Welcome to the free email newsletter of the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW December 2013 Is this email not displaying correctly? View it in your browser. Donate your frames and do your bit for mulloway in NSW Who doesn’t love mulloway? It’s hard to find a diehard rec fisho out there who doesn’t have a special place in their heart for the mighty mulloway. And why wouldn’t you…they tick pretty much all the boxes. They’re found from the upper tidal limits of estuaries to offshore reefs, there are few better looking fish in the sea, they taste fantastic and they grow seriously big. And they possess that other feature that recreational fishers seem drawn to; they require dedication, patience and quiet persistence to regularly target them successfully. All these qualities combine to make mulloway one of NSW’s premier recreational fish species. Along with other key recreational species like snapper, yellowtail kingfish, dusky flathead, tailor, bream and whiting, they form the basis a multi-million dollar per year recreational fishing industry. For iconic species like these, their importance as recreational fishing targets may rival, or even exceed, their commercial value as food. In recognition of this fact, Fisheries NSW has set up a program dedicated to the collection of data from fish caught by recreational fishers for use in monitoring the health of important recreational fish stocks – The NSW Research Angler Program. This innovative new program is generously funded by the Recreational Fishing Trust (~$550K over 3 years) and aims to improve our understanding of important recreational fish populations by encouraging recreational fishers to donate the frames of fish they catch to research. From each frame, we can measure the length of the fish and by removing the otoliths (also known as earbones or jewels) from the skull and analysing them, we can estimate the age of the fish. These two simple pieces of biological data on each fish provide us with much of the information we need to assess the health of fish stocks and manage them accordingly. The program has commenced with, you guessed it, the mighty mulloway! Mulloway have been identified as a priority species for the collection of data from recreationally-caught fish due to both their popularity and ongoing concerns for the health of the mulloway stock. While mulloway can live for more than 30 years, the majority of the individuals we have so far collected age data from are less than five years old, so the data this program will collect from the large (and potentially old) individuals recreational mulloway fishers are so good at targeting, will dramatically improve our overall understanding of the mulloway stock in NSW. Fisheries NSW are therefore asking recreational anglers to donate the frames from fish they catch (and choose to keep) at one of the 26 participating drop-off points along the NSW coast between Tweed Heads and Bermagui. Frames can be donated fresh or frozen, but must be accompanied by a label containing some basic capture details: • Who caught the fish – name and contact details (phone number, postal or email address) so we can provide research feedback and enter you into the monthly prize draw • When the fish was caught – date. • Where the fish was caught – just so we can determine a rough geographic location and whether the fish was caught in an estuary, from the shore (rocks, beach or breakwall) or offshore. If you are unable to keep the entire frame, you can just donate the head or the otoliths (jewels) as long as information on the total length of the fish is included with the capture details. For every mulloway frame donated to the program, we will send the donor a research feedback certificate detailing the biological information collected from the fish they caught. Every frame donated also entitles the fisher to be entered into a monthly prize draw to win a $50 tackleshop gift voucher or a mulloway-ready lure pack worth $50. For further information, please visit this link. dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/researchangler or contact the program coordinator at [email protected] Donate your mulloway frames and help ensure there’s fish for the future. Size-at-age data for mulloway in NSW: despite the program running for less than three months, recreational donations of mulloway frames have resulted in access to information from the four oldest mulloway so far recorded in NSW (circled points) Age structure for mulloway in NSW: despite being able to live for over 30 years, 98% of the mulloway so far collected by Fisheries NSW (mainly from commercial sources) are less than 5 years old. So, if you are going to catch and keep a large (and potentially old) fish, we want your frames! Alert on EPIRB failures GME has sent out a safety alert about possible self test failures in some EPIRBs. If you have a GME EPIRB follow this link for more information on models affected and how to check. Marine Estate Management Authority releases planning paper The Marine Estate Management Authority has released a paper, Managing the NSW Marine Estate: Purpose, Underpinning Principles and Priority Setting. The paper outlines the vision, principles and processes the Authority will use in advising the NSW Government on management of the marine estate. Following the Independent Scientific Audit of Marine Parks, the Authority, with guidance from