Redmap (Range Extension Database and Mapping Project)

This is a fantastic program allowing us to all be part of the science, Redmap uses the eyes and ears of the people out on the coal front of our environment to spot, log and map marine species that are uncommon in the areas, by taking a picture of your unusual catch, the information is verified by scientist, then logged and displayed on a map, showing almost in real time how the distribution of species may be changing. This started in Tasmania and is being rolled out across the country in November this year, this is a great opportunity to show how proactive anglers can be, and how important we are as the custodians of our marine environment.

You can even create a group, I have created the wefish group, sign up and join the group. Let’s see how many fishos we can get to join this group.

Once you sign up go to your profile at the top right of the page, then search for the wefish group and join it.

This is what the form looks like to enter the information and upload the photo, when taking the photo try and get a good quality picture so that it’s easy to identify and if it’s similar to another species concentrate on the differences.

http://www.redmap.org.au/

National Recreational Fishing Conference 2012

Well just got back from the National Recreation Fishing conference in warm Queensland, well where do I start? With over 160 delegates from around Australia and over 40 presenters with wide and varied backgrounds speaking on a range of broad issues over the two day conference, stimulation thought and discussion. The opening address  by Senator Joe Ludwig was followed by Key note speaker Martin Slater, National Campaigns Coordinator, angling Trust UK, spoke on meeting international challenges for recreational fishing, Karen Schmidt, Engagement expert, spoke on meeting challenges on leadership transitions, Nathan Johnston, executive officer Fitzroy partnership for river health and Matt Gillett policy officer Recfish west both spoke on the challenges from a young fishers perspective, Chris Hunt(USA) Trout Unlimited and Simon Evans (uk) Wye and Usk foundation both spoke on meeting the challenges of restoring our fisheries habitat.

Grahame Pike co-founder of Recfish Australia had an inspiring  talk in the art and politics of influencing governments, Christopher Collins from VRFish on the economical contributions that recreational anglers make to the economy, Dr Liz Baker NSW dpi, recreational fishers the key decision  makers for the future, Prof Alexandra McManus CESSH, the health benefits and wellbeing of recreational fishing, Matt Gillett & Frank Prokop Recfishwest, on young future leaders, Dave Donald Barradive sportfishing services, on recreational fishing and tourism on Cape York, Geoff Rowling from NZ with an insight into NZ  recreational fishers challenges, Tony Steiner ANSA NSW, understanding the importance of recreational fishing to Australia society, Dallas D’Silva DPI Vic climate change and fishing in south east Australia, Dr Peter Ward from DAFF ACT a social-economic evaluation on three eastern game fishing regions, and that rapped up the business for the first day, with the formal Recfish Awards Conference dinner that evening, which was a trill to be part off, I will go through the award nominations and winners in a later post, but the night was full of great company, some fantastic food and entertainment from a band and as guest speaker we were thoroughly entertained by the Steve Starling.

The second day of the conference was set to be even bigger than the first, as we gathered it was obvious that some had enjoyed the night before a little too much, the second day saw Melanie Young from Young gun adventures spoke about recreational fishing to Australian society, Fern Hames, MDBA spoke on the native fish strategy, Kim Martin ANSA Qld why effective leadership will needed to advance recreational fishing, Jeremy Lyle UTAS gave some details of recent studies on the demographics of anglers, Matt Barwick from Recfish research spoke about cooperation being the key to better fishing  outcomes, Dr Jacki Shirmer University of Canberra on who benefits from recreational fishing, Judy Lynne & Barry Pollock from Sunfish Qld on fisheries co management trials, Stephen Taylor DAFF, on profiling the characteristics of anglers in Qld, Alyce Parker Vic DPI on the Victoria’s recreational fishing initiative and connecting with young fishers, Tim Hoile from the Marine discovery centre SA on how to catch young fishers, Davied Green fishing journalist about the next wow in fishing tackle, Colin Creighton FRDC on where to repair fishing habitats, Alan Izzard Bass Sydney fishing club on being responsible fishers, Heath Folpp NSW fisheries, on opportunities for new artificial reefs, Stan Konstantaras, on Angel rings and how they are saving lives of rocj fishers in NSW, Craig Copeland DPI NSW about habitat making fish happy, Dr Ben Diggles on media and fish welfare, Andrew Rowland Recfishwest about recreational fishers working to protect the ecological and social values, Bill Sawynok Infofish on catch and release, Zeb Tonkin from the Aurthor Rylah institute Vic, assessing instream wood habitat in Victoria, Peter Kind DAFF, a successful example of  community cooperation fishery monitoring, Keith Rowling PIRSA on the great work Redmap is doing in community science, Dee McElligott NSW DPI on fishcare programs, Andrew Norris DAFF on habitat enhancement for improving anglers experience.  The final day was finished with a group discussion on the way to move forward and closing address by Partick Hone FRDC.

