Fishers invited to Fish Habitat Forums along NSW coast

Recreational fishers from across NSW are being invited to gather at a Fishers for Fish Habitat Forum to share their fish habitat stories.

In 2012 Fishers for Fish Habitat is going local with a series small events planned in eight towns from Merimbula to Yamba.

NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) conservation manager, Liz Baker, said the events aim to raise awareness of issues affecting fish habitat and the State’s fisheries resources.

"This year there will be a strong focus on what fishers are doing to improve local fish habitat," she said.

"In particular, we want to recognise fishers’ concerns about their local fish habitat and inspire others to get involved.

"By taking the three hour forums to venues along the NSW coast we are providing more opportunities for recreational fishers to come along."

President of the NSW Recreational Fishing Alliance, Malcolm Poole, said the forums are an opportunity for anglers to speak directly with Fisheries and Catchment Management Authority (CMA) representatives.

"What’s exciting about these events is the opportunity for like-minded recreational fishers to get together to discuss habitat issues and identify ways to help make more fish, naturally," Mr Poole said.

"It is all about NSW recreational fishers finding ways to work together to make sure we’ve got healthier fisheries now and into the future," ECOfishers CEO, Ken Thurlow, said.

"After all, healthy habitats means healthy fisheries, and that benefits everyone."

The Fishers for Fish Habitat program is supported by funds from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, raised from the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee, and managed by NSW DPI.

"This year we are linking up with the NSW CMAs for the coastal forums," Dr Baker said.

"The forums complement the work they have been doing through their ‘Healthy Waterways = better boating, more fish’ project."

Additional funding is being provided this year by the five NSW coastal CMAs and the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country program.

Fishers for Fish Habitat Forums will be held in Maitland (23 June), Taren Point (12 July), Merimbula (14 July), Nowra (15 July), Berowra (28 July), Port Macquarie (4 August) and Yamba (5 August).

Full details are available www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/info/forum2012

Register to join other recreational fishers at a forum by calling 02 4916 3977, or register online at the Fishers for Fish Habitat forums 2012 web page.

Please note that registration is required for catering and administration purposes.

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