DESPITE ongoing warnings to Sydney fishers about discarding tackle, rubbish and bait on city commuter wharves, threats of fishing bans have not alleviated the problem.
The continuing situation has culminated in a fishing ban put in place on Cabarita Wharf in Sydney Harbour following reported incidents between ferry commuters and anglers. As well as allegations of anglers intimidating commuters and ferry crews, lighting fires and littering, there have been reports of drinking, brawls and assaults.
Gates and fences will be erected around Cabarita wharf next month and the ban will be enforced by police, DPI staff, NSW Maritime staff and council rangers.
NSW Ports Minister Duncan Gay has warned that bans at other wharves could follow if the situation doesn’t improve.
The Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW is working with other agencies on a multilingual education campaign to discourage antisocial behaviour.
RFA President Malcom Poole said that although the behaviour was the fault of a very small group of people it was reflecting badly on anglers and affecting the fishing rights of thousands of Sydney fishers.
“At present there are some 82 commuter and public wharves in Sydney Harbour, 75 open to fishing, and 240 km of foreshore which is under scrutiny if fishers cannot clean up their act” he said.
