Viceous disease aimed at rec anglers

[Pi]

Hi,

The following is a link to an article by Terry Fuller in 2003 on the Western Angler site:

http://www.westernangler.com.au/forum/m_9364/printable.htm

It is an article on the apathy of recreational anglers, and, unfortunately, is too true. It's so easy to give "online support" to a cause as that only takes a few seconds. To actually get out and do something requires effort. A classic example was the "Save Our Slimies" of a few years ago - over 3,000 on-line signatures, but on about 50 turned up at the Canberra demonstration.

But this article also refers to the "indifference to any warnings about threats to recreational fishing". And goes on to give other examples of lack of "hits" on message boards giving such warnings.

There are many organisations out there doing their bit for recreational fishing. Most are small as most people are not interested, but they still battle on. It's often been said by those not involved with these groups that it's a pity they are not united. But in reality most work closely together, and are in contact at least via email. As an example, I can only speak for the AAG (Sydney Northside). We have ties with Council of Freshwater Anglers, Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW, Richmond Valley AAG, and are in constant contact with other groups such as Australian Underwater Federation, members of NSW FCA, ANSA, various bass organisations (eg Bass Sydney). Needless to say we support the ECOFishers group and have been in contact with them on several matters. We attend various workshops held by NSW DPI (Fisheries) such as the grey nurse shark one last year, and the two Tuna and Billfish Fisheries ones held this year (actually, the last one was organised by RecFish Australia and ACoRF). We are also trying to organise a meeting with the DPI staff in the Marine Parks Scientific Committee to discuss various issues.

The point is, many of these seemingly disparate groups are working, either closely or loosely, together. They serve different functions and have different approaches to the way they do things. Some are conciliatory, some confrontational, some political, some lobby, some have representatives on various committees. It is only ECOFishers that are concentrating on the marine parks issue, and the formation of these "local groups" is their modus-operandi.

But the main drawback is the apathetic nature of the typical Australian psyche, something that is well known. The attendance of 120 at the Mayfield meeting is probably less than expected. These groups need your support, and in the case of the marine parks issue, as netequette said in another post [The pressure is building and times are changing, any of you who are concerned about loosing your rights to be able to fish where you want,then take note of any meetings that are advertised and simply ATTEND!/b]

The people in these groups are simply human. They are volunteers. But they need support, and without it could well throw in the towel. Something the recreational fraternity cannot afford to happen.

Phil

[Grantm]

Gday Phil,

Im starting to see a very commen pattern forming as i read many poeples opinions of the various groups.

As i mentioned in another post people putting up their hand in support is our biggest drama. Reading yours and other posts just confirms that, and its a damn shame.

BUT

I really cant see that changing a great deal. I was speaking to an engineer at my local council about the local ramps and facilities and he said that in his experience ALL issues regarding recreational pastimes and facilities are very rarely taken seriously by residents. They recieve very little if no input regarding anything to do with recreation ( including fishing ) instead people are only interested in more serious issues.

So it seems using that example and your's and everyone elses experience that getting the support needed is next to impossible because people just dont get involved in these matters, although they may care. Maybe its just human nature to do so. Also dont underestimate the power of "online support" it can be a very powerfull and effective weapon. It is 2005 and technology rules.

The majority of people these days lead busy lifestyles and have little time to spend enjoying their pastimes and recreation let alone get involved in meetings etc.

The idea of having groups and committees is so everyone doesnt have to get involved, they speak on our behalf. That is why i believe there must be alternatives for giving and showing support other than expecting ten thousand people to show up at a meeting. Its not going to happen in the short term thats for sure.

JJ said this in another post and i agree. People dont even know about ECOFishers or any other groups because they are not out their spreading the word. Even with the ease of the interent it doesnt happen. "Deep throat" told me about this site and ECOFishers, and is almost a secret society unless your in certain fishing clubs or whatever.

Why arent these groups Ecofishers, AAG etc on the fishing forums telling fishos who they are. Its free, simple and effective. How can people give support if they dont know you guys exist. People who bother to register on forums are obviosly very keen and passionate fisho's and must be targeted.

