Additional fish to join the pest list in Queensland

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland
The Honourable Tim Mulherin
20/10/2009
Additional fish to join the pest list in Queensland

The Queensland Government is expanding the State's noxious fish list in a bid to further protect native fish stocks.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said a list of the proposed additions had been released for public comment.

"In August this year, 70 species of fish from 47 different groups were added to the national noxious fish list, and subsequently to the Queensland legislation," Mr Mulherin said.

"We are now looking to add a further 71 species to the national noxious fish list.

"To ensure stakeholders, such as the ornamental and aquarium industry have a say on what will be added to the list, we are asking people to provide their feedback."

Mr Mulherin said the Government was continuing to review the noxious species list to protect freshwater habitats and Queensland's native fish stocks.

"That means some ornamental fish species, in the future, may no longer be legally traded," he said.

"Among the species of fish we banned in August were alligator gar, African pike, giant cichlid, squarehead catfish, the marble goby and silver carp.

"If any of these species were released into our waterways they would seriously harm native species, damage the environment, and could severely impact on our freshwater recreational and commercial fisheries.

"Tilapia is just one example of a fish that has found its way into our waterways and has had significant impacts our fish stocks."

"If tilapia became established in the Gulf of Carpentaria Catchments, they could reduce the value of the commercial barramundi fishery by $2.28 million per annum through reduced yields of up to twenty percent.

"Tilapia have already been the subject of several eradication programs throughout Queensland, which is why they're banned.

"It is an offence t o possess or catch fish that are already declared noxious, such as tilapia, and penalties up to $200 000 can apply."

The public consultation period for the additions to the national noxious fish list will close on 30 November 2009.

For a full proposed list of noxious species or to provide feedback visit www.dpi.qld.gov.au.

Feedback can also be provided by fax (07) 3224 2805 or email pestfish@deedi.qld.gov.au

Permanent Link: Additional fish to join the pest list in Queensland
Publish Date: 20 Oct 09