1.6 km fishing nets trialled near the Great Barrier Reef draw fishers' anger
A trial of 1.6 km tunnel nets off Queensland's coast near the world-famous Great Barrier Reef has triggered anger among local fishers. ABC News reports that fishers say the trial was rolled out without consultation and could harm other commercial catches. The state government said the trial is being monitored scientifically.
In Australia's Queensland state, trials of 1.6-kilometre tunnel nets near the Great Barrier Reef have drawn fierce backlash from local fishers. According to ABC News, fishers said the trial was rolled out without sufficient consultation with the local community and risks harming other commercial fisheries.
The Queensland state government said the net trial is being scientifically monitored and that ecosystem impacts will be assessed. Officials added that the trial provides data for developing sustainable fishing models. Scientists, however, said long-term effects on species diversity around the reef remain unclear.
Fishing unions are calling for an independent scientific panel to assess the trial by the end of the year. The Great Barrier Reef's protected status, tourism revenue and UNESCO World Heritage listing mean any state government decision quickly takes on an international dimension.
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