A beach outing has turned into a disturbing affair this week, following the discovery of a sawfish with its trademark long snout cut off.
The Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol is now investigating the incident after receiving a complaint.
Fisheries Queensland said the sawfish was reportedly found dead on Belmunda Beach, north of Mackay, on Monday.
A social media post in the Facebook group, Mackay Inshore Boating Buddies Creek to Coast, has alerted the community to the find, with many expressing their frustration and disgust.
Criminal offence
Fisheries Queensland said in a statement sawfish are protected throughout Queensland and are listed as a no-take species.
"If accidentally caught, these species must be immediately and carefully returned to the water," the statement said.
"It is illegal to be in possession of any part of any no-take species, including a sawfish rostrum [snout]."
Sawfish were once plentiful around Australia's coastline, but their numbers have declined due to a range of factors including net entanglements, trophy-taking, water diversion and increasing predator populations.
Under the Fisheries Act 1994, anyone caught in possession of any part of any no-take species can face a maximum fine of $133,450.
Anyone with information about who may have caught and discarded the creature is urged to contact the Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 017 116.
