear, in assist which may dolphins to deter from pingers sonic of use the interactions. reduce help can night at nets setting that suggested been has it example, entanglements. no are isn’t lost. gear ensure help also and will entanglements of possibility the reduce will This and run). (e.g. conditions the tidal range for pots discarded as this can attract dolphins area. to the attract thiscan as discarded T C C C U
to
the
minimise
pots
appropriate
the
with
and
time
the researchers nets
at
amount
amount
which regularly
nets
of
who of
bycatch to
float
are
are ensure
set.
line investigating
and
For that on
offal
crab
there
Dugongs
The dugong is rare or extinct in much of its former Identification range. Australia has the last significant population Dugongs—often referred to as sea cows—are slow- in the world, making the protection of dugongs in moving, air-breathing marine mammals that feed Queensland particularly important. mainly on seagrass (see Figure 5 overleaf). They inhabit Many impacts on dugongs can be attributed to activities protected inshore areas where there are a large number other than commercial fishing. Dugongs have a highly of seagrass beds. They can grow up to 3 m in length specialised diet of seagrass, making them vulnerable and weigh between 250 kg and 400 kg. Dugongs spend to habitat modification. In addition, because they significantly less time under water than dolphins and come to the surface regularly to breathe, they are very whales. Because they need to surface more often to susceptible to boat strike, particularly in the protected breathe, they prefer sheltered areas protected from inshore areas where most boating activity occurs. rough seas. Dugongs are also harvested in considerable numbers in Dugongs are slow growing, tend to live long lives and some areas for traditional purposes. have a low reproductive capacity, first giving birth Impacts from commercial fishing operations include to a single live young when they are between 10 and dugongs becoming entangled in nets and crab pot float 17 years old. Thereafter, they may reproduce at lines. Most interactions with fishing gear are thought intervals of three to seven years. Their habitat includes to occur when dugongs migrate onto and off seagrass seagrass meadows in coastal waters throughout the banks with the tide. Great Barrier Reef, areas north of Cooktown and areas of south-east Queensland. The characteristics of different types of nets can influence the likelihood of interactions with dugongs (as well as with protected species in general). An advisory group established during development of the Dugong Protection Areas assigned a level of risk each net posed to dugongs. Table 3 provides a summary of these risks to dugongs and what features contributed to that level of risk. These general features will also influence the level of interaction with other protected species such as turtles, sharks, whales and dolphins.
Table 3: Impacts of different nets and features affecting their safety score
Safety score Net type Features (0–100, where 100 is the safest) Seine net > 80 High attendance Ring net Low risk Short soak times Set pocket net High foreseeability Tunnel net High netting tautness Small mesh size River set net 50–80 Poor attendance Foreshore set net Medium risk Medium net length Offshore set net 600 m on bottom Medium foreseeability Low netting tautness Offshore set net 1200 m on bottom < 50 Long net length High risk Large spatial extent Low foreseeability Low netting tautness Looking after protected species in Queensland
13 14 Looking after protected species in Queensland courtesy of Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Park Marine Reef Barrier Great of courtesy Figure 5: Figure interactions include the following: the include interactions minimise toor take avoid can operators that steps Other and minimise deaths. dugongs to release able be will occur, operators should an interaction that, ensure to inplace are rules attendance various addition, In and commercial nets. dugongs between interactions of thelikelihood reduce to designed specifically Areas Protection Dugong of anetwork of establishment include the dugongs to protect introduced Measures Practical tips oid • oid • now • ugongs • lways • e • lower risk than longer, than slack nets. risk lower pose nets taut shorter, example, For entangled. becoming minimisecan chance the dugongs of pots. crab of loss avoid help also will This conditions. tidal the for rope length appropriate the and use lines float your weigh To entanglements, avoid regularly. surface to need their of quite visible because generally are They Areas. Protection Dugong and areas go-slow dugong such as dugongs, with the tide). banks seagrass and onto off migrating are dugongs areas). inshore in sheltered beds (e.g. seagrass around K D A B Av Av
aware ugong ( ugong D
the fishing areas
keep
can
of features
and where
an Dugong dugon Dugong become areas
eye adhere
of dugongs
at
out
different
entangled certain
for to
) and calf—photograph calf—photograph ) and rules
dugongs
are
times
types
known with designed
(e.g.
of in crab
nets the to
when
aggregate pot to
water.
that
protect
lines.
these steps: these follow adugong, with havean do interaction you If f • ontinue • elease • e • e • lowly • any signs of injury or other problems. other or injury of signs any stress. reduce to breathe. to surface the to access has make handlingit you’re that If sure adugong, most). (a couple minutesthe of at period short avery for calf. to their athreat perceive they if quite aggressive become can females addition, In to operators. threat asafety pose sometime and safely. easily more released be can it where further advice, contact DERM on 1300130 on 372. DERM contact advice, further I C R B B S
you
aware aware
have
pull
it
to that that
from
problems the
monitor
dugongs the
animal the
large
apparatus
the
releasing
towards
can size
dugong
only of
as
dugongs the the
after survive
quickly
animal side
releasing
of
can
under as
the or
possible
need
boat
water
it
for
False water rats
It is unlikely that there is any significant impact on Practical tips false water rats from commercial fishing. There may To avoid or minimise interactions with false water rats, be some potential for them to become trapped in operators should remember the following: fyke nets or crab pots that are set in mangrove areas. Most, however, will be able to escape because of • e B aware of the distribution and ecology of the their small size. species, in particular that it tends to forage at night in mangrove forests in southern Queensland. Most impacts upon false water rats are related to urban development and related habitat modification. They • Check traps and pots regularly to ensure false water are also susceptible to attack from dingoes, feral pigs rats are not trapped. and foxes. False water rats are small mammals that should It is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act and the be treated gently. They pose minimum threat to Nature Conservation Act. operators and should be released quickly and gently if encountered. Where possible, release them in shallow Identification water or on a mangrove bank where minimum swimming will be required. The false water rat is a nocturnal mammal that is related to the true water rat but has no webbing on its rear feet.
The species is closely associated with mangrove forests and feeds on small crabs, shellfish and worms in shallow waters. It is only found in a few discrete locations in coastal areas of Queensland and the Northern Territory. In Queensland, it can be found in coastal wetlands and lagoons, where it migrates between the mangroves at low tide to feed and adjacent sedgelands where it shelters in large mounds (which look similar to those of termites). It is mostly restricted to the southern part of the state.
Figure 6: Water rat (Xeromys myoides)—photograph courtesy of the Queensland Museum Looking after protected species in Queensland
15 16 Looking after protected species in Queensland Figure 7: Figure water. to the returned immediately be and must Act Fisheries under the species ano-take are cod River and fish. Bloomfield crustaceans insects, on feeding fish, is mainly It anocturnal bars. dark vertical two head with agreenish-yellow belly. has the It on paler in colour but green jaw. to dark and lower is olive It a is cod River Bloomfield The Queensland. in northern River Bloomfield the to come from known is only species This Bloomfield River Cod Identification main ofthe alist species. 1provides Appendix legislation. Queensland Fisheries through applied take’ a‘no or species are or have limited bag limits Act, Conservation and Nature the Act under EPBC the fish protected species are A number offreshwater fish. adult movementof the (such weirs), as which restrict can barriers species includes building the ofwaterway andfish other lungfish facing majorOne ofthe threats occurs. trapping where areas with overlap not species ofsome does However, distribution the incidentally while trapping. eel may caught be commercial fishing.the from Someimpact of species is little There impacts. other species tothe suggest is available on information inor little low numbers species appear the to naturally be cases, In some areas. to urban restricted highly species are that affecting development and modification coastal habitat and species smaller out-competing fish mosquito noxious from are threats the Generally, threats. of levels A number different ofspecies face Fish (freshwater) small perch-like fish with distinct pores on its head its on pores distinct with fish small perch-like loomfield River cod ( cod River loomfield B Guyu wujalwujalensis Guyu )
Figure 8: Figure 6cm. to approximately grows It Longreach. of east north- Springs, Edgbaston the of 11 pools approximately to restricted fish is adesert goby Edgbaston goby, the Springs Elizabeth to the similar characteristics With Edgbaston goby surface, and blue and rust spotting on the sides. the on spotting and blue and rust surface, blue back to dark brown a back fins, separate two fin, tail arounded 13 with about of cm, length a maximum to growing fish is arobust gudgeon Ranges Flinders The Flinders Ranges gudgeon 9: Figure Queensland. in near south-west Boulia Station, Springvale on Springs Elizabeth of shallow inpools and the is found 6cm to approximately grows goby Springs Elizabeth The Elizabeth Springs goby photograph courtesy of Gunther Schmida Gunther of courtesy photograph micropterus lizabeth Springs goby ( goby Springs lizabeth dgbaston goby ( goby dgbaston E E )—photograph courtesy of Gunther Schmida Gunther of courtesy )—photograph Chlamydogobius squamingenus Chlamydogobius Chlamydogobius Chlamydogobius )— The species has only been identified in two areas of Lake Eacham rainbowfish Queensland—the upper Barcoo River and the Bulloo Lake Eacham rainbowfish are found in slow- to River in south-west Queensland. Little is known about moderate-flowing streams, especially smaller the species as a result of the small number collected tributaries. It is also found around the vegetated edges and the restricted population. of lakes and dams. This species was originally found in clear, shallow water along the shoreline of Lake Eacham on the Atherton Tablelands in northern Queensland. It was particularly abundant around docks, woody debris and among vegetation.
It was once thought to be extinct in the wild when it could no longer be found in Lake Eacham in the 1980s. Since then, however, it has also been found to inhabit the Johnstone, Tully and Herbert river systems in significant numbers, sometimes being the dominant species in the system.
Figure 10: Flinders Ranges gudgeon (Mogurnda clivicola)— photograph courtesy of Gunther Schmida
Honey blue-eye The honey blue-eye, endemic to Queensland, is one of the smallest threatened fish species at less than 3 cm. It is found in heathland (wallum) areas of south-east Queensland, with a distribution similar to that of the Oxleyan pygmy perch. It is found in waterways where there is soft, tannin-stained acidic water less than 1 m deep; a sandy bottom; sedged edges; and little flow. It is only known to inhabit a small number of discrete Figure 12: Lake Eacham rainbowfish (Melanotaenia locations, including a recently discovered area in eachamensis)—photograph courtesy of Gunther Schmida Shoalwater Bay. Lungfish The lungfish is one of Australia’s largest freshwater fish, reaching lengths of 1.5 m and weighing up to 30 kg. Lungfish have heavy, elongated bodies, covered by large, bony, overlapping scales. They have a flattened, eel-like tail that tapers to a point and their fins are leaf-shaped and limb-like. Lungfish vary in colour from dull brown to olive- green dorsally, while the surface of the belly varies from cream to a vivid orange colour. Most lungfish have random black blotches on their back and sides towards the tail.
