NSW proposed 50% reduction on recreational possession limits.

NSW DPI is currently conducting a review on the recreational bag limits, that if passed will see a 50% cut in bag (Possession) limits across the board, on nothing more than social concern. As responsible recreational anglers no one would have a problem with a reduction on bag limits that is shown by good science that it is necessary, and that the bag reduction will address the concerns. But to face a 50% reduction on bag limits on nothing more than social concerns sets a precedent that there will be no turning back from. You don’t have to be Einstein to work out if this current anti-fishing campaign by our federal government and the green groups is allowed to continue and at the same time we allow our regulations to be dictated by the social concerns of green groups, where this will end!

We have had enough of being the scape goat, it’s time that those responsible start to address the real threaten to our marine environment.

This is your last chance to have a say on the review of NSW recreational fishing possession and size limits, please read the discussion paper and send of the submission form. Be involved now so you don’t have to fight to get your rights back later.

Are community concerns a valid reason to reduce bag limits by 50% across the board? I would rather sound science drive the direction of our fishing regulations, not a green minority with a load voice.

If we allow them to make recreational fishing rule changes without the necessary research and science then why would they spend the money on any science or research for recreational fishing in the future?

Please note these changes are possession limits not bag limits, it’s not very clear in the wording of the submission or the discussion paper but clarification has been sort and it has been confirmed that it’s a possession limit.

I encourage every angler regardless of where you live to spend 5 minutes, to fill out this submission to this NSW’s recreational fishing regulations review, with a very clear and simple response, “we will not accept any changes to our regulations that are not based on good science.” No need to say anything more. They can take their social concern and shove it, as far as I am concerned.

My submission will say I "strongly oppose" each and every change, and the comment will be that there is no science or research that shows that these changes are necessary and they have nothing to do with fishing sustainably
 

Submissions close on the 31 July 2013

I don’t see anything about good science in this at all!

The options discussed in this paper have been developed in light of:

• ensuring the sustainability of NSW’s fisheries resources
• community feedback received in response to previous reviews indicating general support for more conservative bag limits
• ongoing concerns about illegal fishing and black marketing of fish
• recent submissions made by anglers and the general public to the government regarding our fishing rules and conservation of our fisheries resources
• the ongoing need to fairly share aquatic resources between recreational fishers
• the latest research information
• the need to ensure that fishing rules are reasonably easy to understand and simplified where possible
• advice and feedback on potential review options provided by expert committee: the Fishing Rules Review Technical Working Group.
  
  
• Where the #@%# is the science?

Some of the proposed changes include

Species:

Tunas – Yellowfin (Thunnus albacares), Longtail (Thunnus tonggol), Albacore (Thunnus lalunga) and Bigeye (Thunnus obesus)

Option 1:

Reduce the combined species group bag limit for specified tuna species to 5 with only

1 fish over 90 cm

Option 2:

Reduce the combined species group bag limit for specified tuna species to 2

Species: Billfish – Marlin (Striped, Blue and Black), Sailfish, Spearfish and Swordfish (Species of Family Xiphiidae and Istiophoridae)

Option 1:

Introduce a combined species group bag limit of 1 (i.e. 1 billfish per person/day)

Option 2:

Introduce a combined species group bag limit of 1 and boat limit of 2

Option 3:

Introduce a combined species group bag limit of 1 and boat limit of 1

Species: Tiger, Mako, Smooth Hammerhead, Porbeagle, Blue, Thresher and Whaler shark species

Option 1:

Reduce bag limit from 5 in total to a combined bag limit of 1 and a boat limit of 2 of

these shark species

Option 2:

Reduce bag limit from 5 in total to a combined bag limit of 1 and a boat limit of 1 of these shark species

Species: Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish) (Coryphaena hippurus)

Proposal:

Remove the minimum size limit of 60 cm and size limit restriction of only 1 fish over 110 cm

Species: Yellowtail Kingfish (Seriola lalandi)

Proposal:

Reduce bag limit from 5 to 2

Submissions close on the 31 July 2013

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/info/review

You can also obtain a copy of the discussion paper from:

• Fisheries offices (NSW)
• many fishing tackle stores across NSW
• by phoning (02) 9741 4722
• by emailing fish.review@dpi.nsw.gov.au
  
  
  
  Be involved now so you don’t have to fight to get your rights back later.
  
  
  
  

  
  

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