Gulf of Carpentaria Fishery - used to be the last frontier, but changing fast
It used to be remote and hard to access, but that's all changing with better roads and tracks and 4WD vehicles standard issue these days. The Gulf fishery is now experiencing many of the same issues the east coast has endured for decades - increasing user conflict, perceived overfishing, resource allocation inequity, lack of effective enforcement and on it goes.
Can the fishery change to accommodate the changing times? Are fisheries managers even willing to accept that management arrangements need to change in the Gulf? If the management of the east coast inshore fishery is the benchmark, then we're all in big trouble.
Dave Donald, a foundation member of the QRFN has worked as a fishing guide out of Weipa for many years and knows the fishery and its problems first hand. Dave has worked to try to get many of the issues addressed before they become critical, but is not confident that anyone in the halls of power are listening. Dave has penned a Strategic Plan for Recreational and Sportfishing in Weipa and the Western Cape which details a way forward and explores many of the issues facing the remote fishery and its future management.
Can the fishery change to accommodate the changing times? Are fisheries managers even willing to accept that management arrangements need to change in the Gulf? If the management of the east coast inshore fishery is the benchmark, then we're all in big trouble.
Dave Donald, a foundation member of the QRFN has worked as a fishing guide out of Weipa for many years and knows the fishery and its problems first hand. Dave has worked to try to get many of the issues addressed before they become critical, but is not confident that anyone in the halls of power are listening. Dave has penned a Strategic Plan for Recreational and Sportfishing in Weipa and the Western Cape which details a way forward and explores many of the issues facing the remote fishery and its future management.
