Table of Contents FFSAQ’S News Items 2019

FFSAQ News ..click on month January 2019 ...... 2 March 2019 ...... 11 April 2019 ...... 16 May 2019 ...... 21 July 2019 ...... 26 August 2019 ...... 31 June 2019 ...... 36 September 2019 ...... 41 October 2019 ...... 45 November 2019 ...... 50

Press Home Key or Cntrl Home To return to this index

FFSAQ News January 2019 Media Officer - Lloyd Willmann [email protected] Ph. 0429 614892

From the Media Officer's Desk :-

Freshwater Workshop: DAF are still waiting for some delegates to complete the survey on the Warwick workshop. Your response will allow DAF and FFSAQ to tailor future workshops to your needs. Stocking Groups ... could you please ask your delegate/s to complete the survey (if they haven't done so already) by clicking on the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/stockingworkshopfeedback

From DAF:

Dear fisheries stakeholder

The Government has released the “Directions Paper of fisheries reforms” to ensure all fishers and the broader community are aware of the Government’s direction on how best to manage the priority fisheries and the next steps. The proposed changes will apply to both commercial and recreational fishers. The reforms are expected to be implemented by September 2019.

There is still an opportunity for people to provide input into the details of the reforms when proposed regulatory amendments are released for consultation over coming months. There will be further opportunities to have your say on: (1) allocation approaches for species moving to quota management and allocation of existing trawl effort units to the proposed management regions for affected commercial fishers; and

(2) draft regulatory changes for all stakeholders in 2019.

The need for fisheries reform in Queensland has been an ongoing discussion over a number of years, starting with the MRAG review in 2014, followed by the Green Paper in 2016, which received more than 11,000 submissions. The overwhelming message was that all stakeholders want the management of fisheries to be reformed. The current system is not fit for purpose. There are few catch limits, poor compliance, and high conflict between stakeholders and concerns about bycatch and protected species interactions. Doing nothing is not an option.

We want our fisheries to be sustainable for the future, to be profitable for our commercial fishers, enjoyable for our recreational fishers and to maintain access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to our fishers for traditional fishing and commercial fishing development. The has sought input from all sectors about reforms needed to our major fisheries. Independent advice has also been provided over the last 12 months through the Sustainable Fisheries Expert Panel.

The Directions paper intends to provide certainty to fishers about the reforms that will be implemented, through amendments to the Fisheries Regulation 2008, later in 2019. The Directions paper can be viewed online at https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/sustainable/sustainable-fisheries-strategy/fisheries-reforms

Don’t be a fishing fool – know your rules

JUST like fresh Queensland prawns for Christmas lunch, fishing and summer are a perfect match.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said taking your children out fishing over the summer holidays, or just going out on the water with friends, created lifetime memories. “But if you are planning a fishing trip this holiday season, don’t forget to check the rules before you drop a line in the water,” Minister Furner said. “It’s important everyone is aware of and follows the rules, which ensure sustainable fisheries for future generations of Queensland fishers. “Everybody, regardless of whether they are experienced or first-timers, should familiarise themselves with the relevant rules that apply, including size and possession limits, how to correctly measure fish, fishing gear restrictions and closed seasons. “There are different rules for fishing in tidal and fresh waters, marine parks and interstate.” The minister said anglers could also buy a Stocked Impoundment Permit and then go fishing in any of our 63 stocked and weirs.

“Stocked impoundments are replenished regularly, making them the perfect sustainable fishing option,” he said. “Species stocked include barramundi, golden perch, silver perch, Australian bass, Mary River cod, and saratoga.” The cost of an annual permit is $50 per person, $36 for concession card holders or $10 for a weekly permit. Permits are available at fisheries.qld.gov.au, by calling 1300 575 359 or at any Australia Post outlet in Queensland.

Fishing tips and responsibilities

• Check your limits – For a list of size and possession limits, visit fisheries.qld.gov.au or download the Qld Fishing app. • Measuring devices – Use a ruler with an end stop to measure the length of your fish or a crab gauge to measure your crabs. • Identify your catch – Always carry a fish identification guide or download the Qld Fishing app. Fish that look similar can actually be different species with different size and possession limits. If you can’t ID it, free it. • Gently does it – When a fish is hooked, avoid playing it on the line for too long. A stressed fish will quickly become exhausted and have less chance of survival if required to be released. • Check your gear – A number of restrictions apply to fishing gear. Check the rules at fisheries.qld.gov.au • If it’s not yours, don’t touch it – Interfering with crab apparatus you didn’t set is illegal. If you see apparatus that may have been abandoned, report it to Fishwatch on 1800 017 116. To report any suspected illegal fishing activity, call the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116. For more information on Queensland fishing rules including fish identification and SIPs, visit the Fisheries Queensland website, call 13 25 23 or download the free Qld Fishing app from Apple and Google app stores. You can follow Fisheries Queensland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@FisheriesQld).

Spotlight on Stocking Groups: In this issue, Peter Taylor of the & District Fish Stocking Association Inc. gives us the complete story, from start up to current status of the Association.

FFSAQ Display Trailer & Aquarium: There were no events attended by FFSAQ this month, however, the display trailer will be at the Yellowbelly Fishing Competition on the 9th & 10th February.

*******

Toowoomba and District Fish - the sailing club had exclusive Stocking Association Inc. rights for using the dam for sailing club events but NO fishing or swimming. Toowoomba and District Fish Stacking - the Toowoomba Water Association was formed in the early 80's in Ski club had exclusive use for members only conjunction with the start of the then and NO general public access. Queensland State Governments Fresh Water - this dam was closed Fish Enhancement project which was the start completely to any public access and was of fish stocking projects in the western river owned and built by the then Toowoomba City systems along with the many water storage Council but was in the Crows Nest Shire dams including town water supply dams and Council creating a few issues as Crows Nest irrigation dams. was all for getting it opened up to public use In Toowoomba we have 3 water supply dams !!!! and at that stage, none were open for general The two councils, along with a few others have public use or activities, so to start stocking since amalgamated to form the Toowoomba them and get them open to public access for Regional Council. activities such as fishing was going to be a We started the ball rolling and formed the huge challenge (which it was ). TDFSA and called for people to join with the At that time - vision of getting Cooby stocked along with Cressbrook and getting council to agree to open up both dams for recreational use, Cressbrook will definitely be opened up to including fishing. public use including fishing !!!!!!! " We offered membership for a fee of $15.00 per From that point on we ramped up the pressure annum and when asked what they get for their and after approaching the State Government $15.00, the answer ... "the privilege of knowing Minster, Tom Burns started to apply some that they helped stock the dams ". pressure as well, which was a great help to our We also sold life membership for $250.00 to cause and once again to cut a very very long both individuals and local businesses for the story short, Cressbrook was opened in the late same privileges, but they were given a wooden nineties. Cressbrook dam is in the Eastern plaque (big deal ), but I might add it gave us drainage system which allows the stocking of the funds we needed. Australian Bass along with Mary River Cod At the peak of fund raising we had over 400 and Yellowbelly. members who along with us were getting The fishing in Cressbrook has produced plenty restless with the council not wanting to make of Bass and Yellowbelly, also a few Mary river moves towards opening up Cooby. At this cod with the biggest around 25 kilos which was point we had started stocking Cooby with released. There were a few Saratoga released in Yellowbelly with the help of the State the early stockings with a few reported Government under the Recreational Fish captures, but we haven't continued with the Enhancement program. stocking of them. The council was not happy about public use, Clear felled - mainly because both dams supplied the water Cressbrook was clear felled during for Toowoomba and surrounding towns and construction which means there is very little were using the risk of cholera as their defence. habitat, so when the State government called This was fair enough as they had the on stocking groups that would be interested in responsibility of supplying safe water to the habitat restoration, we jumped at the community. This is when we got support from opportunity knowing the benefits that would people in America to say that it had been done come with the project. for years there and they had no problems. As most groups would know, Andrew Norris is To cut a very long story short, we eventually driving this project following his Churchill got Cooby opened up with electric motors only Fellowship trip to the USA where this program which is what it is today. We had also started has been a huge success. stocking Murray Cod . With around 700 structures to be deployed Early in the stocking we also deployed a few over the 2 years of the project, it will in my concrete pipes into the restricted area for opinion be a huge boost to angler results along Murray cod breeding which has worked over with increased speed of fish development and the years but not enough to eliminate the in the long term better quality fish which is a stocking of Murray cod. win win situation . The fishing in Cooby has been quite good over the years and still produces quality Yellowbelly and Murray cod these days.

The stocking of Cressbrook dam continued despite the council still resisting the pressure from our TDFSA and the general public to get the dam opened up for fishing and general public uses. Our meetings with council continued and at one particular meeting with the works committee and the then mayor, came to an abrupt close after the mayor told us that "over my dead body would the dam be opened up to public use " and following my reply of "You TDFSA members constructing habitat structures had better get your affairs in order as The initial plan allowed for only 30 bass to be ****** radio tagged to monitor their movements, but after consulting with Andrew, our stocking Have you seen a sawfish? group is contributing funds towards tagging 30 Could your members help us find out what’s happening Yellowbelly which is not a cheap project as the to sawfish? I’m writing on behalf of Barbara Wueringer, the director tags have to be imported from Canada (I think) of Sharks and Rays Australia (SARA). She wants to hear at a cost of around $400.00 ea. about your sightings – a live fish, a saw on the wall of I am confident that the results from tagging your local pub, or a photo from your family album the Yellowbelly will show that they will thrive with the new habitat which will excellent for Forty years ago, sawfish were regularly seen off anglers as the Yellowbelly have proven to be Sydney and the east coast, and Perth and up the hard to catch, mind you the bass will certainly west coast. Today they’re rarely seen outside of the Gulf of Carpentaria, NT and the Kimberley. gain as well with improved growth rates and catch rates which is what we like see as it is a Your sightings, no matter how long ago they happened, "Put and Take fishery". will help us work out how many sawfish there used to We will probably do the same at Cooby once be, how many remain, and how we can help them recover. this project has been completed at Cressbrook. Here’s a copy of a media release we’ve issued about the Progress has been going well with the call to action. You can report sightings and find out structures that have been released so far, more about the project at https://saw.fish. showing good slime growths and already holding big numbers of bait ( food chain ) We’re also discussing the project on social media @SharksAndRaysAu, where we’ve shared some footage including shrimp, gudgeons etc., also some of sawfish hunting. bigger fish showing up on fish finders over the structures. *******

Freshwater Fishing Comps

2019 Yellowbelly Family Fishing Competition. Boondooma Dam Yellowbelly Fishing Competition spokesman Terry Allwood says that with the lake fishing extremely well the 2019 event should set new records in both the long standing gilled and gutted section, as well as in the catch and release component. Cash and other prizes will be presented at the end of each of the three sessions as well as overall competition winners at the conclusion of the event. Profits from the event are used to supplement fishing permit funds from the Queensland Government and to date approximately 4.5 million Completed habitat structures fingerlings have been stocked into Lake Boondooma. We have had a couple of working bees to assemble the structures which have been very The catch and release category targeting successful with another one planned for Australian Bass, Yellowbelly, Silver Perch, Jew and Saturday 23rd February. All we need now is Spangled Perch is open to all anglers who for the Toowoomba Regional Council to nominate. This category will now be a catch upgrade the camping area to take advantage of photograph and release to improve fish sustainability. the increase in angler participation along with The annual competition will be held on 9 and 10 an Increase in travelling visitors wanting to February 2019. Entry costs for the February event camp there for a few days. will be $20 for adults and $5 for juniors aged 16 You are all welcome to call in and land a few years and under. of our fish and enjoy the surrounding Random lucky draw prizes will again be a huge draw card to the many entrants that nominate at environment. the event with one lucky person walking away with Regards, a brand new Boat motor trailer Package, which you Peter Taylor - TDFSA don’t even need to fish to win. The ongoing support of our many generous ******* sponsors will ensure that a wide range of prizes and lucky draws are available for all competitors. Lucky draws are held at the end of each fishing Lloyd Willmann, FFSAQ Media Officer session and at the Friday night briefing. All Ph. 0429 614892 presentations and lucky draws are conducted at the event headquarters at the stocking association clubhouse. Food and drinks stalls will be provided by local community groups over the weekend and the great camping facilities provided by the Regional Council will be available for campers staying at the lake. The cost of camping fees and details of accommodation options at the lake can be found at website www.southburnett.qld.gov.au or by ringing the Lake Boondooma Kiosk on (07) 4168 9694. Additional information on the local area and past fishing competitions can be found on the Online website, www.prostononline.info

Please join us at Lake Boondooma for a family weekend of fishing and camping. For additional information please contact Terry Allwood on mobile 0400 860122.

Wyaralong Dam - 2019 Carp/Tilapia Eradication Competition. Logan & Albert Fish Management Assoc. is running its annual Carp/Tilapia Eradication competition on Saturday 23rd March at . This is a one day only event, run within the confines of Wyaralong Dam. No outboard motors to be used but may remain on your boat (electrics only). Heaps of prizes and giveaways ... you don't even have to weigh in a pest fish to win the major prize. For more information, entry forms etc., go to their website: www.lafma.org or contact the secretary on 0429 614892

*******

FFSAQ News

February 2019

Media Officer - Lloyd Willmann [email protected] Ph. 0429 614892

From the Media Officer's Desk :-

From DAF: SIPS Working Group – call for nominations open now and close 15th of March 2019. See below link to Terms of Reference: https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/sustainable/sustainable-fisheries-strategy/fishery- working-groups/stocked-impoundment-permit-scheme/stocked-impoundment-permit-scheme-working-group- terms-of-reference See attachments with this Newsletter for Nomination Form. Email completed nomination forms to:- [email protected]

Mary River codference 2 March 2019 – all SEQ groups that stock Mary River cod have been invited to send a delegate. Please remind your delegate to attend the conference if possible.

Peacock Bass Mackay – o Fisheries Queensland’s contractor Catchment Solutions captured two Peacock bass on 18 and 19 February 2019 in the Mackay area. These fish were captured very close to the location where two previous peacock bass were reported by anglers. o The fish were retained, a genetic sample has been taken to determine species, gut contents removed for analysis and the otoliths removed for ageing information. They also found tilapia which are widespread and common at this site. o Disappointingly, the capture confirms that non-native fish have been illegally released into this area. Fishers are reminded that it is an offence under the Act to release non-indigenous fish into Queensland waters as it can have detrimental impacts to fish populations. o QBFP are investigating possible sources.

DAF would like to acknowledge the work of the local stocking groups and council in the Townsville and Ayr region on the fish salvage efforts following the recent flooding event. Aerators were installed in the Townsville region and fish salvages have been undertaken in the Ayr region by the Burdekin Fish Restocking Association Inc. in an effort to reduce the fish kills from black water events following the flooding. Some of the big dead barramundi (over 1.3m) were provided to the Northern Fisheries Centre for fish ageing and will contribute to the stock assessment of barramundi in Queensland.

Spotlight on Stocking Groups: In this issue, Brian Khun of the Nobby District Fishing Club gives us an overview of their club's activities since inception.

Murray-Darling Basin Authority: The tragic fish deaths in the Lower Darling are a terrible reminder of the effects drought can have on our environment. An independent panel has been appointed by the Australian Government, to assess fish death events in December 2018 and January 2019. The panel is considering the causes of the events, whether existing water management arrangements are effective, and how arrangements could be improved. Please find attached with this Newsletter, the first edition of River Reach, a newsletter put out by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.

FFSAQ Display Trailer & Aquarium: This month, FFSAQ attended the Boondooma Dam Yellowbelly Fishing Competition on the 9th & 10th February. (see article this issue) ***** Nobby & District Fishing Club Inc.

Nobby Fishing Club (Nobby, situated on the between Toowoomba and Warwick) started on 28/9/1988 when a group of young men decided to start a fishing club at the local watering hole known as Rudd's Pub. An inaugural meeting saw 16 people with the same interest and similar goals form the fishing club. Rules were formulated, and bad practices that were prevalent in the area were frowned upon, outings organised and families encouraged to participate. By mid 1989, membership had grown to 26. Although the adults liked a cold beer or 2, the kids were the main focus for many years with them winning trophies at fishing comps held by other groups, as well as our Christmas breakups and trophy nights. We decided to get into fish stocking and were helped by Don Taylor and Alex Hamyln of Fisheries, doing a stocking plan assessing Talgai Weir (near Clifton), Kings Creek and tributary as suitable sites. With that plan came the requirements for; Public Liability Insurance, Incorporation and a proper constitution, which were already part of our club's framework. Our stocking species included, Golden perch, silver perch and Murray cod. As years rolled on families grew up and people moved on, the stalwarts continued to assist when the need arose. When the Millmerran power station was built around 2004 and Power Link to Toowoomba, grants were offered to community groups in the general area, we had a vision, a public fishing reserve on the Condamine 18km from Clifton. So with several grants, a lot of assistance from the Condamine Alliance, a working group was set up to look at issues on the Condamine. With money from the grants, we were able to provide shelter sheds, BBQs, rubbish bins, tree planting, re snagging the river, council was encouraged to mow the area, appropriate signage was erected and a sandstone cairn was erected with dates of appropriate 'milestones' placed on it. Also, an allocation of money for fish stocking was received with the funds still being carefully distributed today. The area is a popular spot today for caravans, campers and school groups who's presence discourages illegal fishers, at least in that area. When we were receiving funds from the Rec Fish Enhancement Program (RFEP), it assisted with stocking and supplemented our main source of income from art unions and chook raffles. When money from the RFEP stopped and people became sick of raffles, we had to draw on our reserves, planning that we may have to fold when it ran out. Since Talgai weir went on to the SIP scheme, we at least had a purpose to keep stocking for paying fishers. We are at the moment operating with a skeleton crew but the name lives on as many fishers believe that there would not be many fish in the area if it weren't for the Nobby fishing club We have had outings at many dams and other fine locations over the years. We have a policy that wherever we fished, if there was a stocking group in the area, we would give them a donation to thank them for their effort. We were also a foundation member of the Toowoomba & District Fish Stocking Assoc as well as giving Warwick District Recreational Fish Stocking an equal donation. Brian Kuhn, Secretary Nobby and District Fishing Club Inc.

