Fish
The Fraser Coast Region is abundant with both freshwater and marine fish (Gurul) species. While the Atlas of Living Australia currently lists 316 species, there may be many more waiting to be discovered.
To help identify these species, Reef Ecologic has launched an exciting citizen science project on iNaturalist. This project welcomes everyone - fishers, divers, traditional owners, students, and marine park rangers - to contribute their fish sightings within the Fraser Coast Regional Council boundaries.
As of October 2024, 69 observers have recorded 657 sightings, representing 182 different species, with the help of 191 identifiers. Click here to view the project and explore the observation data collected so far.
Click on the link below for tutorials on using iNaturalist:
Common fish species found across the Fraser Coast
These guides can be printed out and used as educational posters using the 'on page' print option.
Marine fish guide Freshwater fish guide
After exploring the guides, test your general knowledge with a short quiz! Click here to take the quiz!
Sustainable fishing and marine parks
There are rules for ensuring sustainable fishing for the future managed by the Queensland Government. These include protected areas, protected species, size and bag limits. More information here: https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/boating-fishing/rec-fishing/rules
There are also a range of protected (no-take) species of fish and sharks including Mary River cod, Australian lungfish, Barramundi (closed season), White shark and Grey nurse shark. For the full list go to Queensland Fisheries: (https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/boating-fishing/rec-fishing/fish-species-guide/no-take-species)
Great Sandy Marine Park has a zoning plan that lists the entry and use provisions for different activities including those which can occur ‘as of right’ and those for which a permit is required.
https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/great-sandy-marine/management-and-zoning/zones-and-designated-areas
Pest fish
Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) is a restricted noxious fish under the Biosecurity Act 2014. This species has established populations present in many water bodies in Queensland. Any caught must be humanely killed and disposed of by burying above the high-water mark or placed in a bin.
For identification and further information visit:
https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/biosecurity/animals/invasive/restricted/tilapia
Staying safe in our waterways
The Fraser Coast is home to various marine creatures, some of which are venomous, including several species of jellyfish, blue-ringed octopuses, cone shells, stonefish and other stinging fish. To stay safe, it’s helpful to be aware of these potential hazards in the water and know how to respond to any stings or bites.
Click on the link below to learn more:
https://www.poisonsinfo.health.qld.gov.au/bites-and-stings/sea-creature-bites-and-stings
Source: Reef Ecologic Pty Ltd