27 November 2001

APPLICATIONS CLOSING FOR GULF FISHING LICENCE BUY-BACK.

The Department of Primary Industries is reminding Gulf of Carpentaria inshore commercial net fishers to submit their applications by December 6, if they wish to sell their fishing licences back to the Government.

DPI Queensland Fisheries Service deputy director-general, Peter Neville, said the majority of funding for the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Finfish Fishery Adjustment Scheme had been provided by fishers.

"We have about $300,000 available for this round, which should purchase at least three licences," Mr Neville said.

"The aim of the scheme is to reduce the number of commercial fishing licences in the Gulf to increase the viability of remaining fishers and reduce conflict with other users of the resource."

The licence buy-back scheme is an initiative of the Gulf commercial fishers and was implemented as part of the management plan for the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Finfish Fishery.

Commercial fishers have funded the scheme through an annual contribution of $1000 by each fisher who holds a licence to fish in the fishery.

Mr Neville said the Gulf commercial fishers had demonstrated a responsible attitude that would ensure the sustainability of the fishery and their industry into the future.

"Previous rounds of the buy-back have used $285,000 of funds, including industry contributions and money from a government-funded General Fisheries Adjustment Scheme implemented in 1998," he said.

"The buy-back works on the basis of a tender offer submitted by the fisher. The Queensland Fisheries Service will consider all offers received and buy back as many licences as possible with the available money."

The sale of licences is voluntary and only those who wish to leave the fishery should complete and return application forms by 6 December 2001.

Further information: Shane Hansford (07) 3225 1897 Mobile 0419 679 429
Fisheries Media Coordinator: Lisa Connors (07) 3224 7757

Department of Primary Industries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001 Fax (07) 3239 0860