Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Australia is dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled active duty military personnel and veterans through fly fishing, casting, fly tying and fishing outings. These fly fishing outings, casting instruction, fly tying workshops and rod building workshops are tremendous opportunities to help our military personnel who are recovering physically and emotionally. Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Australia depends upon the contributions of people interested in making a difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed for us.

For more information visit the website http://projecthealingwaters.org.au/

Finishing touches on RFA's next safe fishing DVD
The middle of April saw the RFA of NSW heading down to Merimbula on the South Coast of NSW with film and video producer Michael Power from Afterglow Productions. We were ‎filming the final bits and pieces that will wrap up the "Don’t Put Your Life On the Line" fishing safety series and also complete the final segments for the Boating Safety DVD due for release soon.

Waiting for us was the ever-willing Kaj "Bushy" Busch who had generously made his whole weekend  available to the RFA to help out on this worthwhile project. Apart from the six days Bushy has given up, high profile anglers and personalities like Andrew "ET" Ettinghausen, Jason Wilhelm, Alex Bellissimo and even some help from Paul Worstelling from south of the border have seen these guys all give their time to help us out without any strings attached and all for a good cause, keeping anglers safe when fishing.

A huge thanks from the RFA to all those who helped out.

Recreational fishing havens not defended from commercial expansions
Malcolm Poole

In 2012 Caltex lodged a development application to dredge a significant portion of Botany Bay, one of the 30 or so Recreational Fishing Havens instigated over 10 years ago using funds from the NSW recreational fishing fee (licence) funds money.

Caltex intends to expand their Kurnell operations and berthing facilities, improving their productivity, business activities and bottom line for shareholders, but at the same time impacting on the marine ecology of Botany Bay and placing additional restrictions on recreational fishing and boating activities.  Recreational fishers alone have invested in excess of $15 million dollars to date ($10m + $5m interest), creating this Recreational Fishing Haven and improving the fishery. Boaters have invested via their licences and registration fees, we guess that must be in the millions too.

Botany Bay over the past decade has been considerably impacted from several major infrastructure developments: the Desalination Plant, the Port Expansion, now Caltex, and potentially the Airport, to name a few. The cumulative impacts of these projects has never been quantified scientifically in terms of changes to the marine ecology, or how the tidal waters did and now flow.  What is noticeable is the overall reduction of available fishing and boating area through added restrictions, the loss of available foreshore access, the loss and decline of sensitive fish habitat, and the lack and willingness of developers to design, increase and provide compensatory habitat offsets.  We do know there has been considerable habitat loss and degradation in the Bay, replacement facilities like the Foreshore Drive Boat Ramp do not deliver the capacity required now or into the future for boaters or fishers to enjoy and experience this waterway, and parts of Botany Bay will continue to be reclaimed for future developments. 

Something needs to be done to formally protect the millions of dollars of investment that NSW recreational fishing licence holders have made in NSW. Currently our Recreational Fishing Havens have little protection from developers, who are not required to recognise Recreational Fishing Havens in any development processes.  There is no means to seek compensatory offsets for loss of fishing access, loss of ecologically sensitive and important fish habitats, or to consider the impacts and loss of overall amenity for the boating/fishing public, short or long term.

A suggestion has been made to recognise Recreational Fishing Havens as some form of ‘recognised fishing grounds’, similar to the recognition that allows commercial fishers to exploit certain coastal waters, or allow limited access to ‘inland waters’ under the Fisheries Management Act 1994 and Fisheries Management Regulation 2010.

An alternative could be a State Environmental Planning Policy SEPP like the oyster industry has under SEPP 62 in NSW Planning laws, which local government and any developing authority must abide by and respond appropriately to.  Another alternative may be to declare such areas as Dedicated Crown Reserves under the Lands Act, accomplished by Ministerial Decree. The RFH’s or such areas would then be managed under a Reserves Trust Board which would enable additional benefits for boaters and fishers, provide localised input, funding opportunities, security, and ongoing management taking into consideration local and state-wide rules and agency regulations, etc.

We believe that amending the Fisheries Management Act could be the preferred option. Establishing a bona fide definition to be added into the Act, then provide protection under Division 4A Recreational Fishing Fee, relating to the recognition and protection of any investment made from the recreational fishing fee, or in Division 5 General, – under a separate heading similar to (38) Right to Fish Inland Waters or (39) Obstruct Recognised Fishing Grounds, by providing protection of any investment made with the recreational fishing fee.