The lungfish is restricted to south-east Queensland, found naturally in the Burnett and Mary river systems. Figure 11: Honey blue-eye (Pseudomugil mellis)—photograph courtesy of Gunther Schmida It has also been successfully introduced to other areas, including the Brisbane, Albert, Coomera and Stanley rivers and the Enoggera Reservoir. Lungfish generally inhabit still or slow-flowing streams or deep pools, and can be found in clear or turbid waters. Looking after protected species in Queensland
17 18 Looking after protected species in Queensland courtesy of Gunther Schmida Gunther of courtesy photograph courtesy of Gunther Schmida Gunther of courtesy photograph Figure 14: Figure species. the planfor recovery a of part as dams in some and weirs a small degree and to catchment River Mary the throughout stocked been recently has species The system. River Mary the of in parts only naturally found issystems), now but river and Coomera Albert–Logan Brisbane–Stanley, the (including Queensland, south-east throughout extensively once distributed was cod River Mary The spots. green dark to black with brown, and dark to green yellow golden in colour from range in colour. They mottled are they cod, Murray the Like jaws. lower heads and protruding concave slightly mouths, large with fish elongated large, are They 5kg. around at seen commonly more are but up to 20 kg, grow can cod River Mary Mary River cod 13: Figure ungfish ( ungfish ary River cod ( cod River ary L M Neoceratodus forsteri Maccullochella peelii mariensis peelii Maccullochella )—photograph )—photograph )— from 1 September to 30 November each year. November to 30 1September from fishing cod to Murray closed also are rivers Dumaresq and Macintyre Barwon, The and 110 cmin length. 60 cm between be must which person, per cod Murray two limit of is an in-possession there Recreationally, permit. fisheries general under a if specified cod Murray retain to permitted only are fishers commercial legislation, fisheries Queensland Under dams. and lakes many to introduced successfully havebeen They tributaries. Victorian in many rare considered now are and they range natural their across havedecreased numbers Their sites. and spawning protection provide and stumps logs snags, in-stream where water turbid slow-flowing, in or streams in clear rocky found be can cod Murray Australia. in central system Creek Cooper in the found be also can They Wales. South New northern of rivers and Richmond Clarence and the Queensland southern of rivers and Dawson Mary the such as coastline, eastern the on areas to other introduced been and havealso range natural their within translocated havebeen They Range. Dividing Great the of west systems, river Darling Murray– is cod the Murray of distribution natural The appearance. similar in and very related closely are cod River Mary and cod shading belly. white Murray to acreamy mottling, olive-green darker and back sides with the along green are They appearance. haveamottled cod Murray cmin cmto 38 length. 37 around are they time, this At age. of years three at mature sexually are They cm and kg. 180 to 113grow to reported fish and are freshwater native Australian largest the are cod Murray Murray cod Figure 15: Figure photograph courtesy of Gunther Schmida Gunther of courtesy photograph urray cod ( cod urray M Maccullochella peelii peelii peelii Maccullochella )— Oxleyan pygmy perch The Oxleyan pygmy perch is a small, light olive-brown fish that grows up to 5 cm in length. It is darker on the back, mottled on the sides and has a distinctive round black spot with an orange border at the base of its tail fin.
This species lives in slightly acidic and tannin-stained water in coastal heathland (wallum) swamps and streams, preferring slow-flowing or still water. It shares its distribution with the honey blue-eye, running along the coast from Tin Can Bay just north of the Noosa River drainage system, to the Richmond River in northern Figure 17: Red-finned blue eye (Scaturiginichthys vermeilipinnis)— photograph courtesy of Gunther Schmida New South Wales. It is found on Fraser, Stradbroke and Moreton islands, and it has also been seen in a tributary River blackfish of the Mary River and near the Glasshouse Mountains. Their numbers within south-east Queensland have River blackfish inhabit clear streams with abundant been drastically reduced and it is now only found in a cover such as snags/logs, aquatic vegetation or number of isolated populations where there is suitable boulders. They have an elongate, slender body with a remaining habitat. low, long dorsal fin that almost reaches the tail. Pelvic fins are reduced to a pair of divided rays. Their colour varies from pale olive green or yellow to almost black, marbled with numerous irregular blotches. They grow to a maximum size of 20 cm, but are more commonly caught at 15 cm. River blackfish are a no-take species under the Fisheries Act and must be immediately returned to the water.
Figure 16: Oxleyan pygmy perch (Nannoperca oxleyana)— photograph courtesy of Gunther Schmida
Red-finned blue eye Red-finned blue eyes are desert fish that are only found in natural springs on one central-western Queensland property. Five distinct, natural populations in five Figure 18: River blackfish Gadopsis( marmoratus) springs are known, plus a translocated population (from one of the above springs) exists at another site. Little is Spiny crayfish known about the species because of the small number Spiny crayfish inhabit cool upland mountain streams, of individuals sighted. often with a different species on each peak. Spiny crayfish have obvious protrusions on the body and claws. The body colour varies between species from browns, olive greens, blues and reds. They usually shelter under rocks and logs during the day, emerging in low light conditions to feed. Looking after protected species in Queensland
19 20 Looking after protected species in Queensland following techniques: following the of possible using some as quickly as water the fish to the return gently occurs, an interaction If may further reduce the potential for interactions: for potential the reduce further may tips is following low, the species these with interacting commercial of likelihood fishers the while But low. is very chance the interaction of so property, occurprivate on to only thought are some addition, In avoided. be may and therefore areas to certain restricted highly are fish species freshwater protected Some Practical tips 19: Figure water. to the returned immediately be and must Act Fisheries under the species ano-take are 15 at They cm. caught commonly more size are 20 of but cm, to amaximum grow They f • f oid • oid • • se • lways • heck • here • sensitive mucous layer. mucous sensitive handlingthe fish’s fish avoid to damaging it under the belly with both arms. both with belly under the it fish. the releasing before removed fully caught. not are species debris. woody and near large river the of areas include deeper These found. are cod River Mary C W I I Av Av U A
you entangled
a piny crayfish ( crayfish piny
do knotless S
placing lifting
traps possible,
use
need
wet
regularly in larger
fish
to fishing landing
hands
avoid lift
on
fish sp Euastacus
a
hot
to
gear fish or
areas from net
ensure
a dry
out
wet for or
the
where surfaces.
debris,
bigger of
cloth
that .) water.
the
Murray
any when
water,
fish. ensure
protected
cod support
this
and
is
water immediately upon capture. upon immediately water to the and shouldreturned be stressed, or startled are they when blotches body dark develop they reefs, coral on caught Generally and fins. body the all over spots and black pale grey in has shape but to barramundi is similar name suggests, its as cod, barramundi The Barramundi cod Identification species. protected caught incidentally of survival the ensure to techniques release practice best in engage fishers that is and it important species, marine on impact a have may significant fishingoperations Commercial concerns. sustainability recognised are there which for fish species a numbermarine of are There Fish (marine) Figure 21: Figure rate. breeding have aslow and lives long tend to live They age. with head grows the hump on large The and chest. face the cover that lines of patterns maze-like intricate with mouth, the of corner and cover gill the topof to the eyes the from radiate that lines black wavy fine havetwo wrasse Humphead Maori Humphead Maori wrasse 20: Figure umphead Maori wrasse ( wrasse Maori umphead arramundi cod ( cod arramundi H B Cromileptes altivelis Cromileptes Cheilinus undulatus Cheilinus ) ) Potato rockcod • Avoid placing fish on hot dry surfaces. When caught, the potato rockcod assumes identical • f I entangled in fishing gear or debris, ensure this is markings to the Queensland groper and the stark white fully removed before releasing the fish. colouration darkens. Patterns of dark spots on a lighter • f I you do need to lift a fish out of the water, support background may still be seen on closer examination. it under the belly with both arms.
Figure 22: Potato rockcod (Epinephelus tukula)
Queensland groper Most large fish have evenly mottled brown with dark spots on the edges of their soft fins. Juveniles bear striking black and yellow bars. The Queensland groper is an iconic species across the South Pacific.
Figure 23: Queensland groper (Epinephelus lanceolatus)
Practical tips If an interaction occurs, gently return the fish to the water as quickly as possible using some of the following techniques:
• Always use wet hands or a wet cloth when handling fish to avoid damaging the fish’s sensitive mucous layer. • Use a knotless landing net for bigger fish. • Avoid lifting larger fish from the water. Looking after protected species in Queensland
21 22 Looking after protected species in Queensland courtesy of DERM of courtesy interactions and minimise the impact of capture: of impact the minimise and interactions to avoid steps these should follow Operators Practical tips 24: Figure 10 minutes under water. approximately for survive only can They regularly. surface and must air breathers are they mammals, streams).Like other flowing western in some found also are (but Range Dividing Great the of east and creeks rivers freshwater and inhabit slow-moving in length up to 50 reach cm They tail. and paddle-like fur brown their duck-likeby identified bill, easily are Platypus Identification Platypus category of species of conservation interest. conservation of species of category general the within falls platypus the Consequently, modification. to habitat in regard vulnerability its Queensland and in status iconicthe species’ reflects listing Act Conservation Nature The species. protected remainsa it but Act, Conservation Nature under the concern least as listed is currently platypus The traps. in eel becoming caught platypus of reports havebeen there However, areas. in urban particularly waterways, to pollution and modification to habitat related mostly are platypus to the Threats heck • ollow • platypus can be released. be can platypus surface. the to accessthem end to the allow cod includes floating This platypus. trapping to prevent apparatus C F latypus ( latypus
P
the regulations
net
regularly Ornithorhynchus anatinus
regarding
to
ensure
setting
any
of
trapped
)—photograph )—photograph fishing
venomous spurs on their hind their on legs. spurs venomous have they as care with Handle male platypus vet. local your or 1300130 on 372 DERM animal contact is injured, the animal. If the on minimise stress of amount the to platypus trapped any release and gently Quickly Sawfish
Like many elasmobranches (sharks or rays of the family Identification Chondrichthyes), sawfish live long lives, mature late in life and give birth to only a few live young. These Sawfish are easily identified by their unique ‘saw’ characteristics make the species less able to recover or rostrum. A rostrum is any beak-like prolongation, quickly from population declines. Sawfish often don’t particularly on the head of an animal. Figures 25–28 make it to maturity because of the high likelihood of (overleaf) provide information on how to identify the entanglement with fishing gear, due to the species’ differences between the species. heavily toothed rostrum. Unlike some other animals that The information in Table 4 (overleaf) will also help avoid interactions with fishing gear until they reach a operators to identify the different species of sawfish by certain age or size, sawfish are susceptible to capture in providing an idea of where interactions may occur based fishing gear immediately after birth. on some of the ecological characteristics of the species.
The sawfish’s association with the inshore coastal All species of sawfish are relatively low in numbers, regions of tropical and subtropical waters makes them but there appears to be more in the Gulf of Carpentaria vulnerable to commercial and recreational net and line compared to the east coast. The freshwater, green and fisheries, and habitat degradation. This, combined narrow sawfish are also found on the east coast of with their rostrum, results in sawfish being extremely Queensland. prone to capture in any form of net fishing practice. Interactions with sawfish have been recorded in the inshore net fishery in the Gulf, particularly the N3 fishery. There are also reported interactions with the Gulf fin fish trawl fishery, but these are mostly restricted to narrow sawfish (approximately 90%) and green sawfish (approximately 10%).
Sawfish are reasonably robust, can withstand firm handling and can spend short periods out of the water. Through the use of appropriate handling techniques, the death rates of sawfish after entanglement can be reduced.