To summarise the main points made over the two days I would say that a few things stood out and in most cases were talked about from a few different people with a slightly different perspective, they were rebuilding lost habitat, helping young people develop into leadership rolls, the benefit of fishing to not only individual but the greater community and that currently anglers do a great deal for the environment and community which is not being recognised.

Habitat enhancement is been clearly shown to be the tool to use to increase not only fish stocks but improve the situation of other species, the more breeding, nursery and spawning areas we can create will have a direct correlation to our fish numbers,  and instead of arguing about how much of the current pie everyone gets we should be concentrating on increasing the size of the pie, something I totally agree with and have been trying to promote for some time, it’s great to see that the science backs up this and I look forward to more being done in this area.

Leadership programs that help young people step up into these leadership rolls is vital if we are to not only inject new blood into these areas but vital if we are to move forward, what was a very big surprise was the demographics of anglers, it clearly showed that while our population has increased since 1995 the number of active fishers has decreased, and that the greatest proportion of anglers are adults in child raising years as well as young kids, which clearly shows that families make up the majority of active anglers across this country, other studies also showed that people that were satisfied with their fishing were also satisfied or very satisfied with their life, and if the amount of fishing dropped this had a direct correlation with life satisfaction levels , only 20 % of anglers started fishing after the age of 20. Clearly shows how important it is to get younger people more involved in leadership rolls.

Anglers are responsible for some great environmental work, and have a high rate in participation on this area, 94% of Qld anglers contacted agreed to participate in a 12 month catch study, some of the most amazing habitat programs are done by angling groups, as well as this fishing has been shown to aid in surgery recovery, self-esteem for trouble youths and improved the lives of those with disabilities, fishing has the potential to save millions of dollars form our health system. It also injects a large amount of money into our economy which is especially important in our regional areas that lack other industries.

Over the next few months I will expand on some of these issues in detail, but It would be negligent if was to finish and I didn’t mention the sponsors that made this inspiring event possible, Department of Agriculture Fisheries and forestry, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Recreational Fishing Trust, Fish Habitat Network, Australian Communications and Media Authority,  ABT fishing tournaments, Australian Fishing Trade Association, Primary Industries and Regions SA, The Murray Darling Basin Authority, Recfish Research, Recfish Australia, Department of Primary industries NSW, Redmap, Sunfish QLD, Infofish.  Also a big thanks must go to the volunteers that organised this event.

The conference was inspiring not only with what people had to say but how they said it, there are a lot of passionate people involved in this, and let’s hope that at least some of these ideas can be expanded over the coming years.

The confrence was set at the Gold Coast convention centre a very short stroll to some water that held a very good number of Bream, Whiting, Luderick and tailor, but as I didn’t bring my rod I could only watch.

On a personal note I would like to thank all the people that made it possible for me to attend this great conference, it exceeded all my expectations was well run and inspiring, it was great to finally meet people that I have only ever spoken to on the phone or chatted online, and others I met for the first time, some great conversations were had at the conference, and some even more over dinner, it was humbling to be among some of these people that work to keep us fishing, and most do it and have done for years with no monetary reward.

