Brush up on spearfishing rules on the Gold Coast
People looking to enjoy a spot of spearfishing on the Gold Coast are reminded to familiarise themselves with rules around where they can and cannot spearfish .
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol ( QBFP ) District Manager Rob McDonald said spearfishing is prohibited in all fresh waters , and the use or possession of a spear , or spear gun , within prohibited waters is an offence .
“ QBFP officers conduct regular patrols on the Gold Coast , and those found spearfishing in closed waters are risking an on the spot fine of $ 551 , or a maximum fine of $ 110,000 for repeat offenders . Equipment can also be seized ” he said .
Spearfishing regulations are in place to maintain safety and avoid potentially conflicting uses of the waterways , including boats entering while spear fishers are in the water .
Spearfishing is prohibited in the following Gold Coast tidal waters :
• Tallebudgera Creek upstream of a straight line between the eastern extremity of Burleigh Heads marked with a SF↑B ( Spear Fishing Boundary ) sign , and the seaward extremity of the rock groyne on the southern bank of the creek mouth .
• The Gold Coast Seaway upstream of a straight line between the tip of the northern wall to the tip of the southern wall . This means that spear fishing activities cannot occur on the inside of the walls ; however spear fishing can be conducted on the seaward sides of each wall . Persons wishing to spear fish on the outside of the northern wall must have access to a vessel . It is NOT acceptable to swim across the Seaway with a spear or spear gun even if it is unloaded or disassembled .
• Waters of Southern Moreton Bay including the Gold Coast Broadwater other than between these imaginary lines : a ) a line from a SF↑B sign at The Bedrooms , South Stradbroke Island , to a SF↑B sign on the north-eastern shore of Woogoompah Island b ) a line from a SF↑B sign at Currigee , South Stradbroke Island , to a SF↑B sign on the shore at Hollywell , near Azalea Avenue .
• 100 metres off public jetties , for example the Sand Pumping jetty and public jetty at Paradise Point .
Dive Flag
Mr McDonald said all the normal rules , regulations , size and possession limits for recreational fishing also apply to the spear fisher . “ Spear fishers need to be aware of the potential dangers to themselves and others in the water ,” he said .
“ Be aware of the weather and sea conditions , use a diver-below flag as well as a diving partner , know your equipment , and keep it in good condition .”
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