the independent Marine Estate Expert Knowledge Panel, is driving implementation of the new approach to managing the marine estate. “Given the passion the people of NSW have for their marine estate and their strong and wide-ranging opinions it’s important that the Authority is clear with the community about how the advice we provide to Government will be developed,” the independent Chair of the Authority, Dr Wendy Craik, said. “Based on the Government response to the Audit our vision for the marine estate is to have a healthy coast and sea, managed for the greatest well-being of the community, now and into the future.” Ten principles for managing the marine estate are contained in the paper, beginning with ‘effective community engagement to identify and prioritise benefits and threats’. “There’s a clear focus on community consultation and seeking the community’s advice on what’s important to them about the marine estate. We will also be seeking their views on what they see as the threats to these values,” Dr Craik said. “The paper shows how the Authority will evaluate alternative uses and seek to maximise community benefits from the NSW marine estate.” The paper can be downloaded here. More fish dumping at Coila Fishing World has reported that anglers and nearby residents of Lake Coila on the NSW South Coast are fuming following the discovery of numbers of luderick (blackfish) dumped in bushland. The fish, believed to be the result of netting bycatch, were found at Coila launch area near the Kyla Hall and locals believe they may have been dumped last Thursday or Friday night. A few months ago Fishing World reported on large dumpings of black bream at Lake Coila which caused widespread backlash from concerned anglers and residents. Read earlier reports here and here. Fisho understands that Lake Coila locals are now seriously questioning the environmental sustainabily of non-quota fishing of Coila Lake and say there has been nothing forthcoming in the way of real local data to support the destructive practice. The local community is set to begin discussions with Eurobodalla Shire Council in view of highlighting better employment benefits to the local community if Coila was declared a recreational fishing zone. Fishing World contacted NSW Fisheries today for comment and to ask if action will be taken to find those responsible for these fish dumpings, and previously reported incidents. Prior to going to press, NSW Fisheries informed Fisho that a fisheries officer had visited the fish dumping site to investigate the incident. For updates on this and to get Fishing Worlds excellent email newsletters click here to go to their website and sign up. Tackle shops to give away fishing secrets Want to know how to catch more fish? Have you ever wondered why you catch the fish where you do? Bait and tackle stores are an integral part of the recreational fishing community and have an important role to play in ensuring the ongoing sustainability and productivity of local fisheries. Tackle stores are also a good source of information for fishers, not just what tackle works best, but also what fish are biting and where their chances are greatest for getting a fish. The Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) and Fisheries NSW have joined forces in a new Environmental Trust funded project to help fishing tackle stores provide fish habitat information to their customers. Through this project tackle stores will be able to have constructive and informative interaction with their recreational fishing customers about how their catch can be increased if they look after fish habitat and get involved in improving it. Fisheries NSW Conservation Manager, Scott Nichols said, “It’s about getting the message out about how fishing opportunities can be improved if fish habitat is improved. “It’s simple: more habitat means more fish. Tackle shops are places where fishers go to get fishing products and reliable fish related information, so it makes sense to provide information on how habitat helps fishers to improve their chances of a catch”. This project provides tackle stores with a hands-on process, supported by web-based resources that can be accessed as required, that will improve their capacity to have habitat related conversations with their recreational fishing clients. The pilot will be focussed in tackle stores around Newcastle, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie. For more information on how to get involved contact the AFTA Office on 02 6282 8500 or email: [email protected] Stolen Marine Rescue raffle boat recovered Brisbane Water police have recovered Marine Rescue Central Coast’s raffle prize boat, which was stolen recently. Marine Rescue NSW Headquarters has already replaced the 3.8m runabout with a brand new Anglapro boat to ensure the unit can proceed as planned with the prize draw in the raffle, its major fundraising event for the year. Unit Commander Patricia Fayers has welcomed the recovery of the original boat and arrival of the replacement vessel. Brisbane Water Police Local Area Command had posted images of a man wanted in connection with the theft on its Facebook page, calling on people to come forward with information to help identify him. The post had 24,000 hits and 800 shares. Police subsequently posted: “Around 1545hrs Monday the 28th of October 2013, following on-going investigations, investigators