Super trawler 20th August

The company bringing the world's second-largest trawler to Australia is offering to restrict its operations, in a bid to ease concerns about depletion of local fish stocks.
Seafish Tasmania director Gerry Geen said his company was discussing a "move-on provision" that would mean the trawler FV Margiris would take a certain amount of fish and then move to an area at least 100 nautical miles away.


http://www.themercury.com.au/article/2012/08/20/354831_tasmania-news.html

A FEDERAL government attempt to calm Australia's influential recreational fishers over the super trawler Margiris is in disarray.

Research Review of Rock Fishing Safety in New South Wales


Rock fishing has been regularly described as the most dangerous sport in Australia. While it can be
done quite safely, it has resulted in an average of 8 drowning deaths per annum in New South Wales
(NSW) alone. This trend has not significantly deviated over the past 20 years. Over this period of
time, interested stakeholders have delivered a variety of initiatives primarily to increase the use of
personal flotation devices (PFDs) while fishing, as well as promoting other safe fishing behaviours
and precautions. The results of these initiatives, both quantitative and qualitative have been mixed,
and they have had minimal effect on the average number of annual drownings.
Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) was contracted by the NSW Department of Primary Industries to
conduct a research review of rock fishing safety in NSW. This followed recommendations made by
the Coroner to the Department.
SLSA employed the services of the University of New South Wales, Transport and Road Safety
Research Unit (TARS) to conduct preliminary research and analysis. This study provided an
independent report to SLSA for further investigation. In summary, the aims of the research
conducted by TARS were to:

i) Review rock fishing fatalities in NSW between 2000-2010
ii) Describe rock fishing related hospitalised morbidity in NSW between 2003-2011
iii) Determine self reported exposure to rock fishing using the NSW Population Health
Survey Program (2005)
iv) Review and categorise the literature on rock fishing safety methods and programs in
terms of education, engineering, enforcement and other methods aimed at improving
rock fishing safety.
v) Survey relevant organisations and manufacturers regarding the effectiveness of a range
of initiatives aimed at improving rock fishing safety including identification of strengths
and weaknesses of each initiative.

Recommendation 1: Develop a state-wide strategic plan for rock fishing safety under any
proposed comprehensive water safety strategy in New South Wales, including the delegation of
responsibilities to key agencies, stakeholders and non government organisations, and the
development of clear objectives and key performance indicators.

Priority Intervention
1 Development of the coordinated state wide strategy.
2 Wearing PFDs and non-slip footwear (voluntary or mandated)
3 Education campaigns using safety ambassadors and targeting vulnerable groups.
4 Targeted technique and safety workshops and other media.
5 Coastal safety risk assessments
6 Public rescue equipment
7 Review, assessment and continuous improvement procedure for all interventions
8 Signage
9 DVD’s
10 Anchor Points
11 Hydrodynamic modelling
12 Closure or restricted access to high risk locations
13 Written Material – pamphlets, brochures, booklets

Recommendation 2: Develop, implement and assess a public education and communication
campaign, incorporated into the state-wide strategy to promote safe rock fishing practices and
support the introduction of legislation.

Recommendation 3: Legislate the mandatory wearing of Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) while
rock fishing at coastal locations in New South Wales.

FULL REPORT

Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW, would like to see your comments on this report, email them to president@rfansw.com.au

Commonwealth marine reserves submissions close 10th September 2012

http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/reserves/index.html

VRFish Media Release Super Trawler 13th August 2012

Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation, Media Release 10th August

Victorian Anglers NO Super Trawler Rally

Saturday 1st September two meeting points Launching Way boat ramp Patterson lakes and Altona boat ramp, convoys to meet on the West Gate Bridge at noon, then to proceed to a meeting point were the crowd will be addressed by speakers.


Let everyone know!

more information can be found here.
http://www.facebook.com/VictorianAnglersSuperTrawlerRally

All Victorian anglers come along and have your say regarding the super trawler issue.

