BLOG: Bag Limits & Killing Sprees

ANGLERS are amongst the few true custodians of our waterways – we pay for the privilege of utilising the resource and have a vested interest in protecting our fisheries. Given the number of people that fish, anglers play a vital role as gatekeepers for the marine environment; we are often the first to observe and the first to act when something is awry.

I hope the Greenies take note of this fact, we spend the time on the water and are in tune with what's occurring!

Sustainability and appropriate management of our fisheries is vital to ensure the longevity and health of fish stocks and marine resources. Catch and release proponents have done a wonderful job in articulating the value of our fisheries along with educating the masses on handling and care of fish destined for release, however, there is nothing wrong with taking a fish for the table.

Keeping fish is not a crime and I think the responsible taking of fish should be encouraged – there seems to be a generational shift with the younger population seemingly reliant upon others to provide primary produce. Has catch and release gone too far when a generation of anglers release a perfectly legal fish, yet buy a few fillets of the same species later that evening from their local fish monger?

I'm not encouraging mass slaughter here and whilst sensibilities need to prevail, size limits, bag limits and boat limits outline the legalities of keeping fish for consumption. Is it wrong for someone to have a box of 20 bream? It's perfectly legal, in fact you can have 20 bream, 20 whiting and 20 tailOr if you really wanted – where do you draw the line? If you don't like it, get off your backside and do something about it - lobby the powers that be to have bag limits reviewed with the view to them being changed or other sustainable practices developed – you have a voice, why not use it?

Apathy will be the death of us, unfortunately there's no real leadership in the recreational fishing community and our collective voice seems muted.

This weekend we go to the polls in NSW – our right to fish, to provide for our families and to enjoy precious time on the water with family and friends is under attack from groups who seemingly pass legislation based on hearsay and speculation rather than the use of scientific fact and broad community consultation.

The power is in your hands – don't bitch and moan about marine parks or loss of access, read up on the various policies, examine the facts and cast an educated vote, you can make a difference!