attached to the Brisbane Water Anti Theft Unit and Operation Saber executed a search warrant at a residential address in Kincumber. “During that warrant Police seized the boat, the motor (of) which had been removed and a number of items related to the raffle of the boat for Marine Rescue NSW which were still inside the boat. “Police will contend that a number of other items linked to the theft of the boat were located within the property.” Police enquiries are continuing. UC Fayers thanked all those who had assisted police with their investigations, as well as the unit’s local supporters and well-wishers who had rallied around members after news of the theft broke. FADs entice fish and fishers to NSW coast Fishers and fish are expected to be drawn to the NSW coast this summer thanks to a series of fish attracting devices (FADs) being reinstalled along the NSW coast. Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Manager Fisheries Enhancement, Dr Heath Folpp said these devices are strategically placed at key fishing spots each year over the warmer months to enhance recreational fishing opportunities. “Twenty-five fish attracting devices are in the process of being deployed to entice popular fish species such as mahi-mahi and marlin to the NSW coastline for the enjoyment of recreational fishers,” Dr Folpp said. “Ten FADs have already been deployed off the NSW north coast and off Sydney and the remaining FADs will hit the water in the coming weeks. “Monitoring has shown these devices are extremely effective at creating new high value fishing opportunities.” FADs are yellow, spherical buoys with a flashing beacon for safe navigation, which tend to attract surface-dwelling fish such as mahi-mahi and other fast growing oceanic fish. The devices are designed to withstand harsh coastal conditions and are deployed between 9 and 32 kilometres offshore. Their locations may fluctuate slightly depending on wind, swell and current direction. Dr Folpp said the FADs program is just one of the many initiatives that uses funds from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust to improve recreational fishing across the State. “Funds raised from the sale of recreational fishing licenses in NSW is placed into trust and this money can only be spent on projects that will enhance recreational fisheries in NSW,” Dr Folpp said. “More than $130 million has been spent on projects to improve recreational fishing for the State’s avid fishing community to date and these FADs are just one example of how licence fees are used to benefit fisheries across NSW.” Full details of where each FAD is located can be found online on the DPI website fisheries.nsw.gov.au. People who use FADs are asked to abide by a code of conduct that can be found on the DPI website and anglers can now sign up for emails to alert them of the locations of FADs and other relevant information. ‘Codsworth’ finds new home A protected Estuary Cod nicknamed ‘Codsworth’ has been successfully re-housed at the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary, after being found in a home aquarium, Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Acting Director of Fisheries Compliance, Tony Andrews, said today said today. Estuary Cod are listed as a Protected Species in NSW, under the Fisheries Management Act 1994. Heavy penalties can apply for taking or possessing them. “The owner of ‘Codsworth’ contacted DPI fisheries officers in Sydney after a tiny fish that ‘piggybacked’ in on a piece of live–rock a number of years ago, grew over many years and started to devour the other tank inhabitants,” Mr Andrews said. “The fish was identified by a scientific officer at Port Stephens using photos provided by the owner. “Fisheries officers attended the house and found a 30cm Estuary Cod living in the small tank. “The fish was transported to the Manly Sea-life Sanctuary where he will undergo a lengthy quarantine process before hopefully becoming part of the exhibit.” Estuary Cod can grow to 180 centimetres and weigh as much as 100 kilograms but are more commonly around 40 – 120 cm long and up to 25 kilograms. The species is susceptible to depletion due to its unusual reproductive cycle, long life, and territorial nature. They are a tropical and warm temperate species that occurs in NSW south to around the Sydney area. The public is reminded that it is illegal to intentionally take or possess protected species and heavy penalties including large fines, can apply,” Mr Andrews said. “The public are asked to report any sightings of Threatened and Protected Species on the DPI 24 hour automated message-taking service by calling (02) 4916 3877.” New campaign on lifejackets and boat lights Additional patrols before sunrise and after sunset on State waterways will be a key part of a new boating campaign focusing on lifejacket and lighting safety. Roads and Maritime Services Maritime Director Michael Wright said Operation Lights On would start tomorrow and continue to the end of the following weekend. “Roads and Maritime Services boating safety officers (BSOs) will be targeting vessels operating at night to ensure they are displaying required navigation lights,” Mr Wright said. “The aim is to reduce the number of night incidents which involve people boating without required lifejackets and lighting. “As part of the campaign, there will be additional random patrols of waterways starting before