Photos, clockwise from top LHS - Working bee at Passmore Reserve on the Condamine, Stocking golden perch, Fish kill heartache, Trophy night *******

Additional information on the local area and past fishing competitions can be found on the Proston February 2019, Boondooma Dam Online website, www.prostononline.info Fishing Competition - Results and Wrap Up *****

Boondooma Dam Yellowbelly Fishing Competition Murray the cod. spokesman Terry Allwood says that the lake fished extremely well for the 2019 event with 157 fish going through the catch and release section and another 145 in the gilled and gutted section. The biggest Yellowbelly of the event was weighed in at 2.085kg. The competition for 2019 saw a huge attendance of 945 entrants including 236 juniors. Cash and other prizes were presented at the end of each of the three sessions as well as overall competition winners at the conclusion of the event. The water level in the lake was at 39% which together with the clear blue skies set the scene for a great weekend of camping, fishing and family activities. Profits from the event are used to supplement fishing permit funds from the Queensland Government and to date approximately 5.3 million fingerlings have been stocked into Lake Boondooma. The Catch and Release categories were increased this year to include Yellowbelly, Bass, Jew, Silver Perch and Spangled Perch with anglers utilising the 'Track my Fish' app to photograph and release the fish which proved to be successful with Michael Jarvis of Coolum Beach, winning the Yellowbelly with a fish of 550mm. Wendal Maroski of Murgon won the longest Bass with a 505mm fish.

The Heaviest Yellowbelly title was claimed by Mick Turner of Boonah with a Yellowbelly of 2.085kg. What has happened over the past 40 years concerning Mick took home over $400 cash and prizes with a cold water pollution from water storages? trophy. Sponsored by Stanwell Power Not much I would say. The winner of the heaviest Bass section sponsored I have been involved with fish stocking and the issues by Accounting and Tax Services was surrounding stocking since 1986, and we were talking Jeffery Kinsella of Moffetdale with a Bass of about cold water pollution then. 1.525kg to secure a pay cheque of $350 plus prizes and trophy. Cold-water pollution is caused by cold water being Hanwood Fish Hatchery champion junior anglers released into rivers from large dams during warmer for Yellowbelly was Blake Manthey of Kingaroy with months. Between spring and autumn, the water stored in a Yellowbelly of 1.470kg, and the Bass was large dams can form two layers: a warm surface layer claimed by Jake Johnson of Chinchilla with a bass overlying a cold bottom layer. Since many older dams are weighing in at 1.355kg. only equipped to draw water from the bottom of the dam, water that is much colder than the natural river The 3.6m Quintrex Boat 9.9hp Motor and Trailer temperature is released downstream, causing cold-water package was won by Anthea White of Bellbird pollution Park. Proudly sponsored by South Burnett Cold water pollution is one of the key factors behind the Regional Council. The Dragon Kayak was won by reduction in the range and abundance of native freshwater Callam Craig of Alexandra Hills. fish species in NSW. It is estimated that up to 3,000 kilometres of mostly lowland river habitat in NSW is Congratulations to all the winners and thankyou to affected by cold water pollution. (This equally applies in everyone who attended. The ongoing support of Qld) our many generous sponsors ensured that a wide At least 140 dams in NSW have a water depth of 15 range of prizes and lucky draws were available for metres or more that could stratify seasonally, forming a all competitors giving away over $50,000 worth of cold bottom layer of water. However, not all of these cash and prizes. cause cold-water pollution, because their outlets are configured to allow water to be released at different For more information, entry forms etc., go to their levels, or the quantity of water released may be relatively website: www.lafma.org or contact the secretary small. on 0429 614892 Cold water released from dams has several impacts on a river system: *******

• Natural temperatures can be depressed by 8-12oC in spring and summer

• annual temperature ranges can be reduced

• summer peaks in temperatures can be delayed. These can affect temperatures in river systems many hundreds of kilometres downstream from the storage. Initial research has indicated that cold water pollution can result in the death of juvenile native fish and reductions in growth rates. Native fish, along with other aquatic animals such as turtles and frogs, are cold blooded. Their survival, growth and reproduction depend on the temperature of their environment. Fish will not breed if conditions are unfavourable. Even in the right season for breeding and with appropriate rises in the river, breeding may not occur if seasonal temperature changes and thresholds are not reached. As a result of cold water pollution, native warm-water fish may fail to breed, they may breed late in the season, fish eggs may fail to hatch or the young may die or develop more slowly. Young fish depend on zooplankton blooms as a food ******* source. Low water temperatures can delay or prevent the development of these blooms, eliminating an important Update:- THE NSW Department of food source. Primary Industries has relocated almost 80 stressed fish including Murray cod and **** golden and silver perch from the Lower Darling River downstream of the Menindee NASA Satellites Show Full Extent township. Of Flooding The past several weeks have seen Fisheries officers rescued and relocated 16 Murray cod, 15 silver perch and eight golden perch from a spillway devastating flooding throughout vast areas pool that was soon to become disconnected from the of the Gulf and Wet Tropics; our land of river when flows cease through Weir 32. All fish were flood, fire and famine again living up to its relocated to a much larger pool downstream of the weir name. To visualise the full extent of the that includes an aerator and water quality is more flooding, visit NASA's Worldview site, and favourable. DPI Fisheries staff also carried out inspections of disconnected pools further downstream move the date toggle to watch the event during the day to determine if there are any stressed fish. unfold. DPI Fisheries’ actions were in response to a requirement ****** for WaterNSW to cease flows from Weir 32 via the

fishway. DPI fisheries technicians travelled to the site to Freshwater Fishing Comps manage any potential adverse impacts on fish in the Wyaralong Dam - Dragon Kayak 2019 fishway and downstream when flows ceased. The department will continue to monitor conditions and Carp/Tilapia Eradication Competition. respond accordingly. Logan & Albert Fish Management Assoc. is running its annual Carp/Tilapia Eradication competition on ***** Saturday 23rd March at Wyaralong Dam. This is a one day only event, run within the confines of Lloyd Willmann, FFSAQ Media Officer, Wyaralong Dam. No outboard motors to be used Ph. 042 614892 but may remain on your boat (electrics only). Heaps of prizes and giveaways ... you don't even have to weigh in a pest fish to win the major prize. All net profit from the event goes back into the dam as Mary River cod and bass fingerlings.

FFSAQ News

March 2019

Media Officer - Lloyd Willmann [email protected] Ph. 0429 614892

From the Media Officer's Desk :-

FFSAQ AGM Please be advised that the Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland Inc. (FFSAQ), will be holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM), on Sunday 26th of May 2019, at 11 Meier Rd, Camira 4300, commencing at 9:30am.

Nominations are called for the positions of: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Eligible Nominees must be a financial member of a Stocking Group, which itself is a financial member of FFSAQ, or be an Individual financial member of FFSAQ. Please complete the Nomination Form attached, and submit by email to: [email protected] or by post to: Secretary FFSAQ, c/- 6 Alieda Court, Sinnamon Park, Qld 4073

If you are unable to attend the AGM, and are eligible to vote, then fill out a Proxy form attached, and email or post to the above address. Voting, as detailed in the constitution, will be as follows: Ordinary Member, being a stocking group or representative of that group :- 3 votes. Individual Member: - 1 vote. In the event of a tied vote, the chairperson will have the deciding vote.

Agenda Items: Any item you wish to submit for the Agenda must be received no later than 2 weeks prior to the AGM. The Agenda for the AGM will be emailed 2 weeks prior to the AGM. Joe Legrady, Secretary FFSAQ

Quarterly meeting with DAF The FFSAQ Management Committee met with DAF on Monday 25th March. Minutes of the meeting are attached for your info.

From DAF:

1. Impoundment Boat Ramp Surveys: In June 2017, the Queensland Government released the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy (SFS) 2017-2027. As part of the SFS, Fisheries Queensland has committed to improving community engagement and enhancing monitoring and research to support evidence-based decision-making. In addition, during the 2018 freshwater fishing and fish stocking workshop, stakeholders identified the need to develop a cost-effective monitoring plan for stocked impoundments. As part of the monitoring plan, Fisheries Queensland has just appointed Fernanda de Faria to work closely with stocking groups to expand an existing boat ramp survey program to include data collection at stocked impoundments. Fernanda will be contacting stocking groups soon to discuss this sampling strategy and seek expressions of interest for involvement in the project. If you have any questions please contact Fernanda on [email protected]. If you would like to know more about Fisheries Queensland boat ramp surveys program you can click on the link below. https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/monitoring-compliance/monitoring- reporting/recreational-fishing/boat-ramp-survey-program 2. Other notifications from DAF: • Community engagement applications (up to $50,000 allocated from SIPS funds) are due 26 April 2019. This is extended beyond the usual due date of 31 March. See attached guideline and application form. • Recovery allocation applications (up to $10,000 total for all groups) are due 26 April 2019. See attached guideline and application form. • Reminder for all SIPS groups to send in acquittals for 2018/19 to Daniel Smith, Fisheries Queensland. • SIPS working group meeting is currently scheduled for 1 May 2019, subject to working group member’s availability. DAF are currently finalising the members for the working group and will notify all applicants when approved by the Deputy Director General, Fisheries and Forestry– this is expected next week (1 April 2019).

Spotlight on Stocking Groups: In this issue, Daniel Robertson of the Fraser Coast Fish Stocking Assoc. gives us an overview of their club's activities since inception in 1991.

FFSAQ Display Trailer & Aquariums: This month, FFSAQ attended the Logan & Albert Fish Management's Carp/Tilapia Eradication Competition at Wyaralong Dam on the 23rd March. (see article this issue) The following events will also be attended in the next month:- Logan City Council's Carp Cup Fishing Competition at Demeio Park Marsden on Sun 31st March Family Fun 2019 Tilapia Fishing Competition at the Goose Ponds Mackay on Sat 13th April Moura Muddy Water Classic Competition at Dawson River Apex Park Moura on Sat 20th to Sun 21st April Bass Competition at Lake Moogerah Caravan Park, Sun 28th April

Articles for FFSAQ News Stocking Groups .... if you have an event coming up or have an article that may be of interest to other stocking groups, please send to me with a couple of photos and I will publish in FFSAQ News. Always looking for content. Send to ..... [email protected]

*****

State Government crushes boat ! will bring Queensland fisheries management in line with world’s best practice. “We want to leave a legacy of a A fishing boat forfeited to the State Government after sustainable fishery for our children and grandchildren being involved in the black marketing of redclaw was and protect Queensland jobs that rely on the industry.” crushed recently at an Eagle Farm recycling centre. Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and intercepted a Kuraby-based fisher delivering almost 200 Fisheries Mark Furner said the crushing sent a stern redclaw to a Sunnybank restaurant in March 2018. warning to all fishers about the consequences of committing serious fishing offences. “If fishers are thinking about breaking the rules, they had better be ready to risk losing their fishing boat,” Mr Furner said.

“To reinforce that message, the forfeited vessel has recently been displayed at prominent boat ramps in . “In this particular case, in addition to forfeiting the boat, a recreational fisher and restaurant manager were fined more than $8600 for black marketing of redclaw. Mr Furner said the Queensland Government had moved to further strengthen fisheries laws. Photo: Fisheries Queensland

“Unlicensed selling of fisheries resources undermines the legitimate commercial fishing industry and threatens During the investigation, 82 freshwater traps, more than Queensland’s reputation as a producer of high-quality 133 kilograms of redclaw, a 4.5 metre catamaran and a seafood,” Mr Furner said. “Reforms currently before kayak were also seized at and . Parliament are aimed squarely at fishers who illegally sell seafood on the black market, including stronger A recreational fisher, who was not a first-time offender, compliance powers for fisheries officers and higher pleaded guilty to five charges, including selling fisheries penalties for offenders. without a licence and using 78 excess and unmarked freshwater traps, was fined $7600 and had his vessel “The community has been calling for change to fisheries forfeited to the State. legislation for many years and these proposed reforms

A restaurant manager, who said he bought the redclaw for a staff party and didn’t intend to sell it, was fined The Fraser Coast Fish Stocking Assn Inc is $1000 after pleading guilty to one count of selling made of up local business owners, seafood without an authority. recreational anglers and members of the public. We all share the same goal of The boat was crushed at it had been modified and was sustainable fish stocks through conservation not suitable for sale. The motors were removed and based management programs. Of course we auctioned, with proceeds going back into supporting are all keen anglers who thoroughly enjoy all fisheries management, compliance and monitoring. that the great outdoors has to offer and do our best to promote this responsibly. ***** About Lake Lenthall () Built in 1984, Lenthalls Dam was named Fraser Coast Fish after the pioneering family in the district; the Stocking Assoc. waters created by the dam are called Lake (FCFSA) Lenthall. With a catchment area of over 616 square kilometres it is fed by six main creeks which from the most southerly point are The FCFSA was formed in 1991 and is Logbridge Creek, Doongul Creek, Harwood responsible for the creation, management & Creek, Sugarbag Creek, Duckinwilla Creek & maintenance of fish stocks in the waters of Woolmer Creek. Lake Lenthall (Lenthalls Dam). The lake was The catchment area starts in the Seaview stocked with the following suitable native Ranges which are directly west of the dam fish species Australian bass, barramundi, and can be seen from the viewing area near silver perch, golden perch & snub nosed gar the dam wall. Mt Doongul & Mt Ganamon are primarily for recreational fishing purposes for the two most prominent features of the the general public under the Stocked horizon from this point. The Lake is Impoundment Permit Scheme. Today the approximately 8 kilometres long with a two lake is annually stocked with barramundi lane concrete boat ramp situated fairly (approximately 15000) and Australian bass centrally. (approximately 30000) with funding from The Lake forms the head waters of the the Fraser Coast Regional Council / Wide Bay Burrum River system which also includes the Water and the Stocked Impoundment Permit Isis, Cherwell & Gregory Rivers. The lake has Scheme (SIPS). a relatively small surface area of around 765ha, an average depth of 5 meters and holds some 29500 ML of water at full supply level. Owned and managed by Wide Bay Water Corporation its purpose is for the supply of water to the city of and surrounding townships.

Getting there Lake Lenthall is in the Wongi State Forest, 26km west-south-west of Hervey Bay and lies to the west of the Bruce Highway. The Lake is the primary for the city's water supply. For those wanting a peaceful fishing or picnicking experience, the lake is open from 6am to 8pm. The State government maintained road into All fish stocking activities are carried out in the lake from the Bruce Highway is unsealed accordance with & under permit from the Qld and does require care and low speeds. A Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. 4WD is recommended during wet conditions.

FCFSA also has regular discussions with Facilities Fraser Coast Regional Council / Wide Bay Lake Lenthall has established a strong Water regarding future improvements to reputation for its Australian bass stocks and Lake Lenthall. FCFSA has objectives and is regarded as one of the most consistent principles which clearly define its role in the bass fisheries in the country. Barramundi overall fishery management program, these can also be caught in good numbers at include promoting fishing based tourism in times. Visitors can enjoy the picnic area near the Hervey Bay region. the dam overlooking the lake or explore the Contact walks along paths that follow the shoreline. Fraser Coast Fish Stocking Association Inc PO Box 987 Hervey Bay, Qld, 4655

******

Wyaralong Dam - Dragon Kayak 2019 Carp/Tilapia Eradication Competition, 23rd March A beautiful sunny day greeted us for the competition with very light winds throughout the day, with the water on the dam looking like a millpond early till mid morning. As usual the team from LAFMA (Logan & Albert Fish Management Assoc) set up the gazebos, BBQ, table and chairs for the event, with displays from FFSAQ, Bio Security Qld, Southern Brisbane Sports Fishing Club and Dragon Kayaks. Similar to previous years we had around 150 entries by There is also a viewing platform above the the 7am start time with many families rolling in for a spillway that can be accessed on foot. late start during the morning. This year for the first time we split the children into two groups, Teens (12-16 Current facilities now include: years) and Juniors ( 11 years and under) and we had the Seniors Group. In total there were 229 entries made up o Toilets of 146 Seniors, 37 Teens and 46 Juniors. o Covered picnic tables / 1.bbq. o Camping Sites (no electricity or drinking Total Fish caught was 1579, made up of 1554 Tilapia water available on site) and 25 Carp. o Viewing platform above the spillway o Walking tracks o Boat ramp. (with river pebble beach to right of ramp) o Fishing/viewing Platform o Easy parking o Disabled access

On-Site Ranger Wide Bay Water Corporation has appointed an onsite ranger at Lake Lenthall to oversee the maintenance and use of Lake Lenthall facilities. Lake Lenthall Rangers Office can be contacted on 07 4129 4833.

BOATING RESTRICTIONS Powerboats are allowed on Lake Lenthall but Largest Carp went to Fred Schneider at 4.57kg and the speeds and horsepower are restricted. most Carp caught went to Deon Matthee and Adrian Visitors should be aware of the low emission Wilson with 5 each. outboard engine policy for Lake Lenthall which allows only 2 and 3 star rated engines Largest Tilapia went to young Jet Cervenjak with a very up to 60hp. Low emission engines include: impressive 2.89kg fish. Most Tilapia caught went to Jason Williams with a total of 273. o All 4-stroke engines up to 60 horsepower o Low emission direct injection 2-stroke This year LAFMA raised around $4,614 which will be engines up to 60 horsepower added to our annual SIPS funding for stocking Bass and o The speed limit on the lake is strictly 6 Mary River cod into the dam. knots The dam continues to fish well for Australian Bass and There are no public phones at Lake Lenthall. although Mary River Cod are totally protected in the Nearest fuel, bait and tackle are at service dam at the moment, there are plans for the future for this stations along the Bruce Highway fish to be targeted while fishing at the dam.

are patrolling our waters and black marketers are being shut down as part of the most sweeping reforms of Queensland’s fishing sector in our state’s history. We’re cracking down on black marketing and pushing forward with greater recognition of recreational, commercial and indigenous fishing interests.”

Mr Furner said the passage of the Bill delivered another reform milestone in the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy, a key election and Great Barrier Reef commitment. “A significant element of this is stronger compliance powers for Queensland Fisheries and Boating Patrol (QBFP) officers, and tougher penalties for those who sell seafood on the black market,” Mr Furner said. “We now have 20 new officers out on the water safeguarding our fisheries resources. “Just this week an illegally-modified boat seized as part Young Jet Cervenjak with his impressive 2.89Kg Tilapia of a black market fishing prosecution was destroyed by The Lucky Draw Prize from our Major Sponsor, Dragon the QBFP. During consultation earlier this year, more Kayaks, a Dragon Slayer was won by Zed Cox (Junior). than 90% of people said they wanted stronger compliance powers and heavier penalties for those flaunting the rules.”