All species of sawfish are now listed as ‘no take’ species under the Fisheries Regulation 2008 (Queensland). Dwarf sawfish, freshwater sawfish and green sawfish are also listed as ‘vulnerable’ under the EPBC Act. Looking after protected species in Queensland
23 24 Looking after protected species in Queensland Figure 27: Figure Figure 26: Figure Figure 25: Figure Figure 28: Figure reen sawfish ( sawfish reen warf sawfish ( sawfish warf reshwater sawfish ( sawfish reshwater arrow sawfish ( sawfish arrow G D F N Pristis clavata Pristis Pristis zijsron Pristis Anoxypristis cuspidate Anoxypristis Pristis microdon Pristis )—photograph courtesy of Cairns Marine, Australia Marine, Cairns of courtesy )—photograph )—photograph courtesy of Stirling Peverell, DEEDI Peverell, Stirling of courtesy )—photograph )—photograph courtesy of Stirling Peverell, DEEDI Peverell, Stirling of courtesy )—photograph )—photograph courtesy of Stirling Peverell, DEEDI Peverell, Stirling of courtesy )—photograph Table 4: Ecological characteristics of sawfish species
Dwarf sawfish Freshwater sawfish Green sawfish Narrow sawfish Population estimate Low numbers Low numbers Low numbers Moderate numbers
Location commonly They are found across Juveniles are mostly Found mostly in coastal They are found in found or caught the Gulf of Carpentaria found in fresh water or bays and foreshores in inshore and offshore in inshore and offshore in areas of low salinity the Gulf of Carpentaria marine areas. waters. (i.e. mouths of rivers in and east coast. Catches They have been found Catches have been the wet season). Adults have been reported in the mid water column reported in the are found in inshore in the northern prawn (not only the sea floor), northern prawn fishery. waters during the wet fishery and east coast suggesting they are season and offshore trawl fishery. Green a bottom-dwelling during the dry season. sawfish distribution species. The only report of also extends down into freshwater sawfish on New South Wales. the east coast was in Princess Charlotte Bay. Peak times for Post–wet season when Wet season (February On the east coast, Juveniles appear to be interactions waters are more saline and April) mature specimens can more numerous during be found inshore during the late wet season the wet season months. months. Adults are Juvenile specimens are caught throughout the generally found inshore fishing season in the all year round. offshore fishery. Movements Tagging results of Large sawfish may Acoustic tracking Juvenile period may juvenile dwarf sawfish move offshore into results reveal the be spent inshore and suggest localised deeper waters (50 m) animal’s preference for appear in high numbers movement. when mature and return shallow inshore habitat during the wet season inshore to pup during with a relative localised months. the wet season. Tagging home range. Tagging results suggest results of immature localised movement. sawfish suggest movement upstream of rivers post–wet season and downstream during the wet season. River- to-river migrations have been recorded during the late months of the wet season. Looking after protected species in Queensland
25 26 Looking after protected species in Queensland operators handle sawfish: handle operators help will tips practical following The survival. of their chance to maximise to handle how sawfish Learn operators should follow these steps: these should follow operators sawfish, To with minimise or avoid interactions Practical tips andle • awfish • ake • egularly • oid • e • efore • hen • f • is secured for safety. for is secured tail. the holding other and the holding rope the animal—one the move Two can people rostrum. the around animal. the of and discomfort stress the reduce to wet and it keep water the of out it’s time the it. release better to the shore onto asawfish of haulingthe net 29 illustrates Figure sawfish. larger with make handling and safer, particularly easier can person Asecond it. to release shore the on cm), sawfish the to beach is it best (350–700 adults (150–350 cm) and sub-adults For untangled. and avessel aboard brought be (60–150 cm) can smaller juveniles example, size. their on For firmly. animal is secured the believe if you even (rostrum) sidesaw the of minimised. or avoided be can impacts that so sawfish with interactions understand occur.entanglements areas). these of indication broad found (see be to a know for Table 4 are sawfish occur. to known are sawfish freshwater with interactions peak when to April) (February season wet the during attention particular Pay and inshore areas. rivers turbid of bottom the on found often are they areas), where freshwater and some marine (in Carpentaria of Gulf B W I H S T R Av B
bringing
aware
part
setting moving
attempting sawfish
can
that in check
a
research sawfish be
nets
or you
quite
in
nets lifting
an may in to
onto
areas untangle to appropriate dangerous. projects
encounter sawfish,
minimise
the
and
beach,
that the
at
place
Do
sawfish way, sawfish
times
sawfish, aim
not try
a
depending to
slipknot
where to stand
better
deaths in
minimise
ensure
the
to
if
it
www.dpi.qld.gov.au set fishery offshore net releasing Gulfof Carpentaria sawfish: inshore and of summary is abrief information This Stirling Peverell, DEEDI Peverell, Stirling of courtesy release—photograph safely and untangle 29: Figure t • ake • hen • he • ry • ntangle • ake • before releasing it to enhance its chance to enhance survival. of it releasing its before untangling. with assist can person Asecond pressure. downward apply and gunnel the over rostrum the lever to aboat, of entanglement. due cut to toextent be need will net the Sometimes meshes. the to untangle aknife backof the or rostrum. the that increase the risk of crocodile attack. crocodile of risk the increase that chance recovery. some be for can there that so unharmed returned be coast east the I M W T T U T board a vessel or on shore. on or avessel board on done be can This and released. disentangled be can it that so back) its on ashark turning animal the (similar to appliedto pacify weight
is
using
vitally first
care et fisher hauling sawfish onto the shore to shore the onto sawfish hauling fisher et
an trying N
dorsal
effort
a the when
important net
to
tail
hook, to
untangle
fin releasing
and swim
. You can download a copy at at acopy . You download can can
that sharp mid-section
be and
an
sawfish any bent
blade, adolescent revive
sawfish
over
to before the cement A guide to
and
avoid
sawfish captured
sawfish
body
tackling
trail situations
next on
Seabirds
Seabird is a general term used to describe any species A significant amount of work has gone into development of bird that spends a substantial part of its life foraging of a national plan of action for seabirds and a recovery and/or breeding in the marine environment. Examples plan for 10 species of seabirds listed as threatened include gulls, pelicans, terns, petrels, shearwaters, under the EPBC Act. A recovery plan for albatrosses cormorants, gannets and boobies. and giant petrels has also been made. The national plan of action provides useful information on the types Over 200 seabird species are protected under the of interactions that occur and the measures that can EPBC Act as listed marine species. In addition, over be put in place to minimise interactions. A number of 30 seabird species are listed as threatened under these measures are applicable to Queensland fisheries the EPBC Act. This gives them greater protection in and are summarised in ‘Practical tips’. The recently Commonwealth areas and requires that a recovery plan introduced recovery plan covers species that are not for the species be developed. generally found in Queensland waters. The threat to seabirds by pelagic longline fishing has been recognised through its listing as a key Identification threatening process. However, this has little relevance to Figure 30 (overleaf) provides simple identification Queensland, where limited longlining occurs. In addition, information for some of the more common seabirds a number of the species of interest, such as albatross, found in Queensland and their species codes for the are found in the more temperate, southern waters. SOCI logbook. Some species inhabit our waters year round (e.g. pelicans and sea eagles). Others only visit Interactions between Queensland commercial fishing Queensland waters during certain times of the year operations and seabirds can still be common, and (e.g. shearwaters) and often nest in either wetlands or often relate to inshore species such as gulls, on coral cays. cormorants and pelicans.
Interactions can occur with shallow set nets, Practical tips particularly on low tide, and are often associated To avoid or minimise interactions with seabirds, with cormorants and sea eagles. Interactions have operators should follow these steps: also been recorded in various line fisheries. The seabird species caught is often related to the specific • Don’t feed seabirds. Birds that become used to fishery and the area in which it operates. For example, human activities can develop bad habits and offshore demersal line fishers (in the deep water become a nuisance. This often makes them more fishery) have been known to interact with giant petrels, susceptible to negative interactions. Large fish while inshore line fishers tend to interact with gulls frames and bones can also do internal damage to and pelicans. Seabirds can quickly become further some seabirds. entangled in nets and fishing line as they struggle to • Remove hooks from fish that are discarded so get free. There have also been reports of some species that birds do not accidentally ingest tackle when of seabird (e.g. cormorants) becoming trapped in crab feeding. pots while trying to access the bait in the pot. • Keep bait, catch and fishing gear stored appropriately. Birds are not as attracted if food is not visible. Cover nets when they are not in use. • Try to minimise the amount of offal or bycatch that is discarded around the boat. Food on the surface attracts birds to the area, increasing the chance of interactions. Try to discard offal and bycatch at times when fishing gear isn’t being set or hauled. Also try to discard bycatch all at once to reduce the chance of hooking or entanglement. Looking after protected species in Queensland
27 28 Looking after protected species in Queensland Figure 30: Figure Code: GUL Code: PEL Pelican ommon seabirds found in Queensland and their species code for logbook entry logbook for code species their and Queensland in found seabirds ommon Gull C
Gadfly petrels Code: GAD Code: TRO Tropicbird Code: DAR Code: PET Petrels Darter
Diving petrel Diving Code: DPET Code: ALB Code: TER Albatross Code: PRI Prions Terns
Gannets and boobies and Gannets Frigatebird Code: GAN Code: FRI Storm petrel Code: SKU Code: STO Skuas
Shearwaters Cormorant Code: COR Code: SHE
• For line fishers, try using thawed bait as it doesn’t • Carefully remove tackle that is only superficially float as much as frozen bait. Also consider using attached. You may need to cut the barb off the hook an underwater setting chute (sometimes made out before removal to reduce harm done to the animal. of PVC) that forces the bait under the water to safe Don’t try to remove tackle if hooks are embedded in depths. Weighing down the line can also help. joints or if the hook is internal. Cut away any line or net that the bird may be tangled in. • Line fishers may consider using tori poles or bird scaring lines. The pole is essentially a rope with • Before releasing the bird, check that the animal streamers that hang down to the water where waves isn’t in shock or suffering from exhaustion or and wind cause them to flap above the bait, scaring hypothermia. If it is, keep the bird in a warm place, birds off. This provides sufficient time for the bait to wrapped in a towel to allow it to recover. After sink to a depth out of reach. recovery and before the bird is released, check that both legs and wings are working symmetrically by • Check lines, nets and pots regularly for any placing it on the deck or shore and allowing the bird entanglements. to stand while you hold it around the body. • Use wildlife-friendly fishing practices and • Don’t release seabirds that still have tackle (e.g. line technology where practicable. Barbless, uncoated and hooks) attached or ingested. Such tackle does hooks and non-braided wire can help minimise not break down over time and can lead to problems impacts on seabirds. with flying or eating. • Boat strike is a common cause of injury. Take care • f I you’re unable to untangle the seabird without and keep an eye out for seabirds when operating hurting it further, contact DERM on 1300 130 372. vessels—seabirds and other wildlife may be nesting While waiting for assistance, injured birds should be or resting, disabled or unable to get out of the way kept in a quiet, warm, confined and dark space. in time. For more information, watch the Looking after protected Operators should follow these simple procedures if they species in Queensland: seabird care and handling DVD have an interaction with a seabird: (available from DEEDI on 13 25 23). • f I a seabird is hooked or entangled, pull it in gently but quickly. • Cover the seabird’s head with a towel to subdue it and to minimise stress. • Secure the animal to ensure your safety and that of the bird. The best way to hold a bird is to fold its wings back into resting position and hold it between your legs. Keep hold of the bird’s beak to ensure it cannot bite. Also keep a light hold around the neck, which should follow the movement of the head. Talons can be dangerous, so ensure that the feet of all species are well contained. • For safety, always wear gloves (light cotton gloves for smaller species, or leather or plastic gloves for larger species) and glasses when handling seabirds. Looking after protected species in Queensland
29 30 Looking after protected species in Queensland ( ( pipehorse Duncker’s of harvest incidental The Act. EPBC the under species marine listed are syngnathids All protected. are syngnathids All syngnathids. to as referred collectively often and are Syngnathidae, family the belong pipefish and pipehorses seahorses, All Seahorses, pipefishandpipehorses because: fishing from to impacts susceptible are Syngnathids toto. holdon astructure as water in the apparatus and other netting to the attracted be can Seahorses areas. in seagrass netting where particularly fishery, inshore net in the seahorses with asmall be may interactions number of is there likely It tray. sorting the onto net the from emptied are they when nearor death, dead, are pipehorses most that suggested have fishers Trawl nets. trawl from removed when condition poor in very are syngnathids most that is thought It caught. occasionally smaller of seahorses pipefish species and other afew only incidentally, with caught are that species pipehorse larger the generally It is fishery. trawl coast east in the by-product as taken are Pipehorses pipehorses. occur with that interactions number of to the compared quite to be rare, thought generally and pipefish are seahorses with Interactions Act. EPBC under the granted approval Trade under aWildlife Operation permitted Solegnathus hardwickii hey • he • hey • hey • typical finfishspecies. typical significant be pair can abreeding of member one of waters deeper up from brought when barotrauma t t t t
number
generally are are Solegnathus dunckeri
strictly quite
of
fragile eggs have
bottom-dwelling
they faithful ) by licensed operators is operators licensed ) by
and
produce
are
pair
) and pallid pipehorse ) and pallid pipehorse susceptible
bonding,
animals is
low
relative
to so
the
to
loss
( ( ( seahorse Queensland include the Queensland of coast east the on found species Seahorse Seahorses Identification lease note that the scientific classification of some of these species is still still is species these of some of classification scientific the that note lease changing. 4 in. live they reefs coral or seagrass the to holdonto use they which tail, and aprehensile posture an upright with body curled haveamore they that fact the by species syngnathid other from distinguished easily fairly be can Seahorses 31: Figure seahorse ( seahorse low-crown seahorse ( low-crown ( H. bargibantiH. H. tristis H. queenslandicusHippocampus H. hendriki H.
