A PUSH by fishos for the Pittwater region north of Sydney to be declared a Recreational Fishing Haven is gaining momentum.
According to a report in the latest Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW newsletter, a NSW Fisheries survey conducted on the Hawkesbury River (including Pittwater) found a total of 6,855 fish were caught by rec fishers in the 12 months period from March 2007 to February 2008 by 4,807 fishing parties. On average, just 1.42 fish, including crabs, were caught per trip by each party. That’s less than two fish per party per trip.
The main species being caught were yellowfin bream at 27.6 per cent; dusky flathead 23.3 per cent; blue swimmer crab 5.8 per cent; mulloway 4.6 per cent and tailor 4.3 per cent.
The RFA of NSW says at the same time, professional netters, both beach haulers and open-water meshers, concentrate their efforts when the fish come into Pittwater to spawn. At this time valuable breeding stock are netted and extensive damage is done to important sea grass beds and breeding grounds by nets dragging the bottom.
Fishos concerned about the future of rec fishing at Pittwater can support local state MP, Rob Stokes, in his important initiative to create Pittwater as a recreational-only fishing haven. You can send a message to his website at http://www.robstokes.com.au/contact_me/contact_rob.html or by mail to:
The Honourable Rob Stokes MP
Member for Pittwater
1725 Pittwater Road
Mona Vale
NSW 2103