The changes to the Fisheries Act aim to: • Modernise the objectives of the Fisheries Act and recognise the interests of key stakeholder groups; • Clarify the roles of the Fisheries Minister and the chief executive in the management of the State’s fisheries to allow for more responsive decision-making through the use of harvest strategies; • Strengthen the enforcement powers and penalties to address serious fisheries offences such as black marketing; and • Reduce complexity and remove redundant provisions. For more information on the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy, visit www.daf.qld.gov.au or call Fisheries Queensland on 13 25 23.

******* A huge 'Thank You' to our Sponsors who continue to be very generous with their donations to LAFMA. Without these Sponsors this event would not be possible. Fishing Competitions Please support our sponsors , check them out here. Check out the full story including pictures, on our home Moura Muddy Water Classic : Dawson River Apex page on the above link. Park, 20th & 21st April 2019 ... for more details, refer to Flyer attached with this Newsletter, or email [email protected] or ring Zelma on 0428 971 932 *******

******

THE Queensland Government has delivered on a key plank of its 10-year,

$20 million Sustainable Fisheries Strategy with the passage of new Lloyd Willmann, FFSAQ Media Officer, legislation in Parliament recently. Ph. 042 614 892

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the Fisheries (Sustainable Fisheries) Bill made real changes in fisheries management possible for the first time. “These changes are a critical step in providing the legacy of a sustainable fishery for our children and grandchildren and protecting jobs in our commercial and recreational fishing industries,” Mr Furner said. “More compliance officers

FFSAQ News

April 2019

Media Officer - Lloyd Willmann [email protected] Ph. 0429 614892

From the Media Officer's Desk :-

FFSAQ AGM Please be advised that the Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland (FFSAQ), will be holding its Annual General Meeting (AGM), on Sunday 26th of May 2019, at 11 Meier Rd, Camira 4300, commencing at 9.30am.

Nominations are called for the positions of: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Eligible Nominees must be a financial member of a Stocking Group, which itself is a financial member of FFSAQ, or be an Individual financial member of FFSAQ. Please complete the Nomination Form attached, and submit by email to: [email protected] or by post to: Secretary FFSAQ, c/- 6 Alieda Court, Sinnamon Park, Qld 4073

If you are unable to attend the AGM, and are eligible to vote, then fill out a Proxy form attached, and email or post to the above address. Voting, as detailed in the constitution, will be as follows: Ordinary Member, being a stocking group or representative of that group :- 3 votes. Individual Member :- 1 vote. In the event of a tied vote, the chairperson will have the deciding vote.

Agenda Items: Any item you wish to submit for the Agenda must be received no later than 2 weeks prior to the AGM. The Agenda for the AGM will be emailed at least 1 week prior to the AGM.

From DAF: 1.Impoundment Boat Ramp Surveys: Closing date for 'Expressions of Interest' for involvement in the project have been extended to 3rd May, so get your EOI in now if your group wants to be involved. If you have any questions please contact Fernanda on [email protected]. If you would like to know more about Fisheries Queensland boat ramp surveys program you can click on the link below. https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/monitoring-compliance/monitoring- reporting/recreational-fishing/boat-ramp-survey-program

2.SIPS Working Group: • The new SIPS working group members have recently been appointed by Bernadette Ditchfield, Deputy Director-General, Fisheries & Forestry. The new members are Joe Legrady (FFSAQ), Charlie Ladd (FFSAQ), Noel Frost (SEQ), Gary Fitzgerald (SEQ), Bob Reid (Murray Darling), Greg Green (Burnett), Daryl Cupitt (Central), Terry McGeachin (NQ), Ian Leighton (NQ), Daniel Smith (DAF), Steve Brooks (DAF), Kimberly Foster (Chair, DAF) • The first meeting of the new SIPS working group is scheduled for Wednesday 8th of May 2019. • The main agenda items are the allocation of SIPS funds, acquittals & carry overs, new impoundment boat ramp surveys and updates on fish stocking action plan, fish stocking policy, compliance and proposed legislation changes for freshwater.

FFSAQ Display Trailer & Aquarium: This month, FFSAQ attended the Red Hot Couriers Family Fun 2019 Tilapia Fishing Competition, Sat 13th April at the Goose Ponds, Mackay - Mackay Area Fish Stocking (see report this issue), the Moura Muddy Water Fishing Competition, Sat/Sun 20th/21st April - Moura Fish Stocking Club (see full report in the May edition of this newsletter), and the 2019 Yak Hunters Kayak Fishing Competition at , Sunday 28th April. Note: Tilapia were found in Maroon during this comp ! Articles for FFSAQ News Stocking Groups .... if you have an event coming up or have an article that may be of interest to other stocking groups, please send to me with a couple of photos and I will publish in FFSAQ News. Always looking for content. Send to ..... [email protected]

********** INFORMATION FOR RECREATIONAL FISHERS ON BLACKMARKETING "The interstate undercover operation was established to investigate the unlawful taking of Golden Perch from NSW and their subsequent sale I think you will all be aware that the term "Recreational in Victoria under the guise of having been taken Fisherman" has been used by Fisheries Queensland in lawfully from South Australian waters," Mr Tully describing the participants in black marketing said. operations of fish for too many years. After writing to "On 13 March, 2019, NSW DPI officers pounced the Minister again, Sunfish has been contacted by the near Pomona on the Darling River, seizing the Minister of Fisheries Hon. Mark Furner who has assured man's boat, motor and trailer, seven illegal gill nets, us this will be changed in future. People carrying out a quantity of fish and a mobile phone". these illegal activities will be referred to as just "Fishers". "NSW Fisheries officers from Western NSW and the Statewide Operations & Investigations Group We thank the Minister for supporting this change. then teamed up with Victorian Fisheries Authority However, while we are talking about this subject, I investigators and NSW Police to execute a search warrant at the man's Pomona address." would like to ask all fishing groups in Queensland to

remind their members and friends that breaking the As a result of the search warrant, a further 101 fishing regulations can carry heavy penalties. So always Golden Perch weighing almost 150kg in a cool measure your fish and observe possession limits which room on the property, along with a further eight gill do change occasionally - so be aware. (Eat your fish in nets, fish boxes, styrofoam boxes, scales and the freezer regularly, do not let it build up.) . The law documentation were seized. Four firearms and a also states “possession of fish” so you can be quantity of ammunition were also seized by NSW prosecuted for excess fish or illegal fish regardless of Police Force. the circumstances. Simultaneously, Victorian Fisheries Authority investigators obtained records from a number of In Queensland it is illegal for recreational fishers to use businesses in Victoria including a fish wholesaler in your catch for any type of financial gain. You can give Melbourne where it will be alleged the fish were your fish away but remember you are responsible for destined to be sold. the quality of this fish and any repercussions this act The Pomona man has since been formally may cause. Giving away fish with any expectation of interviewed by NSW DPI Fisheries and now faces a “reward” is also illegal as is “bartering” fish for services. range of serious charges carrying maximum fines of up to $110,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment, You cannot raffle recreationally caught fish to raise or both. funds for any reason. (This is legal in NSW for Commercial fishing for native freshwater finfish, “Charities” but not in Qld.) which includes Golden Perch, was phased out from NSW waters in 2001 due to concerns for the Bruce Alvey sustainability of native fish populations. Golden Chair Sunfish Queensland Inc. Perch can be legally grown and sold through the NSW aquaculture industry which is worth around ****** $11.5 million for native freshwater fish annually.

Illegal fishing network on Darling River "Illegal fishing like this is a real kick in the guts for a community already doing it tough because of the unravelled drought," Mr Tully said. Months of intelligence gathering and high-level collaboration between NSW, Victoria and South "Our fisheries officers do a great job protecting our Australia has resulted in the apprehension of a 36- native fish stocks and legitimate aquaculture year-old Pomona man for allegedly taking and industry so this should send a clear message to illegally selling 12 tonnes of Golden Perch worth anyone considering exploiting this valuable around $200,000. resource for personal gain that it will not be tolerated." Operation Weelsby was led by NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) Fisheries over a 20- QBFP relies greatly on the community’s support month period, and included the Victorian Fisheries Note: to provide relevant and timely information relating to Authority, Primary Industries and Regions South potential offences concerning our valuable fishery Australia and NSW Police Force, NSW DPI resources. People who suspect illegal fishing activity Director Fisheries Compliance, Patrick Tully, said should report it to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 today. 116. The registration details of the alleged offender’s car and/or boat should be collected and reported to the Invasive fish impact native fish through: Fishwatch hotline but don’t engage with the person, as this can compromise an investigation and possibly your • direct competition for food and space, safety.” • predation,

******* • habitat alteration, and

Seqwater Recreation Update:- • introduction of exotic diseases and Safety Upgrade parasites.

Ewen Maddock Dam is one of several dams in The Biosecurity Act 2014 (the Act), requires some South East Queensland scheduled to be upgraded noxious fish such as Carp and Tilapia to be as part of our ongoing Dam Improvement Program. immediately and responsibly disposed of after

being caught. These fish must also not be kept, The upgrade work is set to begin from July 2019 fed, given away, sold or released back in to the and will include strengthening the existing environment. By law, you have a general embankment and raising the dam wall to increase biosecurity obligation (GBO) to take reasonable its floodwater capacity. Work is expected to take up and practical steps to minimise the risks associated to 18 months, subject to weather conditions and with restricted noxious fish under your control. other unexpected delays.

If you are interested in fishing at one of our lakes, For the safety of the public, all on-water recreation, make sure you know the law. Contact the access to the designated swimming area, access Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 to the multi-use trails from Maddock Park, and the 23 or visit www.biosecurity.qld.gov.au. recreational use of Maddock Park will be closed for the duration of the upgrade work. Access to the multi-use trails from alternate locations will be ******* maintained where possible. During the construction work, noise and traffic will increase within the Operation Target Tilapia in Mackay surrounding areas. by Cass Hayward – Reef Catchments and Michelle Currently, the water level within the lake is at about Linden – Red Hot Couriers 90 per cent of the Full Supply Level. During the upgrade we will need to lower the water level of the lake to about 50 per cent of the Full Supply Level. Lowering water levels is an industry accepted practice to manage dam safety and bank stability during upgrades. The lake will return to the current Full Supply Level following project completion and adequate rainfall.

Access to recreation areas will be re-instated once the upgrade is complete. Access to on-water recreation will re-open once the lake level returns to its pre-upgrade Full Supply Level and water quality tests deem it is safe to do so.

You can stay up-to-date with the progress of the Ewen Maddock Dam Safety Upgrade by On the 13th April, Mackay hosted its third pest fishing subscribing to our e-updates via our website. competition since 2015. With over 320 participants, this

year’s event was bigger and better than ever. A big Restricted noxious fish in Queensland shout-out to Red Hot Couriers Mackay, who fully funded the 2019 pest fishing competition. Without their Queensland has the highest diversity of freshwater hard work and dedication, this event could not have gone fish in Australia. Unfortunately, this diversity is ahead. threatened by the presence of invasive fish (also called 'pest' fish) which have been introduced and The purpose of the pest fishing competition is to raise subsequently established in some of our awareness within the community. One of the main waterways. The introduction of invasive fish vectors of spread for many pest fish is accidental species into Queensland's natural waterways introductions by humans. Some may remember that significantly impacts native fish biodiversity and Mackay is the location that pest species peacock bass abundance. Some invasive fish pose such a threat have been found in the wild for the first time in to Queensland waters that they have been listed as Australia. The first sighting was just over a year ago, and 'noxious' in Queensland legislation. since then there have been a handful of additional peacock bass captured in the Gooseponds, where we Red Hot Couriers have committed to sponsoring the hold the pest fishing event. It’s very likely that the event next year again, so we hope to see you there in introduction of these species was accidental release of an 2020. ornamental. These sorts of situations are the main reason that the pest fishing competition was kicked off ****** originally. We hope that by raising awareness of the impact of pest species, we can reduce the spread. Compared to previous years, there were a lot of pest fish A NEW survey launched today will help caught, including a jag cichlid and approximately 20 build a better understanding of the tilapia. This is a significant increase since 2018 (8 demographics, attitudes and social and tilapia) and even more so since 2015, when there were economic contribution of Australian no pest fish caught at all. recreational fishers. (April 5, 2019)

Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Senator Richard Colbeck said the survey would provide a clearer picture of one of Australia’s most loved past times. “Recreational fishing ranges from families taking their kids fishing once a year on the family holiday, to avid fishers who fish hundreds of days using equipment worth tens of thousands of dollars,” Minister Colbeck said.

“The 12 month survey launched today will provide us with a better understanding of rec fishers across Australia including where they fish, how often they fish, what motivates them and what is important to their experience. This will be an important tool in continuing to adapt Australia’s world-class fisheries management practices to the needs and impact of our rec fishers. This data-driven approach stands in stark contrast to the anti- science, anti-rec fishing marine parks lock-ups proposed by Tony Burke and Labor.

“The last national recreational fishing survey was undertaken in 2001—18 years ago and much has changed in that time. This study will make use of new online techniques to survey the Australian population, This has negatives and positives. On the down side, it is and aims to address many of the shortcomings of typical probably an indication that there is now more tilapia in online survey methods. The Department of Agriculture the Gooseponds. However it is likely that the higher and Water Resources is working with the Fisheries number of fish caught meant that the members of the Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), the public that were fishing were more exposed to the pest, Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource and more engaged in the event overall. Economics (ABARES) and the University of Canberra One of the highlights is the community support for this to implement the survey. ABARES and the University of event. From all reports, this event attracts just as large a Canberra have developed a methodology which reduces number of participants as the big events in South-East the cost of running these surveys, while maintaining the Queensland that have been running for a long time. robustness required by the Australian Government.

“We must continue to balance the social and economic considerations of recreational fishing with the need to ensure the sustainable management of Australia’s fisheries for the benefit of all Australians.”

********

from the MDBA River Reach stakeholder newsletter. (April 2019)

In the first fortnight of April we saw some decent

Mackay’s pest fishing competition is definitely going to rainfall in the north of the Basin, and for continue to grow. We expect that it will be Queensland’s communities who have been experiencing premier pest fishing competition in the not too distant sustained and severe drought, this is welcome future! news. However conditions remain extremely dry in many These water flow release events across large regions. To provide more information on the gravity tracks of land are critical for the environment and of the drought in eastern Australia and the impact communities in these dry times. They also enable on water resources in the Murray–Darling Basin, the testing of remote sensing technology to aid in the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) this month future compliance monitoring, particularly when released a ‘special climate statement’ – a detailed water flow is embargoed from pumping or summary of what the BOM has categorised as a interception. significant climate event. Read the BOM’s special climate statement – Drought conditions in eastern *******

Australia and impact on water resources in the Murray– Darling Basin issued 9 April 2019.

Eyes in the sky - monitoring water flows and impact

The MDBA is applying remote sensing to monitoring the Basin. This enables using real-time data to track water flows and assess how rivers, floodplains and the environment responds to flows, particularly after extended dry periods.

The ability to monitor how water behaves and how it moves through waterways and the surrounding landscape is a game changer for river management over the long term. From a compliance perspective, comparison imagery allows for identifying unexpected changes, including changes in flow that may be the result of unauthorised take.

Adding near real-time data to our remote sensing capability greatly improves our line-of-sight of water ****** across the Basin. Our capability will be called upon again across Autumn—similar to last year’s highly regarded Northern Connectivity Event—the MDBA Lloyd Willmann, FFSAQ Media Officer, will once again be the ‘eyes in the sky’ with the Ph. 042 614892 release of water for the environment in the Northern Basin.

The Commonwealth Environmental Water Office (CEWO), working with NSW and Qld Government agencies and partners, will release water for the environment from the Copeton and Glenlyon dams to help native fish survive the drought. The first environmental flow is planned for the Dumaresq and Macintyre rivers to replenish key waterhole refuges for native fish along the Barwon River to Collarenebri. A second application of water for the environment will occur from the Gwydir River which aims to revive waterholes between Collarenebri and the junction of the Barwon and Macquarie rivers, and possibly through to Brewarrina.

FFSAQ News

May 2019

Media Officer - Lloyd Willmann [email protected] Ph. 0429 614 892

From the Media Officer's Desk :-

FFSAQ AGM The FFSAQ AGM was held on Sunday 26th of May 2019 at Camira. The existing management committee of; Charlie Ladd – President/Treasurer, Trevor Saunders - Vice President, Joe Legrady - Secretary, and Lloyd Willmann, were re elected unopposed. Lloyd volunteered to continue in the role of Media Officer for the next 12 months. A copy of the minutes will be forwarded once they have been finalised.

From DAF - Urgent ! Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme - Grant Agreements Stocking Groups on the SIP Scheme are asked to return their signed and witnessed Grant Agreements to DAF ASAP (before the 14th June) if you want payment !

Spotlight on Stocking Groups: In this issue, Zelma Lewis, secretary/treasurer of the Moura Fish Stocking Group gives us an overview of their club's history and activities since inception in 2001.

FFSAQ Display Trailer & Aquarium: This month, FFSAQ (read Charlie) attended the Brisbane City Council's Pest Fish competition at Harold Kielly Park Bald Hills, the OzFish Unlimited fishing competition at George Clayton park Wynnum, the Southern Cross Fishing Club - 'take a kid fishing day' at Cooby Dam Toowoomba, Maroon/Moogerah kids fishing clinic at Moogerah Dam, supported the Lake Borumba Fish Stocking Assoc at the Gympie Show, and the Cudgen Lakes Tilapia Buster competition. Articles on some of these events are included in this Newsletter. Also as promised, the Moura Muddy Water Family Fishing Classic results from April.

Articles for FFSAQ News Stocking Groups .... if you have an event coming up or have an article that may be of interest to other stocking groups, please send to me with a couple of photos and I will publish in FFSAQ News. Always looking for content. Send to ..... [email protected] Thanks to all those who have helped me out in the past.