The RFA would like to know your thoughts. Do you think anglers' significant investment in Recreational Fishing Havens is as secure as is it should/could be? What do you think about the overall investment by NSW recreational fishers in our State's fishery, which exceeds $120 million to date?

Email us at info@rfansw.com.au or comment of our Facebook page www.facebook.com/rfansw.

The new Marine Estate Management Authority
On Tuesday the 16th March, Dr Wendy Craik AM, Chair of the Marine Estate Management Authority (MEMA) and Dr Andrew Stoeckel, Chair of the Marine Estate Expert Knowledge Panel, provided a brief 40 minute insight to separate key marine estate stakeholders, into how they intend to ‘holistically’ review the Marine Estate which covered the coastline from the Queensland to Victorian borders, and east of the Great Divide, including our existing Marine Parks, with the view to developing a long term, whole of government approach, towards managing the NSW Marine Estate via an overarching strategy. 

This would involve developing a complex and complete coastal risk assessment matrix by the independent Marine Estate Expert Knowledge Panel which will be chaired by Dr Andrew Stoeckel, covering current land use activities, coastal developments, catchment areas, and the many risks that the NSW coastline is impact by, and how climate change may impact such areas in the future.

The additional four expert members of the independent Marine Estate Expert Knowledge Panel will provide expert advice across ecological and economic and social sciences. Nominations closed several weeks ago with 40 expressions of interest and 14 detailed resumes received. The full panel should be announced in the next few weeks.

This Marine Estate Management Strategy should be completed with the next two years, providing recommendations that will encompass the assessment of all these areas, against all relevant and available research, monitoring and data, it will develop and include important social and economic information from local and regional communities, seek specific stakeholder thoughts and suggestions of how to improve or protect our coastal areas, and understand what potential developments may be appropriate and occur in such areas. It was stated several times that any assessments and risks will be underpinned by evidence-based decision making; let’s hope that holds true, however in the absence of such information what will be used is still questionable.

It was completely clear from the comments and questions at the end of the recreational fishing presentation that trust and transparency were the biggest issues the Marine Estate Management Authority had to deal with first, followed then by the social and economic values a sustainable recreational fishery could support at local and regional levels. These issues were poorly considered previously, even though there was a number of studies that showed the relevance and importance of recreational fishing to coastal areas like Port Macquarie, Port Stephens and Batemans Bay, to name a few.

It was also noted that the current amnesty allowing recreational rod and line fishers to fish a number of beach and coastal rock platform Sanctuary Zones within our existing Marine Parks could be short lived, as the MEMA and Knowledge Panel's first priority is to assess all the risks and activities which may occur within these areas, then recommend any changes or amendments to rules that govern those activities; we were advised the timeframe is 6-8 months.

This new approach will allow the Government to respond to threats and risks and better manage our precious marine resources across the entire marine estate not just in marine parks and will be delivered through the new NSWDPI Lands Services and relevant agencies.

A number of Fact Sheets, Reports, Assessment Frameworks and Profiles are available at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/info/marinereform, a new more detailed web site is currently under construction.

No licence needed for Tassie saltwater anglers
Despite commissioning an $18,800 study into various licensing models, the Tasmanian government has decided it will not introduce a recreational saltwater fishing licence.

Fisheries research consultant Sven Frijlink provided a report last month to the Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Department that examined various models but did not make any recommendations for introducing a licence but didn't rule out the need for one in the future.

A spokesman for Fisheries Minister Bryan Green said there were "no plans whatsoever" for a licence.

Angler drowns at Port Kembla
Stan Konstantaras

On Monday 22 April another rock fishing angler lost his life south of Wollongong in large seas when he was swept from a rock platform when fishing with his 13 year old son.

Those of us who saw the conditions of the ocean that weekend would only describe them as diabolical. The RFA issued an alert on Friday before the weekend and all forecasts indicated the conditions would ease by Sunday, but even on Monday morning when the angler drowned the wave rider buoy off Port Kembla was still registering waves to 4.5 m with an average size of 1.7 m – 2.6 m.

With conditions like this the angler would have seen the conditions on the platform before walking out to it and would have driven past the safe haven of Port Kembla Harbour which would have been ideal to fish that day, perfectly safe and only minutes away. Why he chose the more dangerous location on such a marginal day is unknown but it was a tragic choice.

In all the press surrounding this sad event one thing that that really concerns us is a comment that  came from Surf Life Saving NSW: “A dangerous surf warning is current, and it is reported the man was not wearing a lifejacket, which would have greatly increased his chances of survival”.

That’s not necessarily true.

