Wednesday July 15, 2009, 2:49 am
New laws for commercial net fishermen will now afford greater protection for the local dugong population around Facing Island off the coast of Gladstone. Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the rules came in on 1 July 2009 and followed extensive community consultation.
"Concerns were raised by the community about net fishing, as the nets can inadvertently trap unwanted fish and animals by mistake. Over the past few years several dead dugong have washed up on the beaches of Facing Island and we want to avoid the unnatural deaths of all dugongs.

"The new rules require fishers to be within 200 metres of the net at all times. In the past fishers have set their nets during the day and gone home, leaving the nets set overnight. Unfortunately this means they are not able to release trapped animals before they drown.

"Fishers who abandon their nets could receive a $1000 on the spot fine or risk having their nets seized," he said.

"The other option is court prosecution with a maximum penalty of $10,000.

Should anyone see a net in the water unattended, they can report it to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116.

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 3:06 am
NOTED==THANKS CLAUDIA

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 3:35 am
Hopefully the new laws are enforced. Thanks Claudia

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 3:42 am
thanks claudia

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 6:28 am
Noted, thanks Claudia.

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 7:13 am
Thank you much Claudia for all that you do....noted :)

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 7:49 am
Thank you Claudia. I want to give you a green star for this story but they would not let me. Seems I already have this week. You deserve a green star every week for your outstanding reporting for the ocean's and its living creatures. This law should help if it has the financial teeth of reinforcement behind it.

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 8:02 am
This is a first good step.... I think it should be seizure of nets and a fine and some type of service to the community to keep the habitat and beach clean and whatever else they can come up with too... Thanks Claudia!

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 8:52 am
Thanks Claudia!

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 9:12 am
TY, Claudia! Great news!!!

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 9:25 am
This is indeed good news very hard to come by these days.These peacefull and shy animals need all the help and protection they can muster.Fishermen both commercial and sporting quite often without thinking dispose of their unwanted fishing gear either in the water or on the banks of rivers and streams.I quite often find abandoned nylon fishing line on the bank of the River Tay when out birdwatching.I collect it and take it home with me where I dispose of it safely where it can't do any harm.Just a little thought and care is all takes to save the life of a wild animal.

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 9:29 am
This is indeed good news. Thanks Claudia :)

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 9:38 am
Noted & thank you Claudia.

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 10:50 am
Very good news indeed. Now, it is up to law enforcements to enforce the laws. The citizens can help by reporting incidents to the authorities.

In another area, there are two petitions regarding the Dugongs at the U.S.Military Base, Okinawa.

Please look and read them, sign too.

Background: http://www.mongabay.com/external/okinawa_dugong.htm

LINK: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/89/help-save-the-dugong-habitat

LINK: http://www.change.org/actions/view/us_military_base_in_okinawa_threatens_rare_dugongs

Greenpeace video about this problem. Save the Dugong - Okinawa GP USA.

LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwYE0ixR9Z0


TY, Claudia.

.

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 10:53 am
Great News Claudia! Thank you.

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 1:14 pm
Ahh, feel good news from dear Claudia:-)))))

Wednesday July 15, 2009, 11:02 pm
Well done Claudia!
FOR THE OCEANS!!!!

Friday July 17, 2009, 4:46 am
Noted Claudia. More people should become member of Green Peace and donate when necessary. I´m a member and a donor I always receive the latest news. And we also are member of Amnesty International and donor.PEOPLE SHOULD DO MORE FOR A GOOD CAUSE! The more people join a good cause the more pressure you can put on a government.

Monday July 20, 2009, 5:11 am
These are some very interesting beautiful creatures!!! Nothing but the BEST
Thanks Claudia