Identifying the health and well-being benefits of recreational fishing


Recreational fishing is a popular form of outdoor recreation enjoyed by Australians. Participation rates have been extrapolated to show that approximately 25% of Australian households consist of at least one member who participates in recreational fishing; and on average each of these households contains two recreational fishers (Henry & Lyle 2003). Recreational fishing is one of the few forms of nature-based recreation that can be enjoyed throughout childhood, adolescence, adulthood and into the senior years. Of recreational fishers aged 50 years and over, 75% have been fishing for longer than 30 years amassing a wealth of skills, techniques and knowledge build over the years of participation.

A major health concern in Australia is that the level of physical activity in children and adolescents is decreasing, with electronic media and other sedentary behaviours replacing outdoor activities. One study revealed that 37% of children aged 10 to 12 years spend less than half an hour a day playing outside after school and 43% spend more than two hours a day using electronic media (Wen, Kite et al. 2009). The lack of physical activity associated with the replacement of outdoor play with electronic leisure, places children at a greater risk for obesity and related adverse health effects. Research has shown that there is an urgent need to provide outdoor social opportunities and activities for children aged up to five years to encourage habitual healthy behaviours. Furthermore, parental (or adult) encouragement, supervision and participation are essential for long-term behaviour change (Cleland, Timperio et al. 2009).

The study found the strongest areas of evidence related to youth development, breast cancer recovery, positive mental health outcomes, recreation for the disabled and participation as a sport. There were programs and events run throughout Australia allowing children the opportunity to fish. Each of these initiatives focussed on education and environmental awareness. Classroom materials and lessons were also available to support learning outcomes. In many cases, fishing was used as an incentive to deter antisocial behaviour with excellent results. Recreational fishing gave children who did not find classroom social dynamics easy, the opportunity to shine and to form friendships outside their own school. For example, older children had the opportunity to mentor younger children which increased their own self-efficacy and self-confidence. Of great interest are the findings that hyperactive children were seen to sit quietly by the water for long periods of time and uncommunicative children vocally expressed that they want to fish.

In summary, this study found that considerable health and well-being benefits can be gained through involvement in recreational fishing. Encouraging young children, youth, adults and families to fish offers a cost effective and healthful outdoor recreational activity that can be enjoyed throughout life. Benefits were evident for individuals and groups. Recreational fishing was also noted to provide significant benefits to children and youth with behavioural and mental health issues. Finally, educational strategies that focus on how to minimise the environmental impacts of recreational fishing can ensure today‘s and tomorrow‘s recreational fishers are aware of sustainable fishing practices.


http://recfishingresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/2011-217-Final-Report.pdf

Draft South East Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network Management Plan submission

The Governments Information to Recreational Fishers

No changes proposed to management arrangements for recreational fishing activities

Consistent with current management arrangements, the proposed management arrangements in the draft management plan allows recreational fishing activities in all Multiple Use zones, Special Purpose zones and Habitat Protection zones, and the Recreational Use zone in the Freycinet Commonwealth Marine Reserve.

Fishers complying with state laws require no additional approval to fish in these marine reserves

Recreational fishers in the South-east Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network must continue to comply with state fisheries management arrangements. The draft management plan proposes to allow the use of fishing gear and methods that are consistent with state laws, including any state requirements for licences or permits. No additional Commonwealth permits or licences are required for recreational fishing in Commonwealth marine reserves.

Fishers must also adhere to state limits for allowable fish sizes and bag limits.

 Recreational fishers in the South-east Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network must continue to comply with state fisheries management arrangements. The draft management plan proposes to allow the use of fishing gear and methods that are consistent with state laws, including any state requirements for licences or permits. No additional Commonwealth permits or licences are required for recreational fishing in Commonwealth marine reserves.

