ABC 14 Jul 09;
The Queensland Government has introduced new laws to protect dugongs off the coast of Gladstone.
Primary Industries Minister Tim Mulherin says under the new rules fishermen around Facing Island have to be within 200 metres of their nets at all times.
He says the changes will prevent dugongs from being trapped and drowning.
Fishermen who abandon their nets risk a $1,000 fine and could have their nets seized.
The President of the Wildlife Protection Association of Australia Pat O'Brien says it is a great move, but has also suggested other measures.
"One of the issues I think they also need to deal with is the increase in development proposals in the Curtis Island area because dugong aren't just around Facing Island, they're all over the place," he said.
"So you know, perhaps they need to look very closely too at any potential impact from development proposals on Curtis Island as well.
"It appears that dugong populations have crashed fairly dramatically over the last five years.
"Of course it's not just fishermen and nets, there's shark nets as well that are an added threat.
There's a lot of boats in the area now, boat strike is another threat to dugong populations and the loss of sea grass beds."
