WE FISH press release 3rd September 2012

“WE FISH”
Press release
3rd September 2012
For immediate release

Victorian Recreational Fishers Rally in large numbers to show their bitter disappointment at the Gillard government’s support of a foreign owned super trawler set to decimate Australia’s recreational game fishery.

The super trawler FV Margiris and Seafish Tasmania, both owned by the Dutch Company Parlevliet & Van Der Plas , were the target of a protest rally by Victorian anglers on Saturday 1st September.

Over 300 vessels from as far away as Portland converged on the West Gate Bridge for a protest ‘boat tow’ and then gathered at the Altona boat ramp for a rally attended by 1200 angry recreational fishers and industry representatives.
We Fish spokesman Dale McClelland said “This is just the start of more vigorous action by millions of recreational fishers across Victoria and nationally unless the demands of recreational fishers are met.

“The Gillard Government knows that we are passionate, organised and willing to take further action on what we believe is an injustice to recreational fishing and the broader community.” Dale McClelland said.

President of the Game fishing Association of Victoria Mr Geoff Fisher said “The very idea that the Gillard government is locking recreational fishers out of millions of square kilometres under the disguise of sustainability concerns while inviting in a factory ship capable of taking thousands of tonnes of baitfish from our prime fishing grounds is unacceptable.
“Minister Ludwig then states that our fisheries are managed sustainably. I can only ask where he was when we were getting locked out of Marine Parks. This is a slap in the face to all recreational fishermen in Australia” Geoff stated.
Media identity and tackle store owner Mr Lee Raynor said “Removing massive amounts of baitfish from the system is cutting the food chain off at the knee. Our whole pastime and industry rely on a healthy food chain. “This ship will not be here very long if we have anything to do with it and neither will the current government if they continue down this path” Lee said.

We Fish Australia now request every angler nationally to email and/or mail both Minister for Fisheries Senator Joe Ludwig and Environment Minister Hon Tony Burke every day this week and to call their offices on Friday 7th September between 9.00 am and 3.00 pm voicing your concerns about this overseas owned vessel fishing Australian Waters.

Senator Joe Ludwig
Phone: (02) 6277 7520 or (07) 3229 4477
Email: joe.ludwig@maff.gov.au Mail PO Box 6022 Parliament House Canberra ACT 2600

Minister Tony Burkes
Phone: (02) 6277 7640 or 02) 9750 9088
Email: Tony.Burke.MP@aph.gov.au PO Box 6022 House of Representatives Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Contact: Dale McClelland 0400 902 492