Carolyn Male MP, State Member for Pine Rivers, would like to make people aware that the Draft Queensland Fisheries Strategy 2009-2014 is open for comment.

“Fishing is integral to Queensland’s lifestyle and economy,” Carolyn Male MP said.

“Every year in Queensland almost a million people fish for a living, for recreation, or for traditional and customary purposes. Countless others rely on sustainable fisheries as the focus of tourism and other businesses.”

“But our finite fisheries resources are under stress.”

“Challenges include the potential for over-exploitation by all fishing sectors, increasing consumer demand for fisheries products, coastal development, the effects of climate change, biosecurity risks and diminishing commercial profitability.”

“The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation has developed a draft Queensland Fisheries Strategy 2009-2014 and they would appreciate your input in setting new directions for the future management of fisheries, aquaculture and fish habitat in Queensland.”

Feedback is sought on:

- Whether the draft strategy sets the right direction for the future of fishing in Queensland.
- What is working well for fishing in Queensland, and why?
- What can be improved for fishing in Queensland, and how?

The draft Strategy is available for download at www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au.

You can respond to the proposal through the website or email fisheriesstrategy@dpi.qld.gov.au or post at Queensland Fisheries Strategy project team, Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, GPO Box 46, Brisbane Q 4001.

The closing date for comments is 10 July 2009.