BLOG: Fishy politics
Alright! I have tried to protract the inevitable here for as long as possible. However, no fishing blog is worth its salt without some discussion on effective fisheries policy within this country, or to be more succinct, the lack thereof.
It seems most common weekend warriors get slightly confused between what is federally governed in this country and what is within the jurisdiction of state politics. I for one get confused and I try to immerse myself in the industry as much as I can. What chance does the layman have to keep abreast of rulings and motions in government?
Quite frankly there are multiple issues one can raise here, such as our poorly managed commercial fishery which still has the authority to pillage most of our lakes and estuaries. Or perhaps the state-based initiative out of WA to heighten the fishing licence fees to appalling amounts. In some instances the fees jumped to over $200 for a yearly licence.
Then we have the dreaded marine parks being implemented across the country, which in my opinion restricts the basic rights I have as a human being; being able to wet a line wherever and whenever I choose. The most upsetting aspect is these parks are being implemented as a fisheries management tool under the guise of conservation. To any half switched-on punter, it is transparent to see this is the federal government bowing to the might of the preferential green vote. Greens want us to stop fishing. But I put it to you, how many greenies eat fish or seafood? Basically my fundamental human rights are being eroded because some punk in parliament wants to be re-elected. Not happy Jan.
Here we go people. Now is your time to shine. Whatever gripe you have, air it here, Uncle Kev will listen!
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reader comments
This guy is really lucky !
Secret Admirer on 16-Apr-10 11:30 AM
i am happy to find it thanks for sharing it here. Nice work.
Secret Admirer on 15-Apr-10 09:37 PM
Simon...I think you have misinterpreted what i said and what i meant. By stating 'it is my right to fish wherever i want' does not necessarily mean i want to pilfer threatend species and degrade fragile marine habitats. You are far too cynical. I was looking at this a little more holistically. We live in a world where we are told what to be, where to go, how to dress, how to conform, where to drive etc. Frankly i am sick of it. Freedom is a word we bandy about to fool ourselves into thinking we have an opportunity to experience it. The simple fact is we dont. We have freedom within a heavily controlled environment. And people like you bend over and just take it while the beuracrats remove more of our basic rights. Not only that, you swallow the diatribe and regurgitate it for others to listen. I for one will never agree to marine parks, sancuary zones or any other exclusion measures. If pathetic fisheries policies put us into this mess, don't penalise the rest of us for it. It's a joke. But this one ain't funny.
Savvyfishing on 14-Jan-10 09:49 PM
Hey Charles, if the extent of your debating is ugly personal insults, and if the only argument you can offer to support your arrogant assumption that it's your God-given right to fish anywhere regardless of environmental considerations is, again, ugly personal insults, then maybe the world would be better if YOU removed yourself from the gene pool. This conduct only reflects on you.
Simon on 11-Dec-09 10:31 AM
Hey Simon, If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, remove yourself from the gene pool!
C.Darwin on 29-Nov-09 02:13 PM
Pew, something smells fishy around here. Once upon a time you had to go to the circus to see the clowns. I am under educated, but it seems to me that when creating these green zones it just places more pressure on the surrounding none green zones, whether they be 100mtrs away or 50kms. Whilst I do believe there needs to be a form of management, how does forcing more people to fish a smaller area do help P.S please tell the fish to stay in the green zone & I believe it is my right to take my son down the beach after work and catch a whiting or two, not have to travel 50k's
David on 28-Nov-09 12:20 PM
Thank goodness the NSW Shooters Party is proceeding with the Fishing Inquiry since it was passed in NSW Upper House this week. This will provide all with the opportunity to have a say and send in a submission on your thoughts and suggestions - Terms of Reference and locations for meetings both coastal and inland will be out soon! If we dont respond to the inquiry it will be seen as us not being interested and all the winges will be egnored.
Max on 26-Nov-09 02:43 PM
"...which in my opinion restricts the basic rights I have as a human being; being able to wet a line wherever and whenever I choose." Sorry, but You DO NOT have the right to wet line wherever and whenever you want. That's childish thinking. Certainly, we should be able to fish most places, but fishing needs to be balanced against conservation needs, and there some times and places where fishing is not appropriate. This "it's my right to fish anywhere" attitude is ugly and inappropriate and has prevented some important progress in conservation of some threatened fish species and habitats. And I support Marine Parks. Hell, my favourite fishing beach was mostly closed off in one, so I know the pain of losing favourite spots because of them, but I still support them. I think rec fishermen need to stop being so utterly self-centred.
Simon on 26-Nov-09 01:19 PM
tell a friend
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