**********

It's your investment - help protect it! Mark Ryan said the case also highlighted the valuable work of the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol. Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and “Officers were doing a routine patrol of the Uhlmann Fisheries Mark Furner said in April 2018, Queensland Boat ramp on the Caboolture River when their Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers found the man with suspicions were first aroused,” Mr Ryan said. “But the 11 undersized male mud crabs and eight females, which QBFP also relies greatly on the community’s support to are protected in Queensland. “We cannot stress enough provide relevant and timely information relating to that crabbers have a responsibility to ensure they potential offences concerning our valuable fishery understand and are up-to-date with Queensland’s resources. People who suspect illegal fishing activity crabbing rules,” he said. should report it to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116. The registration details of the alleged offender’s car “Fishing rules exist to protect resources so we can leave and or boat should be collected and reported to the a legacy of a sustainable fishery for our children and Fishwatch hotline but don’t engage with the person, as grandchildren. Ignorance is no excuse and, in this this can compromise an investigation and possibly your instance, not knowing the rules has ended in a very safety.” costly day out.” For more information on Queensland fishing rules and The man also pleaded guilty in the Caboolture regulations, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au, call 13 25 Magistrates’ Court to failing to mark his crab pots and 23 or download the free Qld Fishing app from Apple and was fined a total of $7095.80. Member for Morayfield Google app stores. ***** Tilapia is a great fish for beginners as they are relatively easy to catch, as today's results show. 387 fish with a total weight of 96.278kg were caught within 4 hours. Kids Fishing Day at Cooby Dam Money raised (approx. $500) from ticket & worm sales The Southern Cross Fishing Club Inc. kids fishing day will be donated to FFSAQ to go towards restocking the was held at Cooby Dam picnic area on Saturday the 11th pond with native fish. Bald Hill Scouts will also receive of May. Cold windy conditions welcomed 30 kids and around $250 through raffle & drink sales. parents as they arrived. After the morning briefing and a great breakfast, the kids were split into their respective Note: Harold Keilly Park is a no fishing area; fishing is instructors. only permitted with BCC sanctioned education fishing Once again they went through sessions on fishing safety, days. fishing equipment, environmental concerns, lures, baits, knots and a new session for this year from Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of Queensland. Charlie from the FFSAQ bought their trailer to display native and pest fish. The kids were excited to see a live Mary River Cod, little Bass and the pest fish Tilapia.

Charlie and some of the kids

After another great lunch, the kids all lined up to have a go at casting. After the casting session the kids were presented with their certificates, goodie bags, a streets ice cream then a quick group photo. Once again the members, kids and visitors had a great day even though the weather didn’t start out so well. We would like to thank all of our sponsors who provided the Massive thank you to our sponsors: giveaways for the kids. Everest Campers Kayaks Alvey Reels Australia Jarvis Walker ******* Wilsons Fishing Hook-eze Kids Clean up at Pest Fishing Event Fishing Monthly Jones Tackle Tackleland Harold Keilly Park Pest Fishing Competition was held on Bayside Bait & Tackle Saturday 4th May at Bald Hills. The event was supported Blinks Bait by Brisbane City Council & FFSAQ to remove noxious fish species tilapia from the ponds. Fish Event Management group, 2 Bent Rods, organised and ran the 2 Bent Rods has been nominated in the What's on 4 Kids day for BCC, under permit from Biosecurity Qld. Awards, celebrating businesses working in the children's activity business. Nominated by one of their customers, 2 Bent Rods is There were plenty of prizes available, with the most hoping to get your vote. sought after being two Everest Campers Kayaks, one as Best School Holiday Activity the lucky door prize and the other was for the winner of Best Activity for Parent & Child the rubbish raffle. Councillor Amanda Cooper managed Best Activity for 5-12yr olds to find time in her busy schedule to come down and Just by voting you could win tickets to Disney on Ice. watch the kids and families in action and helped to award Voting closes 12th May the prizes to the winners. Cast your vote for 2 Bent Rods here: Samantha Beckmann from 2 Bent Rods was ecstatic with https://www.whatson4kids.com.au/awards/awards-voting/ the results. Over 60% of entrants were under 10 years old, with a large portion of them being first time fishers. If you would like more information or photos, please Peter Long for restocking the Dawson River with contact Sam on the details below. Barramundi & Yellowbelly fingerlings. The first fishing competition was hosted by Apex Club -- in 2003 & again in 2004 to raise funds to purchase Kind Regards fingerlings. Then Apex offered it to the group that was Samantha Beckmann assisting them & so it operated that way until February 2 Bent Rods 2014 when it reformed as Moura Fish Stocking Group 0403 713 820 Inc. www.2bentrods.com.au [email protected] At present we have 55 financial members & have www.facebook.com/2bentrods membership with FFSAQ and Insurance & Affiliation www.instagram.com/2bentrods with QAFCA. Our main fund raising event is the annual Moura Muddy ******* Water Classic Family Fishing Competition held around April. This year the comp was again very successful & we have made a good profit. The Gympie Regional Show Our group maintain the Dawson River Park that attracts many travellers & anglers to the area each year. The 2019 Gympie Regional Show was a success Sunfish provide funds each year to hold a Junior Fishing as we had many people visit our fish display and Day & to date there have been 260 children participate. they were pleased with what we had to offer. To date we have purchased 124605 Barramundi & Many thanks to Freshwater Fishing & Stocking 362121 Yellowbelly fingerlings at a cost of $167,576. Association of Queensland (FFSAQ) for bringing Last year we were able to have an amendment made to along their display of good fish and bad fish. The our stocking permit to allow Yellowbelly fingerlings to visitors to the display were impressed with the fish be purchased for stocking the Dawson River at that FFSAQ had in your tanks and were not Theodore. Funds supplied from Theodore Chamber of hesitant in asking questions. Commerce. Other fund raising comes from hosting "Breakfasts & Dinners by the Dawson” during the “grey nomad” season. Assist other not for profit local groups when needing help with their events. Meetings are generally held each month & are well supported by our members.

Lake Borumba Fish Stocking Assoc members manned the FFSAQ Display Trailer at the recent Gympie Show

They were keen to ask questions on the individual fish in the tanks and to listen to what our members and others had to say. Most were impressed with Charlie Ladd (FFSAQ) and Zelma with the FFSAQ Display Trailer at the two shy Tilapia in the display tanks and were the Moura Muddy Water Classic Family Fishing Competition keen to listen to the information regarding the new fish that threaten our waterways. ******* Moura Muddy Water Family Fishing Once again a big thank-you to the members of Classic Lake Borumba Fish Stocking Association that participated at the display by offering their time to A total of 445 nominations were received for this year's talk to members of the public that stopped by to Muddy Water classic. view our display. 152 nominated juniors all received a fishing package ******* from AMWU Moura branch and seemed to enjoy being on the river catching a few fish. Moura Fish Stocking Group Inc. 293 seniors nominated for what turned out to be a very relaxing fun filled weekend. This group was first formed as Moura Apex fish Dave ‘Hodgie’ Hodge the ‘bare foot fisherman’ travelled Stocking Group in 2001 with help from DAF officer over again to share his fishing tips and tactics with anyone interested.

This year journalist and fisherperson Helen Abdy Heaviest Saratoga: 1st Eloise Hutchinson 2.684kg, 2nd assisted Hodgie and both enlightened audiences with Zacariah Austin 1.918kg. their demonstration and knowledge of fly fishing. Some fantastic fish caught both off the banks and from Another form of fishing that is being more popular with boats. anglers and Helen caught an assortment of catfish and The river is looking absolutely fantastic and couldn’t Saratoga while she was there. have asked for better weather for the weekend. Over the weekend catfish were the predominant species but a massive 58 Saratoga were weighed in along with black bream, yellowbelly (Golden perch), sleepy cod, spangled perch and banded grunter. Catch cards were reintroduced and was welcomed quite well from all anglers. Maybe half returned the cards which revealed much higher numbers of fish that were not weighed in. Approximately 120 Saratoga were caught according to the cards. A random draw of the returned catch cards for a G Loomis fishing rod and water cooler from Oz trial was won by Deidre Hourn. The overall winner for the Donny Weis Memorial trophy was senior male angler Brett Fien with a 2.875 kg

Saratoga. There were also Encouragement awards for the junior anglers which were pretty hard to decide on the winners but those who took away trophies were Henry Caddell, Ruby Nash, Charlie Campbell and Jake Berndsen with Davina Steele and Rikki Hay who were both in the Little Juniors section. The Early bird prize for nominating early for the comp was $100 sponsored by Mrs Poppy Hayden and that went to Brian Elliott. Major sponsor Apex donated 4 x $500 Anaconda Gift vouchers and the winners were: Junior male Ashley Keddie. Junior female Georgin Kirkham. Senior male Jim Standley, and Senior female Angela Elliott. Results from all fishing sections as follows: st nd Senior male heaviest catfish: 1 Ben Heath 4.910kg, 2 This year a photography section was added. William Smith 4.504kg. The winner was chosen with a photo that really Heaviest Black bream: 1st Brian Loader 0.564. captured the joy and the spirit of the river and the st nd Heaviest yellowbelly: 1 Clinton Maslen 2.564 kg, 2 competition. st Brian Loader 0.93kg. So many good ones but 1 prize of an Esky and globe Heaviest Saratoga: Brett Fien 2.876kg, 2nd Clinton Rayer went to Michelle Davidson showing a ‘junior angler and

2.848kg. kastyak at the comp’. Senior Female heaviest catfish: 1st Kate Baines 4.395, 1 runner up Better Sceeny with a ‘sunset on the river’. nd nd runner up Brianna Smith with ‘tubing on the river’. 2 Lilli Heath 4.275kg. 2 Heaviest black bream: 1st Emma Foster 0.618kg. rd runner up Dani Berndsen with ‘kids having fun on a st 3 Heaviest sleepy cod: 1 Lyn Loader 0.102 kg. tuthb e’. Heaviest yellowbelly: 1st Sarah Bright 0.744kg. 4 runner up Margie Powell with ‘reflections’’. Heaviest Saratoga: 1st Lilli Heath 2.455kg, 2nd Tracey Cuskelly 2.440kg. Plenty of food all day starting with hot brecky, an Junior fishers: heaviest catfish: 1st Claire Bright 4.072kg, assortment of hot and cold foods for lunch time and 2nd Thomas Coughlin 3.914kg. dinner time washed down with cold or hot Heaviest spangled perch: 1st Wylie Les 1.060kg, 2nd Lilli refreshments. Ford 0.094kg. A huge ‘thank you’ went out to all the sponsors. Heaviest Black bream: 1st Jackson Hutchinson 0.812kg, 2nd Charlotte Bright 0.786kg. Murray-Darling Basin Authority - River st nd Heaviest Sleepy cod: 1 Tayla Hay 0.098kg, 2 Coen Reach, May 2019 .... A message from MDBA chief Saxby 0.070kg. Executive, Phillip Glyde st nd Heaviest yellowbelly: 1 Charlotte Bright 0.902kg, 2 Nick Van Beal 0.745kg.

Following the Federal Election on 18 May, the Australian • funding for new and upgraded infrastructure including Government and the MDBA are out of Caretaker mode and fishways at Menindee, the Lower Darling and Lake the normal business of government resumes. This means its Victoria, and replacing the Wilcannia weir full steam ahead on our key priorities to implement the Basin • a package of measures in response to the independent Plan. We look forward to working with The Hon. David Vertessy report into fish deaths, including improved Littleproud MP as the Minister for Water Resources, metering, ecosystem research, fish re-stocking and Drought, Rural Finance, Natural Disasters and Emergency improving the connectivity between the Warrego and Management, and other Basin Ministers to progress this Darling rivers. important reform. We are also implementing a range of recommendations from This week I was in Menindee and Pooncarie with the acting the Productivity Commission’s five-year assessment, Chair of the Authority, Joanna Hewitt AO and Professor Rob including improving our Basin Plan evaluation framework, Vertessy. Professor Vertessy led the Independent Panel which we published this week. The framework will guide the review of the fish deaths in the Lower-Darling and was keen 2020 and 2025 evaluations that will clearly measure and to explain the report in person to the local community assess if Basin Plan outcomes are being achieved. The members who had provided him with valuable input. Rob framework outlines specific topics that will be reviewed and outlined the review’s findings and recommendations and we how we intend to work with stakeholders to ensure a covered the Australian Government’s $70 million response collaborative and participatory approach to this important to the Panel’s recommendations. The community members task. welcomed the Independent Panel’s findings and the acknowledgement of the extent of the environmental, social, In our March issue of River Reach, I discussed the cultural and economic impacts on the community. We heard Government’s regionalisation plans for the MDBA. Our team from community members that they felt ignored by has been considering how we would deliver an effective governments and that they want a rapid and complete organisational and functional structure that would see a third adoption of the Panel’s recommendations by all or roughly 100 staff located in key regional centres governments. throughout the Murray–Darling Basin by mid-2021. This important work and planning is continuing and I’ll keep you Today I’m off to Griffith; a future home of the MDBA as a updated as planning progresses. result of our planned increased regional presence. I’ll be hosting the second of our breakfast discussion series In the face of the sobering drought conditions within the tomorrow, Basin & Eggs, and look forward to hearing from Basin and the outlook for the remainder of the year hitting thought provoking leaders and the community. home, we must continue to adapt and match the resilience and fortitude of Basin communities. Inflows into the River The Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council (MinCo) is Murray system, since July last year remain in the driest 7% currently scheduled to meet in Queensland in June. MinCo of records and more than 60% of major Basin storages communiqués from previous meetings are available on our remain at less than half of their full capacity over the same website; however we will be improving how we communicate period. about the outcomes from these important decision-making forums. We are looking at ways we can improve the visibility Within this context, we’re currently working to finalise the and accessibility of this information, including direct links priorities for water for the environment for the next watering from our homepage and updates in future issues of River year for release at the end of June. Also of keen interest to Reach. many water users experiencing persistently dry conditions— we’ve just released the upcoming water trading opportunities Concerns for water management and the declining health of including the water trade credit balance at Barmah Choke. our rivers continue to be a key policy issue for Australians. As we gear up for a new financial and watering year, these • find out more about the final report of the challenges and programs of continuous reform work will Independent Panel into fish deaths in the Lower- build on our core role: implementing the Basin Plan and Darling running the River Murray. I am pleased to see the ongoing commitment and new funding for important water • read about the Murray– Darling Basin management projects from government, which include: Ministerial Council • find out about the trade credit balances • investment in northern Basin satellite and remote river sensors to support compliance activities including • the Basin Plan 2020 evaluation framework has monitoring and tracking been released.

• funding for environmental water research to improve ***** understanding of ecological responses and decision- making Lloyd Willmann, FFSAQ Media Officer • commitment to a Native Fish Management and Recovery Strategy, to protect and restore native fish populations in the Basin

FFSAQ News

July 2019

Media Officer - Lloyd Willmann [email protected] Ph. 0429 614892

From the Media Officer's Desk :-

FFSAQ

With 2020 approaching very quickly, FFSAQ would like to put out the call to all clubs that if you have an event coming up in 2020 and the FFSAQ native & pest fish display would be of assistance to your club, please contact the treasurer as soon as you have a confirmed 2020 date for your event.

FFSAQ has twenty nine bookings so far this year and seven already confirmed for 2020, so if we can assist let us know.

Where possible the display will be made available.

The treasurer can be contacted on email [email protected]

Dept of Agriculture & Fisheries - Daniel Smith Discussion Paper - consultation closed on 19 July Feedback will now be considered and legislation proposals drafted for consideration by the Government. See the link for details of the discussion paper https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/fisheries-regulation-2008-consultation/resource/3eb3b37c-bd47-4b16- b090-8b3b2e3e3aea

SIPS lure competition winners – Neil G from Delaneys Creek was the lucky winner of 6 Australian-made Power Lures. Neil and runners-up Chris A. and James H. also win another SIPS yearly permit. The competition was run for the month of June and entrants had to purchase a yearly SIPS permit to go into the random draw.

Impoundment Boat Ramp Surveys - Fernanda DeFaria The boat ramp survey program at stocked impoundments kicked off in July 2019. Volunteers from local fish stocking groups have been conducting surveys at Callide, Borumba, Somerset, Wivenhoe and Wyaralong dams. We have received great feedback from stocking group members and the public. Although some sampling days have been quiet, we have some interesting data coming in. If you see any of the interviewers out at your ramp be sure to say hi and participate. Stay tuned for some results summaries in the next few months.”

QBFP Update: keep your permit handy - Coby Walker Hi everyone, and thanks for your contributions to the Queensland freshwater fishing industry through FFSAQ and your local stocking groups.

FFSAQ has asked the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol to provide a regular update on the challenges we face when monitoring the freshwater fishery.

At the moment, I’d say the most widespread issue is fishers who can’t produce their Stocked Impoundment Permit immediately. Chasing up permits consumes large amounts of our time, which could be better spent checking for fishers who don’t have a permit. You can land yourself a $65 fine if you can’t produce your permit details to a QBFP officer when fishing in a stocked impoundment.

Often, people can’t produce their permit because their phone is dead, the permit is on their old phone, they have deleted the text, they didn’t bring their phone out on the boat or their Australia Post receipt has faded.

So, here’s a few reminders to help people avoid that fine:

• Firstly, everyone 18 years of age or over needs their own permit (permits covering your spouse/partner were removed several years ago). • You can buy a permit at selected Australia Post outlets, via phone on 1300 575 359 or online. • If you buy your permit online, the SMS comes from a service called ‘Decipha’. Many people think it’s some sort of scam and delete it—please don’t! • If you lose your permit, email [email protected] or call our Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23 for a free copy.

At a minimum, we need your permit number and expiry date, so keep your permit details in something that always goes fishing with you. Here are a few examples:

• Take a photo of your Australia Post receipt or a screen shot of your text or email as soon as you get it and keep it in your phone—it’s much easier to find there. • Write the permit number and expiry date inside the lid of your tackle box—the bonus is every time that big one takes your hook you’ll be reminded of your expiry date. • Reduce your permit to credit card size, laminate it or pop it in a zip lock bag, and keep it in your wallet.

We’ve even seen people with their permit (and car keys) on a ‘fishing necklace’. Basically, it doesn’t matter how you do it, we’ll be happy if you can give us your permit info quickly.

We’d appreciate it if you could share this information with your networks and contacts.

Cheers Coby Walker, District Officer Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (Warwick)

THE longest-serving Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol Officers have welcomed a new generation of recruits to Parliament House on their induction day.

