New Rules will see Netters Ravage NSW

[Gad]

as there is no general NSW category put this here.

Taken from Fishing World email newsletter

10 Apr 2014

By Fisho staff writers

COMMERCIAL netters are set to decimate NSW waters if plans to reduce restrictions and open up fragile estuary systems are allowed.

Netters and commercial fisheries managers are pushing for rule changes to allow the pros to mesh and haul in systems up and down the coast. They are lobbying to target valuable recreational species such as salmon, tailor and even kingfish via beach haul operations.

Key systems such as Sydney’s Pittwater, the Shoalhaven River, the Moruya River, Coila Creek, Merimbula Lake, Warrell Creek, Port Stephens, Tuggerah Lakes, the Hawkesbury and Lake Illawarra, as well as numerous smaller systems, will face huge increases in commercial pressure if the pros are successful in pushing for more netting access. (See fact box at bottom for more details on proposed changes in some of these systems).

Most of the systems earmarked to become netting hotspots are popular recreational fisheries. Many, including Merimbula Lake, have been net-free for decades.

More at: http://www.fishingworld.com.au/news/exclusive-new-rules-will-see-netters-ravage-nsw

[Gad]

Taken from Fishing World email newsletter

17 Apr 2014

NSW Fishery Reforms Labelled "Insane"

THE NSW Department of Primary Industry's controversial proposal to roll back commercial fishing restrictions in several south coast lakes and estuaries and lift a ban on ocean haul netting for popular rec fish species has been labelled insane.

More at: http://www.fishingworld.com.au/news/nsw-fishery-reforms-labelled-insane

[Binder]

I thought NSW fisho's basically looked upon salmon in a similar manner that we do forkies, and that salmon numbers had exploded to plague proportions since they stopped commercial access to them?

[Gad]

Yea,some rec fishos and a few regular writers for some fishing mags/papers south of the border look upon the salmon as vermin that, in their opinions, decimate the bait schools travelling up the coast and therefore deprive the tailor schools of their food sources and by doing this, those rec fishos and writers believe this is the cause of poor tailor seasons.

Right or wrong, the sambos are great sport fish on light gear

If my memory is correct I think a great proportion of netted salmon goes to the southern lobster fishermen who use it as bait in their lobster pots

[waldo]

Fishing World do as a lot of media do these days, play to their audience and whip them into a rage so they can ride the wave. The choice of language and unresearched comment shows a pretty clear agenda.

As I understand it the current discussion papers amount to an ambit claim by professional netters, not unlike a union claim for better wages (Ask for lots and if you come away with something that is pretty much a win.). They are suggesting they be allowed access to a large number of areas they are allowed in now. They put forward arguments, alternatives and additional changes which they suggest should/could be advantageous to all, in theory.

It's not unlike the alternate proposal put together (by the recreational lobby at that time) in a bid to change where and how much was closed of Moreton Bay when the green zones were introduced. The only difference is this is preemptive and not in response to incoming legislation.

I neither support nor oppose the issue, I just suggest people read things for themselves. Find out what you are really getting upset about rather than blindly following.

[Gad]

Thanks for your post waldo, I`m only too happy to agree with you.

Yes, some of the fishing media have no problem with creating an inflated ‘story’ and a dangerous trend coming in to some of their editorials is the thought line that rec fishos should join with rabid green groups when we have a common ‘cause’ against a government.

I think I`ve posted before (yonks ago) with regards to the FW email newsletter articles I post, I subscribe to FW as a Xmas present for one of my family and get the email newsletters through that.

I post some of their articles with the intent of stimulating discussion, whether that’s for or against the articles view and with the hope that people are interested enough to do some research on the topic.

[Gad]

Taken from Fishing World email newsletter

Is NSW now the anti-fishing state?

01 May 2014

By Fisho staff writers

ANGLERS in NSW face an uncertain future thanks to the mixed messages coming from the state’s Coalition Government.

A scandal involving the publication on the official NSW DPI website of a “wish list†produced by commercial netters and their departmental managers involving increased access to iconic coastal sportfisheries has soured relations between the recreational sector and Fisheries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson.

We understand the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation is drafting a press release calling for urgent ministerial action on this issue.

Rec fishing organisations are calling for the Minister to immediately rule out the proposed netting increases and publicly support the $3.4bn recreational fishing sector.

We understand the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation is drafting a press release calling for urgent ministerial action on this issue.

Although the “wish list†was published on the DPI website almost a month ago, in the process attracting widespread criticism and anger from outraged anglers, the Minister has not yet responded to the concerns raised.

This has further accentuated feelings throughout the rec fishing community that the Minister and her department are more interested in looking after the commercial sector as opposed to ensuring the state’s 1 million recreational anglers are treated equitably and with respect.

