Shark Finning Fishery Proposed in Queensland

[bottlefish]

Queensland are following through on proposals to hand out shark fin licenses to allow unlimited shark fishing along the Queensland Coast, including the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage area, and the Marine Parks of Moreton Bay and the Great Sandy Straits.

http://www.amcs.org.au/default2.asp?active_page_id=490

There's a pretyped letter on the following link, if you would like to add your voice to the objection:

http://www.amcs.org.au/default2.asp?active_page_id=491

And here's a couple of email addresses, if you would rather draft something of your own.

ThePremier@premiers.qld.gov.au
Anna Bligh MP Premier of Queensland
Peter.Garrett.MP@aph.gov.au
Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett

I was toying with the idea of a trip to Oz this winter.... not any more though.

[bottlefish]

Hmmm, perhaps that site didn't really give an accurate presentation of the facts..... my sincerest apologies to all of you that may have reacted to this already, however having managed to get a hold of the proposal, it seems I was completely wrong, that the Queensland government are taking active steps to protect sharks, and other endangered species, by implementing controls that weren't already in place...

http://www2.dpi.qld.gov.au/extra/pdf/fis...ec2007.pdf

My apologies again.....

Stuart

[shinek]

Thanks for the quick clarification, I also saw this announcement which may be of interest. Not directly regarding the shark fishing, but as we all know, the whole eco system is connected.

Investment of AUS$200m to rescue the Great Barrier Reef
Source: Australian Government
Published May 21, 2008

Threats to the Great Barrier Reef, including the effects of climate change and declining water quality will be tackled by the Rudd Labor Government’s AUS$200 million reef rescue plan announced in this week's Budget. Environment Minister Peter Garrett and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Tony Burke said the funding will support land management grants to farmers and community groups and fund vital research.

The rescue plan will help protect one of the world’s great natural wonders, while benefiting local conservation and Indigenous groups, agricultural production and tourism, fishing and aquaculture industries.
It is a key component of the $2.2 billion Caring for our Country initiative, to restore the health of Australia’s environment and build on improved land management practices. As outlined in Labor’s election commitment, the $200.0 million five-year reef rescue plan includes:

• $146.0 million for a Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Grants Program – the majority of these funds to be provided in the form of matching grants to landowners and managers who commit to implementing proven practices to reduce the amount of nutrients and sediment run-off from the land;
• $12.0 million for a Healthy Reef Partnerships Program to boost partnerships between the Government, state agencies and non-government organisations that support landowners with local expertise and extension staff;
• $10.0 million for a Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Research and Development Program – a competitive research funding program to look at the link between land management practices and environmental impacts and develop new water-quality monitoring techniques for nutrients, chemicals and sediments;
• $22.0 million for a Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting Program to expand existing monitoring and reporting of water quality in the Reef and fund a coordinated catchmentwide water quality monitoring program; and
• $10.0 million for the Land and Sea Country Indigenous Partnerships Program, including at least $5.0 million to employ Sea Country Officers in Indigenous communities and provide additional funding for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities.

“The Great Barrier Reef is the world's most extensive coral reef system with habitats that are critically important for the diversity of our marine biology,” Mr Garrett said. “The reef continues to face the twin threats of coral bleaching, caused by climate change, and declining water quality.
“An important part of the reef rescue package will be building partnerships with Indigenous communities.” Mr Burke said the sugar cane, cattle and banana industries had made significant advances in recent years to improve yields while reducing fertiliser and other inputs and their effects off-farm. “This reef rescue package will accelerate uptake of improved farm practices to ensure these vibrant primary industries can continue, while improving the quality of water flowing into the reef,” Mr Burke said.
The Australian Government will work closely with stakeholders, including governments, farmers and the community to implement the five-year program. Funds will be focussed on achieving clear, measurable outcomes in terms of improving water quality in the reef and achieving best value-for-money for taxpayers over the long-term.