P astern spiny seahorse ( seahorse spiny astern ), ( common seahorse E H. procerusH. ) 4 (see Figure 31). Figure (see ), zebra seahorse ( seahorse ), zebra H. dahli H. ) and the eastern spiny seahorse spiny seahorse eastern ) and the ), pygmy seahorse seahorse ), pygmy ), sad seahorse ), seahorse sad H. taeniopterusH. Hippocampus hendriki Hippocampus H. zebraH. ), high-crown ), high-crown ), ),
) Pipefish Fishers believe that few pipehorses are associated with open sandy seabeds, while greater numbers are caught Pipefish are the most stick-like of all syngnathids, with among rocky reef and sponge areas (areas not typically their head, trunk and tail all in line (see Figure 32). trawled). Anecdotal evidence suggests that pipehorses Unlike pipehorses and seahorses, most pipefish species may be associated with sea fans in particular. possess a small caudal fin, which is quite large in the free-swimming flagtail pipefish. At least 25 species of pipefish are known to be found in Queensland waters.
Figure 33: Duncker’s pipehorse (Solegnathus dunckeri)
Figure 32: Pipefish (Trachyrhamphus bioarctatus)
Pipehorses The main species of pipehorses encountered in Queensland are Dunker’s pipehorse (Figure 33), Figure 34: Pallid pipehorse (Solegnathus hardwickii) pallid pipehorse (Figure 34) and the Australian spiny pipehorse (Figure 35). Pipehorses are more similar to a straightened seahorse than pipefish, yet larger than both (they can be longer than 50 cm). They have a grasping tail similar to a seahorse, yet the trunk and tail of their bodies are straighter like a pipefish. Table 6 will help fishers to distinguish between the Queensland pipehorse species.
Figure 35: Australian spiny pipehorse (Solegnathus spinosissimus); male (top) and female (bottom)—photograph courtesy of Keith Martin-Smith/Project Seahorse
Table 5: Characteristics of Queensland pipehorse species
Duncker’s pipehorse Pallid pipehorse Australian spiny pipehorse Distribution Between Sandy Cape (Fraser Cairns to the far north coast of Very southern end of Island) and central New South New South Wales; less likely to Queensland through to Wales occur south of Fraser Island Tasmania Relative likelihood High High Low of catching Colouring Pink-orange-red colouration Lighter in colour than the Orange colouration with yellow with an unbroken darkened Australian spiny pipehorse, tinges and stripes, and a red stripe along the two outer and appears off-white to pink- patch around the anus dorsal ridges to past the dorsal yellow with broken darkened fin, and a darkened tail lines along the dorsal ridge, which extend to the dorsal fin Other distinguishing Longer snout than other Covered in small blunt spines features species and appear quite spiny compared to other pipehorses Looking after protected species in Queensland
31 32 Looking after protected species in Queensland survival if returned to the water quickly. water to the if returned survival chance of and have abetter may exterior quite atough have species water. to the Some them returning when further of males any area the brood tailor snout, fins, to damagetheir not taken should be body.Care their of structure rigid normally the of because captured when appeardead may syngnathids is some possibleIt that avoid. to areas particular knowing in operators assist will information This syngnathids. of characteristics and ecological habitat preferred into the looking are Researchers inhabit. they avoidingon areas is focus the therefore, species, these For species. some of handlingthe influencesurvival will careful whether is uncertain It waters. deeper up from brought when to barotrauma susceptible also are They apparatus. in fishing time of periods long unlikely to survive and are quite fragile are syngnathid of species All SOCI logbook. in the number caught the and record water to the them return captured, incidentally are pipehorse) Duncker’s or pallid pipehorse the from (apart syngnathids any If areas. in these higher slightly be may interaction chance the of that aware should be Operators wharfs. and jetties around inhabit areas also may They areas. seagrass with associated be may seahorses Some syngnathids. of possible to minimise capture incidental where the areas should these avoid occur. Operators frequently doesn’t trawling where tendareas to be These and sponges. fans sea reefs, rocky with associated is that habitat to prefer thought are Pipehorses rates. bycatch higher are there where areas in those particularly syngnathids, of and avoidance capture incidental of reduction progressive to the relates conditions these of One met. to be need conditions anumber of approval), (underAct an EPBC is permitted pipehorse Duncker’s and pallid of pipehorse harvesting incidental the While Practical tips sea snakes in these fisheries include the: include fisheries snakessea in these caught commonly most The Mackay). of (north prawns and endeavour tiger and for to(Gladstone Cairns) banana for fished prawns are that in inshore waters trawling while incidentally snakes caught Sea are the area. in fisheries trawl other and fishery prawn common northern in the snakes sea of is bycatch that shown has research However, Carpentaria. of Gulf the for reported been have interactions Few to trawling. exclusive almost are Mackay. of Interactions north waters tropical in more snakes sea occur with interactions most that indicates logbooks and fishers’ researchers from Information areas. to inshore and estuarine reefs coral from habitats, of inhabit avariety They Queensland. northern Indianand oceans, including Pacific the of waters warm in shallow, found number are alarge species, between snakes sea of varies and habitat distribution the While venomousweakly to potentially fatal. from degrees, to different snakes sea venomous All are or crustaceans. snakes sea eggs, fishtheir eat and Most decrease. levels quite should slow population rates recovery making periods, gestation long after couple years of every only young to live birth give females addition, In declines. population to likely suffer more them making maturity, sexual to reach years takeseveral They slowly. and grow lives long snakes relatively Sea live Act. Conservation Nature under the common species but restricted as snakes sea listed are legislation, Queensland Under Act. EPBC under the species marine snakes sea listed All are Sea snakes orned • pectacled • ive-headed • legant • h s ol e
sea sea
sea
snake. snake
sea
snake
snake
It is likely that these species are more commonly caught Identification because they share the same type of habitat as species targeted during trawling (e.g. banana prawns, tiger Sea snakes are generally identified by their flattened prawns and endeavour prawns). It is unlikely that many tails and valve-like nostrils. Their compressed body of the coral reef–associated species are caught in any and paddle-like tail make them well suited to life in significant numbers because of the difficulties in using the sea. Difficulties arise when trying to distinguish trawl apparatus in such areas. It is also likely that those between the approximately 30 different species found species that inhabit deeper waters, such as the elegant in Queensland. sea snake, will have a higher level of interaction than However, for the purposes of this guide, it is not shallow water species due to the nature of trawling. necessary to be able to tell the difference between The death rate for sea snakes that have been captured the species, since all sea snakes are protected. For in trawl gear is thought to be quite high (around 40% to examples of the most commonly caught sea snakes, see 50%). However, survivability varies between species, figures 36–39. with the elegant sea snake recorded as having the best chance of survival in trawl nets (at almost 95% survival, 96 hours after release).
The introduction of bycatch reduction devices in the east coast trawl fishery, including the use of square mesh panels and cod ends, may reduce the incidental capture of sea snakes while also increasing the survival rate by reducing the total weight of the catch. However, this is yet to be formally tested.
Like all reptiles, sea snakes are air-breathers and must surface regularly to breathe. Sea snakes are capable of spending up to two hours under water, depending on Figure 36: Elegant sea snake (Hydrophis elegans)—photograph courtesy of the Fisheries Observer Program, DEEDI the level of physical activity. However, most sea snakes spend approximately 30 minutes under water before returning to the surface to breathe.
In populated areas where boat traffic is high, sea snakes may be struck by recreational and commercial boats (not necessarily trawlers, which steam at quite slow speeds). Their tendency to surface regularly and the fact that a number of species live near the surface of the ocean, increases their vulnerability to boat strike.
Sea snakes generally have a patchy distribution, but have been known to aggregate (the reasons are unknown). Figure 37: Olive-headed sea snake (Disteira major), which can be found around the Keppel Islands and Swain Reefs—photograph courtesy of the Fisheries Observer Program, DEEDI Looking after protected species in Queensland
33 34 Looking after protected species in Queensland photograph courtesy of the Fisheries Observer Program, DEEDI Program, Observer Fisheries the of courtesy photograph fishing, consider the following: the consider fishing, snakes sea while To with minimise or avoid interactions Practical tips 38: Figure Figure 39: Figure DEEDI Program, Observer Fisheries the of courtesy onsider • onsider • ertain • water for an average of 30 minutes. 30 of an average for water under survive only snakes, can which sea of death snakes. sea trapped of survivability the to increase net the in weight the to reduce try incidentally. Also caught snakes sea number of the to ends reduce cod mesh interactions. number of the reduce 15 will than m). areas in deeper (less Fishing water C C C orned sea snake ( sea orned pectacled sea snake ( sea pectacled H S
species
shorter using
bycatch
of
shot
sea
times snake
Acalyptophis peronii Acalyptophis reduction Disteira kingii Disteira
to
are
help
found
devices
reduce
in )—photograph )—photograph
shallow )— or
the
square
the survival of sea snakes: sea of survival the and increase safety operator ensure to both followed be can that tips some are there risk, safety a significant pose animals and can snakes sea venomous While are f • f • ry • ake • is still inactive after an hour. after inactive is still if it snake isrecover. the unlikely It that recover will to lidandit mesh or leave asee-through with it abroomstick. or piece dowel of using or a tail the up by it picking by side, either treated. if roughly easily injured be can in mind. members crew other of safety the and safety your allsnakes sea with and treat caution side the on of to err is best It fatal. potentially being and others threat posing little species some with pose, riskthey the in vary species Different I I T T
the the
to
extreme
sea sea be
gentle
snake snake
care
when is is
inactive, active, when
handling
handling
carefully
place
sea
it sea
throw snakes in
a snakes.
