|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
 |
Keep Imported Raw Prawns Off Fishing Hooks This Christmas With Christmas fast approaching and seafood on the menu for many families, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is urging Queenslanders to keep imported green prawns off their fishing hooks and on the BBQ plate this festive season. Recent sampling conducted by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries reinforces the concerns that imported raw prawns (often sold as 'green' or uncooked prawns) pose a risk of introducing exotic viruses into the marine ecosystem that could have a devastating effect on some Great Barrier Reef marine life. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Acting Director of Fisheries Randall Owens said it was critical not to use imported raw prawns as bait or berley in any waterways, and prawn shells or other prawn scraps should not be dumped overboard. “Imported green prawns could carry exotic viruses, such as the white spot syndrome virus, that have the potential to be devastating for Australia’s prawn and crab fisheries. “If you're unsure what baits to use, follow the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries guidelines, read raw seafood labels carefully, and avoid the use of imported green (uncooked) prawns as bait or berley in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park,” he said. “The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority supports the concerns of the fishing industry and are keen to minimise the potential threat this poses to Queensland’s multi-million dollar prawn and crab industry.” The transmission of disease is a serious national issue, with Biosecurity Australia currently leading a whole-of-government review of the policy and processes for importing green (uncooked) prawns. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is contributing to this review and, at the same time, promoting best practice approaches to ensure everyone can help maintain the health of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. “We want people to enjoy fishing in the Marine Park these holidays, and encourage everyone to make sure they have their zoning maps and only use locally caught prawns as bait,” Mr Owens said. For further information go to the Hot Topics section on www.affa.gov.au. |
|
 |
 |
 |
|||||||||
| Member Associations | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
