REGULAR Fisho readers will no doubt be aware of Keep Australia Fishing (KAF), a national advocacy organisation established this year to ensure Aussie fishos continue to enjoy sustainable access to our public waters.
KAF’s main aims are to engage with Australia’s recreational fishing community and to protect, promote and develop recreational fishing opportunities through:
- Educational activities that promote the benefits of recreational fishing; Communication activities that raise the awareness and accessibility of recreational fishing to all Australians;
- Advocacy activities that aim to protect the present and future opportunities of Australia’s recreational anglers;
- Other activities that support the ethic of “Keep Australia Fishing”.
A not-for-profit organisation, KAF is supported by the Australian tackle industry and the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation, which represents all the major rec-fishing groups.
KAF is run for anglers by anglers. Current KAF directors include Fishing World magazine editor Jim Harnwell, Pure Fishing managing director Phillip Coles and Evinrude’s Riley Tolmay. More directors representing all facets of the rec-fishing community are expected to be announced in the near future.
As well as campaigning to protect our rights to sustainably fish, KAF is also involved in grassroots actions to improve the environment and fish habitat. One such campaign involves helping anglers, land owners and conservationists stop a pipeline planned for the Macquarie River in central-western NSW. This pipeline, which has been proposed by the Orange City Council, has the potential to destroy native fish populations – including the iconic Murray cod and the endangered trout cod – in a pristine section of river.
KAF is dedicated to working with all Australian anglers and is keen to hear from anglers about all issues. Visit the website at www.keepaustraliafishing.com.au where you can also become a KAF supporter and there are great prizes to be won, a free e-newsletter and loads of info on KAF’s campaign and ways you can get involved.
Together, we can all Keep Australia Fishing!
