Things a cookin' in Cairns

[bugman]

Haven't heard from Vern yet but from the the journo who went along it sound likes it was pretty heated up there in the tropical north.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/australia...1jul2002-5.htm

Bugman

PS I'm submission number 623

[Steve_Ooi]

Bugman yes, the tropical North turn the temperature up a notch or two last night, and GBRMPA felt the heat . Questions came a firing from many vocal rec anglers and it had Virginia Chadwick the GBRMPA spokes person dodging them quicker than Alfie Langer can dodge the NSW front row in a Origin game.
In true political style a lot of buck passing went on, and it left many with a lack of confidence in the way GBRMPA where handling the issues raised.
Unfortunately it’s the average Aussie angler that is used a scapegoat for the mismanagement of this wonder marine environment we have at our door.
One of the things that stood out in my mind was the closed mindedness position that GBRMPA took, it seemed that they didn’t want to negotiate or compromising in anyway.
What surprised me the most was GBRMPA lack of failure, and ignorance to
distinguish the difference between the average Joe recreational fisherman throwing a line in from the beach and the Pro’s that working their trawlers up the coast digging up seagrasses , this is a clear sign of GBRMPA inadequacy, and their lack of research and planning. It’s a bit like throwing your average Plumber that digs a trench in your backyard to lays some pipes and the Giant mining corporations, such as BHP ,Rio Tinto,and Camalco into the same basket.

It’s time for every angler to stand up and be counted….

Poony

[J_Large]

we have the same arguement down here at Yeppoon. they are wanting to close all the areas off from the mouth of the Fitzroy River up past Clairview where we all have our beach houses specifically for fishing... it's a dugong prone area with seagrass and we are advised to take care... we do... but there have also been the "stray" pro's coming down and netting this area...

get them... not us.
there goes tourism, there goes jobs, there goes something to do when there is nothing to do.

i think they should have a good think about what they are doing...

there is a meeting here at Kepple Sands tomorrow night behind the Pub 1/8/02 for the same thing you guys are having. basically all of our fishing spots within 200km's have gone.

if these bans get put in place i know a lot of people who won't be paying fines... i'll be one of them.

i reckon most of these GBRMPA have never thrown a line in. 'O' and they will probably go out, spear a fish and say it's for research but take it home for dinner instead..

unfortunately i can't make the meeting, but i wish i could to show my disgust.

all this crap has to stop.
"my thoughts"

[Vern_Veitch]

I had hoped to say a few words at the Cairns meeting but earlier speakers took longer than expected. THe meeting was certainly fiery at times and GBRMPA is sticking to its guns. You must remember though, that is what they have been told to do by the politicians.
Recreational fishers can get a big win out of this if we play our cards right. The answer is in yellow areas. Sure, we need to lobby to get the rules relaxed a little such as either 2 lines per angler or a few extra for the boat and limited spearfishing, but if we can negotiate these concessions and rep[lace say 20% green with 20% yellow, this will see the end of netting and trawling in these areas.
There were a few uninformed comments by one speaker that permits are needed in yellow areas to stay overnight. I have confirmed this is NOT the case.
If we stick together and all support yellow areas, we will win this fight. So tell you mates. And thanks for the support to.
Vern

[LYNDO]

G'day Vern

Finally received my submission today.

Couldn't beleive I was only number 670

Does'nt look good at the moment mate surely we could get at least over 1000 of Ausfish members ???

Lyndo

[Vern_Veitch]

I agree Lyndo. I have only received about 150 through the web site although many people would have gone direct. I still have about 40 which is a late rush by many as usual. I will get them logged over the weekend and they will be with GBRMPA by start of work Monday.
It is the same old story that apathy of recreational fishers is our biggest threat to better outcomes.
Vern