The Sunfish Management Committee has identified four major issues from the Sunfish election statement that has been posted on the Sunfish website. Please ensure in your area that all political parties and candidates for the election are aware of these. Use them as the basis of media releases if you so wish.
 (a) Declare Recreational Only Fishing Areas for all large cities and towns on the coast and smaller communities if they want one..
 (b) Declare Tailor, Australian Salmon and all Trevally species to be Recreational Only Fish.
 (c) Develop freshwater fisheries to a higher standard to grow regional tourism.
 (d) Allow recreational fishing with one line and one hook in some green zones in Marine Parks where there is no threat to the biodiversity.

A total of 36 Sunfish affiliated groups have applied to carry out Lifestyle Kids Fishing Day activities this financial year. These activities will start in September and they have good coverage across the State.

The Sunfish Take A Kid Fishing Day will be held on Sunday 25 March 2012. More information will be provided later, but please get involved – it can be a great thrill for all involved.

Sunfish has done a lot on this over the past few months. We are now awaiting the Government’s decision.

Matt Campbell, Fisheries Queensland, has made a funding submission to FRDC on a new one-year proposal on wildlife entanglements (mainly sea birds entangled with fishing line), to identify incidence and reasons, and to come up with recommendations for reducing this problem. Sunfish along with several other stakeholders have been cooperating in the development of this proposal.

 

Go-slow zones in Hervey Bay/Great Sandy Strait

This is an FRDC funded project for one year, initiated by QSIA (commercial fishing sector). It has been an absolute disgrace in the way that QSIA has mishandled consultation and engagement of the recreational fishing sector in the project. Sunfish Fraser Coast has written a protest letter about the project, and a response has been received from FRDC which does not completely address the concerns raised.

Sunfish has recently receive clarification from the Minister and from Fisheries Queensland that the bag limit of four for Snapper per person in possession with one only over 70cm will apply to both recreational fishers and those who use charter operators. We are advised that this limit on Snapper over 70cm will not apply to commercial fishers. A Sunfish position paper is now being prepared and it will be circulated shortly as a draft to all Sunfish members and regional branches for input. It will then be finalised for distribution.

Recent advice is that possible members of this advisory group will receive letters shortly.

Our Executive Officer Judy Lynne did a great job in preparing the Sunfish display at the boat show. Special thanks to all those who assisted at the Sunfish stand. Almost 100 persons at the show signed up to join Sunfish and paid the membership fee. Sunfish is receiving lots of support from unaffiliated recreational fishers who are telling us that we are doing a good job, particularly on Snapper.

The FFSAQ display at the show was outstanding and attracted much interest.

The AGM will be held on Sat-Sun 24-25 September 2011 at Blue Fin Fishing Club, Inala. Details have been sent by the Sunfish Secretary and Executive Officer to all members and regional branches. I look forward to an interesting and productive meeting with the opportunity for delegates to have input on a wide range of issues.

Recent advice is that the proposals by the Commonwealth Government on zoning arrangements for the Coral Sea will be available for public comment later this year. Sunfish will advise our membership when details are available.

Sunfish was invited again this year to provide a guest lecturer for the fisheries management course at the University of Queensland. David Bateman and I have been taking turns and it was my privilege to talk to the students this year. Thanks to Senior Lecturer, Dr John Kirkwood and his students for their interest in recreational fishing.

Some Sunfish members may have noted the malicious comments and other dubious posts about Sunfish and its Chairman, and other people on the AUSFISH forum. The Sunfish Management Committee is very reluctant that Sunfish should respond on a social site that is more about entertainment and ego-tripping than responsible fisheries management. All policies of Sunfish, including our submissions on fisheries management reviews are done by an inclusive process whereby all members and regional branches can have an input. Sunfish wishes to continue to be a responsible and reputable representative of recreational fishing in Queensland.

The Queensland Government issued a media release on 16 September advising of a temporary fishing closure in the Gladstone region. The reason given is human health concerns associated with consumption and handling of "diseased" fish. Information was distributed to Sunfish contacts.

Under the circumstances the temporary closure was regarded as an appropriate action. However Sunfish requests urgent actions to test the fish and determine the cause. On behalf of Sunfish, I have offered cooperation with the Government agencies. Unfortunately the closure corresponds with the school holidays when a lot of families go recreational fishing in the Gladstone region.

Dr Barry Pollock, Chairman Sunfish Queensland, 16 September 2011