FISH STOCKING IN THE WET TROPICS

In December 2003, submission of comments closed for the draft Wet Tropics Conservation Strategy. The strategy released by the Wet Tropics Management Authority has references that relate to the current practice of fish stocking in these bioregions. The final outcome of the strategy and its implementation has the potential to impact adversely on future fish stocking for recreational purposes.

The draft strategy identifies the stocking and translocation of non-endemic native fish species as a potential threat to the values of the World heritage Area. FFSAQ sees itself as a creditable organization that undertakes its activities in a very responsible manner. The precautionary principle is recognized, but in doing so, consideration is also given to the social and economic well being of our society. In today's world, most things are a compromise, and a balance needs to be established. FFSAQ is of the opinion that fish stocking is minor when compared to other activities such as agriculture, cattle grazing, and urban development, when considering and managing threats to WHA's. However this is not to say that fish stocking should not be undertaken without caution. FFSAQ is a proponent of the values of the World Heritage Area.

It would appear that most, if not all, of the concerns raised, have originated from the James Cook University commissioned "Fish Stocking and the Distribution and Potential Impact of Translocated Fish in Streams of the Wet Tropics Region". This document suggests that some 36 non-endemic fish species are now present in the WHA. It is noted that since the WHA was proclaimed, very few fish species, in fact only two, are now regularly stocked under the Recreational Fishing Enhancement Program. Most of the 36 species are recorded as being introduced between 50 and 100 years ago with very little, if any, documentation. Today, fish stocking is very well regulated by legislation.

There appears to be very little, if any, evidence documented in Australia, that the introduction of non-endemic native fish species has had significant and adverse impact on endemic biota. Most examples recorded in the JCU document relate to overseas research. A key action in the draft strategy to investigate the impact of introduced fish verifies the lack of available evidence. FFSAQ has recently endorsed a research proposal of Queensland Fisheries Service to access the ecological impacts of fish stocking.

The Fisheries Act 1994 provides adequate legislation to manage and control fish stocking and translocation applications in Queensland. There is a Fisheries (Freshwater) Management Plan 1999, and a subsidiary Freshwater Management Advisory Committee (FMAC). A sub-committee of the FMAC has been established to assess all fish stocking and translocation applications. Appropriate protocols are in place. It is suggested that this forum remain as the central body to consider all applications, whether within or outside the WHA. As most rivers cross many boundaries, it makes sense to work through one agency. This may mean the WTMA needs to be more closely involved.

FFSAQ endorses the following key actions of the strategy:

¨ To prevent further introductions of fish through the aquarium trade
¨ To resist the development of further impoundments in the WHA
¨ To maintain adequate river flow regimes in the WHA
¨ To develop barrier and culvert design to improve fish movement
¨ To develop mutually acceptable fish stocking agreements

FFSAQ has submitted a response to the draft strategy. If fish stocking for recreational purposes is proposed to be curtailed extensively in the World Heritage Area, we will need to be very vigilant of this practice spreading elsewhere.

Civilization has changed the Australian landscape forever. Today, a totally pristine environment is an impossible and an impractical dream.

The complete Draft Conservation Strategy is available on the web at
www.wettropics.gov.au/news.html