Mastering the Art of Measuring: Ensuring Legal and Sustainable Fishing in Queensland
Proper measurement of your catch is essential for sustainable fishing and compliance with Queensland’s fishing regulations. This guide will help you accurately measure various species, ensuring you’re fishing responsibly and legally.
Fish: The Straightforward Measure
For most fish species, measurement is straightforward:
- Measure from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail
- Keep the fish in its natural state – no stretching or compressing
Key Point: Don’t manipulate the fish to alter its length. This ensures fair and consistent measurements across all anglers.
Crabs: Know Your Species and Gender
Different crab species require different measurement techniques:
Mud Crabs:
- Measure across the widest part of the shell
- Remember: Female mud crabs are protected and must be released
Blue Swimmer Crabs:
- Measure between the notches at the base of the large horizontal spines on each side
- Note: As with mud crabs, females are off-limits
Spanner Crabs:
- Measure from the tip of the front spike to the middle of the rear edge
- Alternative method: If the shell is damaged, measure the width of the front breastplate (minimum 3.7 cm)
Three-Spot Crabs:
- Simply measure the widest part of the shell
Tropical Rock Lobster: Shell or Tail
For intact lobsters:
- Measure from the front of the shell between the head spikes to where the tail begins
If the shell is damaged:
- Measure the top surface of the tail when laid flat
- Start from where the tail joins the body to where the tail fins begin
Sharks and Rays: Length Matters
Sharks, Guitarfish, and Shovelnose Rays:
- Overall length: Tip of nose to end of tail
- Interdorsal length: Rear of first dorsal fin to rear of second dorsal fin
Other Rays:
- Measure from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail
Best Practices for Measuring
- Use a proper measuring device: A flat, rigid ruler or a purpose-built fish measuring board works best.
- Wet your measuring surface: This protects the fish’s slime coat and makes them easier to handle.
- Be quick and gentle: Minimise time out of water to increase survival rates for released fish.
- Photo documentation: If in doubt, take a photo of your measurement for reference.
Why Accurate Measurement Matters
- Legal Compliance: Avoiding fines and penalties
- Sustainability: Ensuring breeding-size fish remain in the ecosystem
- Fair Play: Creating a level playing field for all anglers
Queensland has minimum and maximum size limits for many species. Always check the latest regulations before your fishing trip, as limits can change seasonally or annually.
Catch and Release Tips
For fish you need to release:
- Handle with wet hands or gloves
- Support the fish’s body horizontally
- Use barbless hooks for easier removal
- Cut the line close to the mouth for deep-hooked fish
- Revive the fish in the water before release if necessary
Knowing these measurement techniques and practicing responsible catch and release, you’re not just following the law – you’re actively contributing to the health and sustainability of Queensland’s diverse marine ecosystems. Happy fishing, and remember: when in doubt, let it out!
