State Government deploys 10 drones in fishing crackdown

Queensland has more than 640,000 recreational fishers and 1700 commercial fishing licence holders. Now the State Government is upping the ante on how it monitors them for possible offences.

DRONES have been deployed across the state to help boating and fishing officers crackdown on illegal marine activity.

A fleet of 10 drones will be used by compliance officers across key locations to extend their surveillance of Queensland’s precious marine environment.

Agricultural and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner said by nature, field work could be hazardous and officers sometimes worked in isolated environments.

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“The ten drones have been deployed to the Gold Coast, Warwick, Noosa, Hervey Bay Bundaberg, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, Karumba and in Brisbane, with trained pilots in each of these locations,” he said.

Agricultural and Fisheries Minister Mark Furner. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

“Footage from these drones could be used to gather intelligence, prosecute people who break the rules and support training of the Marine Animal Rescue Team.”

The Government monitors compliance of more than 642,000 recreational fishers and 1700 commercial fishing licence holders.

Body cameras and surveillance kits have also been rolled out to help officers crackdown on people breaking the rules.

“Our crews operate along the Queensland coast, inland and in the Gulf of Carpentaria, covering 7000 kilometres of coastline and hundreds of inland fishing areas from far western Queensland to offshore waters 200 nautical miles to sea,” he said.

“It’s a huge task and we’re always looking at more efficient, safer ways for our officers to go about their business.

“The drones are just the latest high tech tools provided to our frontline fisheries compliance officers.”