23 May 2011

Fishers can take a couple of small steps to care for the Great Barrier Reef so it continues to be one of the best spots on earth to fish.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has released some tips for fishing responsibly. They include using the right hooks and ensuring old fishing equipment and tackle doesn't get left behind.   

"It's easy for fishers to fish responsibly and help keep their favourite fishing spot thriving," GBRMPA's Director of Ecosystem, Conservation and Sustainable Use, Mark Read, said.

"There are simple guidelines we can all follow to make sure the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is kept safe from litter and damaging practices," Dr Read said. "Whereas this damage is mostly unintentional, it can have terrible consequences.

"Remember your fishing gear and tackle can harm marine life if not used correctly. Fishing lines tossed overboard are sometimes eaten by wildlife such as marine turtles. This can choke them or block their digestive tract.

"Over time the trailing line from an imbedded hook can tangle around the animal. Tangled lines cut through the skin causing serious wounds and can lead to the loss of a flipper."

Dr Read recommended that fishers use carbon steel hooks instead of stainless steel hooks.

"Stainless steel hooks may seem like a good idea but their use can have a long term effect on marine life," he said. "As they don't rust and break down quickly like carbon steel hooks, stainless steel hooks that are left imbedded in fish and other marine life can cause damage to their mouths or guts if swallowed.

"Hooks left in smaller fish cause more problems down the food-chain when those fish are eaten by marine turtles, pelicans, other seabirds and sharks.

"By doing the right thing we can have the satisfaction of knowing we have helped the environment and future generations of fish and fishers. This can only improve our enjoyment of recreational fishing and use of the reef."  
    
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