WWF-Australia yesterday backed the advice of the Queensland Government and the Queensland Seafood Industry Association for fishermen to watch out for turtles and dugongs feeding on seagrass beds at Upstart Bay, near Ayr in North Queensland.
“WWF supports the Government’s call to avoid this area while turtles and dugongs are feeding,” WWF spokesperson Darren Grover said.
“By working together, the fishing industry and Government are taking a good step forward to safeguard populations of turtles and dugongs on the Great Barrier Reef.
“Turtles and dugongs are recovering from the effects of poor water quality from recent severe weather events and the ongoing runoff of sediments and pesticides. Managing the incidence of interactions with commercial fishing operations means there will be one less issue for these iconic species to contend with.”
Source: WWF-Australia
