ASK ROB, YOUR LOCAL FISH FINDER

Q AI’ve heard there are times of the year when certain reef fish are not allowed to be taken. Is this true? The first of two Coral Reef Fin Fish Closures will run for five days from October 28 through to November 1. This closure is designed to protect certain reef species during their peak spawning periods during October and November. Coral Reef Fin Fish include cods and gropers, coral trout, emperors, fusiliers, parrotfishes, surgeonfishes, sweetlips, tropical snappers and sea perches, and wrasses. During these closures all of these species are prohibited to be taken. Pelagic species including mackerels, tuna, dolphinfish and trevally to name a few, can be targeted and taken at all times. Fishermen need to be well informed on fish species included in the closures as ignorance will not be accepted to avoid penalties. Visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au or call 13 25 23 for more information.