The Queensland government’s proposed net-free zones in the Gulf of Carpentaria will ban the fishing industry from using gillnets in some waters.
The gillnet ban has been proposed to better protect marine life in the Great Barrier Reef, including dolphins, turtles and dugongs, and to boost local fish populations.
The prohibition would mainly affect barramundi and grey mackerel fishing, along with other popular holiday sellers including grunter, mullet, and king salmon.
With the prospect of a ban looming over the industry causing uncertainty, some operators have decided to not send boats out already.
Queensland Seafood Industry Association (QISA) president Allan Bobbermen said there would be a noticeable difference in what seafood was available for New South Wales and Victorian consumers this Christmas.
“They’re going to see less barramundi, king threadfin, and all the lesser species, which our multicultural society rely on from the Queensland resource,” Mr Bobbermen said.
“From a fisherman’s point of view, they want to enjoy what they can eat this Christmas because from the end of this year, it is no longer going to become readily available from the east coast fishery in Queensland.”
However, he said fish and chip shops across the eastern states should have some reef fish available.