Number of crocodiles removed from Queensland public waterways on the rise

The number of crocodiles the Queensland government has had to remove from waterways is up by more than 25 compared to last year.

Environment minister Dr Steven Miles said the 65 removals were mostly from the Cairns area and the government's management plan targeted crocodiles that were aggressive or more than two metres long.

The number of crocs removed is up from 37 in 2015 and 62 in 2014.

But Dr Miles said the number of removals did not mean there were more crocodiles in public waterways.

"The figures could simply reflect an increase in the number of reported sightings received, weather and breeding patterns," he said.