United Recreational Fishers: Queensland fishing group blasts government

A former politician has vowed to be a voice for Queensland’s recreational fishers angered by the government’s recent statement that “the sky is the limit” for commercial fishing exports.

Coral Trout prepared by Chef Jason Roberts. In 2022-23, 766 tonnes of coral trout were harvested commercially in Queensland and 349 tonne other species quota and 95 tonnes of redthroat emperor quota. Picture: John Fotiadis

A former politician has vowed to be a voice for Queensland’s recreational fishers angered by the government’s recent statement that “the sky is the limit” for commercial fishing exports.

Former One Nation MP Jeff Knuth, president of the fledgling United Recreational Fishers, said the statement from Pauline Jacob, deputy director-general for Fisheries and Forestry, was “another example of governmental deception and hypocrisy”.

“Queensland recreational fishers are feeling angry and betrayed that our government is continuing to put restrictive bag limits on our community, while simultaneously declaring fish stocks healthy enough to support unprecedented commercial harvesting for foreign markets.”

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries announced in July that Queensland’s reef line fishery had been granted Federal Government export approvals, primarily for commercial species of coral trout, after it met “key sustainability requirements”.

Ms Jacob said the approvals were a “great boost for commercial reef line fishers because it means they can bring top quality Queensland fish to restaurants and tables around the world”.

“This export approval renewal means the sky is the limit on what can be achieved.”

Jeff Knuth, president of fledgling United Recreational Fishers. Picture: Supplied

Mr Knuth said the government had confirmed that stock levels of fish were sustainable enough to export 766 tonnes of coral trout in 2022-23, “yet our recreational fishers are continuing to be restricted by bag limits”.

“Their statement goes on to say the export market approval is ‘good news’ for the $34 million Commercial fishery economy, but what about the $2.5 billion recreational fishing industry in Queensland?” he asked.

“What about prioritising local Queensland and Australian consumers first, over foreign markets?”

Mr Knuth, brother of Katter’s Australian Party politician Shane, lashed out at the government and its advisory boards.

“How can we trust governments that impose stricter limits on recreational fishers citing scientific reasons, while simultaneously declaring fish stocks healthy enough to support unprecedented commercial harvesting for foreign markets?”

The URF is aiming to “mobilise” Queensland’s million-plus recreational fishing community to form a lobby group with a rally to be held the rugby grounds on Hugh Street in Townsville from 4pm to 6pm on Saturday, September 28.

Mr Knuth said the aim was to leverage recreational fishers’ “significant economic impact and voting power to influence political decisions by establishing a member-based organisation to raise awareness of the contradictory government regulations”.

“Recreational fishing supports a multi-billion dollar industry in Queensland, benefiting motels, hotels, caravan parks, boat and trailer manufacturers, tackle shops, marine services, and many more sectors,” he said.

“We are prepared to use our collective voice and economic influence to ensure politicians listen or face consequences at the ballot box.”

Mr Knuth said action was needed now to halt additional restrictions on fishing communities to ensure the next generation could enjoy the Queensland way of life.

“As for how far we’re willing to take this fight for fair treatment? Well, ‘the sky is the limit’.”

Originally published as United Recreational Fishers: Queensland fishing group blasts government