MEDIA RELEASE 21/4/2004

Sunfish, the peak angling body representing over 882,000 recreational anglers throughout Queensland, is inviting local Recreational Fishers to play an active role in local fishery management and issues by attending a general meeting at Hervey Bay Boat Club at 7 pm Tuesday 27th April.

ìSunfish has been active and successful over the past two years on a whole range of issues such as stopping trawling for winter whiting and we now need to hold a meeting to let anglers know what we have achieved and discuss what direction to take in the future.

As we are representing the Recreational Fishers in the great Sandy Straits we need to talk over the issues we will be pursuing on their behalfî, said Randal McLellan, President of the Sunfish Fraser Coast Branch,

Issues such as Closures, the Great Sandy Straits Marine Park , Recreational Only Fishing Areas, future plans for Fisheries Management, Boat Ramps, and winter whiting are just some of the topics that Sunfish hope recreational anglers will discuss at the general meeting.

Sunfish Fraser Coast Inc. states its policy is to protect fair access and sustainable fishing practices for Recreational Fishers and the community to the Great Sandy Straits in the face of the likelihood of increased commercial fishing and access issues with the introduction of Marine Parks.

ìThe Recreational fishing industry is estimated to be worth over $1 Billion dollars to the State economy as well as providing our community with a traditional Australian family outdoor activity and fresh seafood.

We ask all Recreational Fishers to be involved and guide us by coming along to the General meeting at 7pm. Tuesday the 27th April at the Boat Club î said Randal McLellan.

As well as the local issues, Sunfish Queensland Executive Officer David Bateman will be present to respond to State wide issues.

Martin Bellert
Secretary Sunfish Fraser Coast Inc.
Phone / Fax 07 41280700
Email secretary@sunfish .com.au
or
Jim Staats
Assist. Secretary
tel 07 41242787

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