Fishers are reminded that barramundi are off limits in Queensland east coast waters from noon 1 November 2014 until noon 1 February 2015. 

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district officer Robert Ibell said the closure was in place to protect barramundi stock during their spawning season.  

“The closed season allows stocks to replenish to ensure there are healthy fish populations for current and future generations of Queensland fishers,” he said.

Mr Ibell said the barramundi closure in the Gulf of Carpentaria which commenced from midday 7 October would also conclude at midday 1 February 2015.

“The start of the East Coast closure means that barra is off limits throughout Queensland with the exception of 19 Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS) dams.

“The closures do not apply in and from waterways upstream of Awoonga, Burdekin Falls, Callide, Eungella, Fairbairn, Fred Haigh (Lake Monduran), Kinchant, Koombooloomba, Lenthalls, Peter Faust, Teemburra, Tinaroo, Waruma Dams, Lake Fred Tritton, East Leichhardt Dam and Belmore, Corella, Julius and Moondarra Lakes.

“Size and possession limits still apply to barra taken from these waterways. The minimum size limit is 58cm and the possession limit is one.”