Paul Makin

Journalist

Fishers from across the state are ropeable that the State Government is moving towards a ban on catching Spanish Mackerel in our waters.

Professional Game Fishing Association spokesman and long-time charter boat operator Dan McCarthy said: “The Government has an obsession to lock away another perfectly healthy and productive fishery from recreational and commercial fishers alike. He added that “there was no choice but to rally the troops to stand together against this anti fishing government”.

Something fishy is going on Dan McCarthy said. Image: Professional Game Fishing Association

Meanwhile Jake Wyatt from Exceed Sportfishing Port Douglas says the so-called science underpinning their thinking for this plan is based on a ‘guesstimate’ and doesn’t truly reflect the situation. “I could take you out onto the reef now and show you Spanish Mackerel swimming around the back of the boat eating pilchard cubes, they are everywhere", he said.

“It’s the most common fish you’ll find in cafes, restaurants and fish and chip shops in Port and Mossman and with plenty of stocks out there, why not continue to allow it to be taken."

Mr Wyatt said if the State Government needs proof, then come out and observe for themselves. “I mean, we’re out there every day and we even see the young fellas catching Mackerel on surface lures, so they’re out there in numbers”, he said.

Dan McCarthy told Newsport: “The science has consistently showed Mackerel stocks are healthy then suddenly, the government claims they have crashed? That smells very fishy indeed".

“Everyone wants to know what’s going on here, well come along to the meeting and hear from the experts and you will see exactly what’s in play”, Mr McCarthy said.

The public meeting is being supported by the Cairns Professional Game Fishing Association, Game Fishing Association of Australia, Queensland Seafood Industry Association, and major fishing tackle outlets.