News and Upcoming Events
Click Here for Notices to Mariners.
IT IS UP TO EACH OF US TO ACT NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!
*Stand up and fight for your recreational fishing rights!*
Did you know that the Federal Government is currently being lobbied by a range of organisations to prevent you fishing in certain areas (affecting all states) and for certain species? And did you know that the government is listening to these organisations and doing what they've been asked? It is now time for us to start asking for things too, before our way of life is completely eradicated.
*IT IS UP TO EACH OF US TO ACT NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!*
Don’t sit back and think someone else will do it, we need YOU to stand up for our recreational fishing rights. There are two ways to achieve this: • Please ring the Prime Minister’s office on* 02 6277 7700* (before the end of the month so he gets a LOUD message), and express your concerns over the closure of recreational fishing areas, and the environmental groups plans to have 40 species of fish to list as protected – one of those species could be one YOU fish for regularly!
• By emailing this letter to the Prime Minister's office, you will be letting them know that you are a recreational angler, actively interested in how our fisheries resources are managed and willing to hold government accountable for their decisions.
The emailing process takes less than one minute. It seems like a good investment for your fishing future. Click here for instruction on how to send an email to the Prime Minister's office. INSTRUCTIONS
New crab laws introduced
New crabbing rules designed to protect the sustainability of Queensland's crab fishery have been introduced.
Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the changes had been implemented to ensure future generations could enjoy catching species such as the famous Queensland mud crab.
"Changes to the rules include a new single measurement requirement for mud crabs," Mr Mulherin said.
"The size of the crab now needs to be measured across the top of the shell (carapace) at the widest point with a 15cm minimum size limit.
"Previously fishers could measure the underside of the crab if the topside was damaged - this new measurement is irrespective of whether the shell is damaged or chipped.
"While the size limit for a crab is unchanged, the single measurement removes the capacity for smaller crabs to be taken by fishers using the alterna te under body measurement."
Mr Mulherin said the changes had also been made to crab pot use.
"If a crab pot is attached to a fixed object, such as a tree, it must be attached by a rope with a tag visible above the high water mark.
"The tag has to bear the owner's name for recreational fishers or boat mark for commercial fishers," he said.
"All other pots must have a surface float attached measuring 15 cm in all directions."
Mr Mulherin said changes had also been made to the use of trot line apparatus for commercial fishers.
For more information contact the Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries Business Information Centre on 13 25 23 or visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au
Coral reef spawning closure
Closure dates
Year |
Closure 1 |
Closure 2 |
2010 |
5 October to 9 October |
3 November to 7 November |
2011 |
24 October to 28 October |
22 November to 26 November |
2012 |
12 October to 16 October |
11 November to 15 November |
2013 |
2 October to 6 October |
31 October to 4 November |
Tackleworld Hervey Bay and WIN News.
Tackleworld Hervey Bay are proud to provide the local fishing report forWIN News each week. The report includes a weekly fishing picture competition, with weekly prizes from Tackleworld Hervey Bay. All you need to do is upload your fishing pictures to the www.tackleworldhb.com brag board. Create a username and password if you haven't already. Supply your name so we can mention you on the fishing report if you win! Winners will be contacted to receive their prize.
New Fishing Regulations Effective 1 March 2009.
