Fishing restrictions for white spot disease

Under Queensland legislation, fishing restrictions are in place to protect prawn farms from white spot disease (WSD).

Penalties apply for non-compliance.

Biosecurity area

Fishing restrictions are regulated under Queensland's biosecurity framework. Most of Queensland is part of Biosecurity Area 2, where WSD fishing restrictions do not apply.

Restricted areas

The Logan River region is excluded from Biosecurity Area 2. This means that fishing restrictions apply to waterways near prawn farms in this region.

Restrictions apply in the following areas:

  • Alberton
  • Coomera
  • Gilberton
  • Helensvale
  • Hope Island
  • Jacobs Well
  • Norwell
  • Ormeau
  • Pimpama
  • Southern Moreton Bay Islands
  • Stapylton
  • Steiglitz
  • Woongoolba.

Use the Biosecurity Area 2 map to confirm the boundaries of the restricted areas.

Fishing rules

The following rules apply to restricted areas near prawn farms.

Prohibited activities

You must not fish with a line:

  • in intake channels used by a prawn farm (where water enters the farm)
  • in drainage channels used by a prawn farm (where water exits the farm)
  • within 100m of any intake or outlet channel used by a prawn farm.

Permitted equipment

In waterways near prawn farms, you can use:

  • crab pots
  • cast nets
  • yabby pumps.

Signage

Restricted areas are marked with mandatory signs. Always check the signage at your location for specific rules.

Why these restrictions are in place

Prawn farms are highly vulnerable to aquatic diseases.

Fishing near intake or outlet channels, or in drainage channels, increases the risk of introducing or spreading disease.

Fishing restrictions help to:

  • prevent disease outbreaks in prawn farms
  • protect local waterways and marine ecosystems
  • support sustainable aquaculture and fishing practices
  • safeguard Queensland's $210 million prawn-farming industry.

Report illegal fishing