THE International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has been closely monitoring recent developments in Australia’s federal marine parks situation.
In a letter sent by IGFA to federal Environment Minister Tony Burke, the organisation’s president Rob Kramer expresses the view IGFA is not against the introduction of marine parks, provided they are implemented on scientific evidence and not politically driven – a stance Fishing World also supports.
“IGFA is an extremely conservation minded organisation with an active Conservation Committee and permanent staff dealing with these types of issues,” wrote Kramer.
In the wake of last Friday’s announcement from Tony Burke outlining his plans for a series of marine parks off Australia’s East Coast, Kramer raised concerns about the need for ongoing consultation with the gamefishing community, who stand to be directly affected by any fishing closures in Commonwealth waters.
“At IGFA we understood that early plans and discussions were progressing in a satisfactory manner however a meeting with your senior advisor last Thursday flagged new and disturbing alterations to the last sighted draft plan.
“IGFA urges you to work with our game fishing community to obtain the best possible outcome for the environment and fishers alike.”
To download a copy of IGFA’s letter to Tony Burke click HERE.