box,
it
as over
cover
they
the
Sharks Great white sharks
Sharks have long life spans, mature late in life and give The great white shark (or also known as the white birth to only a few live young, making them particularly shark) is widely distributed throughout temperate vulnerable to overfishing. and subtropical Australia. Its range in Queensland extends from southern Moreton Bay to as far north as A number of species have now been listed as protected Mackay. Great white sharks have been protected in due to concerns for their long-term survival in the Commonwealth waters since 1997. wild. These include the great white, grey nurse, long and short fin mako, porbeagle, speartooth and whale The Australian Government White shark (Carcharodon sharks. General tips for avoiding or handling sharks are carcharias) recovery plan identifies bycatch in listed below. commercial fisheries as the largest cause of death for the animal. The recovery plan indicates that the main Practical tips fisheries that are known to take great white sharks as bycatch are outside of Queensland (e.g. the southern Follow these tips to avoid or minimise interactions with shark fishery, Tasmanian scalefish fishery and the sharks while fishing: snapper fisheries in Victoria and South Australia). • Know how to identify these species. Great white sharks can be bold and inquisitive • Know where you may encounter them in Queensland when encountering fishing gear, making them quite waters so you can be better prepared to avoid susceptible to impacts from fishing. interactions. They may be more prevalent in the cooler months in • Use lighter filament nets and larger meshed nets to Queensland, and are thought to follow humpback reduce entanglements and to lower the number of whales north on their annual migration. juveniles captured. • Check apparatus regularly to ensure entangled Identification sharks have an increased chance of survival. Great white sharks have a moderately stout, torpedo- • Consider using barbless and/or circle hooks to shaped body; are coloured blue-grey to grey-brown on reduce the likelihood of hooking a shark. the upper surface and white below; have large serrated triangular teeth; and have a crescent-shaped tail. Great If you do catch a shark, follow these tips: white sharks can grow to around 6 m in length. • f I you hook a shark and it is still alive, don’t try to bring it aboard. Try to release the shark while it is still in the water. Remember that some sharks need to have water moving across their gills constantly to survive. • l Rol the shark on its back to immobilise it if it needs to be disentangled from a net or line. • Try to release the shark as quickly as possible and unharmed to reduce stress. Try to remove all fishing gear from the shark with line cutters and/or de- hookers. If the shark is hooked deep in its gut, try to cut the line as close to the hook as safely as you can. Figure 40: Great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) • l Rol the shark on its back to immobilise it if it needs to be disentangled from a net or line. • Pay particular attention to wire traces, as these can cause abrasion and infection if left to swing loose along the side of the shark. • e B conscious of the safety of the crew when
handling sharks. Looking after protected species in Queensland
35 36 Looking after protected species in Queensland are of similar size (Figure 42). similar of are size (Figure fins back) the (on dorsal two its is that shark nurse grey the of definingfeatures most the of One lobe. bottom the than larger is significantly tail the of top part The in juveniles. particularly end, tail the on spots brownish or havereddish in often colour and can grey generally are They and small eyes. snout; ends; apointed both at tapered bodies stout havelarge, sharks nurse Grey Identification nurse shark ( Government Australian The Greynurse sharks permitted in the closures. in the permitted are activities unsurewhat if you’re DEEDI) of (part Patrol and Fisheries Boating Queensland local your with collection).(e.g. Check and aquarium spanner crabbing closures in certain fishing of permitted are forms impact 41). low Some Figure (see capture incidental from shark nurse grey the to fishing closed to protect have been of a areas number effects, these of to some response In round. year Wolf Rock at found are They and inspring. winter Bay in Moreton common more are they that suggestion is some there species, the on is available information limited While gutters. bottomed and sandy reefs inshore rocky with associated often Queensland and are southern off areas in coastal found commonly more are sharks nurse Grey line fishing. bottom from to be thought are in Queensland main impacts The shark. nurse grey inhabited the by areas reef rocky occur in the doesn’t as fishing fisheries, crab or net to occur in the thought are interactions Few sharks. nurse grey on impact, orcould have an impact, theline fishery and fishery trawl coast east the in Queensland, that suggests plan also recovery The (Commonwealth).fisheries commercial Australia south-eastern the in particular in commercial fisheries, capture include incidental their populations shark nurse grey facing mainthe threats Carcharias taurus Carcharias Recovery plan for the grey plan for Recovery ) in Australia states that that states courtesy of Carley Bansemer Carley of courtesy they are monitroing this species. monitroing are they as 1300130 on 372 DERM and call immediately body the retain shark, nurse grey find or a dead catch you If areas. protection shark nurse grey the of aware be and always shark, nurse a grey to identify how know you that Ensure areas. closure these of Wales outside South and New Queensland to occur between is thought migration However, shark. nurse grey the for protection significant to fishing closed provide are that areas protection The Practical tips 42: Figure 41: Figure N Coastline reproduced with permission of GeoScience Australia 1992. Geographic projection, WGS84 datum. This map should not beused for navigation purposes. This map shows theapproximate locations of rock andreef areas. Reeders Point Moreton Island rey nurse shark protection areas closed to fishing to closed areas protection shark nurse rey rey nurse shark ( shark nurse rey Cape Moreton G G Amity Point North Stradbroke Hutchison Shoal Flinders Reef 27˚07.92', 153˚28.71' Henderson Rock Shag Rock Island 27˚07.67', 153˚28.67' Cherub’s Cave 27˚23.41', 153˚33.07' Flat Rock Point Lookout Boat Rock Carcharias taurus Legend Land Grey Nurse Shark Protection Areas 0 25˚54.60', 153˚11.85' Wolf Rock Double Island Point )—photograph )—photograph 8642 Kilometres Long and short fin mako sharks and porbeagle sharks
Mako and porbeagle sharks were listed as migratory species under the EPBC Act in January 2010. Interactions with these species now need to be recorded in your SOCI logbook.
Targeted commercial fishing for long and short fin mako sharks and porbeagle sharks is prohibited in Commonwealth waters. The EPBC Act provides an exception to these prohibitions where species are caught as bycatch in accordance with management arrangements accredited under Part 13 of the Act.
Measures to reduce the impact on these sharks from commercial fishing will continue to be required, as the legislative amendments introduced in relation to the exempt listing of mako and porbeagle sharks will apply only to recreational fishing activities. Commercial fisheries managers will communicate to fishers that it will no longer be permitted to retain live-caught mako or porbeagle sharks, and all interactions must be recorded in the SOCI logbook.
Identification Mako sharks look similar to great white sharks; however, they have more protruding teeth and larger eyes. Long fin mako sharks have extremely long pectoral fins that are slightly rounded at the tip. Porbeagle sharks may be identified by a white patch on the rear tip of the first dorsal fin.
Figure 43: Short fin mako shark (Isurus paucus)—photograph courtesy of Paul Rogers, SARDI Looking after protected species in Queensland
37 38 Looking after protected species in Queensland everell, SC, McPherson, GR, Garrett, RN & Gribble, NA 2006, ‘New records records ‘New 2006, NA &Gribble, RN Garrett, GR, McPherson, SC, everell, 5 bottom. rock a mud with waters flowing turbid highly preferring specific, habitat very be can shark speartooth the that suggest also surveys These Carpentaria. of Gulf in the Musgrave) (Port River Wenlock and the inhabit River Ducie the also they shown have in 2005 DEEDI by undertaken Surveys 1980s. in the Queensland of coast north-east the on rivers Normanby and Bizant in the reported was shark speartooth The waters. marine offshore in captured havebeen adults while waters, brackish and in freshwater found often more are juveniles that thought It is waters. saline to offshore freshwater pure almost from habitats, of occur in arange They previously thought. than higher be actually may waters Queensland north inhabiting sharks speartooth of numbers the that could demonstrate help fishers and Indigenous recreational commercial, with and cooperation reporting incident accurate More commercialsupplied by fishers. beingvoluntarily information in better resulted has This andbull sharks. speartooth between differences the to identify commercial fishers training continually Gulf are the in operating observers fisheries DEEDI habitats. same appearto sharethe species two these that fact is the confusion Adding to the bull shark. and the this species between similarities physical the from arising confusion of aresult be may commercialQueensland logbooks sharks speartooth of absence reports of The fishing. of forms various including threats, of to arange species the of vulnerability the determine to required be will research Further degradation. habitat include and line fishing net and waters in Queensland populations shark speartooth facing threats the that available, information limited the from is assumed, It recorded. ever individuals of asmall only number with limited, very is generally shark speartooth the on Information Act. EPBC under the endangered critically as is listed shark speartooth The Speartooth sharks
Peninsula, Northern Australia’. Australia’. Northern Peninsula, York Cape from reported (Carcharhinidae), Glyphis shark, river the of P Zootaxa , vol. 1233, pp. 53–68. pp. 1233, , vol. in in 5 shark (right)—photographs courtesy of Stirling Peverell, DEEDI Peverell, Stirling of courtesy (right)—photographs shark bull and (left) shark aspeartooth of B—underside picture glyphis dorsal fin and triangular teeth on the bottom jaw. bottom the on teeth triangular fin and dorsal haveasmall second Bullsharks shark. nurse grey the jaw, of similar to those bottom their on spear-like teeth possess they and fin, dorsal sizehalf first the their of than greater that is fin back) the (on dorsal a second have sharks speartooth that are features distinguishing main The and bull shark. shark speartooth the between 46 and differences 47 the show Figures prey. (ampullae) sense help which snout, their on pores havenumerous also They snouts. rounded broadly and short, in small colour, eyes with greyish are They sharks. bull similar to very look sharks Speartooth Identification Figure 44: Figure ) (top) and a bull shark ( shark ) (top) abull and icture A—heads of a speartooth shark ( shark aspeartooth of A—heads icture P Carcharhinus leucas Carcharhinus ) (bottom); (bottom); ) Glyphis Glyphis Whale sharks
Because the whale shark is a slow-growing, late- maturing fish, it is particularly vulnerable to population depletion. However, because of its large size and feeding characteristics (it is a filter feeder), interactions with fishing apparatus are rare. Reports by divers who have seen hooks attached to whale sharks suggest that the only interactions are with line fishing.
