Popular fishing spots targeted

[Nete-Quette]

Popular fishing spots targeted
HELEN MANUSU
18/03/2009 1:00:00 AM
WHILE the National Parks Association aims to have 20 per cent of the State's coastline locked up in no-take zones, the public must realise that the majority of the most popular fishing spots are located within that 20 per cent, according to Crowdy Head resident Roger Edwards.

Mr Edwards was one of many concerned Manning area people who attended Monday night's ECOfishers meeting in Laurieton.


"In the Cape Byron Marine Park (already in operation), the existing sanctuary zones represent 99.9 per cent of the reef areas – the places people want to fish," he said.


Mr Edwards described the meeting as "very well run", with positive outcomes.


Most people feared the effects more marine parks would have on coastal communities, he said.


"They (NPA) seem hell bent on getting sanctuary zones adjacent to existing national parks.


"There is therefore a fear that these plans will even affect surf lifesaving clubs, for example Crowdy Head, as there could well be restrictions on human use, for example in the running of surf carnivals.


"Sanctuary zones mean not even a shell can be taken from a beach. Imagine grandparents taking their grandkids to the beach and not being even able to touch a soldier crab... they'd be breaking the law.


"I don't know where these people get off, sitting in Sydney and making decisions that affect the lives and livelihoods of people here on the coast."


Mr Edwards, who works in Taree but also runs a charter business from Crowdy Head, said his business was more of a hobby. "But it's something I want to do to keep me occupied when I retire," he said.


He named a range of businesses that would be affected by more marine parks. "It's not just recreational fishers being denied their sport, it's the whole life of coastal communities.


"There are the tackle shop owners, the service stations where fishing people buy their fuel, the accommodation businesses, caravan parks, food outlets, the boat repair businesses... the flow-on effect must be considered if the NPA's push is successful.

"On top of that are the thousands of people making lifestyle changes with a view to retiring happily. They want to be able to catch a couple of fish a week. They're not raping or pillaging our fish stocks."


Harrington's Bob Smith agreed the emotive issue of people wanting to retire on the Mid North Coast because of its recreational fishing attractions was well in evidence at the meeting.


"The greenies have gone too far," he said.


He described the level of "anti-ALP comment" at the meeting as "extremely high... 100 per cent."


Mr Smith is founder and chair of The Fishing Party in Australia, as well as president of the NSW Fishing Clubs Association. Next week he becomes president-general of the Australian Anglers Association for a term of two years.


"The meeting agreed that ALP seats in NSW have to be targeted at the next election," he said.


"But in the meantime everyone is being urged to oppose the creation of more marine parks by what ever means they can."

[CEO]

       And the best means of opposing Labor's marine parks is to join ECOfishers, representing NSW recreational fishers. We have the expertise, we have the science, we have the scientific staff, we have the determination the will and the ways, to win this fight. Be part of the state's largest recreational fishing organization - ECOfishers. Join now and be part of our winning team. You won't be disappointed! Our massive membership is growing rapidly. Our policies, practices and philosophy appeal to NSW grass roots recreational fishers. And you determine our policies. No" olde boys club" here. No power plays and fat egos. We are just an honest, fair dinkum informed,, friendly recreational fishing organization, dedicated to working for you - and working dam hard! Support us and we support you, on all isues and at every level.