sunrise and after sunset which are popular times for people heading out on the water in small vessels. “A zero tolerance approach will apply for breaches of lifejacket law after significant efforts to educate boaters about new lifejacket requirements in the past two boating seasons. “A specific focus will be ensuring children under 12 are wearing lifejackets at all times in vessels smaller than 4.8 metres long and in open areas of a moving vessel 4.8 metres to eight metres. “During random checks of recreational and commercial vessels, BSOs will also be ensuring there are enough lifejackets on board for each person, that they are in good condition, easily accessible, appropriate for the intended wearer and circumstances. Most importantly, they will be ensuring lifejackets are worn when required under NSW law. Skippers will need to be are aware of the need to display correct navigation lights when operating at night, and have them positioned and displayed according to the vessel size and type,” Mr Wright said. For boating safety information including about lifejackets visit rms.nsw.gov.au Thats not on! Shane Jacobsen gets behind NSW lifejacket campaign THATS NOT ON with Shane Jacobson - FishermenWatch the Video Minister for Roads and Ports Duncan Gay today launched the state’s biggest lifejacket awareness campaign to promote safe and responsible boating behaviour. Minister Gay was joined by Aussie actor and comedian Shane Jacobson who is spear-heading a series of light-hearted films, that will run as part of a statewide lifejacket campaign running through to Easter. “One of the hardest facts to contend with is that nine out of 10 people who drowned while boating in NSW in the last decade were not wearing a lifejacket,” Minister Gay said. “We’re pleased to have Shane on-board as an avid water sport enthusiast to deliver our message that if your lifejacket is not on, then it can’t save you. “The online video series called ‘That’s Not On’ features Shane getting involved in a number of on-water scenes including kayaking and fishing. “The videos will complement the traditional newspaper, tv and radio campaign aimed at reminding people to ‘Wear A Lifejacket’ – it never ruined a day on the water’. “Our boating safety officers are taking a zero tolerance approach this season and issuing on the spot fines to people who don’t wear their lifejacket,” Minister Gay said. Mr Jacobson said he hopes that the campaign will help change community attitudes. “These days, wearing a lifejacket doesn’t mean you have to look like a seventies throwback in a puffer vest. “There’s a whole new range of lifejackets out there that are designed to suit every taste, budget and water activity, so there’s absolutely no excuse not to wear one, especially in small vessels. “We want to see people get into the habit of putting on a lifejacket in the same way they remember to apply sunscreen - it is simple and could save their life,” Mr Jacobson said. Shane’s series ‘That’s Not On’ is at lifejacketwearit.au/thatsnoton Boatminder boat safety and security inspections Boatminder has launched services for boat owners with boats on a swing mooring, at anchor or trailered. Owning a boat can become a worrying burden if things go wrong. Whether you visit your boat regularly, infrequently or are away on business or pleasure Boatminder can make regular inspections to detect small problems that may develop into a major event, in terms of cost and the functionality of your boat. No matter how often you check your boat or if you travel frequently, Boatminder can make boat ownership a pleasure without you having to constantly check the safety and security of your boat. Problems can include; • the boat breaking free from the mooring and running aground or damaging other boats • water ingress into the bilges or engine compartment • batteries going flat • break and enter into the boat or theft of items inadvertently left on deck/vandalism • covers becoming affected by wind • sails becoming unfurled, flapping and being damaged Services start from as low as $15 per month. Boatminder is your one-stop-shop for all your boating needs, not just inspection services. They also provide a battery replacement service, anti-fouling, scraping and water courier services to just name a few. For more information visit boatminder.au or contact [email protected] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Feedback We always welcome feedback on any items in our newsletter. Just email your comments to [email protected]. A night out at Tuross Fishing Club A recent Saturday night was Tuross Fishing Club’s Presentation Night. A great night full of surprise and very emotional. The theme was step back in time and was the best presentation night I have ever attended. ANSA received a most unexpected acknowledgement for the recent work associated with the installation of the Tuross Angel Rings. But that wasnt the biggest or best surprise. Earlier this year I spoke with a mother who nearly lost her 19 year old son who was rock fishing, but I had never met her. He was washed off the rocks (Jervis Bay area) and was in the water for about one and a half hours, totally exhausted and he felt he would drowned or be eaten by sharks that were below him. On my table were four people I did not know. Dave (President) told me they were his cousins for Canberra so he included them on our table because they didnt