Fisheries calls time on season for barra

THE Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has announced closed seasons for barramundi fishing at a number of North Queensland waterways.

A closed season will apply to barramundi throughout the Queensland east coast from noon November 1, 2018, to noon February 1, 2019, except in and from waterways upstream of Aplins Weir including Black Weir and Gleeson Weir, Burdekin Falls, Peter Faust Dam near Proserpine, Tinaroo Dam on the Atherton Tablelands, Koombooloomba Dam near Tully and more.

Barramundi will be off limits in the Gulf of Carpentaria from noon October 7, 2018, until noon February 1, 2019.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district manager Tony Loader said annual closed seasons allow fish species to replenish, ensuring sustainability of stocks.

“Barramundi typically aggregate in one area to spawn, making them more vulnerable to predators and fishing pressure,” he said.

“It’s important that barramundi are not targeted for catch and release during the closed season as the stress of capture may actually prevent the fish from spawning.”

Mr Loader said size and possession limits still applied to barramundi taken from exempted waterways during the closed season.

Most exempted locations require a permit for line fishing.

Visit www. qld. gov. au/ fresh-waterfishing to find the nearest stocked waterway and buy a permit.

Visit fisheries. qld. gov. au, call 13 25 23 or download the free Qld Fishing app for more information.