We have always advocated the use of lifejackets, but we have never said that if it’s too rough you should just put a lifejacket on. That is the wrong message which creates a sense of false security to those tempted to fish in high risk locations and one which we should never support.

We all need to be aware that a lifejacket does not mean we can fish no matter how big the seas are, but we still need to be aware that if it’s too rough we can always find a more sheltered spot to fish or go home.

Asian Women Fishing Safety Awareness Day this Sunday
150 community leaders are expected to join the RFA of NSW and DPI this Sunday at Mort Bay on Sydney Harbour for a fishing day and outside seminar. The fact that they will all be ladies is part of an initiative that will hopefully see the “Tiger Moms” take home safe fishing messages and compel their sons and husbands to heed safe fishing messages before they go fishing!

Trust board to manage ex-fisheries research site
Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner has announced the membership of a new reserve trust board, the Hungry Point Reserve Trust, to manage the former Cronulla Fisheries Research Centre.

“The newly-created Hungry Point Reserve Trust will be responsible for the management of the Crown reserve land where the fisheries research centre was located." Mr Stoner said.

“The creation of the new trust was a major recommendation of an independent review of the site’s future and will ensure increased public access to this fantastic part of Cronulla. The NSW Government has always said the Cronulla Fisheries site will remain in public ownership and we’re delighted to return this prime foreshore land to the community for public use and enjoyment."

Mr Stoner said the community and relevant stakeholders were consulted over the composition of the new Hungry Point Reserve Trust.

The reserve trust board has 11 members, three of whom represent the Sutherland Shire community with the other eight representing government agencies and community organisations.

The appointees include Cr Kevin Schreiber, Mr Mark Aprilovic, and Ms Mary Jacobs.

Cr Kevin Schreiber is Deputy Mayor of Sutherland Shire Council. He was first elected to council in 1995 and has previously served as Mayor (1996 to 1999 and again 2003 to 2005). Mr Mark Aprilovic is President of the Cronulla Chamber of Commerce and is a former professional surfer and founded the Cronulla Surf School in 1994. Ms Mary Jacobs is currently a member of the advisory committee of Sutherland Early Support Service, which has won many awards including the 2013 Sutherland Shire Community Group of the Year.

The ex-officio members comprise senior officers of Sutherland Shire Council; Crown Lands; RMS Maritime; the La Perouse Aboriginal Lands Council; NSW Police; Marine Rescue NSW; Government Property NSW; and the Sutherland Shire Historical Society.

Applications invited to NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts
Anglers and organisations with ideas for projects to improve recreational fishing in NSW are encouraged to apply for funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson has announced.

“In 2012/13 the NSW Government allocated approximately $14 million to a range of projects across the State and we are expecting a similar amount to be available for projects in the upcoming financial year,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

“The funds collected from the sale of recreational fishing licence fees will be made available for both freshwater and saltwater projects nominated by recreational fishing groups, councils, individuals, universities and community organisations. This allocation is recommended by committees of expert fishers and funds are provided for both short and long term projects. Fishing continues to be one of our State’s most popular recreational activities with over one million anglers dropping a line in each year. The fishing licence fees are reinvested every year in order to improve the NSW recreational fishing assets and accessibility,” Ms Hodgkinson said.

Community projects previously funded include:
• The State’s first artificial reef off Sydney;
• new fish cleaning facilities on the Far South Coast of NSW;
• the creation of interactive educational displays at the Ballina Marine Discovery Centre; and
• fishing workshops for the physically and mentally disabled.

Applications for funding close on Friday, 31 May 2013.

Funding applications must benefit recreational fishing. Contributing funding and in-kind support, such as voluntary labour, is encouraged. Joint applications are also encouraged.

For more information or assistance with applications contact the NSW Department of Primary Industries: (02) 6691 9681, email recreational.fishingtrust@dpi.nsw.gov.au or visit www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au

What is happening to ACORF and the Trusts?
What is happening to ACoRF and the Recreational Fishing Trusts?
Anglers are in the dark about the future of the Ministerial appointed Advisory Council of Recreational Fishing ACoRF and the two Recreational Fishing Salt and Freshwater Trust Expenditure Committees, RFSTEC and RFFTEC.

Recommendation 16 of the NSW Parliament Legislative Council’s Fishing Inquiry conducted in 2010 by the Select Committee on Recreational Fishing was

‘That Industry & Investment NSW undertake a review, including any legislative constraints, of the structure, membership and operation of the Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing.’

The NSW Government’s response in December 2011 was

‘The NSW Government is considering current consultative arrangements with the Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing to ensure its ongoing effectiveness for providing quality advice to government on recreational fishing matters.’

