Since our last update the draft Marine Protected Area Plans have been released for the North West, the North, the Temperate East and the Coral Sea. Our submissions have all had the same message – No exclusion of recreational fishing unless you can identify what threat we pose. Even though the proposals have been reasonably well received by most recreational groups, it was imperative that we lodge strong submissions because green groups would certainly be claiming that the department got it wrong and that more green zones are required.

 

The last six to twelve months have seen many changes in the communications scene in the Commonwealth. The Boating and Fishing Council faded into the backrooms, however AFTA have risen from the ashes to take the reins in a more proactive manner, Recfish have also moved to a volunteer basis. As a result of these occurrences and the RFAC outcomes the Recreational Fishing Roundtable has had quite a bit of focus.

 

Some groups have chosen to allow Recfish to represent them while others like us have maintained our independence. We have attended all their gatherings. In the interim, there has been much improved communications around the country on a number of issues. We were also able to get this body to approach the Minister on our behalf regarding the recognition of fishing as a sport.

 

If nothing else, Sunfish Qld has restored its profile on the national scene. Cross boundary issues are now being discussed openly and thoroughly and in a timelier manner.

 

Our thanks go out to each and every one of those within our broader community who have input into this policy. For Queensland recreational fishers this has been a significant paradigm shift. We have gone from ROFA’s in our own back yards to a state-wide net free area policy, from not just Sunfish branches and affiliates but from other recreational fishing organizations as well.

This policy has drawn enquiries from other groups as far away as Western Australia and from groups as far away as WWF. Fisheries Qld also made enquiries on what they heard we had, before they had even had an opportunity to see the policy.

Well done, everyone.

 

 

The dumping of dredge spoil within the marine park has become both of national and international interest. It’s very encouraging that Sunfish is being seen in the light of waterways custodians. We need to maintain our position that the greatest threat to fisheries is water quality.

 

There have been significant articles in the Australian, Weekend Australian, Cairns Post, Mackay Mercury as well as broadcast on ABC and 4BC.

  

The strength and unity we have recently been showing across the state helped put the possible take of female mud crabs to rest. Many believe this was actually intended as a diversion at the beginning of the Gladstone debacle. Either way it was imperative that we took a strong position.

 

In 2 weeks we will know who will be running the State for the next 3 years. We have done the groundwork with all the major players. Only time will tell what is in store for recreational fishing.

Of major interest is that not just the three major parties but other stakeholders including Fisheries Qld and WWF have acknowledged that our net free policy is gaining strength. Should we get initial acceptance of 1, 2 or 3 of these areas, whichever ones maybe selected ( and we hope to be included in those discussions) we will all have won.