Rec Fishers To Get More Access To Tuna, Billfish

[mrmoshe]

Rec fishers to get more access to tuna, billfish

The Federal Government says recreational fishermen will have better access to tuna and billfish populations under a new agreement that limits commercial fishing of the species to deeper waters.

The Minister for Fisheries, Eric Abetz, says the agreement recognises recreational fishermen contribute over 20 per cent to the overall catch of the two fish species.

Senator Abetz says commercial operators will be limited to a minimum depth of 400 metres, to allow recreational fishermen better access to the fish.

He says the move will not have a big impact on commercial fishing, with most operators already opting to work in deeper waters.