The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is calling on NSW anglers to help guide the future of the state’s recreational trout fishery through a series of workshops.
The workshops, which will be held across NSW in Armidale, Bathurst and Jindabyne, are seeking community input on a range of issues affecting the recreational trout fishery to form the first NSW Trout Strategy.
DPI Senior Fisheries Manager Cameron Westaway said the trout fishery in NSW provides a range of important social, economic and historic values and benefits for regional communities.
“Like many trout fisheries around the world, NSW faces challenges such as environmental and climate change, pest species, access restrictions, habitat degradation and more,” Mr Westaway said.
“To address some of these challenges, DPI is developing a strategy to futureproof the recreational trout fishery. It will recognise the wide range of issues and opportunities affecting the industry and develop strategic action provided by community engagement.”
Workshops will be held in mid-May, from 3:45pm to 8:00pm, at the following locations:
- 15 May 2018, Armidale Bowling Club (92-96 Dumaresq Street, Armidale)
- 16 May 2018, Panthers Bathurst (132 Piper Street, Bathurst)
- 17 May 2018, Rydges Horizons Snowy Mountains, Jindabyne (10 Kosciuszko Road, Jindabyne).
Mr Westaway said each workshop will include a local perspective from accomplished fishers, from Reel Action’s Michael Guest in Armidale, The Aussie Fly Fisher’s Josh Hutchins in Bathurst and the The Fly Program’s Matt Tripet in Jindabyne.
“Other presenters will include DPI fisheries researchers, conservation managers and fisheries managers. The workshops will include breakout and question sessions to allow the public to discuss ideas about the fishery going forward,” he said.
“We encourage anyone with an interest in the future of recreational trout fishery in NSW to join us at a workshop near you.”
Those in attending workshops must register interest by Friday 27th April 2018. To do so, click HERE.
More information on the NSW Trout Strategy can be found HERE.