A year and a half later, there is little evidence that any action has been taken, and in the meantime ACoRF and the Trust committees seem to be grinding to a halt, with their last meetings mid last year, so is the review occurring or not?

Some of the other problems, from a long list of issues which arose during 2012, appear to being addressed as a result of persistent questions from many anglers at all levels.  After a delay of many months, minutes of all Trust meetings are now on the DPI website*; the 2012/13 Recreational Fishing Grants assessed by the two trust committees, then recommended to ACoRF in April/May and August we understand were finally approved and the successful applicants advised at the end of 2012; and we now hear the January 2013/14 Recreational Fishing Grants were announced last week and that an ACoRF meeting is going to happen soon.

This late notice has left a number of community groups and fishing organisation wondering what is really happening, with such delays impacting a number of large and important projects that require recurrent financial support.

For example, the RFA’s own Recreational Safety Officer project has not been able to proceed. The original project scope was originally partially funded in 2012 through the NSW Government Water Safety Black Spot Fund for several proposed projects, the remaining part of the project required a funding for a Project Officer to actually do all the work associated with the project, however only 60% of this was funded by the NSW Trusts and approved at an ACoRF meeting, leaving a considerable shortfall. RFA were advised to submit an additional application in 2013/14 round to cover the shortfall operational and communications costs, support for regional safety officers and the ongoing coordination of regional Angel Rings. The lack of an ongoing application and funding process has stranded this important project high and dry.

Membership of ACORF and the Trust committees generally changes each one & half years, with overlapping 3 year terms, Expression of Interest to become a committee member are advertised publicly with applicants submitting a short resume. This allows a portion of members on each committee to be renewed or replaced by fresh members with new ideas, backgrounds and experiences. (However there is a possibility of a consultative review occurring, as suggested by some of the the questions in the latest Fisheries survey of licence holders.)

That latest Fisheries survey of licence holders was mentioned in our April newsletter http://us5.campaign-archive1.com/?u=aaffdffaded2e86f449aa94b9&id=6f0845efa3&e=a544aed557) seeks anglers’ views on appointments to ACORF and the Trust committees, but the results of that survey will not be compiled until around June 2013 and we would expect a time lag before any decision is made to act on the outcomes.

We are also aware of a possible bill in the NSW Parliament from The Shooters and Fishers Party to form a Fishing Council. Such a body would presumably replace the advisory council/trust committee system, but that bill is not likely to be presented in Parliament until the later this year or next, and even then could be held up by debate or defeated.

Depending on how licensed anglers respond to the recent Fisheries survey, support should continue for effective operation of these three groups until alternative or complementary arrangements and changes are implemented by DPI/Fisheries NSW.

*Minutes can be found at the following links.
ACORF Minutes
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/licence-fee/trusts/acorf
Recreational Fishing Freshwater Trust Expenditure Committee minutes
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/licence-fee/trusts/rfftec
Recreational Fishing Saltwater Trust Expenditure Committee minutes
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/licence-fee/trusts/rfstec
 

RFA NSW members out and about
RFA Secretary Stan Konstantaras headed down to popular rock fishing spot Julianne in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs during March with the Mayor of Randwick (Tony Bowen) and a news crew from Channel 10.

Channel 10 was doing a story on the recent Randwick LGA survey of local rock fishers and the RFA of NSW Lifejacket Handout supported by the Blackspot Fund. Randwick Council has almost completed analysing a survey on rock fishing that the RFA had assisted them with and managed to collect close to 120 responses from local and visiting anglers.

The survey team consisted of a handful of local rock fishing anglers and a Korean, two Chinese and a Vietnamese interpreter with rock fishing experience.      

On the day the TV crew ventured out, we had a great result as all seven anglers we saw on the rocks had correct footwear and six of the seven were wearing a PFD.

In all of the Randwick LGA this was the only spot with anglers on it and the news crew were adamant they wanted to go there and film. It was big effort to walk them in safely but worth it.

We felt it was a good news story in the end, barring of course the usual rubbish that rock fishing is the “world’s most deadly sport” that newsreaders and some parts of society like to push.

Stan is confident the Mayor took home a better understanding of rockfishing and so did the news reporter and cameraman.

Stan has fished these rocks for 30 years and said it was great to see his first ever Tongan angler wearing a PFD. He was fishing alone, admitted he was not a good swimmer and the spot he was fishing is called “Sweepy” due to the side-on wash that hits you – he was doing the right thing as most Pacific Islanders tend to be good swimmers but lack rock fishing experience, but this guy ticked all the boxes. 

