The Fraser Coast Fishing Alliance Inc. is a volunteer organisation and fishing club based in Pialba, Australia. The organisation is dedicated to advocating for the protection and conservation of the Great Sandy Marine Park, specifically addressing the issue of commercial gill netting within the conservation zones.
The Great Sandy Marine Park is the only marine park in Australia, and possibly in the world, that allows commercial netting in what should be designated as true yellow conservation zone areas. This practise is detrimental to the marine environment and wildlife within the park. The Fraser Coast Fishing Alliance aims to correct this anomaly and put an end to damaging commercial netting in the marine park.
Commercial netting is particularly harmful to spawning aggregations and targets various species of fish such as bream, whiting, flathead, mackerel, trevally, barramundi, threadfin salmon, and sharks. Additionally, it also captures low food value but highly valued recreational fishing species like Golden Trevally, Snub nosed dart (Permit), Queenfish, and Giant Herring. The incidental catching of dugongs and marine turtles is also of great concern.
The designated area covered by the Great Sandy Marine Park includes conservation park zones in Baffle Creek and its tributaries, the Elliott River and its tributaries, the Burrum River and its tributaries, the Mary River and its tributaries, and the Great Sandy Strait and Tin Can Bay Inlet.
The Fraser Coast Fishing Alliance is urging the Queensland State Government, specifically Hon Leeanne Enoch – Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection and Minister for National Parks and the Great Barrier Reef, to commit to ending destructive commercial netting operations in the Great Sandy Marine Park and adjacent waterways. The organisation believes that by doing so, it will help restore fish stocks and protect the largest dugong population along the Queensland urban coast.
To support their cause, the Fraser Coast Fishing Alliance has set up a GoFundMe campaign and encourages interested individuals to sign their online petition. They believe that bringing an end to commercial netting in the Great Sandy Marine Park will provide much-needed marine protection and contribute to the overall health and sustainability of the ecosystem.
Stay updated on the activities and progress of the Fraser Coast Fishing Alliance by visiting their website and social media profiles. For further inquiries or to get involved as a member or volunteer, please refer to the provided contact information.
The Fraser Coast Fishing Alliance is determined to make a positive difference in the preservation of the Great Sandy Marine Park and invites fishing enthusiasts, conservationists, and concerned individuals to join their efforts. Together, we can protect and safeguard this unique marine environment for current and future generations.