Without exception, studies of the economic value of inshore fish resources show that a kilogram of fish caught by a recreational angler is worth between 10 and 100 times the value of that same fish caught by a commercial fisher. Barramundi, in particular, has a huge multiplier effect and is on the fairly short list of iconic species recognized and valued internationally.
What we have here is the opportunity to get the best economic and community bang for our buck from our fish resources and start rebuilding those fish stocks that are seriously depleted at the moment.
Visitor Expenditure generated through Recreational Fishing across the Fraser Coast has been stated at between $30 to $39 million per Year!
It is important to note that this figure is based on visitors only, and it does not take into account the value generated by the keen anglers who reside across the Fraser Coast - this figure would be significantly higher.
The figure of $39 million is compiled by the International Visitor Survey (IVS) and the National Visitor Survey (NVS) which is collated by Tourism Research Australia. This data is then distributed to the State Tourism Organisations and then distributed to the regional tourism organisations such as Fraser Coast opportunities.
Through the Fraser Coast Destination Tourism Plan, it is estimated that if the Fraser Coast is to increase its share of the Queensland Recreational Fishing Market by 8% by the year 2020, the value of visitor expenditure generated purely through recreational fishing would equate to approximately $107 million per annum by the year 2020. Again this does not include local expenditure – purely visiting anglers.
Recent commercial catch data from across our Fraser Coast and Great Sandy Marine Park suggests the real value of the key species (including Tailor) is approx. $1.67m. The value of the total commercial catch is approx. $3.3m based on an average of $5/kg. Based on $4/kg it is $2.6m and based on $6/kg it is $4.0m. This is based on the State average Gate price for the key species. These figures are approximate and more detail would be required to produce more accurate figures.
But it is clear that the commercial harvest coming specifically from the “Great Sandy Designated Area” is of low commercial value with Mullet being the largest component of the fishery by value at approximately $0.77m.
The Mary River contains the “Southern Most Wild Stain of barramundi” in the Country!
There has been between 15 – 25 Tonnes of wild barramundi commercial caught from our Mary River and surrounding tributaries annually over the past 5 years with another 30-40 Tonnes of wild king threadfin salmon also caught commercially!
Just imagine what will happen if these fish were not removed from the Mary River & tributaries in these numbers …. The Fraser Coast will be able to claim the title of havening our countries “Southernmost Wild Barramundi in the Country” and anglers heading north to the other Net Free Zones will stop and stay in Maryborough & Hervey Bay to fish – creating a much-needed tourism boost across our region.
Summary from recent Recreational fishers’ satisfaction and expectations of Queensland’s net-free zones - June 2017
On 1 November 2015, three net-free zones (NFZs) were established in Cairns, Mackay, and Rockhampton. The objective of the NFZs is to increase recreational fishing opportunities in Queensland, thereby supporting tourism and economic growth.
Surveys undertaken in 2015 and 2016 examined whether recreational fishers’ satisfaction and expectations of fishing in NFZs changed following the introduction of the NFZs. Recreational fishers who had fished within the NFZs were asked a series of questions about their satisfaction with their recent fishing experiences, and their expectations about recreational fishing in the NFZs over the coming 12 months. The surveys were undertaken during November and December in 2015, and November and December 2016.
Recreational fishers’ satisfaction with fishing in the NFZs is generally positive and appears to be increasing. Overall, fishing satisfaction over the previous 12 months was greater in 2016 than in 2015.
Keen recreational fishers had the biggest increase in satisfaction—mean satisfaction increased more than 25% from 2015 to 2016!
The expectation of actually being able to catch a fish across our Fraser Coast and Great Sandy Marine Park once commercial netting is removed will improve recreational fisher numbers, participation, and recreational fishing tourism - which will intern generate more local jobs and employment opportunities. #greatsandymarinepark #visitfrasercoast #fishingfrasercoast #queenslandthesmartstate #frasercoastfishingalliance #conservation #bioshere #ramsar #marinepark #dugong #turtle #seagrass