Fish habitat boosted with new partnership

The more I learn travel, learn, talk with experts, and research, the more I see how important habitat is to fish numbers.

Sticking to bag limits, stocking, good fish handling when releasing unwanted/undersized fish, educating other anglers on sustainable practices and more are all important; but without good habitat fish will not hang around and more importantly they can’t feed and breed.

It is with this in mind I was particularly happy to hear about a new government initiative that is boosting fish habitat via new partnerships.

A new independent initiative to improve fish habitat and increase productivity of important species, called the NSW Fish Habitat Partnership, has just been launched by Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson.

The Partnership will be led by inaugural Chair, oyster grower Mark Bulley, and includes 11 peak representative organisations from key commercial and recreational fisheries, conservation and industry bodies.

The focus is on improving fish habitat and health of aquatic ecosystems in order to increase the productivity of important recreational and commercial fish species.

“Fish habitat is essential for the survival of fish – it underpins the productivity of our State’s fisheries resources. It gives me great pleasure to witness and support the formation of this partnership today as a constructive way for our State’s key fisheries stakeholders to work together on such an important issue.”  Ms Hodgkinson said.

The partnership includes:
• NSW Council of Freshwater Anglers;
• Professional Fisherman’s Association;
• Australian National Sportfishing Association;
• NSW Farmers;
• Nature Conservation Council;
• NSW Aboriginal Land Council;
• Australian Fishing Trade Association;
• Recreational Fishermans Alliance;
• Sydney Aquarium and Sea Life Conservation Fund;
• Sydney Fish Markets; and
• OceanWatch.

The NSW Government is assisting the partnership by providing administrative support funding in the first year.

Tonic releases Blue Mirror Limited Edition

In other news I’ve been working with a leading aussie fishing eyewear manufacturer on producing some specialized blue mirror lenses for extra high glare conditions-and that’s not for young bucks with a hanggover: it’s for those days when brightness can make fishing uncomfortable.  So I’m please to hear that Tonic Polarised Eyewear has released these special Blue Mirror Limited Edition.

Available in Tonic’s popular Evo and Shimmer frame styles, the Limited Edition is a stylish solution for high-glare conditions.

The Blue Mirror lenses were specially developed for Australian anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, and share their high-tech optics with all of Tonic’s growing range of lightweight polarised optical glass lenses.  Glass is of course a brilliant material for the base of a premier lens, having this lightweight makes them much more comfortable to wear all day compared to traditional lenses.

Since launched into the fishing and boating market just over two years ago by founder Doug Phillips, Tonic has amazed its customers with the wonders of 21st century optics.

Tonic’s unique VistaView de-centred lenses allow undistorted vision across the eyes full scanning range, and is something that Doug has Pioneered right here in Australia. This represent the culmination of Doug Phillips’ 27-year quest to constantly push the boundaries of optical technology. 

See you on the water.
Rob Paxevanos