“WHAT can I do to help?” That was the question that many Aussie recreational anglers were asking following the weekend’s DPI Fisheries 2018 Fishers for Fish Habitat Forum held in Ballina, NSW.
The 2-day event, funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, attracted engaged anglers, DPI Fisheries and natural resource managers, scientists, like-minded agencies and others who share a passion in protecting and restoring fish habitat.
Craig Copeland, Founder and CEO of Australia’s dedicated fishing conservation organisation OzFish Unlimited, said the forum’s theme to ‘Reflect, Review and Reveal’ helped celebrate the work that many everyday anglers are doing to give back to their sport.
“Aussie anglers are so fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in an event such as this, not only to learn how healthy habitat benefits more than just fish and what Fisheries are doing right now to improve habitat through various programs, but to also find out how they can get involved.”
“Habitat is our core business and to see so many recreational anglers and others take part in the 10th Fishers for Fish Habitat Forum to better understand the value of habitat was an inspiration to me and our team.”
The work carried out by OzFish and its 19 chapters across the nation has helped lift the lid on why fish need better habitat.
Copeland said the forum provided a way forward for the grassroots angler who is looking to get involved in habitat projects to improve fishing by re-snagging rivers, repairing riverbanks, removing invasive weeds and restoring shellfish reefs.
To find out how you can get involved in fish habitat head to www.ozfish.org.au or on Facebook.