Fisho's theory on harbour

FORMER commercial fisherman Greg Wood has a theory.

He says he knows exactly what's affecting the marine life in Gladstone Harbour. And it's not gas lines or the dredging.

It's a creature measuring 1-5mm in length, that looks like a cross between a maggot and a caterpillar. This creature travels in "massive super schools" that can stretch a "mile across".

The nameless creature feeds off sediment.

Usually a sand dweller, dredging of the Spitfire Banks in Moreton Bay saw the creature emerge. It's since spread to Gladstone via ballast water held in the fuel tankers that make weekly trips from Brisbane.

While generally shy, and visible for only six weeks of the year, the creature has "got friendly" with Mr Wood.

Recognising his four-stroke, an entire school lit up for him. "Trillions and trillions. Like fireflies in the air - imagine that in the water."

Beautiful, but deadly. Mr Wood said his left hand was paralysed after pulling a bucket of the creatures up.

"It will kill everything on land and sea," he said.