QUACULTURE
ventures and their potential impacts on the waters of the
World Heritage Area adjacent to the Queensland coast are drawing
increasing interest. In a major feature, we examine all aspects of
the industry, including the rules and regulations and the effects of
discharge from prawn ponds.
An innovative new system of video surveillance
will be put in place shortly to monitor boat traffic in the
Hinchinbrook area. We explain why it’s being introduced and how
boaties will be made aware of the transit lanes in this voluntary
scheme.
The GBRMPA’s Representative Areas Program is
progressing with a major process of public participation including
input by commercial fishermen. We detail an updated brochure being
distributed to interested parties.
There’s a detailed look at Acid Sulphate Soils
– or the lack of them – around the Port Hinchinbrook development
at Cardwell, as well as the environmental regime which has been put
in place as a result of its chequered history.
The GBRMPA is being urged to press for
compensation payments from shipping companies when their vessels run
aground on reefs. Some overseas countries demand up-front payment
before such ships are allowed to continue their journey. Should
Australia be doing the same thing?
And we tell of hoppers which reduce the amount of dead bycatch
from trawlers. As well as being environmentally friendly, they
increase the value of the prawn catch.
