Ahead of the opening of the recreational rock lobster fishery this weekend, Tasmania Police Marine & Rescue Services and Marine and Safety Tasmania are reminding boaters to be safe and to do the right thing by the fishery.

Recreational fishers should be aware that Marine & Rescue Services and MaST will be carefully monitoring waterways throughout the State during the season which commences on the 5th November 2011.

Fishers should be aware of some changes to the recreational rock lobster fishery this year around boat limits, bag limits, licenses; visit www.fishing.tas.gov.au for more information. 

“Ignorance will not be a plausible excuse if you are detected not playing by the rules, which are designed to protect and sustain the fishery,” said Inspector Michael Grant, Marine & Rescue Services.

Police and MaST urge all marine craft users to ensure their vessel is fully prepared before use.  Boaters are also reminded that life jackets only save lives when they are worn, and their use is encouraged at all times.

“Many boats have been laid up over the winter months and might be full of fresh water; owners should undertake a check to ensure they have all the required safety gear on board before they venture onto the water. A simple check and confirmation all safety equipment is available and operative also saves lives,” said Peter Hopkins, Manager Recreational Boating.

A vital feature of safe boating and fishing is an awareness of our ever-changing weather patterns.  Inspector Grant and Mr Hopkins advise that keeping a watch on the weather whilst on the water and before embarking on that long awaited fishing trip will go a long way towards being able to brag later about that catch success or lamenting the ones that were missed. If in any doubt about the upcoming weather MaST advises fishers to put off their day out until they are sure that good weather conditions will prevail – the cray’s should still be there another day.

“Tasmania Police will be patrolling the waterways and launching facilities around the State and skippers and crews are strongly reminded that alcohol and boating are a potentially lethal combination.  Boaters should not indulge in alcohol before going out on the water and like drivers of cars, boat skippers’ blood alcohol level must not exceed .05,” said Inspector Grant.

“Our focus is around safe boating and ensuring the rock lobster fishery is not abused; offenders will be dealt with simply in accordance with the law. It is your obligation to know the rules of play and to play within them,” said Inspector Grant

Boaters are reminded of the continuing work of MaST in the construction and maintenance of the many boat launching facilities around the State.

“Boat ramps will be busy as the season gets underway. Users should exercise tolerance and patience, and well as manoeuvre with caution in boat ramp parking areas,” said Mr Hopkins.

If recreational fishers take safety precautions and obey the fisheries laws the season should be enjoyable for all.

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