WORTH A READ !

[allan.s]

EARLIER THIS WEEK a misleading opinion piece was featured on ABC and News Limited that attacked Recfishwest's policies and strategies, particularly those that concern marine park planning.

The article 'Fishy tactics block benefits for WA' written by Ian Kiernan, appeared to be fuelled by untruths and misinformation fed to its author by anti-fishing green groups.

The oversimplified logic in promoting fortress conservation that locks up areas of the ocean forever is alarming. What James Cameron's trip to the bottom of the sea, a push poll survey of 604 respondents and buffalo hunting have to do with marine conservation planning in Australia is anyone's guess.

Recfishwest's policies are being considered at state and national levels because they are drafted following extensive community consultation, are based on sound science and are free from emotive, political and monetary influences.

It is understandable the peak recreational fishing group has become the target of a slanderous campaign given the strong influence Recfishwest exerts on decision makers. While we are working hard to ensure the appropriate management strategies are employed to protect our marine environment, these groups are resorting to the time-honoured attack of shooting the messenger when they have no credible evidence-based arguments.

These are testing times for anti-fishing groups because the Australian public are tired of being force fed years of campaign rubbish masquerading as science.

They are 'one-trick ponies' claiming that marine sanctuaries offer all the solutions to any real or perceived threat to our marine environment.

These organisations have resorted to releasing misconceptions and untruths in the media in an attempt to manipulate the public into believing that sanctuary zones are absolutely necessary to manage and protect Australian fish stocks.

The fact is Recfishwest will support the introduction of marine protected areas provided there is scientific evidence to demonstrate these will offer the necessary protection.

Marine protected areas have been recognised as an important tool for the conservation of marine biodiversity and fisheries management. These are complex instruments with fundamental differences whether applied for biodiversity conservation or fisheries management. When used for biodiversity conservation, they must be based on proper ecological research. In contrast, when applied as a fisheries management tool, a need suggested by Mr Kiernan, they must take a triple bottom line approach considerate of ecological, social and economic issues as well as existing fisheries management.

In 2009, former WA Fisheries Research director Dr Jim Penn presented a conference paper (pdf) declaring, "…the states marine biodiversity generally remains in essentially pristine condition, apart for a small number of estuaries and coastal bays, where the terrestrial runoff has altered local biodiversity."

Research published last year by Hall and Wise (pdf), determined that ecosystem services of the West and South Coast bioregions of WA have not been affected by fishing or other factors and there is no evidence of any reduction in trophic level or average maximum length that would be expected from fishing down the food web.

Clearly Mr Kiernan has been given poor guidance about the health of WA fish stocks.

Effective marine conservation requires a holistic approach with integrated management across catchments and coastal areas. The recently announced Ngari Capes Marine Park is concentrated on locking people out of healthy areas in the South West like parts of Geographe Bay, while rivers and estuaries flowing into the park are being overwhelmed with excessive nutrient inflows, reduced stream flows and destruction of wetlands.

Recfishwest continually questions the drivers for expensive, inappropriate and confusing lines on the water when other management strategies could address real environmental threats far more effectively. We do not think that questioning the use of tax payers' money in this regard is an unreasonable position.

Zoning that bans recreational fishing but allows the use of heavy anchors connected to metres of chain is an expensive option that does little to protect coral and seagrass habitats.

Recreational fishers are among the strongest of conservationists at heart and include vocal and committed advocates for increased marine protection when clear conservation objectives are identified.

The planning, design and management of marine protect areas require careful consideration. Marine protected areas must be treated as another management tool rather than a magic bullet.

Recreational fishing in an integral part of the Australian cultural fabric and lifestyle.

The message from the recreational fishing sector is simple. Don't lock us out without clear science-based conservation objectives. Don't be fooled by the doomsday greenwash. Real marine planning must address the real risks to our treasured marine environment.

Dr Andrew Rowland is acting chief executive of Recfishwest

[Fish-Hunter]

If the Greens have their way , Rec Fishing will be banned altogether & rec angling made out to be a very cruel & barbaric pratice :whoh: . 90% of rec fishermen have conservation of fish stock & the marine enviroment as a top concern , but locking out rec fishermen & throwing away the key isnt the way forward . the majority of rec fishermen release the majority of their catch unharmed & 90% of the time clean up after other water users "that rubbish" the areas they are fishing in .
Anglers should be aware of the Greens / labour governments threat to Rec Fishing & not allow more & more marine parks that ban anglers out , we have alot to lose if the Greens have their way .

[vinhii]

If the Greens have their way , Rec Fishing will be banned altogether & rec angling made out to be a very cruel & barbaric pratice :whoh: . 90% of rec fishermen have conservation of fish stock & the marine enviroment as a top concern , but locking out rec fishermen & throwing away the key isnt the way forward . the majority of rec fishermen release the majority of their catch unharmed & 90% of the time clean up after other water users "that rubbish" the areas they are fishing in .
Anglers should be aware of the Greens / labour governments threat to Rec Fishing & not allow more & more marine parks that ban anglers out , we have alot to lose if the Greens have their way .

^ :thumbsup: agreed.

[j.dammo]

well i voted for the shooters and fishers.
dont like the greens.

[clarky9999]

Its the same theory with locking out 4wd tracks and keeping cattle out of the country. Hopefully these "guru's" dont get there way.