4 dugong killed by illegal fishermen in Queensland

09/08/2010 22:59:44 Authorities call for help in reporting illegal fishing
July 2010. Queensland State Government authorities are concerned about illegal netting practices in north Queensland and are urging the public to report any suspected breach of fishing rules. Queensland authorities are conducting regular patrols in the region, particularly around Townsville, to ensure compliance.

This call for assistance follows an incident under investigation by authorities involving four dead dugong found in Bowling Green Bay, south of Townsville. The dugongs are believed to have died in a fishing net but the incident was not reported to authorities. Instead an attempt was made to sink the dugong using ropes and make-shift anchors in a bid to conceal them from the authorities and the public.

Queensland Parks senior director Terry Harper said investigators were looking into all avenues to find the culprits. "Obviously what has occurred in Bowling Green Bay is just plain wrong and won't be tolerated," Mr Harper said. "Incidents like this are rare - if people are fishing legally, the chance of by-catch is greatly reduced. By-catch can be a serious issue and there are a number of measures in place for fishers' using nets to avoid dugong being tangled up and/or dying as a result.

"Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, fishers must also immediately report any dugong deaths or serious injury to the Department of Environment and Resource Management. Failure to make a report carries fines of up to $12,000.