Super trawler not idle
Fishing World has reported that the super trawler FV Margiris that left Australia last month has turned up in Chilean waters, fishing in what fisheries scientists consider one of the world’s most over-exploited jack mackerel fisheries.

Greenpeace oceans campaigner Nathaniel Pelle says "The Margiris now appears to be fishing in the under-regulated high seas in the jurisdiction of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation [SPRFMO]."

The Brisbane Times carries a full report…see this link.

Meanwhile joint venturer of the Margiris, Seafish Tasmania, is still challenging the Federal government’s decision to ban the super trawler from Australian fisheries. The case is due back in the Federal Court in a couple of months.

Super trawler gone, but is fisheries policy in trouble?
Writing in The Conversation last month, a group of leading fisheries scientists have questioned whether the politicisation of the Margiris issue is a backward step by allowing political pressure to override scientifically established fisheries policies.

You can read the full article at The Conversation website.

Project Blue-Print
Project Blue-Print is a Coastal Public Safety Risk Assessment of ten NSW coastal beaches, headlands and rock platforms by Australian Coastsafe, part of Surf Life Saving Australia, and funded by the NSW Government under the Water Safety Black Spot Fund.

Project team members have recently being assessing ten NSW coastline areas, the latest meeting were with relevant land managers in the Gosford and Wyong Local Government Areas seeking their input into public safety risk assessment process. The public and coastal users have also been encouraged and engaged to provide their thoughts during the teams assessments whilst collecting data relating to access points and tracks, beaches and rocky areas, public rescue equipment, important signage and location identification, as well there have been two public meetings at Wamberal and Shelly Beach SLS clubs.

If you missed these meetings or seeing the team members in action, then please jump onto the project web site www.coastsafe.org.au/blueprint , register your interest and then complete the survey offering your thoughts about what needs improving in the way of beach or rock platform access points and tracks, improved infrastructure, the type and locations of public rescue equipment, and what signage should be installed to improve visitor knowledge and rescue response times when required.

Or you can directly email the project team member Chris twine ctwine@surflifesaving.com.au.

New Murray crayfish rules for 2013
Anglers are being advised of significant changes to the fishing rules for Murray crayfish this season.

Executive Director Fisheries NSW, Dr Geoff Allan, said that environmental factors such as habitat degradation and modification and blackwater events after flooding have taken a toll on the iconic native species.

“The NSW Fisheries Scientific Committee has proposed to list Murray crayfish as a vulnerable species in NSW following widespread declines in abundance, particularly in the lower reaches of the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers,” Dr Allan said.

“Although recreational fishing does not appear to be a primary cause of decline, it is important that we manage recreational fishing pressure to assist species recovery on a proactive basis.

“A combination of new measures including additional closed areas, shortening the season by one month and changes to bag and size limits are being introduced this year to protect this important species.”

The new regulatory arrangements include:

• Prohibiting the take of Murray crayfish in all NSW waters except in the Murrumbidgee River between the Hume Highway road bridge at Gundagai and Berembed Weir, near Ganmain, and in the Murray River between 130 metres downstream of the Hume Weir, near Albury and the Newell Highway road bridge at Tocumwal.
• Changing the opening of the fishing season from 1 May to 1 June to protect pre- spawning females.
• Increasing the minimum size limit (from the rear of the eye socket to the centre rear of the carapace) from Murray crayfish from 9 cm to 10 cm and introducing a maximum size limit of 12 cm, to ensure all females reach sexual maturity and that very large crayfish can continue within the population.
• Reducing the daily bag limit for Murray crayfish from 5 to 2 and the possession limit from 10 to 4.

Dr Allan said the new Murray crayfish fishing rules are effective immediately meaning it will be an offence to take Murray crayfish in the month of May.

“All other existing rules will continue including a prohibition on taking berried females or removing heads, tails or claws in, on, or adjacent to, waters,” Dr Allan said.

“I acknowledge that these new rules may inconvenience fishers, particularly those in south western NSW and Victoria who had planned to fish for Murray crayfish in the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers this May.

“Fishers must ensure they get to know the new rules before heading out fishing this Murray crayfish season as fisheries officers will be out in force to ensure the new regulatory arrangements are being followed.”

Up to five hoop nets per person may be used to take Murray crayfish where permitted with the letters “HN” and user’s name and address on the float. 

Where it is legal to use hoop nets, they may continue to be used to take yabbies in waters closed to the taking of Murray crayfish.  However, if any Murray crayfish are accidentally caught they must be immediately returned to the water unharmed.

