Two American guest speakers with 65 years combined experience in conserving and rehabilitating fish habitats will headline this year’s Fishers for Fish Habitat Forum at Lake Macquarie on June 4 and 5.
Industry & Investment NSW Conservation Action Unit Manager, Craig Copeland said the speakers will bring a wealth of experience to the forum.
“The Fishers for Fish Habitat Forum is a free event for recreational fishers interested in ensuring fish in NSW waterways survive and thrive,” Copeland said.
Tom Busiahn from the US Fish & Wildlife Service and Tom Sadler from the US based Middle River Group have been confirmed as this year’s guest speakers.
“Both our American delegates are keen recreational fishers and are really excited about meeting with other passionate recreational fishers and getting out in the field to see some of the rehabilitation work underway in NSW.”
Tom Busiahn has worked in fisheries roles for the past 37 years and is currently coordinating the National Fish Habitat Action Plan in the US, a program designed to build private and public partnerships to increase fish numbers by improving fish habitat.
Tom Sadler leads the Middle River Group, a strategic and tactical marketing, communications and advocacy firm focusing on conservation issues, especially when those issues affect fish, wildlife and natural resources.
“Having some international case studies, ideas and concepts about fish habitat will be very informative for fishers attending the forum. Both speakers will be able to give us a greater insight into how recreational fishers in the US are driving habitat rehabilitation and making a real difference,” said Copeland.
I&I NSW Research Scientists electrofishing in the NamoiCatchment. The State Fish Monitoring Program will be discussed at the2010 Fishers for Fish Habitat Forum.
Pic: I&I NSW
The Fishers for Fish Habitat Forum is a free two day event designed to inform anglers how they can get involved in the protection and rehabilitation of fish habitats. The event is funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust.
For more information or to register for the event visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries or email fish.habitat@industry.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 6626 1353.