•  No changes proposed to management arrangements for recreational fishing activities

•  Fishers complying with state laws require no additional approval to fish in these marine reserves

•  The draft management plan also allows cleaning and filleting of fish within the marine reserves network, but not in Sanctuary zones or Marine National Park zones

• When transiting through Sanctuary zones and Marine National Park zones, all fishing gear must be stowed. ‘Stowed gear’ means that all fishing equipment is not in contact with the water and is onboard the vessel, and lines are unbaited and lures are not attached

• The draft management plan includes proposals to change the names and International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categories of zones in some of the reserves in the South-east Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network

• None of the proposed changes will alter the uses or activities that are currently allowed in these zones.

http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/south-east/publications//pubs/fs-se-recreational-fishers.pdf

Draft South-east Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network management plan

• Under ss. 354 and 354A of the EPBC Act, recreational fishing (i.e. taking native species of fish for non-commercial purposes) is prohibited in the South-east marine reserves network unless done in accordance with this management plan.

• Each of the 14 reserves in the South-east marine reserves network is assigned to an IUCN category by this management plan. Each reserve, apart from Apollo, Beagle, Boags and East Gippsland Commonwealth marine reserves, is also divided into two or more zones by the plan, and the zones are also assigned to an IUCN category

• This management plan broadly applies the IUCN categories and management principles as described:

              i.                Category Ia—Strict Nature Reserve

             ii.                Category II—National Park

            iii.                Category IV—Habitat/Species Management Area

            iv.                Category VI—Managed Resource Protected Area

Beagle Commonwealth Marine Reserve

Beagle Commonwealth Marine Reserve is located approximately 3 NM East of Wilsons Promontory and has been zoned category - IUCN VI – Multiple Use

Charter and Recreational Fishing/Boating will be affected in the Beagle Commonwealth Marine Reserve by this draft management plan

http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/mbp/south-east/publications/pubs/se-draft-management-plan.pdfBeagle Commonwealth Marine Reserve

The Beagle Commonwealth Marine Reserve is described in the draft management plan (p65) as:

• IUCN VI – Multiple Use Zone
• Its boundary encloses Tasmania’s Kent Group Marine Reserve and the Hogan and Curtis Island groups

The draft management plan (p65) shows the Kent Island Group Marine National Park as IUCN II (no recreational fishing) when this is clearly not the case.

The Kent Group National Park is managed by Tasmania’s Parks and Wildlife Service and the map clearly shows that recreational fishing is allowed within a ‘limited take zone’ around Deal Island

The marine protected area is made up of a sanctuary zone which is a no take zone and allows for swimming, snorkelling and other water based activities but no fishing. The rest of the marine protected area is a habitat protection zone which allows for lower impact fishing (e.g. abalone and rock lobster fishing and hand line fishing for scale fish).

http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/file.aspx?id=19044

The Commonwealth Government is wrong to reinforce the point that there will be no change to the management of recreational fishing/boating within the currently proclaimed South-east Commonwealth Marine Reserves Network.

The proposed management changes to the Beagle Commonwealth Marine Reserve:

Will restrict Victorian commercial and recreational fishing/boating in the Beagle Commonwealth Marine Reserve

That the proposed management restriction in the Beagle CMR has not been adequately detailed within the Draft management plan.

Therefore, we cannot and will not support the draft management plan until the restriction issues identified within the Beagle Commonwealth Marine Reserve are adequately addressed.

Basically in a nut shell under the current temporary management plans we are allowed to fish in the habitat protection zone in the Kent Group currently, but under the proposed management plan this area will be closed to us, yet the government has gone out of its way to say that “No changes proposed to management arrangements for recreational fishing activities.”
This is not good enough!

Submission closes on Monday 27 August 2012.

more details

http://wefishaustralia.blogspot.com.au/2012/07/draft-south-east-commonwealth-marine.html

Draft Snapper Management Arrangements Proposal (PIRSA)

Purpose

Management arrangements that effectively control the level of commercial fishing
effort on Snapper stocks, optimise Snapper spawning and recruitment, and support a
sustainable Snapper fishery.