An Australian Government Whale shark (Rhincodon Figure 45: Heads of a speartooth shark (picture A) and a typus) recovery plan 2005–2010 came into effect on bull shark (picture B), showing the different head and mouth April 2005. The plan suggests that the sustainability shapes and nostril positioning—although not clearly visible in of the whale shark depends mainly on the level of the photograph, the speartooth shark has considerably more sensory pores (ampullae) covering the snout and corners of commercial exploitation of the shark in other countries the mouth compared to the bull shark—photographs courtesy (particularly some Asian countries). However, of Stirling Peverell, DEEDI competition with fisheries and the impact of marine debris have also been identified as potential future Practical tips threats. None of these threats currently appear to have an impact on the number of whale sharks visiting Fishers should know how to identify speartooth Australian waters. sharks from bull sharks, and know where they may be encountered (e.g. the mid to lower estuarine reaches of The whale shark is highly migratory, gathering in the the Wenlock River). Coral Sea off Queensland between November and December. Consequently, potential interactions would To avoid or minimise interactions with speartooth be more likely during this period. sharks while fishing, be aware that interactions with speartooth sharks may increase on the run-out tide Because limited information is available about the when water is more turbid, and at the mouths of ecological characteristics of the whale shark, it is tributaries running off main river channels. Periods extremely important that all interactions are reported. of high flow may also influence the numbers of interactions. Identification
Speartooth sharks appear to be less resilient to The whale shark is the world’s largest fish and can reach handling, so particular care should be taken when up to 20 m in length. It is easily recognisable by its flat, handling them. broad head and the pattern of light spots on its body (see Figure 48). Looking after protected species in Queensland
39 40 Looking after protected species in Queensland Figure 47: Figure Department of Environment and Conservation and Environment of Department 46: Figure courtesy of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Park Marine Reef Barrier Great the of courtesy xclusive contact zone for whale sharks, used in Western Australia—diagram courtesy of the Western Australian Australian Western the of courtesy Australia—diagram Western in used sharks, whale for zone contact xclusive hale shark ( shark hale E No other vessels permitted inthe zone Maximum speed within the zone is 8knots Exclusive contact zone W Rhinocodon typus Rhinocodon Diving tender )—photograph )—photograph
250 m direction of travel Whale shark’s minimum 30 m down around whale sharks. whale around down to slowing in regard operators ecotourism as principles same the follow commercial operators that advisable is it strike, boat of danger potential the of Because animal. the to m 30 than closer any should go boat no to. addition, In shouldadhered be 8knots of speed amaximum where sharks, whale individual around established be should zone 250 of m contact an exclusive that suggests which Australia, in Western operators ecotourism for developed been has conduct Acode of sharks. whale with tointeractions avoid ways anumber of are There Sea). (Coral visit commonly most they area and the and December) (November waters Queensland visit sharks whale that year of time the of aware Be Practical tips of thewhale shark’s direction of travel Vessel andtender approach from ahead Vessel incontact (maximum 90minutes) minimum 400m All other vessels Turtles (freshwater)
The three species of freshwater turtles protected Mary River turtle under the EPBC Act and the Nature Conservation Act The Mary River turtle, as its name suggests, is native to are the Fitzroy River turtle, Gulf snapping turtle and the Mary River catchment. It is dark brown and can grow Mary River turtle. to approximately 40 cm. The only commercial fishers likely to encounter any of The Fitzroy River and Mary River turtles share a number these species are eel trappers or broodstock collectors. of characteristics, including the ability to breathe No other commercial fisheries are currently permitted to through their cloaca (which is where they get the operate in freshwater areas. nickname ‘bottom breathing turtles‘). This allows them to remain under water for a longer period of time (up to Identification 20 minutes). Fitzroy River turtle The Fitzroy River turtle is medium to dark brown, with Practical tips scattered darker spots and blotches, a pale yellow or Follow the regulations regarding setting of fishing cream belly and dull olive-grey exposed fleshy parts. apparatus to prevent trapping freshwater turtles: It grows to approximately 25 cm. It is only found in the Fitzroy River drainage in central Queensland. • The maximum size of an eel trap is 2 m × 0.6 m × 0.6 m when set. • The maximum size of a round trap is a diameter of 1 m and a height of 0.6 m. • The frame of the trap must be made of a rigid material. • A trap (other than its pocket) must have a mesh size of at least 25 mm. Any rigid mesh on the trap must be at least 22 mm in each of its dimensions. • A float of at least 150 mm in each of its dimensions must be attached to each trap. • The trap and trap float must be marked with the authority number and full name of the authority Figure 48: Fitzroy River turtle (Rheodytes leukops) holder. • The tail of the cod end must also be attached to a Gulf snapping turtle float or buoy of adequate size so that at least part The Gulf snapping turtle (also known as Lavarack’s of the cod end floats at the surface to allow trapped turtle) is a large, brown, short-necked turtle with animals access to surface air. a mottled white underbelly. The species grows to approximately 35 cm. Gulf snapping turtles are believed The following measures should also be taken: to range from the Culvert to the Nicholson River • Check nets regularly to ensure any trapped systems in the Northern Territory and southern Gulf of individuals can be released. Carpentaria in Queensland. • Freshwater turtles should be handled gently and care should be taken to ensure they have access to the surface to breathe. Looking after protected species in Queensland
41 42 Looking after protected species in Queensland (e.g. offshore or inshore). For example: or inshore). For (e.g. offshore habitat size and preferred diet, and its species turtle the on depend may fishing apparatus with Interactions hooks. on caught and in nets caught pots, in crab trapped lines, pot crab in beingentangled include turtles commercial operators with interactions of examples known the of Some Turtles (marine) turtle sustainability. These include: These sustainability. turtle in Australia turtles Government Australian The water. to the nest the from way their making hatchlings and as beaches on nests in eggs as especially maturity, before stages particular at predators to vulnerable highly are They population. their reduce ultimately and can adults, of survival the and breeding turtle affect can threats human-made and Environmental old). and 50 30 years (between in late life and mature slow-growing are Turtles turtles. ridley and olive loggerhead leatherback, hawksbill, green, flatback, the are Act Conservation and Nature Act EPBC under the protected turtles of species six The oss • arine • eteriorating • oastal • ative • nknown • he • oggerheads • maller • eatherback • arger • spanner crabs that are caught on dillies. on caught are that spanner crabs eat often carnivorous—they are they because pots pots collapsible crab the surface at fishingthatset is gear and with smaller than turtles more region Asia-Pacific in the people by harvest of levels and unsustainable Australians l s l l l m d c n u t
bycatch
of
turtles and
habitat.
debris development individuals
levels
introduced
interactions of
tend tend water
has identified a number of threats to threats of a number identified has marine
of
to
to harvest
tend quality
interact become
animals turtles
tend Recovery plan for marine plan for Recovery
to
by become
to
most
in entangled Indigenous
preying
occur
commercial
with
trapped
further
on
baited
in
turtle
pot
fisheries offshore in
lines eggs
Management Group on (07) on Group 4062 1330. Management Resource Gulf Northern the contact thisproject, on details more For nets. these of location original the to clean up and source is underway project funded Trust– Heritage ANatural impacts. many other than Gulf the in populations turtle on damage fishingmore cando Ghost fishingoperations. international or Gulf in the operating commercial by fishers abandoned or lost by nets fishing’ ‘ghost from result also can Interactions gear that the turtles encounter. For example: encounter. For turtles the that gear fishing of types the on depend also may Interactions exhibited by each of the species. the each of by exhibited characteristics different the of adescription provides Table breed. 6(overleaf) inhabit they which at and time they including areas the characteristics, ecological their of interms differ all slightly they species, different the of characteristics physical to the addition In wild. the in seen be would they as species different the shows (overleaf) 54 shell and their Figure on head. markings the by distinguished be can waters in Queensland found turtles of species different how 53 shows Figure Identification unnel • he • he • devices are fitted. are devices excluder turtle because in deaths result these of few and Bundaberg Gladstone area, Broadsound the Townsville, around nets offshore for tendhighest to be interactions interactions of the number influences tidal strength) to the relative t t t
type amount
nets
of
net
cause of
float
also
many
line makes
in turtle
the
a
difference—
water interactions
(which
but is
often
very
Guide to sea turtle identification
Shell with: Shell with: • 5 distinct ridges • no distinct ridges • no large scales • large scales Leatherback turtle
• 4 pairs of scales • 5 pairs of scales • 6 or more • Shell longer than wide pairs of scales • Colour reddish brown* • Shell almost circular • Colour green-grey* • 2 pairs of nasal scales • Thick overlapping • shell scales
Hawksbill turtle Loggerhead turtle Olive ridley turtle • 1 pair of nasal scales • No thick overlapping • shell scales
• Shell low domed • Shell high domed • with upturned edges • Light to dark green colour • Olive-grey colour* • with dark mottling*
Flatback turtle Green turtle * The colour of the shell may vary with species.
Figure 49: Turtle identification key—diagram courtesy of DEEDI and the Queensland Seafood Industry Association Looking after protected species in Queensland
43 44 Looking after protected species in Queensland Figure 50: Figure xamples of turtle species found in Queensland—photographs courtesy of DERM of courtesy Queensland—photographs in found species turtle of xamples E Hawksbill turtle Hawksbill Flatback turtle Flatback Green turtle Green Leatherback turtle Leatherback Loggerhead turtle Loggerhead Olive ridley turtle ridley Olive Table 6: Ecological characteristics of different turtle species
Species Identification features Preferred habitat Breeding areas Breeding period Flatback turtle Four or more pairs of large Shallow, soft-bottomed Inshore islands and Peaks between late scales on either side seabed habitats away the mainland from Mon November and early (costal scales) from reefs Repos in the south to December Thick, overlapping shell around Mackay in the scales north Shell is low domed with upturned edges Olive-grey colour Green turtle Four pairs of large scales The entire Great Barrier North West, Wreck, Late November to on either side (costal Reef area is an important Hoskyn and Heron January scales) feeding and nesting area. islands and the Coral Does not have thick, Large numbers occur Sea cays in the southern overlapping shell scales in feeding areas along Great Barrier Reef Shell is high domed the south-west coast of Raine Island and nearby the Gulf of Carpentaria, cays in the northern Light to dark green colour adjacent to the Sir Great Barrier Reef with dark mottling Edward Pellew Islands. Bountiful, Pisonia and Rocky islands in the south-eastern Gulf of Carpentaria Hawksbill turtle Four or more pairs of large Tidal and subtidal coral Milman, Johnson, Throughout the year, scales on either side and rocky reef habitats Bouydong, Bird and Piper but peaks in January (costal scales) throughout tropical islands in the northern to April Thick, overlapping shell waters Great Barrier Reef scales Shell is low domed with upturned edges Olive-grey colour Distinctive parrot-like beak Leatherback turtle Shell has five distinct Large numbers feed off Scattered nesting December and January ridges and no large scales the south Queensland occurs along the south Black colour with light coast. They are not Queensland coast from spotting generally associated with Bundaberg to Round Hill reef areas. Head Loggerhead turtle Five pairs (rarely six) of Coral reefs, bays and Southern Great Barrier October to December large scales on each side estuaries in tropical Reef and adjacent (costal scales) and warm temperate mainland coastal areas, Shell is longer than it is waters off the coast of including Bundaberg, wide Queensland Wreck Island, Erskine Island, Tryon Island, Red-brown to brown colour Wreck Rock beach and Pryce Cay Olive ridley turtle Six or more pairs of large Shallow, protected Small nesting areas March to October scales on either side waters, especially in soft- recorded in northern (costal scales) bottomed habitats Queensland only in the Shell is circular Wide distribution in Gulf of Carpentaria Grey-green colour tropical and subtropical areas Looking after protected species in Queensland
45 46 Looking after protected species in Queensland with turtles: minimise toor avoid steps interactions these Follow Net fishers with turtles: minimise toor avoid steps interactions these Follow Crab fishers Practical tips onsider • ost • heck • eight • xcess • dhere • educe • et • onsider • dhere • educe • trapped in pots. trapped being pins toturtles avoid corrodible or panels of gear at the surface. the at gear of amount the reducing by interactions of likelihood bycatch. of amount the reduce breeding. from turtles deter can lights and noise bright Excessive season. breeding during attention more Pay areas. in turtle and alookout keep to gather known loss. pot minimise to condition good is in rope and the attached well are pots your Ensure entangled. entangled. become can turtles where water column the of the surface at floating water. in the rope of amount the to reduce lines trot use can operators crab Spanner isn’t lost. gear ensure help also will This the tide).conditions for line (e.g. float of amount appropriate the Use aturtle. chance entangling of breeding. from turtles deter can lights and noise bright Excessive season. breeding during attention more Pay areas. turtle in known and alookout keep to gather known S C A R C L C W E A R
nets
or
pots
discarded
slack pot to to your your
below
gear using
go-slow go-slow
lines regularly
speed, speed, line
modification
the loose
to
in pots
zones zones
surface reduce
the avoid avoid
to lead
can
water ensure
to to
areas areas lines
the
continue
to such minimise minimise
can decrease
amount
that
as
where where as
increase
they
turtles sacrificial
to
boat boat
of trap
turtles turtles the are
line
strike. strike.
are the
known turtles.
