In a bid to promote active involvement of citizens in decision-making processes, the New South Wales Government is calling for public input on the new Recreational Fishing Action Plan. The plan is set to outline policy directions for recreational fishing over the next five years, and the NSW Government’s Department of Fisheries is seeking to ensure the plan reflects the interests of recreational fishers and the community at large.
Recreational fishing, popular among locals and tourists, is a significant contributor to NSW’s economy. According to recent statistics from the Department of Fisheries, almost one million NSW residents participate in recreational fishing annually, generating an estimated $3.4 billion into the State’s economy and supporting thousands of jobs across regional NSW.
The new draft action plan, available for public review on the Department’s website, outlines several key pillars including promotion of sustainable and responsible fishing practices, enhancement of recreational fishing opportunities, protection of the aquatic habitat, and fostering greater engagement and education.
“This is a vitally important plan that will help to ensure that our aquatic resources are managed sustainably for future generations to enjoy,” said Sarah Fairfull, Director General of the Department of Fisheries. She added that the action plan will also support the ongoing economic benefits that recreational fishing provides for many regional communities.
An exciting element of the proposed plan is the commitment to fund projects that improve access to popular fishing spots, develop artificial reefs and fish aggregating devices. Furthermore, the plan proposes educational campaigns to increase the public awareness and understanding of fishing rules and regulations, with a focus on compliance and responsible angling.
However, not everyone has welcomed the draft plan. Some environmental activists argue it lacks sufficient measures to protect threatened species and marine environments. John Ainsworth, a marine biologist, voiced concern about the plan’s focus on increasing recreational fishing. “It’s critical that any increase in fishing activity is balanced with a substantial commitment to marine conservation, and stringent monitoring and enforcement of rules,” he warned.
In response to these objections, Sarah Fairfull stressed the Department of Fisheries’ commitment to balancing the needs of recreational fishers with the need for conservation. “Our objective is to strike a delicate balance between ensuring ongoing people’s enjoyment of recreational fishing and preserving the aquatic environment and species,” she said.
Fairfull encouraged recreational fishers, fishing bodies, and interested community members to engage in the consultation process. “Your feedback is valuable for us to implement an action plan that meets the needs of everyone,” she said.
One such organisation, OzFish Unlimited, welcomed the initiative. Its founder, Craig Copeland, said they look forward to contributing to the development of the plan. “We commend the NSW Government for its efforts to involve the public in the creation of policies that would impact our fishing and marine environment,” he said.
The public consultation period began on 15 September and is expected to close on 30 October. The Department plans to review all feedback and update the draft plan accordingly. The final action plan is expected to be released in early 2022.
Citizens interested in having their say can access the draft plan, along with instructions on how to provide feedback, via the Department of Fisheries’ website.
The proposed Recreational Fishing Action Plan not only presents an opportunity for the public to contribute to decisions that directly impact their activities but may also set a vital precedence on environmental sustainability and community involvement. As such, the decisions made during this consultation period could be pivotal for the future of recreational fishing in New South Wales.
