Set lines have the potential to impact target and non-target species both from an animal welfare and sustainability perspective. The low cost of set lines means fishers sometimes abandon their gear leaving the lines in the water which continue to fish (known as ghost fishing). In other cases, because the lines are not attended, when non-target species such as turtles, platypus and birds are caught in the lines they become entangled and subsequently sustain injury or drown.
To address these issues, the use of set lines in Queensland will now be totally prohibited. From 1 February 2015, fishers in non-tidal waters may use up to six fishing lines but they must be no more than 50 metres from any of the fishing lines (from the original 200 metre rule).
For more information, check out www.daff.qld.gov.au/fisheries
