AUSTRALIA’S recently formed peak rec fishing advocacy body, Keep Australia Fishing (KAF), has officially finalised its board of directors.
Founding directors include Pure Fishing managing director Phillip Coles, Fishing World magazine editor Jim Harnwell and BRP Evinrude’s Riley Tolmay. Other appointments have been announced, including that of well-known tackle industry veteran and IGFA Trustee K. Neil Patrick as KAF Chairman. Other board appointments include high-profile angler and former tackle shop owner Scott Mitchell and WA-based Western Angler editor Scott Coghlan.
BRP Australia’s Riley Tolmay
Marine biologist Dr Julian Pepperell
Dr Stuart Rowland
Jim Harnwell, editor/publisher Fishing World
Highly respected marine biologist Dr Julian Pepperell takes on a position as KAF’s Independent Scientific Adviser (Marine & Tropics) while eminent fisheries expert Dr Stuart Rowland will assist the KAF board as Independent Scientific Adviser for Freshwater and Conservation.
In a major coup for KAF, former Australian cricket captain Mark “Tubby” Taylor has accepted the role of official KAF Ambassador. Taylor, a very keen angler, said he was keen to use his profile and standing in the community to assist KAF develop proactive programs and initiatives to benefit all anglers.
KAF’s Ambassador, former Australian cricket Captain and keen angler Mark Taylor
KAF’s Jim Harnwell welcomed the new board and said he was looking forward to working with the KAF team.
“I’m pleased to announced that we’ve cemented a really solid team to take KAF forward. Scott Mitchell and Scott Coghlan are both really switched-on and passionate angling advocates and their input into the policies and campaigns KAF will be formulating over coming months will be vital.
Scott Coghlan
Scott Mitchell
Tackle industry stalwart Neil Patrick (right)
“I’m especially honoured to have Neil Patrick, Julian Pepperell, Stuart Rowland and Mark Taylor join KAF,” Harnwell said.
“Neil’s business experience and his international work with the IGFA gives KAF significant credibility and standing while Julian and Stuart’s scientific experience will assist us when we’re considering complex fisheries management issues. Last but certainly not least, it’s just fantastic to have Mark Taylor working with us. Tubby’s a dedicated fisho and he’s very keen to do what he can to promote and develop fishing, especially with young people.”
