RESEARCHERS from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) will survey anglers fishing in the Interclub Gamefishing Tournament at Port Stephens in late February and early March.
The survey is part of a social and economic study of gamefishing in eastern Australia undertaken by ABARES. Deputy Executive Director Paul Morris said that information is required on gamefishing to understand its importance to the broader community.
“ABARES researchers will interview anglers at boat ramps and wharves during three tournaments this year, as well as surveying anglers outside tournaments and interviewing local businesses and community members,” Morris said.
The Port Stephens survey builds on similar work in Bermagui over January–February, where researchers interviewed over 120 gamefishers and 40 businesses and community members.
“Port Stephens provides a cross-section of gamefishing activities that range from charter boats to organised tournaments and to gamefishers who just want to enjoy the excitement of encountering big fish like tuna and marlin,” Morris said.
The study is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), and has the support of the Game Fishing Association of Australia (GFAA).
The study’s report will be available in late 2011.
