COMMERCIAL FISHERS’ ATTACK ON NEW STRATEGY A DISGRACE

September 17, 2002

Anglers should be outraged by commercial fishers’ criticisms of a new strategy for environmentally sustainable commercial fishing in oceans and beaches, the State’s peak angling group said today.

“This new strategy has been developed after extensive consultation with the both recreational and commercial fishers,” the chair of the NSW Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing, Bruce Schumacher, said.

“It’s very disappointing that some sections of the industry are now attacking it in what amounts to a backflip on earlier agreements to support the changes.”

Mr Schumacher said comments on the strategy by the Newcastle Commercial Fisherman’s Co-op show a blatant disregard for environmentally sustainable commercial fishing.

“The new management strategy for the State’s ocean haul commercial fishery will play a major role in protecting the long-term viability of our fish stocks,” he said.

“From November 1, the amount of ocean beach area protected from beach hauling will increase from 5 per cent to 17 per cent, and a ban on haul netting over seagrass beds will apply to better protect marine habitats.”

Mr Schumacher said the Newcastle Commercial Fishermen’s Co-op was engaging in scare-mongering by suggesting the changes will cause shortages of locally caught fish.

“It is now time for all commercial fishers to support these important changes, which will protect fish stocks and ensure the fishery complies with NSW environmental laws.”

CONTACT: Bruce Schumacher: 0418 499 322

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