Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 8.2 A large stingray captured in the Great Barrier Reef, c. 1930. Source: Negative
No. 44419, Historical Photographs Collection, John Oxley Library, Brisbane
In part, however, the success of the fishermen could be attributed to fishing
methods which are now regarded as unsustainable, such as the blocking of
creek mouths using fishing nets, which was a practice recommended by Boyd
Lee. Another destructive practice was the shooting of fish in rocky pools on
coral reefs, using pea-rifles, which was advocated by Northman (1933, p39) at
Magnetic Island.
By 1939, the resources of the Great Barrier Reef fisheries were no longer
perceived as being unlimited, and restrictions on the pelagic fisheries had been
introduced. On 20 July 1939, an Order in Council prohibited 'the taking of all or
any kind of fish as defined by those Acts in any Queensland waters specified in
the Order'; those restrictions were enacted under The Fish and Oyster Acts, 1914
to 193 5 . 6 S ubsequently, reports of damage to fish populations were received by the
Queensland Department of Fisheries. One example of destruction concerned the
sardine stocks at Green Island, which were reported to be experiencing increasing
pressure as the number of visitors to the resort increased. In 1941, the lessees of
that cay, Hayles Magnetic Pty Ltd, complained about the destruction of sardines
at Green Island . 7 T he company stated:
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search