Net free zone study shows bigger fish, better catch

An annual Mackay study shows a massive increase in fish numbers since commercial netting was banned

BIGGER fish and a better catch. These were the findings of an annual net free zone data study conducted in the region - a positive result for recreational fishers.

Commercial netting has been excluded from the St Helens to Cape Hillsborough Net Free Zone since October 2015 and local fisherman John Bennett said the effects of the NFZ were outstanding.

Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance president John Bennett holding a massive barra with his son Jack Bennett.

The Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance president said the five-year data showed increased catch rates, increased fish sizes, more trophy-sized fish and even the comeback of species such as king and blue threadfin salmon.

"We collect this data at the start of barra season each year and I think it's exceptional to see a comeback in a number of fish species," he said.

"These species are often more vulnerable to commercial netting, they are not as robust, so it is great to see an increase in their numbers.

"We have seen a big increase in the amount of legal fish being caught and the overall number of fish."

 

Katie Bennett showing her impressive barra catch.

Mr Bennett said another observation was the increase in catch and release fishing.

He said there had been an attitude change, with most fishermen now only taking what they needed, rather than keeping every fish they caught.

"In 2015, before the net free zone, we recorded 48 legal barramundi caught and all were kept except one fish," Mr Bennett said.

"In 2019 we recorded 173 legal barramundi caught with only 43.4 per cent kept. That is the highest amount of legal fish released since the study started."

Jack Bennett showing off a great barra catch.

February 1 marks the opening of barra season for 2020 but it also kicks off the start of the final data study of the net free zone.

The Mackay Recreational Fishers Alliance is asking for the help of fishermen who fish the net free zone, encouraging them to drop into Tackle World Mackay on Shakespeare St and pick up data collection forms, which they can fill out to assist with the 2020 study.

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