24 February 2010

With more than 700,000 people fishing recreationally in Queensland each year, new data on participation and catch are needed.

To help determine the true worth of recreational fishing, more than 4,000 recreational fishers will take part in a telephone survey beginning later this year.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said the survey would more accurately capture the state’s recreational fishing catch.

“The survey will target a cross section of recreational fishers throughout the state for a 12-month period,” he said.

“The last state-wide survey was conducted in 2004-05 so a more up-to-date picture of how the Queensland population fish is needed.

“Almost three-thousand people took part in that survey by filling out log books.

“Information from this year’s survey will help establish the value of recreational fishing to the State economy.

“Survey data will be used to shape decisions about the sector to boost development and enhance the recreational fishing experience.”

The Minister said one of the key findings from the 2004-05 survey was the general decline in recreational fishing participation rates.

“While declining recreational fishing rates is a worldwide trend, Queensland’s environment has changed,’ he said.

“Since 2005, the population in Queensland has grown from 3.86 million to 4.38 million.

“Technology has created more accurate fishing methods, and significant development has occurred, especially in coastal areas.

“Importantly, this year, for the first time in Queensland, we have put a dollar value against the recreational fishing sector.

“Since its inception in 2001, our economic forecast summary, Prospects, has included commercial fishing data but until this year has never included recreational fishing.

“For 2009, recreational expenditure for Queensland residents is estimated to be between $350 million to $420 million.

“The industry supports thousands of jobs – we want to promote recreational fishing to protect and create jobs, and we want recreational fishing to remain sustainable.”

Fisheries Queensland managing director Jim Groves said $500,000 was being invested in the new state-wide recreational fishing survey.

“The state-wide survey for 2010-11 will focus on gathering information on participation rates, where people fish and what they catch,” Mr Groves said.

“Using skilled telephone interviewers the survey will target a cross section of recreational fishers throughout the state for a 12-month period.

“In tandem with the state-wide survey, additional monitoring methods will continue, like the boat ramp surveys, which will provide the finer detail.”

Dr Stephen Taylor, senior fisheries scientist and survey coordinator said there were definite advantages to carrying out research by telephone.

“We will use a team of skilled telephone interviewers who will contact respondents on a regular basis, recording all of their fishing activity.

“This frequent contact means the burden of remembering to record information is not on the respondent but on the interviewer. This technique also reduces drop out rates.

“The survey has an internationally recognised format and is already being used with success by other states including Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory.”

Media: Mark Symons 3239 6530