Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly identified eel-tailed catfish and barred grunters as noxious fish under Queensland regulations and stated that all listed species must be killed after capture. Eel-tailed catfish are native Australian freshwater fish and are not classified as noxious in Queensland. Barred grunters are also Australian native fish but can be invasive outside their natural range. The article has been amended to clarify the species classifications and applicable fishing rules. We apologise for the error.
Forest Lake anglers are calling for more opportunities to catch invasive fish following a youth fishing workshop that highlighted the presence of pest species in the lake.
The fishing ban was temporarily lifted for the Chillout Fishing Event on 6 January, allowing young participants aged 10 to 17 to learn basic fishing skills while helping remove pest fish from the water.
Young anglers catch more than 100 fish
The workshop taught participants how to tie fishing knots, bait hooks, cast fishing rods and catch fish. More than 100 fish were reported as pest fish caught during the event, although a verified breakdown by species was not provided.
The activity formed part of Brisbane City Council’s Chill Out program, which offers free and low-cost recreational activities for young people.
Native fish and invasive species
Tilapia and carp are classified as restricted noxious fish under Queensland’s biosecurity regulations. Both species are subject to restrictions intended to prevent their spread into other waterways.
Eel-tailed catfish (Tandanus tandanus), however, are native Australian freshwater fish and are not classified as noxious in Queensland. Barred grunters (Amniataba percoides) are also native to Australia, although they can become invasive when introduced outside their natural range.
Queensland’s biosecurity rules prohibit the release of restricted noxious fish into waterways. The same classification does not apply to native eel-tailed catfish, which are covered by separate recreational fishing regulations.
Calls for more fishing events
Following the workshop, local anglers expressed interest in further opportunities to catch pest fish in Forest Lake.
Cr Charles Strunk said he would advocate for more events of a similar nature, while Brisbane Lifestyle and Community Services chairman Matthew Bourke indicated that opportunities for community involvement could be explored.
At the time, Brisbane City Council had not committed to establishing regular fishing events at Forest Lake or lifting fishing restrictions across the region.