The following proposal comprises four components, which are to be considered
together as a package of management arrangements for the Snapper fishery.
1. Commercial daily trip limits
2. Seasonal spawning closure
3. Spatial spawning closures; and
4. Fishery specific access arrangements


1. Commercial Trip Limits

Trip limits provide a direct control on the daily catch of commercial operators
Trip limits can be adjusted over time, if needed
The trip limits would constrain overall commercial catch, remove the peaks in catches, and
spread the catches throughout the year. In addition to decreasing overall commercial catch,
smaller amounts of fish in the market may increase in the return per kilogram to commercial
fishers
Trip limits will apply equally to licence holders across the MSF commercial sectors (Marine
Scalefish Fishery, Rock Lobster fisheries, Lakes and Coorong Fishery)
Commercial trip limit proposal:

Lower tier:
 325 kg (or 400 litre) daily trip limit
 No additional fee
 Single day trips only
 Reduction in the maximum number of long line hooks permitted to be used in the gulfs from 400 to 200 at all times (irrespective of the target species)

Upper tier:
 650 kg (or 800 litre) daily trip limit of Snapper
 Additional fee applies ($4,000 per licence has been proposed  this amount is still being discussed)
 Prior report required before fishing for snapper
 Maximum of two-­day trips permitted in the gulfs with a prior report.
 Multi day trips are permitted outside the gulfs t
also fish inside the gulf on the same trip)

Commercial licence holders will be required to nominate if they choose the upper tier prior to the start of each financial year. This nomination would apply for the entire financial year and nomination could not be changed during the year.

Funds raised from the fees for the higher tier will be accumulated and used to buy out longline
entitlements over time (a small portion would be used by PIRSA for administration costs incurred)
No change to the maximum 400 hooks permitted to be used outside the gulfs (due to different bottom, fishing conditions and catch composition outside gulfs)

2. Seasonal Spawning Closure

The seasonal spawning closure is designed to protect Snapper stocks during a critical reproductive period when Snapper have aggregated to spawn. Any fishing activity during this period may disrupt and disperse spawning aggregations, impact on spawning success and affect future recruitment to the fishery. December is the peak spawning month for Snapper.

A closure that aligns with the annual spawning period gives Snapper the greatest opportunity to remain aggregated and spawn undisturbed 􀂱 this would maximise egg production, provide the best opportunity for enhanced recruitment and increase fishery production.

Seasonal Spawning Closure Proposal:

It is proposed to extend the existing November spawning closure to run from 1 November to 10 December: This is proposed to be an annual state-­wide Snapper fishing closure for all fishing sectors (i.e. extend state-­wide closure for 10 days)

3. Spatial Spawning Closures

Spatial closure of important Snapper aggregation areas for an extended period of time would offer
increased protection to Snapper stocks during the annual spawning aggregation period, while lessening the social and economic impacts that would be incurred by larger closure areas (eg. closures of the Gulfs).

Spatial Spawning Closure Proposal:

11 December to 10 January: Two key spatial areas remain closed for Snapper fishing to all sectors to
protect key spawning aggregation areas.
Longlines not permitted to be used in these key Snapper area closures.
Proposed areas are (refer to map p 3):
Northern Gulf St Vincent. Rogues Point to Thompsons Beach). This spatial closure protects a key snapper spawning aggregation area in GSV.
Middle of Spencer Gulf  The top of the closure aligns with the bottom of marine fishing area 21, and
the bottom of the closure aligns with a line from north of Wallaroo (Point Riley) to a point north of Arno Bay. This spatial closure protects some key snapper spawning aggregation sites in SG and
leaves other key SG sites open to fishing.

Fishery Specific Access Arrangements

In addition to reducing fishing pressure on Snapper during its critical spawning period, split closures
between the commercial and recreational fishing sectors offer scope to address fishery access issues and reduce conflict on the water.