The fisheries compliance officers are part of a new intake under the Queensland Government’s $20 million Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017-2020. Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said the inductees included three Indigenous officers and an Asian liaison officer.

“This diversity recognises that the QBFP works with fishers from many backgrounds and sometimes requires specialist cultural and language skills,” Mr Furner said. “The new recruits will be based around our state, from Weipa in the far north all the way down to Redlands in the southeast. Among them we have the son of a currently serving officer, and the brother of a currently serving officer whose father was also a member of QBFP, making ours a truly multi-generational force. “Today we are also paying tribute to some of our longest-serving staff with five officers who commenced with QBFP in 1989 and another who has been with the Patrol for 37 years. In an era when people tend to highly mobile moving between different jobs and career paths, it’s gratifying to see members of the public service who are so passionate about their work they make it a lifelong pursuit.” www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries

Spotlight on Stocking Groups: In this issue, Kev Balke president of the Lockyer Valley Fish Restocking Association gives us an overview of their club's history and activities.

FFSAQ Display Trailer & Aquarium: This month, FFSAQ attended the Laidley Show with their native fish and pest fish display trailer to support the Lockyer Valley Fish Restocking Assoc and to the World Environment Day at Boonah, with the support of members from the Maroon/Moogerah Fish Management Assoc and the Logan & Albert Fish Management Assoc.. Note: It is surprising to see how many members of the general public are unaware of pest species Carp & Tilapia and the damage they can cause.

Articles for FFSAQ News Stocking Groups .... if you have an event coming up or have an article that may be of interest to other stocking groups, please send to me with a couple of photos and I will publish in FFSAQ News. Always looking for content. Send to ..... [email protected] Thanks to all those who have helped me out in the past. **********

Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) changing and what their future needs might - July 2019 .... Phillip Glyde, Chief Executive be. The Panel is keen to hear from community members so please get involved. More 1 July 2019 marks a significant milestone as information about how to get involved is on we move into the next phase of the Basin Plan their website at www.basin-socio- and new limits on water use begin. Otherwise economic.com.au known as sustainable diversion limits, these limits set how much water, on average, can be A quick reminder before I sign off—each used in the Basin by towns and communities, fortnight we update the MDBA homepage with farmers and industries, while keeping the the Murray–Darling Basin drought update. The rivers and environment healthy. summary provides the latest weather patterns and rainfall data from the Bureau of While these limits are now officially Meteorology, and reports on water quality, enforceable, more work needs to be done. salinity and alert levels for blue-green algae. Having effective water resource plans in place will help ensure water use is sustainable in This fortnightly update includes the type of every region. From 1 July, there are also data and modelling we also draw upon when increased protections for water for the considering water availability and the likely environment, which is vital to achieving Basin effect of climate predictions on the planning Plan outcomes. and management decisions we make, including to operate the River Murray. We will On Monday we released the July 2019 MDBA continue to share this type of information with Report Card, which provides a brief, you so you get a clear sense of the prevailing consolidated summary of the MDBA’s conditions. assessment of Basin Plan implementation. The report card gives a progress score rating • read the July 2019 Report Card and on six key elements of Basin Plan the accompanying media release implementation. Since releasing the first report • read the latest water resource plans card in December last year, we’ve seen quarterly report and the article in this progress in some areas, while other elements edition of River Reach are still at risk of delay. The MDBA will continue to work closely with all Basin • find out more about independent governments to deliver all elements of this assessment of social and economic complex reform. We are more than halfway conditions in the Basin and read there. Minist er Lit t lepr oud’s m edia r elease In June, we released our quarterly progress about the Panel’s first meeting. update on water resource plans. Basin governments are on track to submit all plans for assessment by year’s end. In the last ******** fortnight, we recommended two Queensland plans to the Commonwealth Minister for A Burnett Heads father and son have accreditation. been fined $19,000 for significant black market fishing activity involving more Back in April, the Government announced the than 90 illegal transactions. establishment of an independent panel to undertake an assessment of social and Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and economic conditions in the Basin. Fisheries Mark Furner said the pair were unlawfully selling thousands of dollars worth of prawns and mud The Panel is led by Robbie Sefton, who has a crabs, and were found in possession of regulated fish strong background in regional, rural and and commercial fishing apparatus. agricultural issues. She’s joined by five other “This prosecution follows a year-long investigation panellists, who will deliver their interim report by the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol to government in December this year, and following complaints from the fishing industry,” Mr Furner said. “A search of a Burnett Heads premises their final report by April 2020. The MDBA is uncovered regulated fish including barred javelin, looking forward to supporting this work as the bream and mud crabs, and a fishing net larger than Panel seeks to identify how communities are permitted for a recreational fisher. We have zero tolerance for black marketing. Tough enforcement is vital to building a legacy of a sustainable fishery for The History of the Lockyer Valley Fish our children and grandchildren.” Re-Stocking Association .

Both men entered guilty pleas to the Managing (Lake Dyer) & Magistrates’ Court. Macintosh Weir. Mr Furner said black market selling of fish product was an insidious practice, which threatened the The Lockyer Valley Fish Re-Stocking Association viability of legitimate fishing operators. “That’s why (LVFRA) was Incorporated in March 1990. We the Queensland Government has taken such a strong then stocked Lake Dyer with 6400 Yellowbelly. To stand against black marketing with the introduction of date, the lake has been stocked with over 300,000 new offences and penalties, including up to three Australian Bass, Silver and Golden Perch and Mary years jail and $390,000 for trafficking in seafood,” he River Cod. said. “These two men were lucky they were prosecuted before the new laws came into effect, The stocking Group Meetings were held at the otherwise they may have been facing a significantly Laidley Community Centre up until the 2013 higher fine. QBFP uses a range of techniques and Floods when the Group had to move. They then technology to uncover illegal activities, including started meeting at the Exchange hotel Laidley were surveillance cameras. We also recently deployed drones as part of our compliance enforcement effort, they started doing raffles and sausage sizzles. In making it even harder for people to hide illegal 2018 they had enough money to build their own activities.” building and approached the Laidley Show Society and were given approval. The shed was completed in March 2019. For more information on Queensland’s fishing regulations, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au, call 13 25 By providing a viable freshwater fishery we are 23 or download the free ‘Qld Fishing’ app from boosting businesses, such as tourism & hospitality Apple and Google app stores. that will benefit from the freshwater fishery as well as the general population. People do visit the area ******* from near and far for a better fishing experience injecting much needed funds into local economy.

One of the main reasons for building the shed is for teaching children all aspects of fishing: tying knots, baiting hooks etc. as well as how to manage the fish population as the future of freshwater fishing is in their hands.

Kev Balke .... President LVFRA

Note: if any Groups need more information or wish to visit they can contact me, my email is [email protected] or mobile 0427451428,

Laidley Show Event 6th and 7th July 2019

It was unfortunate that the weather was miserable but we as a group learned a lot for next year. Advertising & Signage is the two most important things to do right.

******* I would like to thank Charlie Ladd President of FFSAQ for their display of native & noxious fish that are in our river systems & all the information that was given to our group. Charlie will be back for the next show in 2020. We as a group learned a lot thanks to Charlie about noxious fish in our rivers & how to handle them, so all was not lost, & we did get one new member. We would also like to thank the Laidley Show Society for all their support that they have given us & we hope we will work together for many years to come.

Kev. Balke President LVFRA

*******

Charlie Ladd (FFSAQ) and Laurie Wendt (Maroon/Moogerah Fish Management Assoc) discuss pest fish at the World Environment Day Lloyd Willmann Festival, Boonah, 20th July FSQ Media Officer *****

Growth rate for Bass in SEQ Ph. 0429 614892 impoundments with the Noosa River, a natural Bass habitat, for comparison.

Data compliments of Infofish Australia (Bill & Stefan Sawynok) .... stay tuned for regular freshwater updates

*****

FFSAQ News

August 2019

Media Officer - Lloyd Willmann [email protected] Ph. 0429 614892

From the Media Officer's Desk:-

FFSAQ - Charlie Ladd Hope you are all well and you got some fishing in during the cool months, for some of you it was more likely to have been the cold months. For some of us it is a case of if you blinked you missed winter.

By now many clubs would have had your Annual General Meeting (AGM) and in some cases there may have been some changes to the clubs management committee. FFSAQ maintains a contact data base of most Queensland freshwater fishing and stocking clubs that gives us and Queensland Fisheries (DAF) the ability to disseminate information out to the fishing club network. To keep this data base up to date we need your help, if you have had some changes in your club’s contact details lately, can you please advise the Treasure by completing a membership form with the new details or just email the information to [email protected] so we can update your information on our system. It is very important that we have your current contact details as there is a lot of information that DAF and others send to us to forward on to our network. So help us to be able to help you. Note: FFSAQ Membership fees are now due. For those groups wishing to join, contact... [email protected]

FFSAQ management during 2019 has been going through a process of updating the FFSAQ website which some of you have been involved in, we thank you for your help. The update of the website is not yet complete but there have been many improvements. If you do visit the website please press F5 on your keypad to update to the new version on your computer. We invite any feedback you have on the website and when the upgrade is complete we will advise all.

Continuing on the task of updating our communication, previously many clubs had requested a club FFSAQ email address be setup for them. To help us with the cleanup, if any club no longer uses or requires their FFSAQ email address can you please advise the Treasurer by email at [email protected] and we will have it removed from the system.

FFSAQ and a few local clubs just finished last weekend at the BIA 2019 Brisbane Boat Show, a great three days with many discussions with the public. We hope a few more clubs can make it next year. The show report is in this month’s newsletter.

As mentioned in previous newsletters, 2020 is not far away and if your club has an event planned for 2020 and the FFSAQ native & pest fish display will be helpful please email the Treasurer at [email protected] with the event details and if the display is available we will endeavour to be there.

Spring is only a couple of days away so for those who have stayed home during winter and not ventured into the cold it is time for you to wash your boat, have the outboard serviced, check your PFDs and go and buy the latest lures available in the tackle shops and go fishing.

Most important of all fish safely.

Charlie Ladd President/Treasurer FFSAQ Mob: 0490 661 445

Dept of Agriculture & Fisheries - Daniel Smith

Sustainable fisheries strategy overview Progress reports Year 1 & 2.

• Sustainable Fisheries Strategy progress report - year 1 (PDF, 1.1MB) • Sustainable Fisheries Strategy progress report - year 2 (PDF, 3.4MB)

"We have delivered more than one-third of actions in the Sustainable Fisheries Strategy during the first 2 years. All of the actions due to be delivered in 2018–19 were completed." Managing invasive fish in Queensland – Bonnie Holmes

Management of invasive freshwater fish, molluscs and crustaceans is part of the portfolio of the Invasive Plants & Animals (IP&A) team at Biosecurity Queensland. The group is responsible for policy and regulatory changes (e.g. listing new noxious species), operational responses to introductions of invasive species into Australian waterways, developing and supporting invasive fish research, and engaging and educating the public on invasive fish issues.

Keeping carp (Cyprinus carpio) out of is a top priority, as the species is currently only established in eight catchments across southern Queensland. Other priorities include reducing the rate of spread of Mozambique and spotted tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus and Tilapia mariae) across the state, where we implore the fishing public to not move tilapia around or use them for bait – this activity can cause infestation of new waterways. Other high risk ornamental fish that have been deliberately released include pearl cichlids (Geophagus brasiliensis) in the Brisbane and Pine River Catchments, and jaguar cichlids (Parachromis managuensis) and peacock bass (Cichla spp.) in the Pioneer Catchment, Mackay. IP&A is continually working with aquarium hobbyists and industry to ensure the responsible ownership of pet fish across the state. Biosecurity Queensland supports local fishing clubs, school groups and councils to run pest fishing days in their local area – these provide fantastic educational opportunities and community events. Contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries call centre for more information on 13 25 23.

Impoundment Boat Ramp Surveys - Fernanda DeFaria A full wrap up of the first two months surveys will be in the September Issue.

Squeaky wheels help protect your fish stocks Coby Walker, District Officer Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (Warwick)

Hi again folks—this month I’d like to highlight the need to get information about illegal fishing into the right hands, quickly. We need your help to protect fish and fish habitats for our kids, because just like everyone else we don’t know what we don’t know!

I’d like to share a brief (true) story to highlight how important it is to share information with us.....

While on patrol at , I received a call from a guy who straight up stated: ‘I know you’re probably miles away and can’t do anything about it but …’. He went on to tell me that there was a camp of blokes at Greenup Weir and they had 50 or 60 set lines out. He was pleasantly surprised when I told him we were just trailering the boat at Coolmunda Dam (about 10 kilometres from Greenup) and we would be there in 15–20 minutes. We caught the guys in the middle of checking their lines and they received numerous fines for their trouble. You just never know where we will be, so time is of the essence in most cases. Had he left that call another hour or two we may not have been in a position to respond. You aren’t alone when you think: ‘I know that person’s doing the wrong thing, but I don’t want to dob on them. They’re not doing that much harm and they’ll get caught eventually ...’.

But what if there are quite a few people doing the same thing, in the same area, and you don’t know about all of them? Suddenly the collective impacts may be far worse than your ‘one person'. What if they never get caught? How much damage could they potentially do over a week, a month, a year?

In these cases, the squeaky wheel does get the grease—the more people who report illegal fishing, the more we know, and the easier it is for us to apprehend the offenders.

Good people are working very hard to stock, study, rehabilitate and protect our fisheries resources, in both tidal and fresh waters. Why allow individuals or collectives to impact negatively on all that hard work?

Understandably, people are concerned about the wrong doer being told who complained about them. Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officers are bound by privacy laws, and under no circumstances is a person told who complained about them.

Anonymous information is okay if people have major concerns about their privacy, but it is always handy to have a phone number (at a minimum) to double-check specifics once we get to an area. If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your number, give us absolutely everything first up (even if you think it’s irrelevant) and follow-up with more information as it comes to hand.

The types of information that will really help us include:

• car, boat and trailer registrations • description of the person/people involved • address of the business or residence involved • what the person is doing and how (time, methods, apparatus, etc.) • where the person is, where they launch, where they store things, etc. • gates locked/unlocked, good viewing access elsewhere (e.g. on a neighbouring property), etc. • selling fish, consuming it themselves, etc. • anything else you think might help us.

In all cases, time is a critical factor. We often hear: ‘You should have been here yesterday’. There are a number of ways you can contact us:

1. call the Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 017 116 2. call the DAF Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23 (8 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday) 3. email [email protected] 4. visit our Facebook page @FisheriesQueensland (click the blue ‘Contact Us’ button) 5. call a QBFP office direct (numbers are listed on our website at fisheries.qld.gov.au or in the phone book).

Remember, more information from more people means more fish saved for our future. We’d appreciate it if you could share this information with your networks and contacts.

Cheers Coby Walker

Note: Coby is interested in ensuring that he addresses your needs. Are there any topics you would like covered? Please advise me and I will forward to Coby.... Lloyd Willmann, Media Officer

SUNFISH A summary of published scientific research by Sunfish over the past few years has been posted on the Sunfish website. All of this work was done and funded by volunteers, mostly recreational fishers with Sunfish affiliation. Thanks to Nigel for posting it on the website: Sunfish Queensland - Home Page ! The topics are: - Saddleback deformity in bream - Dusky flathead spawning aggregation at Jumpinpin - Declines of luderick in SE Qld - Dusky flathead reproduction in the Clarence River

CatchNews The latest recreational fishing survey from DAF shows almost one million Queenslanders have fished at least once in the last 12 months and the further you go north, the more people like to fish! Find out more here. FFSAQ Display Trailer & Aquarium: This month, FFSAQ attended the Reel Wivenhoe Classic at Captain Logan Camp Grounds supporting the Somerset Regional Council, the Brisbane Boat Show with the support of members from North Pine Fish Management, Brisbane Valley Anglers Fish Stocking Assoc, the Bjelke-Petersen Dam Fish Management Committee and Infofish's Stefan Sawynok. .... see article in this issue.

Articles for FFSAQ News Stocking Groups .... if you have an event coming up or have an article that may be of interest to other stocking groups, please send to me with a couple of photos and I will publish in FFSAQ News. Always looking for content. Send to ..... [email protected] Thanks to all those who have helped me out in the past.

**********

Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is being rolled out fairly and instances of wrong- - August 2019 .... Phillip Glyde, Chief Executive doing, appropriately investigated. The role—which until formalised will be filled temporarily by Northern Last Friday the Prime Minister and Premiers of the Basin Commissioner Mick Keelty—will have Murray–Darling Basin reiterated their commitment oversight of both the northern and southern basins. to the Basin Plan at a Council of Australian The MDBA welcomes the establishment of this Governments (CoAG) meeting in Cairns. Leaders role. expressed concern at the real prospect of a deepening drought and what one of the driest two- Before CoAG, water ministers representing the year periods on record means for Basin Murray–Darling Basin’s state and territory communities who are coping with little or no river governments met on Sunday 4 August for a water. Ministerial Council (MinCo). In addition to the CoAG outcomes, Ministers also endorsed a Native These communities are quite rightly looking to Fish Emergency Response Plan which will help governments for answers and assistance. At the manage the risk of fish deaths occurring again this recent Basin Community Committee meeting, summer. members urged governments to provide prompt assistance to regional communities, with an Before I sign off – two important public feedback emphasis on mental health and wellbeing, financial opportunities are now open: the first is an counselling and regional development resilience. A opportunity to provide feedback on the draft united and coordinated approach across all updated Basin-wide environmental watering governments is required. strategy via our stakeholder engagement website Get involved. At CoAG the Prime Minister and Premiers: The second opportunity is to provide your comments by Friday 16 August, on the proposed • re-iterated their individual and combined commitment to the Basin Plan assessment framework and terms of reference for • signed an inter-governmental agreement t o give work underway by the Independent Panel looking effect to the northern Basin toolkit measures and at social and economic impacts for Basin irrigation release $180 million in Commonwealth funding communities. • urged officials to progress next steps of Bas in Plan implementation, especially infrastruct ure ******** projects under the Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism Boating Industry Association 2019 • endorsed the joint Basin government respo nse to Brisbane Boat Show the Productivity Commission’s five-year re view, and Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre – South Bank • endorsed the creation of a Basin water reso urces overseer, an Inspector–General. Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th August 2019 The Inspector–General will hold powers to investigate allegations of water theft, whether The Freshwater Fishing & Stocking Association of government agencies are meeting their Basin Plan Queensland again showed the flag at the BIA 2019 responsibilities and basin-wide compliance. Brisbane Boat Show with our Native & Pest fish display on show in the main foyer. The Inspector General role signals Basin The day one team from the Pine Rivers Fish governments’ commitment to providing Management Association, Freshwater Fishing & communities with greater confidence that the Plan Stocking Association of Queensland, Brisbane Valley Anglers Fishstocking Association and Infofish There were many questions about where and what native fish are stocked in Queensland, there was much interest in stocking farm dams with the appropriate native fish for their area.

