Queensland Flats Under Threat: Tunnel Nets Explained (And Why It Matters Now)

Queensland’s sand flats are one of Australia’s great fly fishing assets — and right now, they’re under real pressure.In this episode, Andrew is joined by Chris Burgess (FlyLife contributor and Inshore Flats Project advocate) to dig into tunnel nets: what they are, how they work, and why many anglers believe they pose a serious threat to flats fisheries from Hinchinbrook to the Whitsundays and beyond.We get into:What a tunnel net actually is — and why it’s so effectiveLocalised depletion: cleaning out a flat and the big question of how long until fish returnWhat’s been observed during trials, including stress, crowding and mortality concernsThe risk to iconic flats species like permit, golden trevally, GTs and queenfishThe broader impact on guiding, tourism and why net-free flats matterWhat you can do right now to help protect these fisheriesIf you love saltwater fly fishing — or you’ve ever dreamed of a Queensland permit — this one’s well worth a listen.Get involved / learn more: Search Inshore Flats Project and follow their channels for updates and ways to support, or head to www.inshoreflatsproject.com.au