Fishery Specific Access Proposal:

11 December to 21 December (10 days): Commercial sector only fishing period, including Charter Boat Fishery
22 December to 27 December: Overlap period open to all fishing sectors (commercial, charter and recreational)
28 December to 10 January (14 days): Recreational sector only period, including Charter Boat Fishery
Closures to apply in all cases from midday to midday

Key Snapper Areas Proposed to remain closed to all fishing from 11 December to 10 January

Media Release Hon Gail Gago, Minister for Agriculture, Food & Fisheries, SA

Sunday 29 July, 2012
NEW POSSESSION LIMITS TO APPLY FOR RECREATIONAL FISHERS
Restrictions will be placed on the amount of King George Whiting, Pipis and Razorfish that
recreational fishers can stock pile in a bid to protect species.
Minister for Fisheries, Gail Gago said regulations will be amended and come into effect later this year to put possession limits for these species in place.



http://www.ministers.sa.gov.au/images/news_releases/12_07Jul/possession_limits.pdf

Keep Australia Fishing Rally WA

THE organisers of a Keep Australia Fishing Convoy in WA set down for Wednesday, Aug 29, at 2pm need your support!
A convoy will start in Fremantle and head to a meeting point (destination still to be confirmed) at around 4pm, where a public rally will be held, with keynote speakers and special guests in attendance.


http://www.fishingworld.com.au/news/keep-australia-fishing-rally


Keep Australia Fishing WA Convoy Facebook page

Warrnambool SBT meeting

With a turnout of over a hundred people with some traveling as far as Port MacDonnell,  Mount Gambier and the Melbourne south Eastern suburbs, the evening started with Marin Ellul kicking of proceedings with the formalities followed by a Dale McClelland with a basic summation of the issue, this was followed by an in depth presentation from Antony Hurst on SBT facts and the issues with the grey areas in its management, Garry Kerr then spoke about “Keep Australia fishing”  and a few other issues after which point the floor was opened up to questions.

It was great to see such great representation at the meeting from peak body’s, federal and State politics, council and local business as well as the fishing community. I am sure all anglers appreciate these people giving up there time on a Friday night to be informed of our concerns and issues. We would like to thank Anthony Hurst Executive officer of Fisheries Victoria, Russel Conway from VRFish & RECFISH, Garry Kerr from AFTA, Ben Scullin from BIA, Warrnambool Mayor Jacinta Ermacora as well as other councillors Jennifer Lowe. Rob Askew and Peter Hulin, representative from Dennis Napthine’s office (State member for south west coast & the Minister for Ports, Minister for Regional Cities.) and Lisa from Dan Tehan’s office (Federal Member for Wannon), Matthew Hunt from the charter industry as well as  representation from Portland’s commercial fishing industry. Also a thanks must go out to Mary Alexander from the Standard and Alex from Win news Barry Tanner  from The Geelong Fishing show and their respective teams for the media coverage they have provided on the issue, and the South Rovers for opening up their doors and allowing us to use their facilities.

the crowd starting to gather

There is no question that our SBT fishery is coming under pressure from several angles, over the last few weeks we have seen a little bit of back paddling as a result of the issue being raised, this will be a long and drawn out campaign and we need to keep on top of it, so it doesn’t end up like the Mako ban issue of a few years ago, it is still not 100% clear on who is pushing what from where, and we might never get to the bottom of it, the other option is to allow them to do as they like and we start the fight as the ink is drying, one thing that is very clear is who did and didn’t attend the meeting, it was very disappointing that there was not representation from the Federal Government, minister Joe Ludwig, DAFF or AFMA, as far as I am aware at the time of this blog update they have not even responded to invitations to the meeting as yet and only issued a media release to The Standard, I am happy to be corrected on this should I be wrong.

The link to the article in The Standard on Saturday

Warrnambool Mayor Jacinta Ermacora addressing the port upgrades questions at the end of the night

Local Newspaper article about SBT meeting

full report will be posted by tomorrow night.

And earlier on in the day a win TV interview