Big thanks to the club members from the Pine Rivers Fish Management Association, Bjelke-Petersen Dam Fish Management Committee, Brisbane Valley Anglers Fishstocking Association and Infofish for supporting the Freshwater Fishing & Stocking Association of Queensland’s display. The FFSAQ management team hopes all three clubs receive follow-ups from the public who visited the display.

A special thank-you to Phil Bevis (BVAFA) for helping with the bump-in on Wednesday and bump-out on Monday, it was very much appreciated by myself. Noel Frost, Ross Cobb, Dean Rosolen, Joe Legrady, Phil Bevis, Barry Oxford (BVAFA), Stefan Sawynok Missing from the photo is Barry Oxford (PRFMA) & Charlie Ladd To all clubs, the 2020 BIA Brisbane Boat Show is in August next year on Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd so put it in your calendar and organise a The day two team from the Bjelke-Petersen Dam Fish team to be on the FFSAQ display to promote your club. Management Committee, Freshwater Fishing & Just email me at [email protected] and we will Stocking Association of Queensland and Infofish endeavour to accommodate all if possible.

*******

Freshwater Fishing Comps Bjelke Petersen Dam - Inland Classic The Bjelke Petersen Dam Inland Classic fishing competition is to be held at the dam on Saturday Sunday the 5th & 6th October ... nominations from noon on Friday 4th. For more info check out their Facebook page, facebook.com/Bjelke Petersen Dam Fish Management Committee or phone Bill on 0458 722263.

Tim Steenhuis, Brad Wickson, Bill Schloss, Cindy Schloss, ******* Joe Legrady, Stefan Sawynok Missing from the photo is Charlie Ladd

The day three team from the Freshwater Fishing & Stocking Association of Queensland

Lloyd Willmann, Trevor Saunders, Joe Legrady. Missing from the photo is Charlie Ladd

There was keen interest on each day from the public attending the show with the frequently asked question being what we are doing to control Tilapia. We informed Lloyd Willmann them of the legislation relating to dealing with Tilapia when they do catch one but also about the number of pest fish competitions now being run by their local FFSAQ Media Officer councils and others and they should get involved in those to at least slow the spread. Ph. 0429 614 892

FFSAQ News

June 2019

Media Officer - Lloyd Willmann [email protected] Ph. 0429 614892

From the Media Officer's Desk :-

FFSAQ Reminder: FFSAQ Membership Application form is attached for those groups or individuals wishing to join but have not done so as yet.

From DAF Reminders: 1). Recreational Fishing Grants - The Queensland Recreational Fishing Grants Program supports activities and projects that enhance the recreational fishing experience in Queensland. Click on the link below for more information. https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/recreational/qld-recreational-fishing-grants

2). Changes to Fisheries regulations - The Discussion paper contains a lot of proposed changes to the legislation , but of particular interest to the stocking groups are the proposed changes to the management of Murray and Mary River cod, including 'closed waters' for MR cod, aligning Murray cod and Mary River cod, and changes to how SIPs impoundments are added and removed from the scheme. https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/sustainable/sustainable-fisheries-strategy/fisheries-reforms

Spotlight on Stocking Groups: In this issue, Brian Dare of the Fish Restocking Group gives us an overview of their club's history and activities since inception in 1988/89.

FFSAQ Display Trailer & Aquarium: This month, FFSAQ attended or will attend, the Australian Lure, Fly and Outdoor Expo held at the Beenleigh Showgrounds on June 1st & 2nd. The Noosa Festival of Water at Lake Macdonald Sunshine Coast, Sunday 30th June. .... An article on last month's Cudgen Tilapia Buster Event is included in this Newsletter.

Articles for FFSAQ News Stocking Groups .... if you have an event coming up or have an article that may be of interest to other stocking groups, please send to me with a couple of photos and I will publish in FFSAQ News. Always looking for content. Send to ..... [email protected] Thanks to all those who have helped me out in the past.

**********

Using drones to protect our Fisheries to gather intelligence, prosecute people who break the Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and rules and support training of the Marine Animal Rescue Fisheries Mark Furner said a fleet of 10 drones would be Team.” used by compliance officers to extend their surveillance The Minister said the Queensland Boating and Fisheries reach. Patrol monitored the compliance of more than 642,000 recreational fishers and 1700 commercial fishing licence “By its nature, Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol holders state wide. field work can be hazardous and officers at times operate in difficult and often isolated environments,” Mr Furner “Protecting this resource is building a legacy of a said. “The new drones will allow Queensland Boating sustainable fishery for our children and grandchildren,” and Fisheries Patrol officers to monitor marine habitats Mr Furner said. “Our crews operate along the and fishing operations from a distance. The 10 drones Queensland coast, inland and in the Gulf of Carpentaria, have been deployed to the Gold Coast, Warwick, Noosa, covering 7000km of coastline and hundreds of inland Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, fishing areas from far western Queensland to offshore Karumba and in Brisbane, with trained pilots in each of waters 200 nautical miles to sea. It’s a huge task and these locations. Footage from these drones could be used we’re always looking at more efficient, safer ways for our officers to go about their business. The drones are forget the eastern side of the Divide, also as stocking just the latest high tech tools provided to our frontline groups popped up all over Queensland. With our initial fisheries compliance officers. Freshwater Workshops, which came about by a meeting at the Warwick Horse & Jockey Hotel/Motel one “Body cameras and new surveillance kits have also been weekend, we saw blokes like Peter Taylor, Glenn Krieg rolled out across the State to help officers do their job - a very good friend of mine "god rest his soul" and Judy and find identify anybody breaking the rules.” his wife still living in Pittsworth, Bob Reid, Warren Steptoe, Max Cluff, Graeme (spagwetti) Moore, Lloyd ******* Willmann, Phil Slater, John Fearby, John Doohan, Les Raymond and Kev Horsey to mention a few, all voiced their concerns with management and funding in mind. Glenlyon Dam Fish Restocking Group Inc. Once back at Glenlyon our small group got our thoughts The stocking group was started way back in 1988/89 together, and due to the fact that Glenlyon came under with the following people: Les and June Raymond, Ken the Commission Management, Les and Miners, Sherlie Watt, Ross McGregor, Brian and Debbie the group made an approach about a permit to fish Dare. Prior to the group starting, the storage was stocked Glenlyon being put in place to cover the cost of with cod, yellowbelly and silver perch by the Tenterfield restocking fish. As always with the Border River Anglers Fishing Club with funds raised by chook raffles Commission, agreeable to sound formats, our group put and hard work, and what's more, this continues today. in the first permit system. It was watched and the results were good. With the Freshwater Fishing & Stocking When Les & June Raymond arrived from St George Assoc of Qld (FFSAQ) pushing and putting in place the with Les taking on the job of storage supervisor at permit system we have today. With the passing of Les Glenlyon, we voted in Les as President and June as Raymond a void was formed and the boss, "my wife Secretary/Treasurer. We saw chook raffles as the only Debbie", picked up the books from June Raymond and way to raise funds for the Dam, but not having a pub for we still have our Group today ... more on this later. some 70 km away it was agreed to run different raffles eg. eskys, fishing gear and other prizes, so began the Right to this day the permit money we receive each year, stocking fund. During this period funds were hard to plus our raffle and auction money, goes back to stocking come by although we had two blokes by the name of fish in the dam. For quite a few years we worked heads Brian Beattie and Alex Hamlyn who were within up and tails down raising funds for restocking. The Queensland Fisheries, great blokes and bits of rouges biggest bug bear was the location of the dam, 80 km who brought cod, yellowbelly and silvers up from NSW. from any major township or anywhere for that matter. Our team, and I call it that because of what I am about to These blokes would travel up from the Riverina and the write, not one of us under 48 years of age back in 2006. Narandera Fish Hatchery ... one hell of a long trip to bring fish out west of the Great Divide of Queensland. I was concerned about the local river which I have a It was always good to see these two blokes, the odd yarn passion for. The is and always will be with a quick cuppa, a re-supply of Benson & Hedges for my favourite fishing hole along with the love of Murray Alex, then off to or Coolmunda Dam, "oh Cod. I spoke to Dr Stuart Rowlands who at this time yes", the little sneaky drop off of fish to (2006) was the Principal Officer in Charge of the that Brian loved to fish whenever he came up from Grafton CSIRO Fisheries Section about our cod and the Brisbane. Great fellows and they always had fish at size of these fish. heart, the job they had suited them. The same could be said of Peter Kind, Steve Brooks and Dan Smith today who look after our freshwater needs, although being stretched to the limit with their work load.

Brian with a small Dumaresq cod The 'Media Officer' with a typical Glenlyon cod Now Stuart is and always will be 'Doctor Cod' to me and With stocking fish it became apparent that funding I have great respect for the man. requirements would always be a major concern, be it rivers, streams or storages throughout the west, not to I felt we had a problem in the river and I wanted answers fun games were played at the end of the day so everyone and to do this I had to have funding. This is where Dr walked away a winner! Peter Kind, Steve Brooks, Dan Smith and Dr Gavin Butler came to my aid. If it were not for Steve Brooks Tilapia are prolific breeders and the quantity caught at giving me a hand in filling out the forms to get a grant, the event confirms the population in the Cudgen Lake the results we have to date would not be forthcoming. catchment. Local fisherman and anyone visiting the area Thanks to a body called the Queensland Murray-Darling should keep up the fishing pressure and bury or bin any Committee based in Toowoomba I received a grant for Tilapia (DON’T RELEASE BACK INTO THE $12,000 to do two study trips on the Dumaresq River. If WATERWAY!). the research proved to be of importance, more funding would be made available. In total, some $58,000 which covered 10 research trips, using some 80 to 100 anglers covering 56 km of river was done.

Back to the stocking group ... To this day I have great respect for this group of people, Frank and Joan Edwards, Lyell Brown (dec.), his wife June, their daughter Julie and John, Lyell Brown jnr., John Gehie (dec.), Russell Sharpe and Joe Profkie. The group won the Landcare award in 2009 for the research work and results. Due to the format that we used it is now being used in all four states of the Murray Darling basin. We are seeing some good results from the research and also some not so good information. It may be that we will hear the words 'bloody Queenslanders' being used very soon over a slot size format being used in two southern states. Actual science is right now pointing to a problem with a slot size projected result as cod breeding sizes CVA thanks all participants and event supporters seem to be dropping in length. including Tweed Shire Council, the Department of I guess it would be of interest to most stocking Primary Industries, Frogley’s Offshore, Ballina Bait and associations to read about the results to date, so I will Tackle, Freshwater Fishing and Stocking Association of send on the information to FFSAQ for their use. Qld, and Pest Fishing Adventures. Funding for this fantastic event was provided by the NSW Office of We all know about actual stocking group members and Environment and Heritage through its Environmental the lack of younger anglers in the background being Trust. CVA will continue to source funding in the hope prepared to take over our job. This is a major concern the event can continue annually, so watch this space! and it needs to be our main subject at our next workshop, and speaking of workshops, when will our next one be held? Input on this needs to happen. "I'm glad it's back" Brian Dare

Footnote: Contact the FFSAQ Media Officer if you are interested in the results of the Border Rivers, Murray River cod project.

*******

Cudgen Tilapia Buster Event Saturday 25th May 2019

Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) hosted the second and last Cudgen Tilapia Buster Event on Saturday 25th of May. The perfect autumn weather attracted many participants and a great day was had by ******* all. 70 people registered and participated on the day resulting in 20 Tilapia caught, totalling 10.92kgs. Cool seas off WA's north-west could

Tilapia sizes and numbers were down from last year and kick off a climatic phenomenon that we are taking this as a good sign. More natives were may exacerbate a winter drought caught and released this year compared to last year and across central and southern Australia. species included mullet, bream, gar and eels. Prizes up for grabs included Samurai rods, fishing tackle and hats, Key points: with free brag mats given away upon registration. A few • There are three phases of the Indian Ocean The opposite happens with a negative IOD — Dipole: positive, negative a neutral cooler water near Africa and warmer water on Australia's side of the Indian Ocean can enhance • A positive IOD is developing and that causes winter and spring rainfall in parts of the country. lower winter rainfall

• But the threat of an El Nino system impacting the east coast is decreasing

This climate driver is called a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and affects rainfall patterns across the country, particularly during the cooler months of the year.

"There are three phases of the IOD being positive, negative and neutral," Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) spokesman Neil Bennett said.

"And the phase of the IOD can have an impact, either good or bad, on rainfall through the Australian region during the winter months."

The IOD is currently neutral, but five of the six forecast models which the BOM uses to predict the INFOGRAPHIC: A negative phase of the IOD can enhance rainfall across weather suggest a positive IOD event is likely to Australia. (Supplied: Bureau of Meteorology) develop in winter and persist into mid-spring. "The stream of moisture coming down from the north-west into eastern Australia, across from the Indian Ocean, is a critical element in the production The negatives of a positive IOD of rainfall," Mr Bennett said. "In WA, a good rainfall event is one where we have A positive phase, ironically, tends to have a a cold front moving up from the Southern Ocean negative impact on winter rainfall. interacting with a feed of moisture coming down from the Indian Ocean and producing widespread cloud and heavy rainfall.

"If you have a positive Indian Ocean Dipole and you have cooler than normal ocean temperatures, then the amount of moisture available is reduced compared to if you have above average temperatures as you would get in a negative IOD."

*****

INFOGRAPHIC: A positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole can lead to reduced rainfall across Australia. (Supplied: Bureau of Meteorology)

It occurs when sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean near Africa's east coast are warmer than usual, while waters to the north-west of Australia are relatively cooler.

That reduces the amount of moisture available in that region to be dragged across Australia by rain- bearing clouds associated with cold fronts and low pressure systems. YAK Hunters is a kayak family

Over the past few years we have seen many Facebook groups pop up as a social meeting point for fisherman. However, one has stood out over most, Yak Hunters Australia. They have been up and running since 2015 and seen growth that most people wouldn’t believe

It all started in NSW with 4 mates and a passion for kayak fishing and the lifestyle that comes with it. Since 2015 they have grown to over 15000 member and still seeing people coming weekly to join the group

What makes this group stand out to others is the great admin work keeping posting relevant and BS to a minimum. Not only this, but everyone loves to help. Whether it be fishing tips, locations or just finding a mate to have a paddle with this community of people are willing to give the shirt off their own back to help each other out. Being across Australia Wide, this group caters for everyone from fresh to salt!

Yak hunters Australia also holds a kayak fishing series ***** that is welcome to all, from the novice to the expert. With both pro and elite classes, you get matched to Lloyd Willmann people who have the same skill set as you. As well as being a place to learn! Often the competitions are one FFSAQ Media Officer day but most of the guys go away for the weekend as a get away from the real world and sit around a campfire Ph. 0429 614892 and talk the passion they all have and love

This group puts everything it gets back into the group! The amazing sponsors and supporters of yak hunters is what keeps this group moving forward. I myself am a part of this group and highly recommend to anyone who owns a kayak and wants to get out, learn new thing and meet new people.

I have never seen a place that has honest reviews, great tackle chats and NO secrets. In today's standard spot x seems to frequent but on this page, it is rarely seen as we all want to learn and help others grow as fisherman. If you have a $200 eBay special or the top of the line Hobie you are always welcomed as everyone Is on the same level here.

These days we are a family, we care, we help and we drive to be better people and fisherman.

*****

FFSAQ News

September 2019

Media Officer - Lloyd Willmann [email protected] Ph. 0429 614 892

From the Media Officer's Desk :-

FFSAQ - Charlie Ladd Spring 2019 has well and truly arrived for Queenslanders and so has the bushfire season, FFSAQ’s Management Committee hope you are all safe and have done what you can do to protect your families and homes.

We are hearing from around the state, especially in the south that some clubs may have to hold over their SIPS grants due to lack of water in your impoundments and waterways. If your club is considering this course of action please advise the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme Working Group via the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) that this is a possible outcome for your club this stocking season. Contact in the DAF freshwater team is Steven Brooks on email: [email protected] DAF is aware this may occur for some clubs if no substantial rain arrives before the end of the year.

There have been a number of renewal membership forms coming in from clubs and individuals to renew their FFSAQ memberships but most important of all is the updating of your club’s contact details. “FFSAQ maintains a contact data base of most Queensland freshwater fishing and stocking clubs that gives us and Queensland Fisheries (DAF) the ability to disseminate information out to the fishing club network. To keep this data base up to date we need your help, if you have had some changes in your club’s contact details lately, can you please advise the Treasure by completing a membership form with the new details or just email the information to [email protected] so we can update your information on our system. It is very important that we have your current contact details as there is a lot of information that DAF and others send to us to forward on to our network. So help us to be able to help you.”

Please visit the FFSAQ website (www.ffsaq.com.au), first press F5 on your keypad to update to the new version on your computer. We invite any feedback, good or bad you have on the website.

The FFSAQ native & pest fish display has a busy month planned for October; we will be attending five events:

• Lake Somerset Holiday Park Outdoor Expo – Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th. • Brisbane City Council Pest Fish Competition - Saturday 12th. • Scenic Rim Regional Council Carp Cup Fishing Competition - Sunday 13th. • Monduran Dam Family Fishing Classic - Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th. • Callide Valley Native Fish Stocking Association Fishing Comp - Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th.

Hope to catch-up with some of you at the above events, please come and introduce yourself and have a look at the display.

As mentioned in previous newsletters, 2020 is not that far away and if your club has an event planned for next year and the FFSAQ native & pest fish display will be helpful to your club’s messaging, please email the Treasurer at [email protected] with the event details and if the display is available we will endeavour to be there.

Most important of all, fish for a future.

