AAG Artificial Reefs

[Nete-Quette]

The Honourable Ian MacDonald, MLC
Minister for Primary Industries
Level 30 Governor Macquarie Tower
1 Farrer Place
Sydney, NSW, 2000

Dear Minister:
Re: Artificial Reefs for inshore waters

As you are no doubt aware, AAG has been fairly critical of many of the ways in which moneys raised from the recreational fishing license have been spent in the saltwater, especially some of the research projects, and of the shift of spending that has become apparent. We do, however, acknowledged the benefits from some of the environmental projects and the fishcare volunteer program.

But we congratulate NSW DPI Fisheries for the announcement that 3 artificial reefs, each comprising 4 structures to 11m high, will be deployed within 3 nautical miles of Newcastle, Sydney and the Illawarra, as reported in The Sun Herald on 4th November 2007 in the article ?Fish get date for reef encounter?.

This program may be an extension of the existing reef program within estuaries, but many recreational fishers will see it as regaining fishing grounds lost in the State?s marine parks. In May 2006 AAG, along with representatives from other fishing groups, met with the then Environment Minister Debus to discuss the Batemans Bay Marine Park and the proposed zoning plans. At this meeting the possibility of installation of artificial reefs within 3nm of the coast was discussed, and the impression we received was that former Minister Debus was not averse to the concept.

But, as usual, we do have some questions, which include:


-What were the factors that determined that the 3 initial sites would be off Newcastle, Sydney and the Illawarra ? was it merely on a population basis or were there other factors?
-   Who will be responsible for site selection? Will recreational fishers have any input?
-   What environmental factors will be used in determining site selection?
-   Are these three sites the first of a bigger plan to install further artificial reefs along the coast? If so, how many other sites are envisaged? Which other areas are being considered and/or will recreational anglers have any input into which areas. What will be the determining factors in these other areas?
-   Will any sites be within marine parks?

Again, our group views this program as one in which the license money is well spent and applauds NSW DPI for this initiative.

Yours sincerely
Phillip Ingram
President
Anglers Action Group

[CEO]

 Now this little enquiry should make for a very interesting reply. Good on you Phil. I still hear locals are planning to sink an aircraft carrier in the Cape Byronj Political Park because offshore fishing families have been totally locked out for 8 months of the year and only get to use 0.01% of Labor/Greens park for 4 months of the year. No wonder they don't support the government park! What do you do with an offshore boat for 8 months of the year, just sitting there taking up space in the garage? No wonder non-compliance is rife!

[CEO]

If and when Phil gets a reply to his enquiry, he will post it here. Then we can all compare it with what we have already been told, or already know.  The answer to his marine park question will prove very interesting indeed.   CEO