Definately not having a go mate, just offering a suggestion as i know it must be frustrating trying to move forward.

[Tarki]

Grantm,
         If the issue is serious enough, people transfer their anger into action.eg the locals in Byron Bay brought the town to a standstill last year with a demonstration against the Cape Byron Political (Marine) Park. The local business people lined the footpaths , clapping ,cheering and waving as the protest cavalcade snaked through the town. The tourists were gobsmacked at the support and solidatory displayed by locals - and a little frightened at such a show of support. The Sydney centric government ignored it all and imposed upon the communities a zoning plan that is so outrageous that the communities of Brunswick Heads, Byron Bay and Lennox Head have said with one united voice, "They didn't take the slightest bit of notice of the local communities ,so we are not going to take the slightest bit of notice of the Marine Park." It is so bad in Byron Bay now that the Marine Park staff aren't game to wear their uniforms out of the office - they get abused. They don't even go to collect the mail in uniform. You see, Grantm, if the community doesn't support the marine park, it simply won't work. Simple as that my friend. So take a cutting of the Byron book and plant the seed. It will soon grow into a tree of discontent and with a change of government democracy will return. It is as simple as that Grantm, so get busy and do your bit. Join ECOfishers and/or start a branch in your town/suburb.

[Grantm]

You kinda lost me their Tarki.

Your saying if everone bands together and makes a stand it will make a difference.  Yep I totally agree. I also agree with the Byron locals sentiments about this park.

What my post was about, was spreading the word and getting the message out their, as well as their being ways for less passionate but still caring fisho's or fisho's with little time, to show their support.

Just looking at ways to attack this thing from ALL angles not just one, and ways to perhaps involve more people. Its a bit hard in Sydney for the 'locals' to band together like a small coastal town and this has to be dealt with differently perhaps.

Not knocking anything mate i was just posting an opinion on how to possibly rally support from all areas of the rec fishing community who are for various reasons unable to join lobby groups etc.

[Tarki]

Grantm,
         Don't ever under estimate the power of a small group of people to change the world.
You could start in your own area by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper about the fallacy of the "SPILL OVER EFFECT" theory. You already have enough information on this site to do that. Such an initiave might just start the ball rolling and get the debate up and running. The aim is to inform and educate the general public - not just family fishers. So go to it mate. Make a start and hopefully make a difference. The alternative (apathy) is to miserable to contemplate. There are lockdowns in Sydney and lockouts on the northern rivers. Teaching kids to fish would be a much better alternative than participating in riots - provided we still have somewhere to fish. While good people do nothing (apathy) governments and Greens, do as they please.

[Pi]

Grantm,

Spreading the word - many ways of doing this, including fishing chat boards. Bob Smith and The Fishing Party use the chat boards extensively. The Western Angler web site has a section dedicated to Fisheries news and politics. I agree our group can use it more than we currently do, but when we do post something there is little interest. It appears, though, that the word about ECOFishers is spreading via chat boards and I guess word of mouth, plus radio 2KY's Hi Tide program.

And the approach by ECOFishers is just one avenue of approach that the recreational fisher has in this marine parks debate, ie the formation of local groups to deal with the marine parks debate at the local level while being under the umbrella of a group that brings all these local groups together.

However, this is just one approach. AAG was formed on Sydney's Northern Beaches ten years ago as a result of local issues at the time. Our membership is now State based, with some even into Queensland. Our approach over the last few years has been the use of directed emails and letters to those in the decision making process and media. We not only direct our correspondence, questions, ideas etc to people in the recreational fishing scene that have influence in that industry, but also to local councils, local papers, State and Federal politicians etc. And we try to present information and arguments on a factual, logical and scientific basis.

Our group, and many others, take on other issues besides the marine parks, and those who receive our newsletter or copies of correspondence will know this. Issues have included the role of ACoRF as a peak body, various questions in projects funded from either of the recreational fishing trusts, the procedures in the use of research permits by DPI research officers, funding and resources for recreational fisher representatives to name just a few.

And at the level of our members, we pass on information received from various sources such as ECOFishers, Recreational Fishing Alliance on NSW, ANSA, GFAA etc as well as the green/environmental groups. These are usually done without comment for members to make up their own minds on various matters.

