Sunfish is currently running a campaign to ban Commercial Netting on Moreton Island. I have included a copy of the petition. If you agree with it, could you get as many signatures as possible and return to the address on the petition.

I did not start this thread to be a discussion of pro vs amateur fishing. If you agree with commercial netting, fair enough, post your comments elsewhere. I just wanted to get this info out to like minded people who have been fishing Moreton for many years and have noticed the decline in fish stocks.

Below is a copy of the covering letter from Sunfish and if it works there should be a link to download the petition.


PETITION TO CLOSE THE BEACHES OF MORETON ISLAND TO COMMERCIAL FISHERPERSONS.
SPONSORED BY REDCLIFFE CITY AMATEUR ANGLERS Inc.
PO Box 374 REDCLIFFE QLD 4020

Recreational fishing is a vital part of Moreton Island and South East Queensland’s economy and contributes to the overall health and wellbeing of individual fisherpersons as well as the many families that visit this magnificent Island.
Moreton Island is located close to Brisbane City and is a popular Island for many local residents as well as interstate and overseas visitors all keen to catch a feed of fish which the Island is renowned for.
As long as commercial fishing is allowed on the Island the likelihood of this occurring will be diminished considerably. The professional crews presently fishing the Island beaches do not live on the Island and contribute virtually nothing to the Island community or to the future viability of the fishing and tourism industries on the island.
The results of recent fishing competitions held on the island has highlighted the diminishing numbers of all fish species normally found in abundance in the waters surrounding the Island.
We ask that, not only for the present population, but also for our children and grandchildren that serious consideration be given to banning all commercial fishing on Moreton Island. The simple fact is that the island is not suitable and cannot sustain commercial fishing. Only recreational fishing should be permitted.
We are of the opinion that if this closure does not occur now, the future of the Island, as a fishing paradise, will be severely affected and will also likely affect the numbers of visitors to the Island thus devastating the tourism industry on Moreton.


Redcliffe Petition Moreton Island v 14 10 12.doc