are are
not
to
with turtles: minimise toor avoid steps interactions these Follow Trawl fishers ll • dhere • educe • e • ollow • se • articipate in research programs investigating investigating programs research in articipate the monitoring programs in research articipate turtles marked or tagged on information orward appropriate where procedures resuscitation pply high of minutes in areas 90 than to less imit tows miles of nautical 2–3 within trawling from efrain dhere • impact of trawling on marine turtle populations: turtle marine on trawling of impact to minimise the Association) Industry Seafood marineof turtles from breeding. from turtles deter can lights and noise bright Excessive season. breeding during attention more Pay areas. in turtle and alookout keep to gather known areas in those steps these follow to important more it making nets, offshore entanglements. for easily. more to escape turtles allowing with turtle excluder devices. excluder turtle with fitted be must and scallops to prawns take licensed A A R B F U – – – – – – A A possible. as soon as water to the turtles live and return different designs for bycatch reduction devices. reduction bycatch for designs different nets. in trawl turtles of capture incidental 13 on 25to DEEDI 23. numbers. turtle season. nesting the during beaches nesting major turtle P P F L R
otter aware
lighter
attendance
to to your
trawlers
that go-slow the
nets
speed,
Code fishing of the for capture ethics more
as (available from the Queensland Queensland the (available from
operating
zones
rules these
interactions avoid
and
to may
areas
in minimise
check
Queensland reduce
where may
nets
occur boat interactions
turtles
frequently
strike. that
with
are
are
by
Line fishers • Turtles can be resuscitated. They may appear dead, but may often just be comatose. To check if a turtle Follow these steps to avoid or minimise interactions is still alive but exhausted or partly drowned, with turtles: touch its eyes to check for eyelid reflexes. If they • Reduce your speed, avoid areas where turtles are are responsive, this indicates that the turtle is still known to gather and keep a lookout in turtle areas. alive. To resuscitate a turtle, secure the turtle on the boat and raise its tail slightly, and keep the • Adhere to go-slow zones to minimise boat strike. turtle in the shade with a wet towel over its shell to Pay more attention during breeding season. avoid it drying out. The turtle may need to remain on Excessive noise and bright lights can deter turtles board for up to 24 hours to recover. When the turtle from breeding. becomes vigorous again, release it head first into • Consider using different bait. Some turtles avoid the water while the boat is stationary. mackerel baits but are attracted to squid baits. • f I you can’t release the turtle safely, call DERM on • Consider using different types of gear. For example, 1300 130 372 for further advice and assistance. circle hooks have been known to reduce the Depending on the circumstances, they may suggest incidental capture of turtles in some line fisheries. you to bring it back to shore for treatment. Barbless hooks are also easier to remove and also inflict less damage on the turtle.
Handling If a turtle is hooked or entangled, operators should follow these simple procedures:
• Carry equipment such as pliers, line cutters and/or de-hookers on board. • f I it is a large turtle, don’t try to bring it aboard, particularly if the side of the boat is not close to water level. Be prepared to untangle the turtle while it is in the water. For smaller turtles, bring them aboard using a dip net or landing net. Don’t ever drag a turtle on board by its flippers or, if it’s hooked, by the attached line—this can kill the turtle. • Assess the size of the turtle—two people may be required to move it around the vessel. Lift the turtle by the front and back of the shell (but never the sides). Keep the animal close to your body to avoid being hit by the flippers. Looking after protected species in Queensland
47 48 Looking after protected species in Queensland lines onvessels. in anchor becoming entangled whales of reports been have also There nets. and offshore pots spanner crab as fishinggear such offshore tendwith to be interactions Queensland, southern of and bays estuaries the Since tend to avoid whales and lines nets. pot in crab to entanglement susceptible are whales turtles, Like Carpentaria. of Gulf in mackerel of the schools with associated sometimes are which whales, killer and false shelfbreak) the and over seamounts (around whales sperm include minkeencounter whales, may commercial Queensland fishers that whales Other Reef. Barrier Great the reach once they out spread and then state the of part southern in the coast to the close follow generally individuals widespread, and tends variable to be path humpback’sthe migration November. While as late as sighted been have recently and September, May but between waters Queensland inhabit generally Humpbacks and Cairns. Townsville as north far as found be now can humpbacks example, For species. the for range lead to an expanded has humpbacks of numbers increased the addition, In commercial fishinggear. to occur with interactions for potential an comes increased numbers increased with However, Queensland. in significantly increased have in particular humpback 1980s, numbers whale the in Australia in hunting whale on ban the Since whales. humpback with mainly interact Commercial fishers protected. are whales sonar). All (like echolocation through movement detect and can intelligent highly are They it. raising time energy and significant and young invest live easily identified. easily quite are species Most whales. of species various between 55 differences and 56 the show Figures Identification to one birth give They lives. long tend to live Whales Whales
Figure 51: Figure species code for logbook entry (images are not to scale) to not are (images entry logbook for code species Brydes whale ( whale Brydes Code: BW back well placed and small very fin Dorsal ( whale Blue Code: MW tail towards back of midline along ridges lump-like of Series ( whale Minke Code: HW length of one-third to up flippers white Long Humpback whale ( Code: FKW edge leading bulging Sshaped, slightly Flipper ( whale killer False Code: BRW margin hind concave with fin dorsal pointed Small ommon whales found in Queensland and their their and Queensland in found whales ommon C Balaenoptera musculus Balaenoptera acutorostrata Balaenoptera edeni Megaptera novaeangliae Megaptera Pseudorca crassidens ) ) ) ) )
Pilot whale (Globicephala spp.) Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) Dorsal fun low but large base Box-like head Code: PW Code: SW
Pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) Strap toothed whale (Mesoplodon layardii) Light bracket on side of head Two strap-shaped teeth on either side of middle jaw Code: PSW Code: STW
Figure 51 (continued): Common whales found in Queensland and their species code for logbook entry (images are not to scale)
Figure 52: Profiles of four whale species blowing, surfacing and diving—diagram courtesy of the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation Looking after protected species in Queensland
49 50 Looking after protected species in Queensland interactions with whales while fishing: while whales with interactions minimise toor avoid tips these should follow Operators Practical tips onsider • oid • ever • f • eep • heck • eight • se • n • ooperate • onsider • staff arrive. staff agency animal the trained until with stay possible, if and, 1300130 on 372 DERM Call whales. large future. in the interactions in reducing assist may which whales, to deter pingers sonic of use the interactions. reduce help can night at nets setting that suggested been has it example, entangled. become should they through to break whales to allow lines and pot in nets link’) water.the below and sounds above by affected are and hearing sensitive haveextremely They whales. vessel. to the arisk pose may This being threatened. are calves the feel if they aggressive and become calves their of protective very be can whales Female m. 100 is awhale while within props the engage not Do come to you. whales the and let in neutral and engines place put the stay or them, from away course astraight steer slowly either may see. entanglements. no are entangled. become can whales where water column the of the surface at floating isn’t lost. gear ensure help also and will entanglements of possibility the reduce will This and run). (e.g. conditions the tidal range for pots I C C C Av N I K C W U
whales
the
the
a
making event come pots
safe pot
appropriate
having the approach
with
lines
and
distance between of
time
any
entanglement,
researchers nets
sections to
at loud
reduce within
amount
which
regularly (100 a
disturbing female
of
m)
100
the nets
who lighter of
from
do
to amount m
whale float
are
are of ensure not
noises any
line
your
set.
line
investigating
try and
whales of
(i.e.
For to vessel, that on
line near her
handle
crab a
there
calf. ‘weak
you
f • f • advice, call DERM on 1300130 on 372. DERM call advice, fishing ingear. more tangled or injured isn’t it to ensure it to continue observe is released, animal Once the using line by cutters. or it looping by un- the animal either from fishingthe gear Remove sideboat. to the the of slowly brought be animal the should then safely, situation handle the I I
you you
can’t have
encountered handle
the
animal
a
small
or
whale require
and
further
can
More information
Handling techniques
Download the Oceanwatch publication Circle of dependence: protected species handling manual at www.oceanwatch.org.au
Download A guide to releasing sawfish: Gulf of Carpentaria inshore and offshore set net fishery at www.fisheries.qld.gov.au
For a copy of the Looking after protected species in Queensland: seabird care and handling DVD, call DEEDI on 13 25 23.
Adhere to the Code of fishing ethics for the capture of marine turtles (available from the Queensland Seafood Industry Association) to minimise the impact of trawling on marine turtle populations.
Visit the Infofish website at www.info-fish.net Identifying protected species
Download the Protected marine species identification guide from the SEWPaC website at www.environment.gov.au
Refer to the shark identification guide at www.fisheries.qld.gov.au Looking after protected species in Queensland
51 52 Looking after protected species in Queensland Tel: (07) 4032 2234 information practice best For Seanet Extension officer www.oceanwatch.org.au Tel: (07) 6021 5514 information practice best For Oceanwatch hotline) (24-hour, free-call 891 Tel: 806 1800 equipment in the animal caught an or equipment control shark out-of-place To report Shark Control Program hotline hotline) Tel: 017 116 1800 (24-hour, toll-free Queensland in fishing activities illegal suspected To report Fishwatch hotline www.fisheries.qld.gov.au Tel: 13 25 23 information logbook and for Patrol, and Fisheries Boating Queensland and the Queensland Fisheries To contact Development andInnovation Department of Employment, Economic Fisheries Queensland—part of the www.derm.qld.gov.au Tel: 1300 130 372 protected species handling on dead or advice injured animals; and for stranded, to report waters; and dolphinswhales in state dead), or injured (if dugongs with interactions To report Management Department of Environment andResource Queensland Contacts www.environment.gov.au 6274 (02) 1111 Tel: Act EPBC the on information For Water, Population andCommunities Department of Sustainability, Environment, Tel: 0419 205 329 (02) or 5029 6272 fishingvessels foreign To report Australian Fisheries Management Authority hotline) (24-hour Tel: 061 800 1800 fishingvessels foreign To report Australian Customs Commonwealth Appendix 1: List of protected species
Nature Conservation IUCN Red List EPBC Act Common name Species Act and Fisheries Act (international)* (Commonwealth) (Queensland)
Crocodiles Freshwater crocodile Crocodylus johnstoni Least concern Listed marine species Saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus Least concern Listed marine species and Vulnerable3 listed migratory species Dolphins Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus Least concern Common dolphin Delphinus spp. Fraser’s dolphin Lagenodelphis hosei Least concern Indo-Pacific humpback Sousa chinensis Near threatened Listed migratory species Rare3 dolphin Irrawaddy dolphin Orcaella brevirostris Vulnerable Listed migratory species Rare3 Pantropical spotted Stenella attenuata Least concern Listed migratory species dolphin Risso’s dolphin Grampus griseus Least concern Rough-toothed dolphin Steno bredanensis Least concern Spinner dolphin Stenella longirostris Data deficient Listed migratory species Striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba Least concern Dugongs Dugong Dugong dugon Vulnerable Listed marine species and Vulnerable3 listed migratory species False water rats False water rat Xeromys myoides Vulnerable Vulnerable3 Fish (freshwater) Bloomfield River cod Guyu wujalwujalensis Regulated by species2 Edgbaston goby Chlamydogobius Critically endangered Vulnerable Endangered squamigenus Elizabeth Springs goby Chlamydogobius Endangered Endangered3 mircopterus Flinders Ranges Mogurnda clivicola Vulnerable gudgeon Honey blue-eye Pseudomugil mellis Vulnerable Vulnerable3 Lake Eacham Melanotaenia Endangered Regulated by number2 rainbowfish eachamensis Lungfish Neoceratodus forsteri Vulnerable Regulated by species2 Mary River cod Maccullochella peelii Endangered Regulated by species2 mariensis Murray cod Maccullochella peelii Vulnerable Regulated by number peelii and area2 Oxleyan pygmy perch Nannoperca oxleyana Endangered Vulnerable3 Red finned blue-eye Scaturiginichthys Endangered Endangered3 vermeilipinnis Looking after protected species in Queensland