To add fuel to the fire, mainstream media reports today seem to indicate that NSW’s new Environment Minister, Rob Stokes, could well be planning more marine parks lockouts

Today’s Sydney Morning Herald published a report saying “new state Environment Minister Rob Stokes shares a passion for the ocean with Premier Mike Baird and has vowed to enhance protection of marine areas during his tenureâ€. The paper said the “politicians are close friends, keen surfers and serve beachside electorates – Stokes in Pittwater and Baird in Manlyâ€.

“There is going to be a renewed focus on environmental protection," the Herald quotes Mr Stokes as saying. “The Premier has indicated that he is really keen that our marine estate is effectively protected.â€

Fisho has long advocated for meaningful marine protection measures based on science as opposed to ideological or political motivations.

It may well be that Mr Stokes shares a similar viewpoint – and we’re attempting to ascertain his policy direction via his office – but the fact remains that the NSW Government is currently delaying release of an independent study into rec fishing in some marine park habitats.A study by an “expert panel†into line fishing in some beach and headland zones in the NSW marine park network was commissioned more than year ago. The study coincided with an amnesty on rec fishing in these areas.

The NSW Cabinet has the finalised report but has not publicly released its findings. At this stage, we can only speculate on what the report contains … but the key point is that all responsible anglers should accept the science regardless. If the report clearly demonstrates that line fishing off beaches in marine parks poses grave environmental risks, then there no argument that fishing should be limited or restricted in those areas. Likewise, if the report makes it clear that fishing poses little or no threat, then it’s obvious that all unnecessary restrictions should be permanently lifted.

The problem is that delays in releasing this report has resulted in anti-fishing groups including the Nature Conservation Council and the Australian Marine Conservation Society undertaking scare campaigns. This includes media comments that allowing familes to fish off beaches will result in “species extinction†in places like Jervis Bay and claims that recreational fishing is an “illegal†activity.

It’s hard to see that any half-decent Environment Minister could support this sort of extremist rubbish. However, the fact that Rob Stokes is quoted in the mainstream media as wanting “more†marine protection while sitting on an independent report on fishing and marine parks is a significant concern.

Fisho joins with other rec fishing organisations in calling for the immediate release of the expert panel’s report into line fishing in some marine park zones. Once the report is made public we’ll know where we stand on this key issue. More importantly, we’ll also be able to judge the Government on its responses to whatever the report recommends.

[Gad]

Taken from FW email newsletter

12 May 2014

Commercial fisheries consultation extended

THE NSW Department of Primary Industries has extended the date for submissions on proposed changes to the commercial fisheries industry.

Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson said the closing date for submissions on the Commercial Fisheries Reform Program has been extended to 5pm, Friday 30 May.

“The NSW Government is undertaking a comprehensive consultation process as part of the Commercial Fisheries Reform Program, which aims to improve the long-term viability of the commercial fishing industry,†Ms Hodgkinson said.

“Before any key decisions are made, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will comprehensively study the range of views put forward during the consultation process, in order to make these options as fair as possible.

“It is important that fishers use this period to advise how they believe the options could be best modified or improved.

“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has allocated $16 million to assist those commercial fishers wanting to leave the industry to do so, in the form of exit grants.â€

Ms Hodgkinson said NSW DPI Fisheries Managers had completed a series of port visits, held at Sydney, Galston, Newcastle, Forster/Tuncurry, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Maclean, Ballina, Tweed Heads, Lake Illawarra, Ulladulla, Batemans Bay, Bermagui and Eden.

“I have personally met with a number of commercial fishers on the North and South Coasts and acknowledge that the issues are complex and some major concerns have been raised during the consultation process,†Ms Hodgkinson said.

“I strongly urge commercial and recreational anglers, and other interested members of the community, to carefully examine the options papers and make a submission.

“At the completion of the consultation process the submissions, input from key stakeholder groups and advice from DPI will be considered by an independent Structural Adjustment Review Committee, which will then provide advice to the NSW Government.â€

The options papers and further information about the Commercial Fisheries Reform Program can be found at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/commercial/reform.

[Gad]

Taken from FW email newsletter

Merimbula netting proposal slammed

12 May 2014

REFORMS to commercial fishing in NSW that propose the reintroduction of netting in several of the state's estuaries have been slammed by NSW Treasurer and member for Bega, Andrew Constance.

Constance has labelled the DPI's proposals that include netting in Merimbula Lake as “ludicrous and clumsyâ€.