know many people. I was surprised because he had not mentioned them previously but thought nothing more of it. It turned out to be Jen Huxley and her family including her son, Jesse, the boy who nearly drowned! Needless to say I was a mess! There was stunned silence as Jen address the 120 people gathered (including Board members of the Country Club and media), explaining how she felt as a mother when she was called and told her son had been washed off the rocks! It gave me the greatest pleasure to be able to hold Jesse and meet the complete family! David had secretly arranged for the Huxley family to travel down from Nowra on Saturday, provided them with accommodation, arranged for a boat so they could go fishing, which was successful, attend the Presentation evening and arrange breakfast at the Boat Shed Sun morning before their return trip! Needless to say we have all agreed to stay in touch. Jesse wants to return to the Flathead and Bream comp in March! Again thanks to all those involved! Stan, please thank the ANSA boys who travelled with you to Tuross once again to help with Angel Ring installations—they put in a long day! Max Castle Secretary Tuross Fishing Club Jen, Jesse and Max -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Recent NSW DPI compliance issues Minister says 50,000 anglers checked by compliance officers NSW Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson said the NSW Government takes illegal fishing seriously, with around 50,000 fishers checked by fisheries officers over the past 12 months. “Fisheries officers have been out in force across NSW checking to see if our State’s fishers are complying with the fishing rules and regulations,” Ms Hodgkinson said. In the past financial year officers detected around 6000 offences for fishers flouting the rules, which resulted in: •Over 2200 penalty notices; •more than 200 matters successfully prosecuted in court; •33 jail sentences; and •26 bonds imposed. “108 court imposed penalties were also issued including hefty fines of $14,000 to two men who were found illegally eel fishing near the Nambucca River,” Ms Hodgkinson said. “A Queensland fisher was fined $35,000 after fisheries officers seized 232 illegally caught mud crabs consigned for sale at the Sydney Fish Market in a joint operation with Queensland officers. More than 52,000 fish and invertebrates were seized, including abalone, lobsters and cockles and pipis. Where possible, all were returned to the water alive while some consumables were donated to charity. Fisheries officers also seized 3100 items of fishing gear and equipment including boats, cars, meshing, hoop and cast nets, crab and yabby traps, and diving gear.” “More than 3500 phone calls to the Fishers Watch Phone Line and online reports of illegal fishing were recorded. “I am proud of the importance the general public places on securing our fisheries resources for the future of the next generation and the value of our precious environment. I commend the work of our fisheries officers, both inland and on the coast. “Illegal fishing is serious, so don’t get caught doing the wrong thing. The rules and hefty penalties are in place for a reason,” Ms Hodgkinson said. To report illegal fishing contact the Fishers Watch Phone Line on 1800 043 536 or visit the website at this link. Tip off lands abalone thieves in a whole lot of trouble Two men have been apprehended and face serious charges after they were allegedly found illegally fishing for abalone and Eastern rock lobster on the State’s south coast. Department of Primary Industries (DPI), Director of Fisheries Compliance, Glenn Tritton, said fisheries officers received information regarding suspicious diving activity north of Bermagui. “Officers located two divers in the water and began surveillance, during which they witnessed the men exit the water and shuck a large quantity of abalone,” Mr Tritton said. “Fisheries officers then intercepted the men and located a bag hidden along the beach access track. It is alleged that the bag contained 61 shucked abalone, eight live abalone and one Eastern rock lobster which were seized by fisheries officers along with two sets of diving gear.” The lobster and 20 of the abalone were found to be of a prohibited size. The two men, both from Bermagui, will face a number of charges including trafficking in an Indictable Species, being abalone; possess shucked abalone and possess undersize abalone. Mr Tritton said one of the men will face additional charges of providing false information and breaching a prohibition order. “NSW Police attended the scene as the men were uncooperative and were believed to be providing false information to fisheries officers,” Mr Tritton said. “One of the men was found to have provided a false name and it was later determined that he is subject to a current prohibition order that prevents him from taking or being in possession of more than two abalone. By breaching the prohibition order, the 28 year old man will now face penalties of up $22,000 as well as 12 months imprisonment. Abalone theft is taken very seriously in NSW as it places unnecessary pressure on our stocks and threatens the sustainability of the resource for future generations. Fisheries officers will continue to target those involved in the illegal fishing of abalone and bring them in front of the courts.” Illegal fishers fined $60,000 in 60 days Local courts