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Other key points from the report: • Closing inshore reefs and waters in metropolitan areas to commercial fishing so these popular and pressured areas get to become recreational-only fisheries; • Recreational only status for marlin and other designated sport fish species; • Restrictions on beach netting and targeting of spawning aggregations; • Statutory duty on public bodies to promote recreational fishing; • Opening up of water supply dams to anglers; • Updated fisheries and environmental legislation. The recommendations on economic benefit, marine parks and the environment, funding and organisational structures and a specific recreational fishing policy prospectus have all been informed by an examination of the current situation, by discussion and consultation and by drawing on experiences from elsewhere. Healthy fisheries managed sustainably, pristine water quality, abundant habitat to aid successful fish recruitment and a population overwhelmingly committed to both enjoying and protecting the resource are some of the most important factors in ensuring a strong future for recreational fishing. Clear policies and vision with strong public and political support is what is now required to support strong professional advocacy. Russell Conway, Chair of RecFish Australia said, “Martin has produced an extremely timely and valuable assessment of the current situation of the Australian recreational fishing environment and has provided us with a blueprint for the future development of recreational fishing in this country. “This report raises a number of significant issues that stakeholders and decision makers must address to ensure future generations of young Australians will be able to experience not only the excitement of catching a fish, but also the associated social, lifestyle and health benefits of recreational fishing.” Doug Joyner, Executive Officer of the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) “commends the Keep Australia Fishing Report” as a pathway for recreational fishing to be maintained and developed. Government and those who are serving the Australian community should take stock of the report and incorporate the recommendations applicable, so that a balanced recreational fishing activity is maintained”. From a US perspective Tom Sadler from the American Fly Fishing Trade Association said the concept of creating Keep Australia Fishing is spot on. “When I visited last year, I was taken by the fact that Australian recreational fishers were in much the same place US recreational fishers were 20 years ago. “What you have done is created a foundational document that provides a clear and compelling road map for moving Australia’s recreational fishing community forward. “Your document shows why good habitat leads to recreational fishing opportunity, which leads to economic activity. “More importantly you show how that concept can keep fishing in Australia a proud tradition for years to come.” Following on from the report Martin Salter has been further commissioned by AFTA to advise on specific policies and develop a process forward. You can download the full report and executive summary at BIA’s website www.bia.org.au from the Bulletin Board in the Members Section. h
ATTENTION
Trailer Boat Retailers!
Improve your after sales service, customer satisfaction and revenue with an exciting new extended warranty product Get on board and contact Aaron McKenna from BIA for further details on
02 9438 2077
Administered by IC Frith. For all claims & enquiries call 1300 242 999. *Only available to NSW Trailer Boat Retailer Association Members.
BIA of NSW LOGBOOK June 2011 - 9