Working group to examine Pittwater concerns

The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has formed a working group to provide a forum for discussion of fisheries management information, issues and concerns by local representatives and users of Pittwater.

Director of Commercial Management, Andrew Goulstone, said DPI is pleased to support such discussions, and to examine local management arrangements and determine what management settings could be improved with the agreement of stakeholders.

"Pittwater is important to many fisheries sectors, with some relying on it to generate their income and others for recreation," he said.

"It is important that DPI balances the needs of recreational fishers, the communities’ demand for fresh local seafood and environmental factors.

"There are many competing concerns and interests at Pittwater, making management of fisheries in that waterway extremely complex.

"Both the recreational and commercial fishing sectors at Pittwater have indicated their willingness to work together to improve management of the fisheries resource.

"Their goodwill has led to the formation of the Pittwater Working Group to get a better understanding of the different concerns of stakeholders, and examine and report on fisheries issues in Pittwater."

Mr Goulstone said the Working Group will consist of representatives from the recreational sector, commercial fishers, local government, community groups and DPI.

"Warren Martin, an independent consultant with extensive natural resource management expertise, will chair the Pittwater Working Group," Mr Goulstone said.

"The views of recreational fishers will be represented by the Chair of the Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing,
Bruce Schumacher and Andrew Tiede from the local Anglers Action Group.

"Ted Allen and Brendan Schonkala join the group on behalf of local commercial fishers and Ross Fidden represents the Professional Fisherman's Association.

"Roy Privett joins the group on behalf of the Boating Industry Association.

"Other members of the group include Pittwater Council General Manager Mark Ferguson, Scotland Island Residents Association member Paul Kinnison and Mackerel Beach Association representative Gavin Shennan.

"Rob Stokes, the State Member for Pittwater will attend as an observer."

The Pittwater Working Group will meet three times in coming months and provide a final report on its deliberations by the end of 2012.

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