Seismic surveys nominated as key threatening process
SETFIA (South East Trawl Fishing Industry Association) reports that the Commonwealth Fisheries Association (CFA) has lodged a nomination with the Department of Sustainability, the Environment, Water, Population and Communities for marine seismic survey activities as a key threatening process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

There is growing evidence that seismic surveys cause damage to marine life, displacement from habitats and disruption to breeding.

The nomination lists nine species that could become vulnerable or more highly endangered: black jewfish; Bass Strait scallop; arrow squid; scampi; blue warehou; southern bluefin tuna; orange roughy; gemfish; and the loggerhead turtle.

The CFA's goal is to achieve appropriate protection for these species.

You can subscribe to SETFIA’s email newsletter at http://www.setfia.org.au/

Online petition for better process for Crown land conversions
All Nations Bushwalking Club has started an online petition to the NSW government for improved information about applications for Crown road closures and better resourcing of the process so that the public can know about closures which could affect fishing, bushwalking, kayaking etc.
 
Click here to sign the petition and please pass the link on to all your friends and club members.

(The petition is on GetUp!'s 'CommunityRun' application...there's a box to untick if you don't want to receive any GetUp! emails.)

Looking for more Fishcare Volunteers
Do you have a keen interest in fishing and conservation? DPI is calling out for people to join the successful Fishcare Volunteer Program, which has in excess of 300 volunteers statewide. The program is run using funds from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to sustainable recreational fishing and habitat conservation. The yearly training is planned for mid-July 2013 and will encompass both fresh and saltwater information sessions. Anyone who is 18 years or older with a keen interest in recreational fishing and conservation is invited to nominate to train to become a Fishcare Volunteer.

The training includes presentations and break out sessions by DPI staff and guest speakers about the NSW recreational fishing fee, NSW fishing rules and regulations, conservation and habitat, catch and release techniques, fisheries research, the volunteer codes of practice and DPI policies and communication skills. There is also an accredited TAFE training component in fish biology and identifying fish species. At the end of the workshop participants would receive a statement of attainment from TAFE NSW.

Fishcare Volunteers play a vital role in promoting responsible fishing practices. They do a terrific job in advising anglers about the rules and values of sustainable recreational fishing in NSW at events, such as fishing competitions, shows and field days, children’s fishing workshops and the ‘Get Hooked…its fun to fish’ schools program. They pass on their knowledge and skills, and encouraging values that ensure there will be fish for the future. Volunteers do not have any enforcement powers.

For more information download a nomination form at this link.

Counterfeit fishing tackle
The latest newsletter from AFTA (the Australian Fishing Trade Association) says that counterfeit products are a growing concern in a number of areas in Australia’s retail sector. AFTA is working with the Australian Sporting Goods Association and other retail associations to determine the extent of counterfeited products entering Australia. AFTA is asking for the industry’s help in providing any data on counterfeit fishing trade products seized by customs, discovered in the market by investigators or seized and destroyed through legal action. Information can be provided to enquiries@afta.net.au or you can call AFTA on 02 6282 8500.

Licence Fees at Work
A project aimed at improving safe access to a popular rock fishing platform is nearing completion on the NSW south coast. The new timber stairway at South Durras headland replaces a well worn, but unsafe slippery access track from the headland down to the rock platform, and now provides secure and safe access for recreational fishers. The local community at South Durras identified the project and are volunteering alongside local builders to carry out the project. Eurobodalla Shire Council is providing project support, and funds from the Recreational Fishing Trust have been used to purchase materials.

Anyone can apply for funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts, including fishing clubs and organisations, universities, councils, community groups and individuals. For more information visit www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au.

Win one of 24 free life jackets from the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW
Enter the RFA's Rock Fishing Safety Life Jacket Competition and win one of our 24 free life jackets! There's still plenty to win.

March winners were Mr Nishant Sharma of Wolli Creek and Ms Nicole Burton of Croydon Park.

The Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW is giving away two lifejackets every month for 12 months until August 2013. Enter on the RFA's Safe Fishing website at www.safefishing.com.au

UV protection app
Don’t be fooled by cooler weather or by cloud cover, you are still at risk of sunburn when fishing in autumn and winter!  When UV levels are 3 and above the sun's rays are strong enough to damage your skin and put you at risk of skin cancer.

To check the UV levels while on the go, the Cancer Council has developed a simple, free SunSmart app for iPhone and Android. This app will let you know the daily UV forecast, the times you need to use sun protection and the weather conditions.

