Fish habitat restoration set to accelerate in North Queensland

OzFish Unlimited has dramatically grown in North Queensland thanks to vital funding from the Queensland Community Foundation (QCF) with habitat restoration now set to accelerate in the region.

Backed by BCF stores nationally, the not-for-profit has an embedded passion for fishing coupled with big aspirations to ensure fishing will be thriving for generations in Australia. Enhancing and restoring fish habitat is a key priority in order to rebuild a healthy and productive fishery.

Led in North Queensland by Dr Geoff Collins, Senior Project Manager for OzFish, the project funding from QCF has been important in building capacity in the Queensland tropics.

“2020 was a challenging year for everyone, yet OzFish was fortunate that fish habitat issues continued to resonate with fishers in north Queensland. It was no surprise, as we saw fishing become even more relevant as locals holidayed at home and explored their own backyards, reconnecting with one of Australia’s favourite pastimes,” he said.

“However less habitat means fewer fish surviving, thriving and breeding and that impacts a fishing trip.”

“With the support of the Queensland Community Foundation, we were able to increase our membership base in the tropical north and found two new chapters: the north QLD chapter (based in Townsville and including the Herbert and Lower Burdekin regions) and another in Mackay.”

OzFish now has a range of fish habitat restoration projects underway in the region including fish monitoring, seagrass, and mangrove restoration. OzFish members have also connected with other local groups planting native trees and shrubs to improve riparian zones.

“Citizen science projects are a great way for recreational fishers to get involved. By promoting environmental stewardship, we hope more anglers will become guardians of their local waterways.”

“Through the continued support of recreational fishers we will continue to see improvements in waterway health which will ultimately lead to healthier fish stocks and better fishing,” said Dr Collins.

To learn more about OzFish and how you can get involved check out our OzFish chapters and programs or call 1800 431 308.