have continued to send a strong message that illegal fishing does not pay by handing out fines and courts costs totalling nearly $60,000 over the last two months, Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Acting Director of Fisheries Compliance, Tony Andrews said today. Mr Andrews said five matters had appeared before local courts across NSW since September 2013 for a range of offences. “The largest of the fines was handed down by Liverpool Local Court to two Fairfield men aged 49 and 48, after they were found by fisheries officers to be unlawfully using a mesh net in a Recreational Fishing Haven in the Georges River in Sydney,” Mr Andrews said. “The two men were ordered to pay fines and court costs totalling $32,000 for a range of offences including unlawful use of a net, possession of undersize fish and possession of fish taken illegally. “In another matter, a 53 year old Bermagui man was ordered to pay $12,000 in fines and court costs by Batemans Bay Local Court for two counts of possession of more than the daily limit for Eastern Rock Lobster and obstructing a fisheries officer. “The repeat offender, who was on a good behaviour bond for related abalone offences, was found in possession of three Eastern Rock Lobsters on two occasions when the bag limit is two per person per day. “The man was also placed on a further good behaviour bond.” Mr Andrews said that the judiciary of NSW is very aware of the damage that these types of offences are causing to the fisheries resource of NSW. “Our team of fisheries officers across NSW spend many hours planning operations and in the field to protect our fisheries resources for future generations,” Mr Andrews said. “Fisheries officers are committed to ensuring that anyone participating in these types of illegal activities is apprehended and bought before the Courts to face severe penalties.” Summary of the five local court results: • Two men aged 48 and 49 from Fairfield were found illegally using a mesh net in a Recreational Fishing Haven in the Georges River in Sydney as part of a targeted night patrol by fisheries officers. Fisheries officers found the net set across Prospect Creek and conducted covert surveillance of the net for several hours before a boat containing the two men approached. Fisheries officers witnessed the men retrieving the net. The 4.75 metre net was seized along with 15 fish. The men appeared in Liverpool Local Court to answer three charges each relating to unlawfully using a net, possessing prohibited size fish and possessing fish taken illegally. They were each fined $5,000 for each offence and ordered to pay $1,000 each in legal costs. TOTAL = $32,000. Please note, this matter is subject to the appeal process. • A 53 year old man from Bermagui was found in possession of more than the daily limit of Eastern Rock Lobster at Murunna Point at Bermagui on two occasions. On the second occasion the man obstructed fisheries officers by avoiding apprehension and throwing part his catch over a cliff. The man appeared at Batemans Bay Local Court and found was guilty for two counts of possession of more than the daily limit for Eastern Rock Lobster and obstructing a fisheries officer. He was fined $2,000 for each offence totalling $6,000, ordered to pay $6,000 in court costs and placed on a further good behaviour bond. TOTAL = $12,000 + good behaviour bond. • A 27 year old man from Noraville was inspected by fisheries after diving in Cabbage Tree Bay at Norah Head, north of Newcastle. The man was inspected to be found in possession of 14 prohibited sized abalone and 40 mollusc shellfish. The man appeared in Wyong Local Court to face charges in relation to the taking of abalone in closed waters, possession of a commercial quantity of abalone, possession of prohibited size abalone, possession of more than the daily bag limit and failing to pay the Recreational Fishing Fee. The man was found guilty for face offences and fined a total of $2,500 and $900 in courts costs. TOTAL = $3,400. • A 49 year old commercial fisher was inspected on his way home from a nights fishing on Wallis Lake on the State’s mid north coast. On inspection fisheries officers found 153 prohibited sized sand whiting in the fisher’s licensed fishing boat, along with a garfish net that was used to take the fish. It is illegal to retain fish other than garfish from the net that was used. The man appeared at Forster Local Court where the man pleaded guilty for possession of prohibited sized fish and possession of fish illegally taken. He was fined $3,850 for the two offences including court costs. TOTAL = $3,850. • A 28 year old man from Bulli was observed by fisheries officers diving in the waters off Waniora Point, Bulli. As the man exited the water fisheries officers attempted to inspect his catch at which time the man he dropped his diving gear and catch and ran from the officers. Fisheries officers seized 10 abalone and two prohibited sized lobsters and investigated the matter to reveal the man’s identity. The man appeared in Wollongong Local Court to face charges of possession of more than the maximum quantity for fish in circumstances of aggravation, possession of fish taken contrary to a fishing closure, possession of prohibited sized fish, failing to pay the Recreational Fishing Fee and obstructing fisheries officers. He was fined $7,500 for the five charges and ordered to pay $990 in court