SORRY Jan (MB 8/6), but I must disagree with you on proposed commercial fishing closures.

Local fishmongers will still have access to plenty of Queensland-caught fish.

All it will mean is fewer fish are sent to southern markets.

Commercial fishing is the only primary industry where those who harvest the crop give little back to ensure future crops.

Sustainable catches are being made up by the hard work of fish stocking groups in the Fitzroy catchment system; if not for their efforts a decline in catch rates would be evident.

More recreational anglers are practising catch and release with an emphasis on large breeding fish, harvested in great numbers every year by nets. This is why fish stocks need to be supplemented.

Four-lane boat ramps do not deplete fish stocks. Improved facilities are a result of demand by recreational anglers in the Fitzroy river system; a demand that will grow and drive a local tourism angling industry once the nets are gone.

I agree with Bill Byrne and Brittany Lauga - let's ban the nets and become the barramundi capital of Australia.

C. Milne

Gracemere