Species |
Current size limit |
Current bag limit |
New size limit |
New bag limit |
Amberjack and samsonfish |
No limit |
No limit |
75cm |
Combined bag limit of 2 for amberjack and samsonfish |
Barred javelin (spotted grunter) |
30 cm |
No limit |
40 cm |
10 |
Black jewfish |
45 cm |
10 |
75 cm |
2 |
Blackspotted rockcod (estuary cod) |
35-120 cm |
No limit |
38-120 cm |
5 (all cod species) |
Blue threadfin (salmon) |
40 cm |
No limit |
No change |
10 |
Camouflage cod |
50-100 cm |
5 (all cod species) |
50-70 cm |
No change |
Cobia (black kingfish) |
75 cm |
10 |
No change |
2 |
Diamondscale mullet |
No limit |
No limit |
30 cm |
20 |
Dusky flathead (mud flathead) |
40-70 cm |
5 |
40-75 cm |
No change |
Flathead (apart from dusky flathead) |
30 cm |
No limit |
No change |
5 |
Flowery cod |
50-100 cm |
5 (all cod species) |
50-70 cm |
No change |
Garfish |
No limit |
No limit |
No change |
50 |
Giant queenfish |
No limit |
No limit |
50 cm |
5 |
Golden snapper (fingermark) |
35 cm |
10 |
No change |
5 |
Goldspotted rockcod (estuary cod) |
35-120 cm |
No limit |
38-120 cm |
5 (all cod species) |
Grass emperor (grass sweetlip) |
30 cm |
No limit |
No change |
10 |
Grey mackerel |
50 cm |
10 |
60 cm |
5 |
King threadfin (salmon) |
60 cm |
10 |
No Change |
5 |
Luderick |
23 cm |
No limit |
30 cm |
10 |
Mahi mahi (dolphin fish) |
45 cm |
No limit |
60 cm |
5 |
Mangrove Jack |
35cm |
No limit |
No Change |
5 |
Mulloway |
45 cm |
10 |
75 cm |
2 |
School mackerel |
50 cm |
30 |
No change |
10 |
Sea mullet |
30 cm |
No limit |
No change |
20 |
Shark mackerel |
50 cm |
No limit |
No change |
10 |
Silver javelin (small spotted grunter) |
30 cm |
No limit |
No change |
10 |
Swallowtail dart |
No limit |
No limit |
30 cm |
30 |
Trevally |
No limit |
No limit |
No change |
20 |
Trumpeter whiting (winter whiting) |
No limit |
No limit |
No change |
50 |
Wahoo |
75 cm |
10 |
No change |
2 |
Whiting (all whiting except trumpeter whiting) |
23 cm |
No limit |
No change |
30 combined |
Wolf herring |
No limit |
No limit |
No change |
10 |
Yellowtail kingfish |
50 cm |
No limit |
60 cm |
2 |
Effective July 1 2009
Species |
Current size limit |
Current bag limit |
New size limit |
New bag limit |
Sharks and rays |
No limit |
No limit |
1.5 m max |
1 |
Effective 1 March 2010
Species |
Current size limit |
Current bag limit |
New size limit |
New bag limit |
Bream (yellowfin and pikey) |
23 cm |
No limit |
25 cm |
30 (combined limit with tarwhine) |
Tailor |
30 cm |
20 (extended limit for Fraser) |
35 cm |
No change |
Tarwhine |
23 cm |
No limit |
25 cm |
30 (combined limit with bream) |
Artificial Reef Drop.
All went to plan Saturday 17th Jan. Pics of what happened thanks to Syd Tanner.
LATEST EPA - GREAT SANDY MARINE PARK MAPS NOW AVAILABLE.
The Great Sandy Marine Park protects a range of marine and coastal environments, including rocky shores, fringing reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows and sandy beaches. Hervey Bay’s waters are protected by Fraser Island. The island has extensive surf beaches, separated by rocky headlands. The protection provided by Fraser Island led to the formation of shallow bays and sheltered channels, which blend into seagrass meadows, mudflats and mangroves. The marine park protects rivers, creeks and estuaries.
These habitats provide important seasonal resources and stopover points for migratory species including humpback whales, migratory wading birds and marine turtles. Resident species dependent on these habitats include dugong, dolphins, shorebirds, grey nurse sharks, fish, molluscs and cetaceans.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) manages the Great Sandy Marine Park through a zoning plan. The zoning plan identifies different zones within the marine park, states the objectives for each zone and identifies the level of protection for the zone. The zoning plan lists the activities which can occur "as of right", those for which a permit is required, and those that are prohibited.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
The Latest Update is available in store now. The new maps show more topical views and also satellite imagery, to make sure boaties know exactly where all zones and areas lie. Available free to all Tackleworld Customers.