costs. TOTAL = $8,490. Compliance operation to protect overharvesting in protected areas The warmer weather not only brings out illegal fishers, it also means NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries Officers are on the lookout, targeting fishers collecting intertidal invertebrates from beaches. DPI Acting Fisheries Compliance Director, Tony Andrews, said a three day compliance operation this month will help protect species such as sea urchins, snails crabs and worms from overharvesting, as well as protecting the health of the community. “The warmer months results in a significant increase in fishing pressure along the coast, particularly during weekends and public holidays,” Mr Andrews said. “Species such as turban snails and sea urchins provide habitat and food for a variety of other animals including fish and birds. Empty shells are also important in providing habitat for other animals. Non-compliance hotspots include mudflats around Port Jackson and the Parramatta River as well as the ocean rock platforms of the Northern Beaches. “Many of the hot spots are Intertidal Protected Areas (IPA), Aquatic Reserves (ARP) or closures (Port Jackson Shellfish Closure). Intertidal protected areas (IPAs) protect intertidal biodiversity and provide reservoirs of breeding stock to repopulate nearby exploited areas. The intertidal zone is an important link in marine ecosystems and all organisms in this area form part of the aquatic food chain. “The whole of the waters of Sydney Harbour and its tributaries, including the Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers and Middle Harbour are closed to collecting shellfish of any species which includes pipis, cockles, mussels, snails and oysters all year round. “This closure is in place due to the likely hood of Dioxins, Heavy Metals, Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning and other bacteria that is harmful to humans being present in the shellfish of Sydney Harbour.” Fisheries Officers and NSW Fishcare volunteers will be carrying out an Education and Advisory Campaign throughout November targeting illegal collecting hotspots. The compliance operation will target non-compliance hotspots and significant penalties will be issued to anyone who is apprehended breaking the fisheries rules. “We have found that much of the illegal collecting is carried out by persons from English as a second language (ESL) communities and there is a need to improve the voluntary compliance in these communities and fisheries programs,” Mr Andrews said. “Our staff continue to work with representatives from many different communities on initiatives to promote the rules for harvesting intertidal invertebrates and molluscs. Possession limits on fish (including intertidal invertebrates) are in place to ensure a fair share of fisheries resources among the community, to encourage responsible fishing, reduce the chance of over fishing, and primarily to ensure that stocks remain at a suitable level for future harvest. They are also designed to discourage people from taking large quantities for the purpose of illegal sale and black marketing.” Information on possession and size limits as well as the rules for collecting from intertidal protected areas can be obtained from your local NSW DPI Fisheries Office, tackle stores, dive shops, or by visiting dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reminders -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Safe fishing videos for your club website The NSWCFAs application for funding of further copies of the Don’t Put Your Life on the Line fishing safety DVD has now been approved by the last meeting of the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts. We are temporarily out of stock but send us your requests to [email protected] and we will keep your request on file and send DVDs to you as soon as the DVDs are produced. The DVD covers rock fishing, freshwater fishing and underwater fishing. Any club should feel free to frame the videos in their own websites, just get the code to embed the various from our YouTube channel at youtube/safefishing . Do you know of a local fishing club or community fishing event? If you have a local fishing competition or a charity or community fishing event, we are always happy to give it some publicity in this newsletter. The newsletter goes out around the 25th day of every month of the year, to over 4,000 subscribers. You don’t have to be a member of the RFA of NSW. About 100-200 words is OK, however roughly written, and we always like a picture. Sign up for free weather alerts for coastal and inland waters You can sign up for alerts for NSW coast and inland waters direct from Maritime at maritime.