THE peak body representing the rec fishing sector, the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF), says the Federal Government has made the right decision by listening to Australia’s 5 million anglers over the super trawler issue.
ARFF Director Allan Hansard said “We told the Government that they needed to do the proper scientific research before even contemplating allowing this super trawler into our waters.
“We are pleased to see that the Government has listened to our advice.
“The unified and intense actions by recreational anglers played a key role in getting the super trawler banned.
“I’d like to personally thank all the fishos around the country who stood up for the marine environment and had their say about the super trawler,” Hansard said.
“The fact that the Government has listened to our concerns means that anglers have become legitimised as a powerful and united force. We commend Minister Tony Burke for taking this action and we are also pleased that the Coalition also supports this approach.
“We now need to continue the conversation with Environment Minister Tony Burke about his Marine Park Plans so that decisions about access for recreational anglers to Marine National Parks are also based on science, rather than the subjective ‘lock out’ approach currently adopted.
“It’s obvious that the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) made the wrong call on the super trawler. We would hope that the review the Government has announced will prevent these sort of decisions being made in the future. Our fisheries are too important to put at risk because of poor science.”
The ARFF says it also welcomes the announcement that the Federal Government would review fisheries management protocols.
The Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF) is the newly formed national peak body representing Australia’s Recreational Fishing Community and is supported by the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA), Recfish Australia, Game Fishing Association Australia (GFAA), Sunfish Queensland, Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the Northern Territory (AFANT), Recfishwest, Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW (RFANSW), Underwater Skindivers and Fishermen’s Association (USFA); Australian National Sportfishing Association (ANSA), and the Professional Fishing Instructors and Guides Association (PFIGA).
