Fishers Had Enough

[bigbrian47]

Marine parks unite fishers


17 Aug, 2010 08:29 AM
RECREATIONAL anglers in the Macleay have banded together to form a coalition in response to proposed marine parks in the region.
The Hat Head, Smithtown Bowling Club, Kempsey Heights, South West Rocks Seabreeze Beach Hotel, Crescent Head, Kempsey Bass Club and Stuarts Point fishing clubs formed the alliance ahead of a State government decision later this month on whether marine parks in NSW will be expanded.
Of particular concern to the coalition is a report from lobby group the National Parks Association.
The ‘Torn Blue Fringe’ report calls for a vast expansion of marine parks in State waters.
There is a Bill before the NSW Parliament proposing a five-year moratorium on the establishment of any further marine parks.
The Bill will be debated at the end of August.
Anglers are also concerned about a proposed Commonwealth marine park which incorporates a sizeable area of ocean between Brooms Head and Hat Head.
Spokesman Peter Askew said the coalition wanted to ensure the voice of local recreational anglers was heard ahead of the upcoming federal and State elections.
“Local anglers want to make sure the National Parks Association is not the only voice being heard in relation to marine parks,” he said.
“Many people retire here for the fishing and a lot of people holiday here for the same reason.
“These people are going to stop coming if marine park sanctions are imposed on waters in and around the Macleay.”
Local and visiting fishermen to the area fear the establishment of a marine park in the Macleay could lock them out of the best fishing spots.
There are further concerns about the potential affect to tourism and the local economy.

[nigelr]

Well done all, as you may know there is movement afoot in Coffs Harbour in regards to this issue as well.
What the Govt. is proposing will have a huge economic impact to the region as a whole, which is in no position to take such a blow.
Hopefully there will be interaction between the Macleay and Coffs groups, the Coffs group is via the Deep Sea Fishing Club I believe.
There will hopefully be opportunities for public rallies etc to showcase the extent of public opposition to this proposal.
Cheers.

[murf]

hey bigbrian they will loose the best fishing spots, and thats something you can bet on

the Coffs spearo's started this http://www.savesol.com/ and have put a lot of time and effort into it

I am not a spearo and sometimes wish they would rack off from the best fishing spots when I am running through at 10knts but we have to share our waters and I give them the greatest of respect

I haven't fished Hat head since 1988 when we had inter club comps down there but can see nothing but closures coming your way for no scientific basis other than the precautionary principal

any way we can help let us know

a bit of info

“Conservation through sustainable use. Making people part of the solution”

“The voice of NSW recreational fishers”

Web site: www.ecofishers.com

MEDIA RELEASE:



SCIENCE V’s IDEOLOGY !



ECOfishers NSW and the Coffs Harbour Deep Sea Fishing Club, proudly introduce world renown scientist and conservationist, Emeritus Professor Robert Kearney PhD, DSc, AM, Professor of Fisheries, University of Canberra, to the mid north coast community.



Professor Kearney is to world fisheries, what David Attenborough is to TV audiences.



Professor Kearney will be giving a one-off address, to the mid north coast community, at the Coffs Harbour Deep Sea Club, on the evening of Monday 6th September, at 7pm. All are welcome!



Professor Kearney will expose the shonky science and rubbery data behind NSW marine parks. Sound science versus political ideology!



Is the expansion of the strictly “no-take zones,” in the government’s Solitary Island marine park, from 12% to 20%, justified or necessary?



The opportunity of a lifetime, to hear a world renowned scientist and conservationist, expose the green myths and political ideology.

All your questions answered, by Professor Kearney. A meeting not to be missed, especially by locals!





Contact: Geoff Parker (Director ECOfishers NSW & Coffs Harbour Deep Sea Club)

cheers Murf