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alert.html and you can set your own alert trigger conditions and choose which locations you want covered. Alerts are sent daily when wind conditions exceed the trigger points you specify. Easy, useful and free. Free RFA guide to meeting with politicians and bureaucrats Arranging a meeting with a politician, especially a state or federal minister, isn’t easy. If you do manage to get a bit of time in their busy schedules it’s important to make the most of the opportunity. Were far from perfect at this ourselves, but nonetheless the RFA has prepared a brief guide to organising and participating in meetings with politicians and bureaucrats. You can download a copy by clicking here. RFA safe fishing bumper stickers We have a fresh print run of our weatherproof bumper stickers. There are three designs, each features a QR code linking your smartphone to Bureau of Meteorology weather forecasts and PFD safety information. If you would like some for your car, boat, club members or to put around any fishing spots, send your name and postal address to [email protected] Who represents anglers? We regularly get comments from anglers that they dont know who is on the advisory committees to the NSW government and that they dont know what issues are considered and decided by those committees. The information is on the web, but not always easy to find, so here are the links: Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing members dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/licence-fee/trusts/acorf/about-acorf Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing minutes dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/licence-fee/trusts/acorf Recreational Fishing Freshwater Trust Expenditure Committee members dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/licence-fee/trusts/rfftec/about-rfftec Recreational Fishing Freshwater Trust Expenditure Committee minutes dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/licence-fee/trusts/rfftec Recreational Fishing Saltwater Trust Expenditure Committee members dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/licence-fee/trusts/rfstec/about-rfstec Recreational Fishing Saltwater Trust Expenditure Committee minutes dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/licence-fee/trusts/rfstec In between editions of their monthly newsletters the RFA of NSW and the NSW CFA also post news on the Facebook pages... Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW Facebook page facebook/RFANSW NSW Council of Freshwater Anglers Facebook page https://facebook/NSWCFA RFA videos now on YouTube channel The RFA of NSW now has a YouTube channel where all our safe fishing videos can be viewed. Go to youtube/safefishing to see the channel. Dont put your life on the line safe fishing DVDs The NSWCFAs application for funding of further copies of the Don’t Put Your Life on the Line fishing safety DVD was rejected by the last meeting of the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts. We have appealed for a review of that decision. In the meantime there are no DVDs available. If you have requested copies we will keep your request on file and send DVDs to you if funding is approved. About the Recreational Fishing Alliance The RFA is the peak recreational fishing body in NSW. It is a not-for-profit, volunteer organisation supported by recreational fishing clubs, associations and individual anglers. Its aims are: • To represent the interests of the recreational anglers of NSW and to gain equitable representation in the management of the State’s recreational fisheries. • To promote sustainable fishing practices throughout NSW. • To encourage the participation of children in recreational fishing. • To pursue and secure the rights of recreational anglers to fishing access in NSW waters. • To encourage recreational anglers to become involved in the well-being of the fishery. • To promote consultation and communication between government bodies and anglers. • To promote fishing safety. Friend on Facebook Forward to a Friend Subscribe to this newsletter by clicking here. NSW RecFisher is for all anglers in NSW. Subscription is free (click here). Please forward it to your angling mates and whoever produces your fishing club newsletter, they can use any news items they wish from this newsletter or from our Facebook page. Fishing clubs You can link to this email in your own newsletter. To get the link, go to the top of this email and click on View it in your browser. The URL of the newsletter should then appear in the address bar of your internet browser. Cut and paste that complete address as a link to paste into your newsletter, Facebook page, etc. Members of the RFA of NSW Australian National Sportfishing Association (NSW Branch), Canberra Fishing Club, Central Coast Association of Angling Clubs, Community Action Group for South West Rocks, New South Wales Council of Freshwater Anglers, New South Wales Fishing Clubs Association, New South Wales Underwater Skindivers and Fisherman’s Association, Professional Fishing Instructors and Guides Association and South West Anglers Association. Fishing clubs can join the RFA of NSW for just $55 per year. Membership for individual anglers costs just $22 per year. If you would like to join please download the membership form. Like NSW RecFisher December 2013 on Facebook | forward to a friend Copyright © 2013 Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW, All rights reserved. You are on our list either because you are a member or friend of our organisation, or you expressed interest in our newsletters and alerts. If that is not the case, we apologise for any inconvenience and if you dont wish to stay on this list please use the button below to unsubscribe. Our mailing address is: Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW PO Box 328 Matraville, NSW 2036 Australia Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list | update subscription preferences
Posted on: Fri, 29 Nov 2013 05:13:35 +0000
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