Other groups have members sitting on ACoRF, the recreational trust committees, the MAC's etc. These deal mainly with Fisheries matters, but are another avenue open for the marine parks debate. I understand some of these groups will be putting forward a funding proposal for research into Marine Parks, the type of research that needed to be done prior to their zoning. Their is also the representation by recreational fishers on the various marine park advisory and working committees - really need to get the best people for these (how to do this is another question).

And on the political front is The Fishing Party with Bob Smith, and Jon Jenkins with the Outdoors and Recreation Party.

To my way of thinking, the marine park issue is being approached on various fronts by various groups, and these groups are doing it in the way they see they have something to contribute. Granted, the groups are seperate and may not be "unified", but many of them are at least talking and passing on information. Maybe if there was an overiding body representive of recreational fishers other than ACoRF (which is just an advisory body to the Minister) things would be different, but this requires 2 things, funding for a paid secretariate etc, and for the body to be recognised by the Minister and DPI Fisheries.

As to the question of how can "less passionate but still caring fisho's" show their support, I guess that's up to the individual, but their are many ways. Talk to neighbours, friends and relatives explaining their points of view, write letters to the local paper or local member, join either one of these "local groups" that are forming or ECOFishers themselves. I don't know whether ECOFishers, or their affilated local groups, will have their own extensive email lists, but if they do you can always be asked to be placed on their list. They can even ask to receive our newsletter via email, the intention being to pass it onto others.

I have been asked by some of our members to compile a "who's who" in the recreational fishing scene in NSW, listing both groups/organisations and people that are involved as either lobby groups, protest groups, representative groups etc and what roles/committees etc they are on. This list may not be exhaustive nor complete, but it will be to the best of my knowledge and will include all the major groups. And I don't know when I will get it completed. Email me at aag@spunge.org if you would like a copy when done.

Regards

Phil

[Grantm]

Thanks Phil, youve actually answered a lot of questions i had, but didnt ask. I think i am just a little frustrated with the lack of support from fisho's in regards to these matters. I regularly post comments on other forums on issues like this and its always only ever the same 3 or 4 people who even bother to respond or comment.

Ill definately send you an email in regards to that information.

Tarki mate you keep saying for me to do my bit. I can tell you I ALREADY DO. I write letters, I speak to local pollies etc etc etc. I get involved online and show support that way, unlike most other people. I have financially supported TFP and other groups. I probably will join ECOFishers when I learn some more too. Im already an active supporter. I just posted to ask about the LESS INFORMED and how they can help too. I wouldnt have posted if making a comment or asking questions leads to being told to "do my bit". Im pretty sure everyone who has found this site is somehow involved in their own way.

[Bluecod]

Well said Grant - on the sites I frequent I find that only yourself, the_lure and myself are seemingly the only ones with a strong interest [and surprise, surprise we're active here too!].

Its a start, information spread around frquently will attract more interest, keep up the good word and educate others as frequently as you can - posting more on fishing sites will attract attention [include links back to ECOfishers]

Cheers,

Bluecod

[ian cameron]

One very important thing that the less politically active but still concerned fishers can do is VOTE against the Labour and Green parties at the next election. Tell that they will no longer be allowed to take their kids fishing when they next go on holidays to a Marine Park Infected Area ( MPIA - can we make a slogan out of that ? ). They probably won't be able to buy any local fresh seafood either and will have to eat chemical fed Mekong River catfish.

If they have any doubts tell them about what has happened at Byron which is the Marine Park model. Fishing will be against the law on virtually all offshore reef, nearly all rocky headlands and most of the easily accessible beaches and estuaries. Who apart from the radical greens thinks that it is right to make it against the law to take a kid fishing and see the look on their faces when they catch one ? All the local professional fishermen are just hanging out for their buyout money and they are gone, so no local seafood either. Not much of a family holiday scenario to my way of thinking and we will have this full time, but if enough city people realise the dreadful effect an MPIA will have on they and their kids and vote accordingly we might be able to stop the infection.

Ian