You can also add the free SunSmart UV Alert Widget to your clubs’ internet page. Go to this link for more information.

$100,000 rescue vessel commissioned at Batemans Bay


A new $100,000 rescue vessel has been officially commissioned at Batemans Bay, boosting the emergency capability of Marine Rescue NSW volunteers on the State’s South Coast.

MRNSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos said the 6.25 metre Cobia was a valuable addition to rescue resources in the region.
 
“Batemans Bay 21 forms an important part of Marine Rescue’s strategic safety net of rescue vessels on our coastal waters,” Commissioner Tannos said.

“This vessel, which was funded by the unit through its members’ energetic fundraising activities, is a significant investment in the safety of local and visiting boaters and also of our volunteers.”

The open Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat is accredited to respond to emergencies on the Clyde River and bar and up to half a nautical mile offshore.

Batemans Bay Unit Commander Michael Syrek said Batemans Bay 21 provided the unit’s volunteers with a light-weight, speedy and highly-manoeuvrable vessel.

“The Cobia is well equipped to ensure that our volunteers can respond efficiently, safely and swiftly to help boaters in trouble on the water, whether on the river or offshore,” he said.

Commissioner Tannos paid tribute to the unit’s volunteers for their dedication to serving the boating community in the popular fishing and boating region of the southern coastline.

Commissioner Tannos also acknowledged the vital support of the State Government and the boating community for Marine Rescue’s essential services.

“Our number one priority is safety on the water for both our volunteers and the boating community,” he said.

“The financial support we receive from the Government and through boaters’ registration and licence fees provides about 50 per cent of the annual budget we need to provide NSW with a first class marine search and rescue service, radio network and boating safety education.

“Even with this funding support, as a community-based organisation, we still need to rely on our fundraising activities to contribute towards the $14 million we need to provide our valuable services.

“The Batemans Bay volunteers are to be commended for their tireless fundraising efforts to purchase this new boat for their unit.”

To find your local Marine Rescue base, visit www.marinerescuensw.com.au

ACMA video: Using VHF Marine Radio for weather information
The ACMA collaborated with the Bureau of Meteorology to produce this weather-related marine radio video. Boaters should always check the weather before setting sail and whilst at sea, by listening on their VHF marine radio.

From Sea to Source - new book on fish migration
From Sea to Source is the result of collaborations and partnerships with fisheries professionals all over the world, drawn together to provide a major new text on the theme of fish migration. The underlying concept is the increasingly recognised need for preservation but, more frequently, the restoration of free migration for all species of fish.

Migratory fish are well-known to us all, whether it’s a meal of smoked salmon – now more available than ever – or a rare taste of caviar. Or perhaps it is the sight on TV of a grizzly bear as it waits patiently to catch a salmon as it leaps during its migration upstream? But for many millions of people worldwide the seasonal migrations of fish bring protein and are an essential food resource.

This book brings together fish migration experts from every relevant continent, each of whom has direct practical experience of the issues and challenges. Their experience is represented in more than 40 examples illustrating the needs, and solutions for the preservation of fish migrations. The book gives an up-to-date overview of fish migration issues and technical solutions worldwide. It targets scientist, water managers and policymakers working in the field of fish migration, but also members of the general public with an interest in the well-being of our environment. The guidance and examples aim to inspire you to consider, address and prioritize fish migration solutions within a river basin perspective.

From Sea to Source was launched at the International Ecohydraulics Symposium in Vienna in September 2012, and subsequently also at Sympass Fish Passage Conference in Brazil and the Living North Sea Event in the UK. Presentations in North America and Australia are currently being planned.

The electronic version of the book can be downloaded for free as a low resolution PDF file at http://www.fromseatosource.com. You can also order a hard copy of the book at the same website.

You're booked, baby
Fisheries officers have seized a boat and illegal fishing equipment made partly from a baby bath, during an operation in Botany Bay late last month, DPI Acting Director Fisheries Compliance, Tony Andrews, said today.

“Fisheries officers were alerted to illegal fishing activity in Botany Bay and Towra Point Aquatic Reservce by recreational fishermen in the area,” Mr Andrews said.

“Fisheries Officers began to conduct surveillance patrols in an attempt to locate the person allegedly setting the illegal gear. After locating illegal set lines and establishing a pattern of activity, Fisheries Officers were able to apprehend a 50 year old man from Brighton Le Sands in Quibray Bay, which is part of the Sanctuary Zone of Towra Point Aquatic Reserve on March 28. The sanctuary zone of Towra Point Aquatic Reserve is closed to fishing by any method. The aquatic reserve was declared in 1987 to protect all species of fish, habitat and other aquatic life including seagrasses, mangroves and valuable migratory bird habitat. The man was spoken to and allegedly found to be using illegal set lines totalling approximately 180 metres, with 43 hooks, and in possession of prohibited sized fish and exceeding the bag limit,” Mr Andrews said.