53 54 Looking after protected species in Queensland Black-browed albatross Black-browed Diomedeidae) (family Albatrosses Seabirds sawfish Smalltooth sawfish Narrow sawfish Green sawfish Freshwater sawfish Dwarf Sawfish Platypus Platypus groper Queensland rockcod Potato wrasse Humphead Maori cod Barramundi (marine) Fish Spiny crayfish blackfish River (continued) (freshwater) Fish Common name Wandering albatross Wandering Yellow-nosed albatross Yellow-nosed Greater frigatebird Fregatidae) (family Frigatebird Least frigatebird Least Brown boobyBrown Sulidae) (family and boobies Gannets Caspian tern Caspian Laridae) (family terns and Gulls Crested tern Crested Little tern Little Species melanophrys Thalassarche pectinata Pristis cuspidate Anoxypristis zijsron Pristis microdon Pristis clavata Pristis anatinus Ornithorhynchus Epinephelus lanceolatus Epinephelus tukula undulatus Cheilinus altivelis Cromileptes sp. Euastacus Gadopsis marmoratus Diomedea exulans Diomedea chlororhynchos Thalassarche Fregata minor Fregata ariel Sula leucogaster Sterna caspia Sterna Sterna bergii Sterna Sterna albifrons Sterna (international)* List Red IUCN Endangered endangered Critically endangered Critically endangered Critically endangered Critically endangered Critically concern Least concern Least Endangered Vulnerable Vulnerable Endangered Least concern Least Least concern Least Least concern Least Least concern Least Least concern Least Least concern Least (Commonwealth) Act EPBC marine species marine listed and Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable migratory species migratory listed and species marine listed Vulnerable, listed migratory species migratory listed and species marine Listed listed migratory species migratory listed and species marine Listed listed migratory species migratory listed and species marine Listed listed migratory species migratory listed and species marine Listed Listed marine species marine Listed Listed marine species marine Listed listed migratory species migratory listed and species marine Listed (Queensland) Act and Fisheries Act Conservation Nature Regulated by species by Regulated species by Regulated species by Regulated species by Regulated species by Regulated species by Regulated Regulated by species by Regulated species by Regulated species by Regulated Least concern Least species by Regulated species by Regulated Endangered 3 3 1, 4 1, 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Nature Conservation IUCN Red List EPBC Act Common name Species Act and Fisheries Act (international)* (Commonwealth) (Queensland)
Seabirds (continued) Petrels and shearwaters (family Procellariidae) Fluttering shearwater Puffinus gavia Least concern Listed marine species Gould’s petrel Pterodroma leucoptera Vulnerable Endangered, listed marine species and listed migratory species Herald petrel Pterodroma heraldica Vulnerable Critically endangered and Endangered3 listed marine species Huttons shearwater Puffinus huttoni Endangered Listed marine species Northern giant petrel Macronectes halli Least concern Vulnerable, listed marine species and listed migratory species Providence petrel Pterodroma solandri Vulnerable Listed marine species Southern giant petrel Macronectes giganteus Least concern Endangered, listed marine species and listed migratory species Tahiti petrel Psuedobulweria rostrata Near threatened Listed marine species White necked petrel Pterodroma cervicalis Vulnerable Listed marine species
Storm petrels (family Hydrobatidae) Black-bellied storm Fregetta tropica Least concern Listed marine species petrel Grey-backed storm Garrodia nereis Least concern Listed marine species petrel Leach’s storm petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa Least concern Listed marine species Matsudaira’s storm Oceanodroma Data deficient Listed marine species petrel matsudairae White-bellied storm Fregetta grallaria Least concern Vulnerable petrel White-faced storm Pelagodroma marina Least concern Listed marine species petrel Wilson’s storm petrel Oceanites oceanicus Least concern Listed marine species
Tropicbirds (family Phaethontidae) Red-tailed tropicbird Phaethon rubricauda Least concern Listed marine species Vulnerable3 White-tailed tropicbird Phaethon lepturus Least concern Listed marine species and listed migratory species Seahorses, pipefish and pipehorses Australian spiny Solegnathus Data deficient Listed marine species pipehorse spinosissimus Eastern spiny seahorse Hippocampus hendriki Data deficient
Duncker’s pipehorse Solegnathus dunckeri Data deficient Listed marine species Regulated by number5 Gunther’s pipehorse Solegnathus lettiensis Data deficient Listed marine species
Pallid pipehorse Solegnathus hardwickii Data deficient Listed marine species Regulated by number5 Robust pipehorse Solegnathus robustus Data deficient Listed marine species Looking after protected species in Queensland
55 56 Looking after protected species in Queensland whale beaked Blainville’s Whales turtle ridley Olive turtle Loggerhead turtle Leatherback turtle Hawksbill Green turtle turtle Flatback (marine)Turtles turtle River Mary turtle snapping Gulf turtle River Fitzroy (freshwater) Turtles mako shark fin Long shark nurse Grey shark white Great Sharks snake Sea Hydrophiidae) (family snakes Sea Common name Blue whale Blue mako shark fin Short Brydes whale Brydes shark Porbeagle Cuvier’s beaked whale beaked Cuvier’s shark Speartooth Whale shark Whale Species Ziphius cavirostris Ziphius densirostris Mesoplodon Lepidochelys olivacea caretta Caretta coriacea Dermochelys imbricata Eretmochelys mydas Chelonia depressusNatator Elusor macrurus Elseya lavarackorum leukops Rheodytes paucus Isurus Carcharias taurus Carcharodon carcharias species All Balaenoptera musculus Balaenoptera oxyrinchus Isurus Balaenoptera edeni Balaenoptera Lamna nasus Glyphis glyphis Glyphis Rhinocodon typus Rhinocodon (international)* List Red IUCN Least concern Least Data deficient Data Vulnerable Endangered endangered Critically endangered Critically Endangered deficient Data Endangered Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Endangered Vulnerable Data deficient Data Vulnerable Endangered Vulnerable Endangered Vulnerable species marine Listed (Commonwealth) Act EPBC migratory species migratory listed and species marine Endangered, listed species migratory listed and species marine Endangered, listed species migratory listed and species marine Endangered, listed species migratory listed and species marine listed Vulnerable, species migratory listed and species marine listed Vulnerable, species migratory listed and species marine listed Vulnerable, Endangered species migratory Listed population) coast (east endangered Critically species migratory listed and Vulnerable migratory species migratory listed and Endangered species migratory Listed Listed migratory species migratory Listed species migratory Listed Critically endangered Critically migratory species migratory listed and Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable (Queensland) Act and Fisheries Act Conservation Nature regulated by species by regulated Endangered Endangered Endangered Vulnerable Vulnerable Vulnerable Endangered Endangered species by Regulated 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 and and 2, 4 2, 2, 4 2, Nature Conservation IUCN Red List EPBC Act Common name Species Act and Fisheries Act (international)* (Commonwealth) (Queensland)
Whales (continued) False killer whale Pseudorca crassidens Data deficient Fin whale Balaenoptera physalus Endangered Vulnerable Humpback whale Megaptera Least concern Vulnerable and listed Vulnerable3 novaeangliae migratory species Indo-Pacific beaked Mesoplodon pacificus Data deficient whale Killer whale (orca) Orcinus orca Data deficient Listed migratory species Minke whale Balaenoptera Least concern acutorostrata Pilot whale Globicephala spp. Data deficient Pygmy killer whale Feresa attenuata Data deficient Pygmy sperm whale Kogia breviceps Data deficient Sei whale Balaenoptera borealis Endangered Vulnerable Short-finned pilot Globicephala Data deficient whale macrorhynchus Southern right whale Eubalaena australis Least concern Endangered Sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus Vulnerable Listed migratory species Strap toothed whale Mesoplodon layardii Data deficient
Current at November 2010 *IUCN Red List definitions
Notes Critically endangered: A taxon6 is critically endangered when the best available evidence indicates that it meets 1 Fisheries (Coral Reef Fin Fish) Management Plan 2003 any of the IUCN criteria for critically endangered, and it is 2 Fisheries Regulation 2008 therefore considered to be facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. 3 Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006 Endangered: A taxon is endangered when the best 4 Under Section 78 of the Fisheries Act 1994 the take, available evidence indicates that it meets any of possession or sale of regulated fish is prohibited the criteria A to E for endangered, and it is therefore considered to be facing a very high risk of extinction in 5 Fisheries (East Coast Trawl) Management Plan 1999 the wild.
Vulnerable: A taxon is vulnerable when the best available evidence indicates that it meets any of the criteria A to E for vulnerable, and it is therefore considered to be facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Near threatened: A taxon is near threatened when it has been evaluated against the criteria but does not qualify for critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable now, but is close to qualifying for or is likely to qualify for a threatened category in the near future.
6 Taxonomic group, often a genus or species group Looking after protected species in Queensland
57 58 Looking after protected species in Queensland status may well be justified. be well may status threatened taxon, the of record since last elapsed the has time of period and aconsiderable circumscribed, relatively to be is suspected ataxon of range the If status. and athreatened DD in choosing between exercised should be care great many In cases, available. is data whatever of use to make positive is important It is appropriate. classification threatened that show will research future that possibility the acknowledges and is required information more that indicates in thiscategory taxa of Listing threat. of a category not therefore is deficient Data lacking. are distribution abundance on data and/or appropriate but known, well biology and its studied well be may category in this Ataxon and/or status. distribution population its on based extinction of risk its of assessment indirect or to make adirect is inadequate information there when deficient is data Ataxon deficient: Data category. in this included are and abundant taxa Widespread near threatened. or vulnerable endangered, endangered, critically for qualify not and does criteria the against evaluated been concern: Least A taxon is least concern when it has has it when concern is least A taxon Appendix 2: Species protected under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983
Item Species Common name
Invertebrates 1 Family Tridacnidae (all species) Giant clams 2 Cassis cornuta Helmet shell 3 Charonia tritonis Giant triton shell Fish 4 Families Syngnathidae and Solenostomidae (all species) Seahorses, pipefish, seadragons 5 Family Pristidae (all species) Freshwater, green, dwarf and narrow sawfish 6 Epinephelus tukula Potato rock cod 7 Epinephelus lanceolatus Queensland grouper 8 Cheilinus undulatus Humphead Maori wrasse 9 Cromileptes altivelis Barramundi cod 10 Rhincodon typus Whale shark 11 Carcharias taurus Grey nurse shark 12 Carcharodon carcharias Great white shark 13 Glyphis glyphis Speartooth shark Marine reptiles 14 Genus Crocodylus (all species) Crocodiles 15 Families Hydrophiidae and Laticaudidae (all species) Sea snakes 16 Family Cheloniidae (all species) Green turtle, loggerhead turtle, olive ridley turtle, hawksbill turtle, flatback turtle 17 Family Dermochelydae (all species) Leatherback turtle Birds 18 Class Aves (all species) Birds Marine mammals 19 Families Otariidae and Phocidae (all species) Seals 20 Dugong dugon Dugong 21 Order Cetacea (all species) Whales and dolphins Looking after protected species in Queensland
59 60 Looking after protected species in Queensland Species ofconservation interest Appendix 3: Species ofConservation Interest logbook Comments Date of interaction mark Boat Skipper’s name Skipper’s Latitude (orLatitude grid) Location of interaction Location Longitude (orLongitude site) Commercial fisher licence no. Commercial fisher (see instructions page) (see instructions Fishing method code method Fishing
(see instructions page) (see instructions Species code Species Signature: Signature: logbook. this in listed interest conservation of species the with interactions the of record accurate and is atrue form this on provided Ihave information the that I certify no. Logbook Number dead Number
Release conditionRelease Number alive Page no. Page Number injured Number Date: Tag details band or
Boat mark Skipper’s name Commercial fisher licence no. Logbook no. Page no.
Date of interaction Location of interaction Fishing method code Species code Release condition Tag or band details
Latitude (or grid) Longitude (or site) (see instructions page) (see instructions page) Number dead Number alive Number injured
Comments I certify that the information I have provided on this form is a true and accurate record of the interactions with the species of conservation interest listed in this logbook.
Signature: Date: Looking after protected species in Queensland
61
Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation 13 25 23 www.deedi.qld.gov.au PR11–4985