THE fishing industry in Queensland says Labor should be worried about what regional voters think of plans for a Coral Sea conservation zone.
Environment Minister Peter Garrett is considering a ban on all fishing in a one million square kilometre area and a decision is expected next year.
Michael Gardner, from the Queensland Seafood Industry Association, says other closures in the Great Barrier Reef have had huge impacts.
"Individuals and communities that were involved with the industry - not just fishermen but onshore businesses - went through financial hardship," he said.
"There were family breakups, divorces - there were actually cases of suicide that were recorded as well."
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