Fishing Clubs Asked About Overfishing
Sydney Morning Herald
Thursday January 30, 1992
A major survey of recreational marine fishing in NSW waters is being conducted to find ways to stop overfishing of some species.
The survey is part of a review by NSW Fisheries, which proposes restrictions - such as bag limits and size limits - for many species including flathead and whiting. Total protection is proposed for some species.
Fishing supply shops, clubs and individuals are being asked if they agree with the prohibition of fish traps, unattended set lines and drift lines, as well as the prohibition of filleting fish at sea.
Twenty thousand copies of the survey have been distributed, and the deadline for responses is the end of March. Some responses had already been received by the beginning of this month.
Mr Paul O'Connor, a senior fisheries officer, said that unlike some specific bag limits introduced in 1990, this was a "total review of the management of marine fish", aimed at long-term sustainability of fish stocks.
It is estimated that a third of the NSW population fishes for recreation at least once a year.
Commercial and recreational fishing have led to what NSW Fisheries describes as "dramatic signs of over-exploitation", with "catastrophic declines" in gemfish, orange roughy and southern bluefin tuna.
A recent similar review of freshwater fishing brought 2,000 responses, and Mr O'Connor expects many more for this one. It is hoped that any legislative changes would be in place by the end of this year.
© 1992 Sydney Morning Herald
Share This