“Fisheries Officers seized the boat, 2 lines, 2 tubs, 1 esky and 54 fish, 25 of which were of a prohibited size.

“Fisheries officers also seized another six other illegal lines set in the Recreational Fishing Haven of Botany Bay. The lines were of the same construction to those which the man was allegedly found using. The man took part in a formal record of interview at the Sydney South Fisheries Office and made admissions regarding the illegal gear. He is facing a number of charges including possess prohibited size fish, possess illegal fishing gear and fish in a protected area.

“Aquatic Reserves exist for the protection of critical environments, animals and plants, and are regularly patrolled by Fisheries Officer at all times of day and night. Detected breaches of Aquatic Reserve regulations can result in severe fines, prosecution, or both.

“Recreational Fishing Havens have been introduced with the aid of money raised from the Recreational Fishing Fee.

“The reduction in commercial fishing effort in these areas is intended to enhance recreational fishing opportunities for all anglers and the use of unauthorised commercial fishing gear in such areas simply will not be tolerated.

“Thanks to the help of the recreational fishermen, Fisheries officers were able to successfully apprehend this illegal fisher.

“I urge anyone who suspects illegal fishing to contact the fishers watch phoneline on 1800 043 536.”

Reminders

Still no central database of Crown road/fishing access closures
The NSW government has not responded to the NSW CFA's and the RFA's requests that an online reference database be established so that anglers can monitor applications for sale of Crown roads that may affect fishing access. In the meantime, whenever possible, we will list any applications that we become aware of on our Facebook page. Anglers should also closely monitor their local newspapers where these applications for closure will be advertised.

Go to our Facebook page for info. http://www.facebook.com/rfansw

Beware: NSW Maritime's alpine alerts don't work!
Just a heads-up as we get into the dangerous part of the year on alpine lakes: the alpine alerts that anglers and boaters can sign up for at www.maritime.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alert.html DON'T WORK. So if you have been relying on them for alerts for dangerous weather on the higher NSW lakes, think again. They seems to work fine for coastal waters but if you ticked the boxes to select warnings for the Snowy Mountains lakes, you get nothing.

RFA of NSW has been signed up for alerts for over a year and never received a single email warning, despite gale conditions eg on Eucumbene and Jindabyne on numerous occasions in 2012.

The RFA has made a number of complaints to NSW Maritime over the past couple of months and last week they added a notice to the sign-up page saying the alpine alerts are out of action because of technical issues but the sign-up page still allows you to choose to get the alpine alerts along with coastal alerts.

Native Fish Strategy Survey
Since the commencement of the MDBA's Native Fish Strategy (NFS) in 2004, a large number of research and adoption projects (more than 80) have been commissioned covering a wide range of species, threats, and management scenarios.

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority is reviewing the success of NFS research and development projects both in terms of their contribution to the science and to the management of native fish in the Basin.

They have developed a short survey that will take 10 minutes to complete. Go to the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QGPJHGY

Your responses and comments will greatly assist with assessing the effectiveness of Native Fish Strategy research over the past 10 years.

CLOSING DATE IS MID-MAY

Healthy Waterways DVD now available
The Healthy Waterways DVD "Healthy Waterways = Better Boating, More Fish" has been completed and is being distributed. Produced by the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority, this short film discusses how boaters and fishers can help keep our waterways healthy by protecting habitat, preventing the spread of aquatic pests, and volunteering.

DVDs of the video (with multilingual sub-titles) are available for fishing clubs; for more information contact Linda.Dedovic@cma.nsw.gov.au.

You can include the video in your club newsletters and websites by using the YouTube link http://youtu.be/CArVg-JcYTI

Safe fishing videos for your club website
Over the past few months, working with NSW Council of Freshwater Anglers and NSW DPI, we have given away thousands of the "Fishing Safely in NSW" DVD. We have been sending them out to individual anglers, fishing clubs and community groups. NSW DPI has also been distributing copies to anglers, at fishing workshops and other events. That brings us up to about 22,000 copies that have been handed out in past year.

The DVD covers rockfishing, 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 www.youtube.com/safefishing .

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 info@rfansw.com.au

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 www.youtube.com/safefishing to see the channel.