Charlie Ladd President/Treasurer FFSAQ Mob: 0490 661 445 Tilapia Education Former DAF Fisheries staff member Rod Cheetham is available to assist groups with Tilapia education. He is particularly keen to assist those groups within the Murray Darling Basin and adjacent areas. His specific role is to provide the community with information and the tools necessary to prevent tilapia from invading the Murray-Darling Basin. This might involve being around for competitions, special events or other ideas stocking groups might have in engaging with the public. Rod has provided a number of educational programs for Regional Council staff members and is now looking to expand his area of influence. Rod can be contacted on 0427 514 704 or email at: [email protected]

Carp found in Duck Holes Creek, Caloundra - Article by Jason Terelinck of Pest Fishing Adventures & also member of Logan & Albert Fish Management Association.

We've fished Duck Holes Creek in Caloundra a few times getting little Tilapia and the odd Spangled Perch but 2 weeks ago found out there was more in there than expected. I ended up hooking a decent Carp after getting a brief glimpse of one cruising around in front of the platform, but dropped the ball at the line when it got tangled in the weeds and snapped me off. (ALWAYS take a landing net!). Round 2 looked like a bust with no sign of it on Saturday arvo, but a lucky overnight down pour raised the creek level a foot and got some water moving through the small pond. My money was on it hanging around the inlet drain again in the fresh inflow and hey presto, fish on. I wasn't letting it get away again. The one I saw 2 weeks ago didn't look to be this big in the water, and I never got a good look at the one I dropped so maybe this one has a mate or two still in there. Here is also link to the catching video https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=share&v=N6dd9WEJzyM

Articles for FFSAQ News Stocking Groups .... if you have an event coming up or have an article that may be of interest to other stocking groups, please send to me with a couple of photos and I will publish in FFSAQ News. Always looking for content. Send to ..... [email protected] Thanks to all those who have helped me out in the past.

**********

likely to die or be eaten. This is where the fate of The Codtinuing story...... saving Mary the species lies squarely in the hands of anglers. River cod For years the cod has been classified as a no take Article compliments of the MRCCC CodLine - species and it’s illegal for an angler to ‘target’ them September Issue. in the Mary River Catchment. No angler ever admits to specifically fishing for cod but many Saving an endangered species from becoming accounts and footage on social media suggest extinct is a major exercise which takes years of otherwise. For a number of years there has been a commitment, planning and dedication from a wide ‘closed season’ to protect cod in the breeding range of organisations and individuals. It was season, which many anglers seem to be unaware of. almost 50 years ago when Gerry Cook recognised The new fisheries legislation designates that the that Mary River cod numbers and cod habitat were Mary River and tributaries upstream from the rapidly declining, and a captive breeding program junction of Six Mile Creek and the Mary River, for the species was pioneered. With much trial and including error and the ongoing dedication of many volunteers, at last count, over 750,000 Mary River Six Mile Creek will be closed to all line fishing (or cod fingerlings have been released since the possession of a fishing line) from the 1st August to breeding program began, for both conservation the 31st October to protect Mary River cod during stocking in the Mary River catchment, and for spawning. This does not include Baroon Pocket recreational fish stocking in specific impoundments Dam, and Lake Macdonald. In and waterways in south east Queensland . Mary addition, Tinana Creek and its tributaries upstream River cod were listed as endangered by the of Teddington Weir will be closed to all forms of Commonwealth Government in 1992 and in the fishing all year round. To offset the closures, early 1990’s, when the MRCCC first formed, the Fisheries are expanding the list of impoundments Mary River cod was adopted as the group’s that stock Mary River cod for recreational fishing signature species. Since then, much of the focus of to include Wyaralong Dam, Ewen Maddock Dam, the MRCCC’s work is aimed at improving cod Caboolture River Weir, Robina Lakes, Lake habitat and ensuring the survival of the species. Kurwongbah, Enoggera Reservoir and Lake Also in the early 1990’s, the Mary River Cod Manchester. This allows the recreational take of Recovery Team was formed with representatives one Mary River cod minimum size 60 cm all year from government and community, and the draft round in the stocked impoundments. Meanwhile, Mary River Cod Recovery Plan was produced, the Mary River cod breeding program will continue which estimated that as few as 600 cod remained in at the Cooroy property of Hatchery Manager the wild. Around this time the Mary River Cod Darren Knowles during ’s planned Community Network also formed, establishing the reconstruction of the dam wall. CodLine newsletter to spread the word about the plight of the cod. Over 20 years later and with The works to relocate the Hatchery equipment and much changing of hats, the CodLine continues with construct three new ponds is now complete and the Issue No. 30 full of articles relating to riparian land cod are just waiting for the water to warm up so management and habitat restoration. that spawning can commence. Fish stocking groups are encouraged to contact Darren on 0407 126 256 As each issue demonstrates, land managers to increase the numbers of Mary River cod in throughout the catchment have embraced the need impoundments for recreational MRCCC for to protect and conserve cod habitat and improve conservation stocking, so please contact the water quality, not just for threatened aquatic MRCCC if you would like to be involved in species but also to improve productivity and reduce fingerling releases later in the year. sediment and erosion. Despite all the work that’s been done, threats to the cod’s survival remain, including loss of habitat and illegal fishing. The Queensland Government recently passed new legislation aimed at protecting Mary River cod, particularly during the breeding season from August to October. Mary River cod spawning is triggered by rising water temperature and usually occurs during August/September. The male Mary

River cod guards the eggs after spawning, and is very protective of the nest. If a male cod is caught Cod photo by Gunther Schmida and removed or distracted by a passing lure, even for a short time, the entire season’s offspring are ******* Carp Update - FRDC

The National Carp Control Plan (NCCP) program entered its final phase and is due to be presented to the Government in December. The FRDC originally planned to submit the completed NCCP in late 2018. However, research as part of the plan identified some critical knowledge gaps, and the FRDC applied to the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) for an extension. DAWR approved a 12-month extension for the development of the plan in September last year.

Finalising the NCCP

To finalise the plan a number of activities are underway. As the research projects are completed, they are reviewed (independently and by the Scientific Advisory Group) before the NCCP team integrates the results into the development of the plan. Lloyd Willmann The development of the plan will take into consideration and include input from the FFSAQ Media Officer Scientific Advisory Group (SAG), the Operations Working Group (OWG), regional Ph. 0429 614 892 case study workshops, operational experts and feedback from stakeholder engagement. It is important to note all the NCCP research will be made available as part of the FRDC normal process as it is completed.

Once complete the National Carp Control Plan (December 2019) will be provided to Government for consideration and a decision. The FRDC will keep stakeholders apprised of when the plan is finalised and is available.

*******

Fishing Comps:-

The annual Karumba Fishing Classic – 4th, 5th & 6th October FUN - FAMILY - FISHING .... It's on again and you don't even have to fish to be a winner! All the details are on their Facebook page: Gulf Barramundi Restocking Association or contact Yvonne Tunney Treasurer Gulf Barramundi Restocking Association Ph. 47459751

*****

FFSAQ News

October 2019

Media Officer - Lloyd Willmann [email protected] Ph. 0429 614 892

From the Media Officer's Desk:-

FFSAQ - Charlie Ladd With the report on the National Carp Control Plan (NCCP) due to be handed to the Commonwealth Government in December 2019 by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), the FRDC are now releasing issue papers, one, two and six and two new reports are now available for your review and comment. • Issue paper one – Why and how did the national Carp Control Plan originate? • Issue paper two – Epidemiology and virus release strategy. • Issue paper six – Understanding Potential Social and Economic Impacts of Carp Control. • Report - Ecological Outcomes of Major Carp Population Reductions. • Report - Carp Control via Commercial Exploitation. Please login or register at https://yoursay.carp.gov.au/login to access these papers.

For those of you who love Facebook, I recommend you check out the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Facebook and have a look at the Fish attracting structures - new DAF podcast. Your club may be interested in a similar project for your waterway.

We are all hoping for substantial rain across the state to fill dams and rivers but most of all, is to help the fire fighters to get an upper hand on the many fires around the state. For those fishing club members who are climbing into the yellow trucks earlier and more frequently than we would like, we wish you to be safe as you fight nature’s worst.

Please visit the FFSAQ website, first press F5 on your keypad to update to the new version on your computer. We invite any feedback, good or bad you have on the website.

There have been a number of renewal membership forms coming in from clubs and individuals to renew their FFSAQ memberships but most important of all is the updating of your club’s contact details. “FFSAQ maintains a contact data base of most Queensland freshwater fishing and stocking clubs that gives us and Queensland Fisheries (DAF) the ability to disseminate information out to the fishing club network.

To keep this data base up to date we need your help, if you have had some changes in your club’s contact details lately, can you please advise the Treasure by completing a membership form with the new details or just email the information to [email protected] so we can update your information on our system. It is very important that we have your current contact details as there is a lot of information that DAF and others send to us to forward on to our network. So help us to be able to help you.”

The FFSAQ native & pest fish display has another busy month planned for November, we will be attending five events:

• Gold Coast City Council’s Tilapia Busters Competition – Robina Lakes, Gold Coast – Saturday 2nd • Mary River Festival – Kandanga Recreational Grounds, Spicers Park, Kandanga - Saturday 9th • Brisbane City Council’s Pest Fish Competition - Canterbury Park - Sunday 10th • Springfield Lakes 2019 Pest Fishing Classic – Springfield Lakes - Sunday 17th • Townsville Pest Fishing Competition – Townsville – Saturday 23rd

Hope to catch-up with some of you at the above events, please come and introduce yourself and have a look at the display.

As mentioned in previous newsletters, 2020 is not that far away and if your club has an event planned for next year and the FFSAQ native & pest fish display will be helpful to your club’s messaging, please email the Treasurer at [email protected] with the event details and if the display is available we will endeavour to be there. We already have 12 event bookings for 2020 so get in quick if we can assist at your event.

Most important of all, don’t give a child a fish but show them how to fish.

Charlie Ladd President/Treasurer FFSAQ Mob: 0490 661 445 Dept of Agriculture & Fisheries

Steven Brooks and Dan Smith on other duties - Thomas Hart, Fisheries Officer, DAF

My name is Thomas Hart and I will be the new contact for SIPS until the end of June 2020 while Dan Smith and Steven Brooks are on other duties. I have a background in Community Engagement, Aquatic Ecology and Water Management, primarily dealing with inland river flows to support the life history and habitat requirements for native fish species such as Murray Cod. Just a reminder, given the continuing dry conditions, that you can apply to use your SIPS funding for purposes other than stocking, please refer to previously distributed guidelines and forms for more information.

If you could please submit these to me by COB 1 November to assist with processing that would be greatly appreciated.

I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you all over the coming months.

Fish attractors: Dams of dream - Renee Templeton, Senior Communications Officer, DAF

The latest Turf ‘n’ Surf podcast from Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries explores the technology being used at some of Queensland’s dams to create realistic habitats for fish. Researchers have designed and built bespoke structures, called fish attractors that lure fish in and around the structure. These ‘fish hotels’ provide cover for fish to feel protected from other predators and are designed to improve the survival of the fingerlings stocked in the dam. Learn more about the Australian-first program that aims to improve recreational angling and regional tourism at daf.qld.gov.au/news-media/podcasts/Fishattractors or find the episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or your favourite podcast app.

Impoundment Boat Ramp Surveys - Fernanda DeFaria, DAF Hello Fish Stocking Groups, As mentioned in previous newsletters, the stocked impoundment boat ramp survey program kicked off in July. The goal of this program is to collect a valuable long term data set for each dam. This long term data can be used to identify changes, improve stocking activities and maintain the recreational fishing experience. It's an adaptive program and will develop over the coming years as we learn from the scientific data collected. During July and August, surveys were conducted at Wyaralong, Borumba, Callide, Wivenhoe and Somerset. During those first 2 months, volunteers from the stocking groups conducted a total of 90 interviews over a combined 38 survey days. Interviewed fishers were targeting Carp, Australian Bass, Saratoga, Golden Perch and Redclaw. Fishers who were interviewed travelled between 6km and 2000km to the fishing area. The response rate varied from 96% to 100% which is really great and a sign that volunteers are doing a great job when approaching fishers. It is early days but the data collected so far is already being used as we consider ways to refine and improve the monitoring program. To all the volunteers, keep up the great work! And to all the fishers, if you see the volunteers at your local dam, please say 'Hi' and participate.

Articles for FFSAQ News Stocking Groups .... if you have an event coming up or have an article that may be of interest to other stocking groups, please send to me with a couple of photos and I will publish in FFSAQ News. Always looking for content. Send to ..... [email protected] Thanks to all those who have helped me out in the past.

********** Spotted tilapia (Tilapia mariae) in The Murray Darling Basin Authority on behalf of the Queensland .... Dr Bonnie Holmes, Biosecurity Australian Government is working with New South Queensland (DAF) Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory, along with other partners to Spotted tilapia (Tilapia mariae), also known as black develop the strategy. This will be a long-term plan to mangrove cichlids, have been established in the protect our native fish in both times of drought and Queensland Barron River catchment since 1996 – flood. The proposed strategy will be developed and probably from illegal aquarium dumping of fish. Spotted implemented collaboratively with the Basin tilapia are an incredibly invasive species, and by 2009 had governments, Traditional Owners and the wider spread to the Mulgrave-Russell and Johnstone catchments, community. It will also build on existing native fish programs, projects and initiatives across the Basin. and by 2017 the Walsh River in the Mitchell River catchment – the first of the Gulf catchments to have tilapia To guide this work, Basin State Governments have invade. Just this month, Biosecurity Queensland received developed a Native Fish Management Recovery its first report and confirmation of an adult spotted tilapia Strategy: Draft Framework. The framework is open for capture in the Murray River catchment, south of Tully. public consultation until 3 October 2019 and your This now makes five catchments infested with this feedback is critical helping develop a strategy that species, and spread to both westerly and southerly incorporates the views of all stakeholders. catchment appears imminent. The level of impact that the arrival of this tilapiine will have on our native species is Your views are important and I encourage you to have currently not well understood. your say on the Draft Framework at What we do know is that new infestations across ‘drainage https://getinvolved.mdba.gov.au/native-fish-strategy. basins’ are not possible without human assistance. A Please feel free to circulate this link through your drainage basin, or ‘catchment area’, is any area of land networks. where rainfall or other precipitation collects and drains off into a common outlet, such as a river, bay or other body of (I apologise for this not being in the September water. Even during times of heavy rainfall, most drainage issue of FFSAQ News .... Ed) basins in Queensland remain isolated from one another. This restricts the natural spread of an established invasive ******** fish across catchment boundaries – unless their movement is assisted by vectors such as use of contaminated water craft (e.g. attached fish eggs), invasive fish used as bait, or Mary River Month 2019 - MRCCC deliberate release to create new ‘fisheries’. Mary River Month in the Mary River catchment Biosecurity Queensland encourages recreational fishers kicked off witndh the Big Jump on World River's Day on and other water users to be aware of the risks associated Sunday the 22 of September 2019 and will finish with the Mary River Festival at Kandanga on Saturday with spreading invasive fish. In order to stop the spread of th spotted tilapia, we encourage responsible fishing practices 9 November. Download a copy of the Mary River and early detection through reporting online to our pest Month calendar here fish reporting page. Mary River Month is supported by the Mary River For more information on spotted tilapia, please visit our Catchment Coordinating Committee and the Gympie webpages or contact the Department of Agriculture and branch of the Bendigo Community Bank. Fisheries call centre on 13 25 23. The MRCCC AGM will be held on Wednesday 16th October in Gympie, with Guest Speaker Associate Professor Ron Johnstone presenting research on water quality in the Great Sandy Strait. The AGM will also hear reports from our Chairman and Project Officers on the work of the MRCCC over the past year. For more information or to RSVP to the MRCCC, contact the MRCCC on 5482 4766 or email [email protected]

On Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th October, the ANARRA Wildlife Rescue group are hosting a Koala Workshop at the Albert Bowls Club in Gympie. Click on the link for more information and a copy of the registration form.

