By HOLLIE HARRIS
INTERSTATE fishers are under fire again for targeting one of the Noosa region’s popular game fish.
Known as a prize catch, the snub nosed dart can bring in big tourism dollars but is slowly vanishing due to big netting hauls.
A local resort owner, who asked to remain anonymous for fears of repercussions, said: “People come from other countries to our pristine coastline to catch these fantastic sporting fish, which are worth thousands of dollars to the local economy.”
According to fish-on.com.au, snub nosed dart are considered the Holy Grail of salt water fly fishing.
The website says the species is equipped with all the skills and features necessary to elude even the most experienced of anglers at times and when finally hooked they provide anglers with a tussle.
Fish-on.com.au says the snub nose dart has a 70 per cent sport rating and a zero per cent taste rating, fetching them only around $2 per kilogram.
“They are likely to end up as fertiliser or cat food. Even if they just left 10 per cent of stocks in the water to replenish and breed or leave the smart ones to escape, it would be more sustainable. They just take the whole lot,” said the resort owner.
Other fish types, such a mullet or bream, are abundant and replenish their stocks quickly.
“But when these guys net these huge schools of game fish, they just throw them in the back of a ute or something, not iced, and its makes them worthless,” he said.
“It’s just wrong. This is a prized species.”
Northshore fishing activity has been in the spotlight recently but Fisheries Queensland said there are no plans to make changes to the fishery along the area.
Anyone who suspects or witness illegal fishing should call the 24-hour Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116.