QUEENSLAND NOTICE TO MARINERS
Locality: Urangan Fairway, Great Sandy Strait, Northern Portion
Activity: fairway beacon pile re-established
Refer to notice: 495 (T) of 2009
Mariners are advised that the fairway beacon L.Fl.W.10s located in position
latitude 25° 08.682' S, longitude 152° 49.934' E has been re-established.
Cancel notice: 495 (T) of 2009
AUS charts affected: 241, 365
Maritime Safety Queensland charts affected: Great Sandy Strait (North) (GSS2)
LOCALITY: INSKIP POINT
ACTIVITY: UNDERWATER OBSTRUCTION
Mariners are advised that a sunken sailing vessel has been reported approximately 3.5 nautical
miles east of Inskip Point, about half way between the town of Rainbow Beach and Inskip Point,
in approximate position latitude 25° 52.127' S, longitude 53° 8.274' E. The ship's mast has been
removed and depth to the top of the wreck is 25 metres below LAT datum.
Cancel Notice: 233 (P) 2009
AUS Charts Affected: 365
Maritime Safety Queensland Charts Affected: Great Sandy Strait (South) (GSS1)
Maritime Safety Queensland Beacon to Beacon Directory 8th Edition map 42
LOCALITY: HERVEY BAY - ENTRANCE TO BEELBI CREEK, TOOGOOM
ACTIVITY: REPOSITIONING OF LATERAL MARKS
Mariners are advised that the navigation aids marking the entrance to Beelbi Creek, Toogoom
have been repositioned.
Mariners are warned that the channel dries at low tide and local knowledge is needed for safe
navigation.
The locations of the marks from north to south are:
o Port lateral – latitude 25° 13.2935’ S, longitude 152° 40.0950’ E
o Port lateral – latitude 25° 13.6450’ S, longitude 152° 39.9980’ E
o Port lateral – latitude 25° 13.8660’ S, longitude 152° 40.0720’ E
o Port lateral – latitude 25° 14.0688’ S, longitude 152° 40.2093’ E
o Starboard lateral – latitude 25° 14.2305’ S, longitude 152° 40.3085’ E
o Starboard lateral – latitude 25° 14.7130’ S, longitude 152° 40.0655’ E.
AUS Charts Affected: None
Maritime Safety Queensland Charts Affected: Great Sandy Strait (North) (GSS2)
Maritime Safety Queensland Beacon to Beacon Directory 8th Edition maps 27
MARYBOROUGH PILOTAGE AREA
LOCALITY: GREAT SANDY STRAIT - EAST OF URANGAN BOAT HARBOUR
SOUTHERN ROCK WALL
ACTIVITY: SPAR BUOY MARKING MARINE PARK "GO SLOW ZONE"
Mariners are advised that a spar buoy has been installed east of the Urangan Boat Harbour
southern rock wall in position latitude 25° 17.893' S, longitude 152° 55.012' E to mark the
northern boundary of the "GO SLOW DESIGNATED AREA".
The spar buoy is 600mm high with a 600mm diameter base. It is white in colour with a blue
band at the top of the base with blue lettering "GO SLOW Turtle and Dugong Area" on the spar.
The buoy is fitted with a flashing yellow light (Fl Y 1s).
AUS Charts Affected: 241
Maritime Safety Queensland Charts Affected: Great Sandy Strait (North) (GSS2)
Maritime Safety Queensland Beacon to Beacon Directory 8th Edition maps 30 & 33
MARYBOROUGH PILOTAGE AREA
LOCALITY: GREAT SANDY STRAIT, NORTH OF LITTLE WOODY ISLAND
ACTIVITY: BUOYS MARKING PEARL FARMS
Refer to Notice: 162 (P) of 2006
Mariners are advised that only two of the four Pearl Farms have been established North East of
Little Woody Island in the Great Sandy Strait. The centre of each pearl farm is marked by a
yellow buoy displaying a flashing yellow light (Fl Y 1.5s). The yellow buoys are located in the
following approximate positions;
1. latitude 25° 17.37' S, longitude 153° 00.9' E
2. latitude 25° 18.63' S, longitude 153° 02.0' E
Each pearl farm is 1000 metres long and 500 metres wide. The corner of each pearl farm is
marked by a white strobe light (FL 1.5s).