The Mary River Festival at Kandanga on the 9th of ****** November wraps up Mary River month. This year's Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) Mary River Festival commemorates the 10 year .... Phillip Glyde, Chief Executive anniversary of that fateful day when former Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, said no to the The Minister for Water Resources, the Hon. David Littleproud MP, has committed $5 million for the Traveston Crossing dam proposal, and the Festival Organising Committee are working hard to ensure there development and initial implementation of a Native Fish Management and Recovery Strategy. will be ample opportunity to celebrate! The Festival features fantastic entertainment, community group In the past, the lack of a low water boat ramp made displays, Cat's Claw Creeper vine weaving, Speakers it risky for boaters to get their craft in the water tent, lots of good food, and plenty of activities that the without getting bogged. The new boat ramp is whole family will love. Click on the link to download a expected to be finished in the next few months and copy of the flyer. Visit www.maryriverfestival.org or will be ready for the Christmas fishing crowds. find them on Facebook! If you are planning an event that you would like to include in the Mary River Month 2019 calendar please send an email to [email protected]. A copy of the calendar is available on the MRCCC's website www.mrccc.org.au

Treasurer Ed is pictured holding a large European Carp which are unfortunately appearing in larger

numbers at Leslie Dam. They were found when an Mary River Festival Kandanga Reserve, Kandanga electrofish survey was done by Queensland 12 noon – 7.30pm Saturday 9th November 2019 Fisheries staff. Come along for a day of music, art, children's games and activities, education, local foods, environmental discussions and displays, and more! Huge Fines For Fishing Near Dam Wall (Apologies to the MRCCC for not getting this article in The secretary-treasurer of Warwick District Recreational the September edition of FFSAQ News - Ed) Fish Stocking Association Inc, Ed Kemp, wishes to advise anglers who fish at our dams in Queensland, ******* especially Leslie Dam, not to fish in prohibited areas. “People who fish within 100 metres of a dam wall face a Warwick District Recreational Fish hefty fine of $533 and if they do not have a SIPS Permit to fish in dams in Queensland, there is another $266 fine Stocking Association. for fishing without a permit,’’ Ed said. Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) “There is no excuse for not knowing the fishing rules helps fund new low water boat ramp at and regulations and every month there are approximately Leslie Dam 20 complaints made to fisheries officers locally and After a very long campaign, approximately 15 quite a few people are getting booked. years, to have a low water boat ramp at Leslie dam “At Leslie Dam, for instance, there are advisory signs has finally come to fruition as the SDRC and telling people where they are not allowed to fish and the Sunwater have combined to build a new $60,000 public is advised not to tamper with or destroy these boat ramp with Sunwater kicking in $30,000 and signs as they have been put there for a very good reason. the SDRC $30,000. “With the low water level at Leslie Dam at the moment, The ramp will be positioned along the road running there are plenty of other places for people to fish rather down to the water past the Warwick District than risk a large fine for fishing in a prohibited area. Recreational Fish Stocking Association’s “There are marker buoys positioned 200 metres from the Clubhouse on Saddledam Road. dam wall to alert people of the prohibited boating zone. The area beside this road will have parking for over “Also, at Leslie Dam, there is a row of buoys marking 100 vehicles and trailers and the new ramp will be the six-knot zone where the speed limit is reduced for suitable for large boats and also smaller ones. safety reasons. This ramp will allow boaters to access the dam “Speed boats and jet skis must observe this six-knot safely without having to drive their vehicles into the zone and there are penalties for not obeying the speed water submerging their trailers. limit in this zone.’’ Secretary Treasurer of Warwick Fish Stocking, Ed Kemp, said the ramps will help grow the dam’s tourism value as Leslie Dam has the highest golden perch growth rates up to the age of two out of all dams in Australia because of its sandy bottom and availability of food. I will almost always have my boat sitting in 4.5m of water and cast past the standing timber to the weed at the back of it and along the bank, as they will be around this weed also. Safety is a big thing for barra. If they feel threatened, they like to have somewhere to go. This also gives them something to take your lure into and bust you off, which is going to happen some of the time. My reels are loaded with 30lb braid and 80lb leaders. My reels are never locked up firm because they are one fish you need to let run (to a point). I always keep some pressure on because if you don’t, they will throw the hooks. The other thing I believe people do wrong is hold the rod tip too high while fighting the fish. When they jump, a high rod tip sees you lose the ability to keep the pressure on them and can also result in them getting rid of the hooks. But when it happens, as we Ed Kemp - Secretary/Treasurer, Warwick District know, it’s in the blink of an eye and we are never ready Recreational Fish Stocking Assoc. for it. If it all comes together, we get them in the net and hold them up for a picture. They are by far the best fish ****** to hook and you can really have fun with them once you work out what they want. Hunting Barra In The Cool At Lake Monduran by Jamie Bein If you want a charter, email me on As we all know, it can be a little harder hunting barra in [email protected] or phone 0407 434 446. Tight the cool than the warmer months. lines. However, I still use the same things I do in summer. The things I look for are wind direction, barometer, water Thanks to Ben Collins, Bush 'n Beach Fishing, for the colour (for lure choice) and then find what depth of article. water the barra are moving in. One thing I don’t do is spot lock until I find how spooky they are, because spot Freshwater Fishing Comps lock can freak them out. Lake CaniaFishing Classic Tying to a tree is much quieter and can be in your The annual fund raiser for the Fish Stocking favour. I then pick out a few lures and they are always Association is on again this year from November 8-10th. B52s, a Lucky Craft Pointer, Maria Saruna and a Happy Rowena Clarke, Secretary Rock soft plastic in a Grub or Maxx. As I use them, I will progressively change colour to work out what the ******* fish want. I get told and have read that only one lure works in Lake Monduran. This is a load of rubbish. I use this variety of lures all the time and catch barra on all of them. The next thing is to work out what technique to employ. I start with a long cast, then double twitch down, leave it sit for a long time, make a single twitch and wait again. I find it’s either the length of time it sits there in front of them or the twitch that makes them strike. If you’re getting bumps and swirls behind your lure, the barra are unhappy about maybe the colour or technique, so you need to change things until they bite. When the wind is moving all over the place, try to pick which way it’s predominantly coming from and start there. You may need to move a few times but it’s a good starting point. I’ll also go to the standing timber in deep water and look at the moss on the trees. I look at which way it is being pulled and those are the banks I head for. If my plan has paid off, barra will be on the sounder. I’ve noticed some people drive in on the big motor, turn it off and expect the barra to be there ready to feed. Well ***** guess what, that won’t happen. Make too much noise and they are gone. If you are lucky and sit there silently, Lloyd Willmann they may be back. I always go in on the electric motor and use the wind to move the boat as much as I can. Barra like to move close to the timber in the shallower FSQ Media Officer water from about 60cm to 2.5m. Ph. 0429 614892

FFSAQ News

November 2019

Media Officer - Lloyd Willmann [email protected] Ph. 0429 614 892

From the Media Officer's Desk :-

FFSAQ - Charlie Ladd With the report on the National Carp Control Plan (NCCP) due to be handed to the Commonwealth Government in December 2019 by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), the FRDC are now releasing issues papers: one, two, three, four, five and six and four reports are now available for your review and comment. • Issues Paper 1 - Why and how did the national Carp Control Plan originate? • Issues Paper 2 - Epidemiology and virus release strategy. • Issues Paper 3 - Non-target species susceptibility and host-switching risk in carp biocontrol. • Issues Paper 4 - Water quality and carp biocontrol using Cyprinid herpes virus 3 (CyHV-3). • Issues Paper 5 - Managing water quality impacts by carcass management/clean up. • Issues Paper 6 - Understanding Potential Social and Economic Impacts of Carp Control. • Report: Ecological Outcomes of Major Carp Population Reductions. • Report: Carp Control via Commercial Exploitation. • Report: Synergistic genetic biocontrol options for common carp. • Report: Water quality risk assessment of carp biocontrol for Australian waterways Please login to register at https://yoursay.carp.gov.au/login to access these papers.

Note: The NCCP "have your say" website will close on December 12. All comments will be provided to the Australian Government as part of their assessment of the next steps for the NCCP. Remaining NCCP research projects will be published on the NCCP website (https://www.carp.gov.au/) during December.

Another month with no substantial rain across most the state and with a number of dams reaching critical levels and some townships now on water restrictions, also a number of rivers and creeks are in a poor condition as well. Some clubs may find themselves in a situation where the native fish stocks in their waterways are under threat due to low or poor quality water. If your club is considering a fish recovery project please contact DAF to discuss options and obtain a Fisheries permit to conduct the recovery.

For those of you who love Facebook, we recommend you check out FFSAQ’s Facebook site: www.facebook.com/ffsaq/

Please visit the FFSAQ website, www.ffsaq.com.au first press F5 on your keypad to update to the new version on your computer. We invite any feedback, good or bad you have on the website.

There have been a number of renewal membership forms coming in from clubs and individuals to renew their FFSAQ memberships but most important of all is the updating of your club’s contact details. “FFSAQ maintains a contact data base of most Queensland freshwater fishing and stocking clubs that gives us and Queensland Fisheries (DAF) the ability to disseminate information out to the fishing club network. To keep this data base up to date we need your help, if you have had some changes in your club’s contact details lately, can you please advise the Treasure by completing a membership form with the new details or just email the information to [email protected] so we can update your information on our system. It is very important that we have your current contact details as there is a lot of information that DAF and others send to us to forward on to our network. So help us to be able to help you.”

The FFSAQ native & pest fish display has a rather quite month planned for December; we will be attending one event:

• Kingaroy Sportfishing Club Free Open Day - Bjelke-Peterson Dam - Saturday 7th.

Hope to catch-up with some of you at the above event, please come and introduce yourself and have a look at the display.

As mentioned in previous newsletters, 2020 is not that far away and if your club has an event planned for next year and the FFSAQ native & pest fish display will be helpful to your club’s messaging, please email the Treasurer at [email protected] or mobile 0490 661 445 with the event details and if the display is available we will endeavour to be there. We already have 19 event bookings for 2020 so get in quick so we can assist at your event if we can.

Charlie Ladd President/Treasurer FFSAQ Mob. 0490 661 445 Dept of Agriculture & Fisheries

Milestone reached for Cressbrook Dam fish habitat project (12th Nov 2019) A major milestone has been reached in a project to create habitat to attract fish and improve recreational fishing in Toowoomba’s Cressbrook Dam. Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries Mark Furner said more than half of the 700 fish attracting structures planned for Cressbrook Dam had been deployed. “A total of 200 fish attractors were deployed in Cressbrook Dam today with an additional 30 to be installed by the end of November to complement the 274 structures already in the dam,” Mr Furner said. “These additional attractors will bring to 504 the total number of structures placed in the dam since the first installations in September 2018. “The different type of attractors, including PVC trees, spiders, brush bundles and georgian cubes, play different roles in the type of fish they attract and work in combination to provide a realistic habitat for a variety of fish. “Anglers are getting a real benefit from the attractors, and sounder equipment located around the installed attractors have recorded plenty of fish marks. “Signage installed at Cressbrook Dam informs anglers where to fish and is updated regularly to reflect new installations.” Mr Furner said an Australian-first design for fish attractors was among the structures being installed in Cressbrook Dam. “Suspended fish attractors are purpose designed to provide fish with year round shelter regardless of the dam water level or variations in the water’s temperature and oxygen levels,” Mr Furner said. “Although the concept of using floating structures to provide shelter is not new, the use in freshwater dams of suspended fish attracting structures constructed from synthetic materials is a first for Australia. “The innovative design and construction of the suspended fish attractors will mimic large branching tree trunks which attract some species of fish. “Marked by distinctive orange floats, the suspended fish attracting structures are designed to sit at a fixed depth below the surface, typically between 2 and 5 metres, regardless of the dam water level.” Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio said the project is a win for our region and provides a real opportunity to improve the fish habitat of Lake Cressbrook. “This Australian-first project could benefit local anglers and provide extra incentive for visitors to travel to our region, stay in our towns and enjoy some recreational fishing,” Mayor Antonio said. “This Habitat Enhancement Research Project is a wonderful collaboration between the Queensland Government, Toowoomba Regional Council, the Australian Government’s Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and local angling and fish stocking groups. “We can’t wait to see more people visiting our region and enjoying the recreation of our dams and open spaces. “The study has hit the halfway point and the next step will be to promote our dams and encourage anglers come to our region and hopefully go home with fewer stories about the one that got away.” Mr Furner said the fish attractors were part of a $950,000 program to improve recreational angling and regional tourism. “The Habitat Enhancement Research Program is a series of three projects funded by contributions from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Australian Government’s Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, local councils and local angling and fish stocking groups,” Mr Furner said. “Data from sonar surveys, twice yearly electrofishing surveys, targeted angling and monthly creel surveys will help improve knowledge of which structures are working best and this knowledge will be applied to further improve recreational angling and tourism in areas where fish attractors have been installed. “Fish attracting structures have also been installed in Mount Morgan Dam No 7 near Rockhampton and Mackay’s which, like Cressbrook Dam, is part of Queensland’s Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS). “Recreational anglers wishing to fish in Queensland’s 63 stocked impoundments require a SIPS permit to fish with a line.”

PVC trees ready for deployment Suspended PVC trees Georgian cubes

Images: Thanks to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

Articles for FFSAQ News Stocking Groups .... if you have an event coming up or have an article that may be of interest to other stocking groups, please send to me with a couple of photos and I will publish in FFSAQ News. Always looking for content. Send to ..... [email protected] Thanks to all those who have helped me out in the past. **********

QUEENSLAND Boating and Fisheries Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall recently visited Patrol has launched an investigation after Menindee and the Lower Darling River where the latest efforts were focused. scores of native wildlife including turtles, “The relocation operations have been hugely successful in fish and even an eagle were found dead in relocating over 1,100 native fish including Murray Cod, illegal fishing nets in the Logan River. Golden Perch and Silver Perch,” Mr Marshall said. Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and “This is a great result but I am also aware there is a long Fisheries Mark Furner said the four nets were discovered summer ahead and unfortunately our teams will not be by the QBFP in the river at Jimboomba. “As many as able to remove every fish from every pool along the river 120 turtles, a water dragon, freshwater bullrouts and system. Australian bass were found dead in these nets,” he said. “This massive relocation effort is taking place to ensure “Most of these creatures were decomposing, suggesting the survival of the State’s key native fish species while these nets have been there for some time. Officers even NSW continues to battle through one of the worst found a white-bellied sea eagle that had somehow got droughts on record.” caught in these nets and unfortunately perished. As part of his visit to the area, Mr Marshall also Fortunately our QBFP officers managed to free two announced an aerator will be installed in the Lower turtles that were still alive. I am appalled and sickened Darling later this month. by these wanton acts of destruction because they cause “Last summer we used aerators to provide relief for great damage to local native wildlife populations as well struggling native fish and the preliminary scientific as fish stocks.” analysis found they were successful in that endeavour,” Mr Furner said the QBFP had now launched an Mr Marshall said. investigation into who left the illegal fishing nets in the “We realise the best solution is more water however until river. it rains we’re looking to options such as aerators to help save key fish species.” The rescue operation is part of the NSW Government’s $10 million Fish Rescue Strategy, which includes: targeted rescue operations, the State’s largest ever breeding program of native fish, expansion of the Government’s flagship fish hatchery as well as working with recreational fishing clubs and private hatcheries across the State.

****** Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG)

Streambank Rehabilitation Projects Celebrated The banks of the Mary River at Kenilworth were a hive of activity on Tuesday afternoon when BMRG hosted a VIP lunch and community day. The day provided a perfect opportunity to see first-hand the major streambank rehabilitation projects being undertaken by BMRG and our partner organisations. The projects are “The use of these types of nets is not allowed in funded under the Australian Government's Regional freshwater,” he said. “Those found responsible for putting Land Partnerships program and it was great to have these types of nets in the river could face fines of up to Keith Armstrong and David Weir from the Department $131,000. “I would like to thank members of the public of Environment come all the way from Canberra for the who reported these nets using our Fishwatch hotline. day. Queensland’s native wildlife and fisheries resources are owned by the community and everyone is responsible for A big thank you to the Mary River Catchment ensuring they’re managed and fished sustainably for future Coordinating Committee, Alluvium, Noosa and District generations.” Landcare, SEQ Water and Sunshine Coast Regional To report suspected illegal fishing activity, call the 24- Council for your ongoing support and hard work in hour, toll-free Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116. preventing the ongoing erosion of our precious riparian lands. We are also grateful to Steve and Ruth Carter for More than one thousand native fish opening up their beautiful riverside property for the day. rescued in Lower Darling operation ********

The NSW Government has successfully relocated more than 1100 native fish as part of a targeted fish rescue from Seqwater e-update operation in the Lower Darling, where drying pools and warming temperatures pose an imminent threat to fish Low lake levels – current recreation closures survival. As the water level in many of our lakes decrease, recreation activities may be restricted and recreation areas closed temporarily. The lack of substantial rain in many areas around South Fishing the stocked lakes around East Queensland has resulted in the following closures Bundaberg due to low water levels (current as at 20 November 2019): Lake Atkinson – closed to all water-based activities LAKE GREGORY Lake Clarendon – closed to all water-based activities Before the sun rises high in the sky and it gets too hot to Lake Dyer – closed to all water-based activities fish, get out early and cast a few spinnerbaits around the Lake Moogerah – swimming area closed edges of this little dam, or go up into the timber. This Lake Wivenhoe – Hamon Cove boat ramp closed should produce a few good reaction bites to get some Lake Wivenhoe – O'Sheas Crossing paddle craft launch quality bass. Once the bite slows around the edges, area closed move out into the deeper water to find those school fish. Some shallow water hazards – particularly at Lake Casting a soft plastic or blade lure and slowly retrieving Somerset and Lake Moogerah – have begun to emerge back through the school should pick you up a few more as dam levels drop. fish. Visitors are urged to take care and remain vigilant. Submerged hazards including debris and natural hazards LENTHALLS DAM may be present. Conditions may not be suitable for all Lenthalls Dam is approximately just over an hour’s watercraft activities. drive south of Bundaberg. What a great little dam to Please follow the direction of onsite signage and stay catch a barra! Just off the highway and into the forestry, alert. If unsure, slow down. this top little lake is all weed edges and lilies. Catching barra in Lenthalls Dam is the same as any other lake – follow the wind to find that warmer water. Casting 4” What do some South East Queensland lakes have soft plastics, jerkbaits and lipless crankbaits will get you in common with well-trained dogs? bites. To get onto this lake you can not have any more than a 60HP four-stroke or E-Tec motor and the speed They roll over...... no, seriously they do. limit on the dam is 6 knots. The gate opens from 6.00am and closes at 6.00pm. Limited short-stay In South East Queensland our warm weather camping is available and pre-booking of a camp site is means that the top section of the dam, usually the essential top 10 to 15 metres of the water column is warmed by the sun. Along with warm summer winds, this LAKE MONDURAN causes the surface waters to become disconnected With the water level dropping, the water temperature from the cooler bottom waters, in a process called rising and the barra getting bigger, now is the time to get stratification. The surface waters are warmer and out on this dam and get your barra fix. Good reports of high in oxygen and the bottom waters are cooler in fish in the 90cm range are coming in fast. If you follow temperature and become oxygen deprived (starved the rules and follow the wind, casting suspending hard of oxygen). When this oxygen starvation process bodies around timber snags and off points, you will takes place, it forces many fish up into the catch a barra. Most importantly, persistence is the key. shallower oxygenated waters and can result in anoxic sediments delivering metals and sulphides into the bottom waters. Stratification is a natural Freshwater Fishing Comps process however climate change is resulting in Lake Monduran - Bundaberg Toyota Golden Barra longer periods of stratification with warmer surface Competition waters and higher amounts of blue green algae. Be aware that barramundi are now off-limits in tidal When the lake destratifies or rolls over, the surface waters along the east coast of Queensland until waters become so cool from the cold night air that February 1, 2020. Instead of chasing these fish in the the stratification can break down and mix through salt, head to one of our awesome impoundments which the water column. In extreme events, the cold are open to barra fishing year-round! Lake Monduran is water on the bottom becomes more buoyant and' playing host to the Golden Barra Comp for the next 'flips' the water in the dam, moving to the top, few months and you'd be mad not to get along to where its temperature and oxygen level equilibrate Monduran to see if you can pick up a tagged barra and a and the lake mixes thoroughly. Sometimes this can swag of epic prizes. be observed due to a change in colour (how tea stained is it) or turbidity (how much suspended dirt Boondooma Dam Yellowbelly Family Fishing is in the water) of the lake. Mixing settles over a Competition - Feb 8th - 9th, 2020 few days. Impact on fish and fish behaviour is (Celebrating 30 years) variable depending on the lake. See Flyer next page

******* ******

Lloyd Willmann FFSAQ Media Officer