Fishing News

Calls for feedback on fishing on beaches
Community views are now being sought on recreational line fishing on beaches and headlands in the Marine Estate, Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson said.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is delivering on its commitment to undertake a six month assessment of recreational fishing access, including spear fishing” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“This is a perfect opportunity to be part of that assessment to ensure vital social and economic information is captured through the online survey.”

The NSW Government introduced an amnesty allowing line fishing from ocean beaches and headlands in sanctuary zones, as part of the new Marine Estate Management reforms announced earlier this year. An assessment of ecological assets will be led by the Marine Estate Expert Knowledge Panel to ensure threatened species and other important components of marine life are adequately protected.

“The balanced consideration of all of these values is crucial in the management of the Marine Estate in NSW, as highlighted by the Independent Scientific Audit of Marine Parks in NSW,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“I encourage all stakeholders to have their say and articulate their views on line fishing from beaches and headlands.

“To complement the online survey, targeted interviews are also being conducted by scientists including award winning researcher Michelle Voyer, to gather additional information on social and economic values associated with beaches and headlands. To provide feedback via the online survey or to gain more information visit www.marine.nsw.gov.au

Community Seminar on fishing trends on the Murrumbidgee River
The Narrandera Fisheries Centre will host a community research outcomes seminar next month, discussing results from the recent survey of fishers along the Murrumbidgee River. The seminar entitled “Who Caught What and Where? Results of the Murrumbidgee River Angler Survey 2012-2013,” will be presented by Jamin Forbes, Department of Primary Industries Senior Fisheries Technician and PhD Candidate with Charles Sturt University.

“The seminar will discuss the results of the study of recreational anglers between Berembed Weir and Yanco Weir,” Mr Forbes said.

“The main focus of the fisher survey was to identify which species were caught, which species were kept and where anglers targeted their efforts.

“Murray cod and golden perch were the primary focus of the survey, however, we also collected important information on other species.

“Knowing how many fish have been caught and harvested, and the effort involved in their capture is important for the effective management of the fishery.”

The study was conducted from April 2012 to April 2013, providing information on angling trends on a seasonal basis. The seminar will be held on Friday August 2 from 6.30pm at the DPI’s Narrandera Fisheries Centre, John Lake Centre, Buckingbong Road, Narrandera. The cost of admission is $5 per adult and $3 per child (under 12). This includes a BBQ meal and light refreshments after the presentation.

The John Lake Centre, featuring a native fish aquarium and poster display, will also be open from 6pm, as well as after the seminar, for anyone wishing to do a casual tour of the facilities. DPI Fisheries staff will also be available if you wish to discuss any topics in greater detail. The presentation will take one hour with questions, and the evening will conclude at approximately 8:30pm. Seats are limited so to avoid disappointment, it is essential that you book ahead by calling the Narrandera Fisheries Centre on (02) 6958 8200 between 9am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday.

See you on the water.
Rob Paxevanos