According to the Narooma News Constance said, “I am dead set against this. I raised this with the Minister (Katrina Hodgkinson, Minister of Primary Industries) yesterday (Thursday, May 8).â€

“There has been a lack of foresight into how the community would react. This is ludicrous and clumsy and I want this killed. For Merimbula Lake it needs to be ruled out straightaway,†Mr Constance said.

Constance was in Merimbula speaking with protesters of the netting proposals, and will be presenting around 2500 petition signatures to Ms Hodgkinson in NSW Parliament.

Mr Constance said: “There has to be a balance struck but the bottom line is no one wants to see netting in Merimbula Lake. The DPI has stirred every one up unnecessarily.â€

Fisho contacted minister Hodgkinson's office for comment on the neetting of Merimbula Lake and received the following:

“No decisions have been made in relation to the industry proposal to allow commercial netting in Merimbula Lake – or any of the other options currently out for public consultation as part of the Commercial Fisheries Reform Program.

“Last week I extended the deadline for submissions on this public consultation period to 5pm Friday, 30 May.

“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is engaging in genuine consultation about the Commercial Fisheries Reform Program with commercial and recreational fishers, and other interested members of the community, which is why we are undertaking an extensive consultation process.

“Before any key decisions are made, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will comprehensively study the range of views put forward during the consultation process, in order to make these options as fair as possible.

“It is important that fishers use this period to advise how they believe the options could be best modified so I strongly urge them to carefully examine the options papers and make a submission.

“At the completion of the consultation process the NSW Government will thoroughly consider the submissions, input from key stakeholder groups and advice from the DPI and an independent Structural Adjustment Review Committee.

“The options papers and further information about the Commercial Fisheries Reform Program can be found at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/commercial/reform.â€

More at: http://www.naroomanewsonline.com.au/story/2271191/dpi-gets-a-tongue-lashing-from-constance-over-merimbula-netting-proposal/?cs=1489

[Gad]

Taken from FW email newsletter

Rec Fishers say Habitat Threatened by Commercial Reforms

26 Jun 2014

REC fishers in NSW are concerned that the state government's Commercial Fisheries Reforms are posing a threat to fish habitat protection.

Following mounting criticism of the commercial reforms which had proposed the reintroduction of netting into several key estuary systems in the state, the consultation process has now been extended.

The Department of Primary Industries had received more than 750 submissions from commercial operators during the consultation phase that closed on May 30.

According to an ABC article by Bill Brown, rec fishers expect that the commercial operators will seek concessions that will allow more commercial fishing in areas currently reserved for recreational fishing.

Recreational fishing identity Steve Starling says commercial fishers will want access to estuaries that have been reserved for recreational fishers and which as a result has seen a resurgence in fish stocks.

He argues that a combination of areas from which commercial fishing is prohibited together with restrictions on recreational fishing has seen a growth in fish stocks.

"The idea was to give us a few areas where we could fish recreationally and know those fish were safe from the nets".

He said there was a lot of grumbling by recreational fishers when licensing, bag limits, and restrictions on equipment were brought in but that those measures have "really helped with the preservation of fish stocks."

"Everyone agrees that the fish stocks have bounced back since recreational fishing areas and quotas", he told the ABC.

In regard to the areas limited to recreational fishing he said, "The only pressure being placed on fish stocks is the very minimal pressure put on them by recreational anglers working to those regulations."

Read more at: http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2014/06/24/4032022.htm?site=southeastnsw

[Gad]

Taken from FW email newsletter

10 Jul 2014

By Fisho staff writers

Netting plans quashed ?

CONTENTIOUS proposals to allow netting in important sport fisheries as part of a reform of the NSW commercial fishing industry should be removed from the restructure agenda, an independent committee has advised.

Discussion papers recently released by the NSW Government contained a “wish list†submitted by some commercial operators wanting access to net a range of popular estuary systems along the NSW coast.

These proposals created a storm of protest from the recreational sector. However, Fishonow understands the Structural Adjustment Review Committee (SARC) has advised NSW Fisheries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson that proposals allowing extra mesh netting should not proceed.

It is understood that the Ministerial Fisheries Advisory Council (MFAC), which provides high level advice to Minister Hodgkinson, supports the SARC recommendation.

Moves to prevent mesh netting in key estuaries will be applauded by NSW anglers.

However, concerns about other elements proposed by commercial interests - including changes to other methods and equipment used in the estuary fishery and in beach hauling operations – remain and will need to be addressed.

Reform and restructure of the commercial sector in NSW is considered “vital†as the industry is overcrowded and inefficient. The Government has provided $15m to assist this restructure.

It is understood that MFAC has advised the Minister of its strong support for effective reform of the commercial sector in NSW while highlighting that any restructure moves should not disadvantage the state’s 1 million recreational anglers.