Cancel Notice: 162 (P) of 2006
AUS Charts Affected: 241
Maritime Safety Queensland Charts Affected: Great Sandy Strait (North) (GSS2)
Maritime Safety Queensland Beacon to Beacon Directory 7th Edition map 30 and 33
MARYBOROUGH PILOTAGE AREA
LOCALITY: BIG WOODY ISLAND, GREAT SANDY STRAITS
ACTIVITY: MARINE NATIONAL PARK ZONE BOUYS
Mariners are advised that two unlit Marine National Park buoys (Green Zone) have been
established at the northern end of the Big Woody Island area of the Great Sandy Straits.
The buoys are spar buoys, 600mm high with a 600mm diameter base. They are white in colour
with a green band around the top and the base with black lettering "Marine National Park Zone".
The buoys have been established at the following coordinates:
A - latitude 25° 16.1058' S, longitude 152° 56.3988' E
B - latitude 25° 16.6866' S, longitude 152° 55.6701' E
AUS Charts Affected: 241
Maritime Safety Queensland Charts Affected: Great Sandy Strait (North) (GSS2)
Maritime Safety Queensland Beacon to Beacon Directory 7th Edition maps 25 & 26
LOCALITY: WIDE BAY BAR SECTOR LIGHT - HOOK POINT
ACTIVITY: SECTOR LIGHT AND DAY LIGHT ALTERED CENTRE LINE
Refer to Notice: 504 of 2008
Mariners are advised that the sector light and day light at Hook Point has been altered 15° to the
north due to shifting of Wide Bay Bar. The new centre line is 281° T. Refer to attached chartlet.
Cancel Notice: 504 of 2008
AUS Charts Affected: 365, 817
Maritime Safety Queensland Charts Affected: Great Sandy Strait (South) (GSS1)
Maritime Safety Queensland Beacon to Beacon Directory 7th Edition map 34
LENTHALLS DAM NEWS, ACCESS AND BOATING RESTRICTIONS
Wide Bay Water Corporation's primary drinking water storage, Lake Lenthall, offers a unique recreation opportunity for the public. Historically, boating restrictions on the lake were implemented to maintain the safe, quiet and peaceful ambience of the site for both passive and active recreation while at the same time achieving the primary objective of the lake which is that of providing high quality water for the City of Hervey Bay.
Recent advances in outboard engine technology have resulted in a significant reduction in engine emissions from newer clean engines. For example a 60hp 4-stroke or Direct Injection 2-Stroke engine emits less than 50% of the emissions as a 6hp carburetted 2-Stroke engine. These advances have warranted a review of the boating restrictions.
From 1 December 2007 boating restrictions at Lake Lenthall will allow:
- Speed Limit 6 knots - no wash and no skiing
- 4-Stroke and Direct Injection 2-Stroke engines up to 60hp. This equates to all 2 & 3 Star OEDA
(Outboard Engine Distributors Association) rated engines. - 1 to 6hp traditional 2-Strokes (0 and 1 star OEDA rated) permitted until January 2010.
Wide Bay Water Corporation Rangers have been suitably trained by representatives of the Outboard Engine Distributors Association of Australia to identify compliant engines.
Non-compliant engines (eg: 2 stroke carburettor and fuel injected outboards) are prohibited from using the lake. Additional restriction may be imposed on those engines that are clearly polluting the water (eg Smokey engines).
The Wide Bay Water Corporation laboratory has also been engaged to conduct routine hydrocarbon monitoring within the lake to monitor the impacting of fuel powered boats on the lake.
Please note that currently the only Direct Injection 2-Stroke engines available in Australia are the Evinrude E-TEC and Tohatsu TLDI.
See www.oeda.com.au for more details.
For more information contact Wide Bay Water Corporation on 1300 808 888
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
Queensland Government