NEWSCAST - Recreational Fisheries News November 2021

[mrsswordfisherman]

NEWSCAST an information bulletin for recreational fishers   November 2021

 

Submissions closing soon for Eastern Rock Lobster and Dusky Flathead proposed recreational fishing changes  NSW DPI is undertaking community consultation on proposed changes to recreational fishing rules for Eastern Rock Lobster and Dusky Flathead. The proposed changes for recreational fishers are: Eastern Rock Lobster – increase in bag limit from 2 to 3 per person. Dusky Flathead – introduction of a slot limit of 36 cm – 70 cm (previously only 1 over 70 cm) and reduction of bag limit from 10 to 5 per person. We are encouraging all recreational fishers and the community to have their say before Friday 26 November 2021.  Please read the short consultation paper on the proposed changes prior to completing the online submission form.

 

 

 

REMINDER: Applications for Recreational Fishing Trust Grants open until 3 Dec! A reminder to fishers and community members that there is still time to apply for funding from the Recreational Fishing Trusts for projects that improve and promote recreational fishing across the State. Anyone can apply for funding from the Recreational Fishing Trusts, including fishing organisations, councils, universities, community groups and individuals. Grants are available for both large projects valued at more than $10,000 in funding and small projects involving less than $10,000. Types of projects previously funded include: fishing access and facilities enhancing recreational fisheries recreational fishing education  essential research on recreational fishing and other projects that benefit recreational fishing Applications close on 3 December 2021. Funding guidelines and application forms are available at our website. We can be contacted by email recreational.fishingtrust@dpi.nsw.gov.au or on (02) 4916 3835. This is your fishing licence at work.

 

 

 

Get Involved in Fish Habitat - Applications Close 10th Dec! If you’ve got a fish habitat project in mind, have a look at the many examples of projects that have been funded through the NSW Habitat Action Grants (HAGs). Using funding from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trusts, over $7.5M investment has been provided to 332 habitat habitat rehabilitation projects throughout NSW since 2008. Angling clubs, individuals, community groups, local councils and natural resource managers throughout NSW can apply for grants of up to $40,000. Habitat rehabilitation projects that may be considered for funding include: removal or modification of barriers to fish passage; rehabilitation of riparian land; re-snagging waterways with timber structures; removal of exotic vegetation from riverbanks and replace with native species; bank stabilisation works; and reinstatement of natural flow regimes. For more information check out the 2021 Habitat Action Grants Guidelines - applications are open until 10 December 2021. Read about some funded projects – big and small – that are contributing to improved fish habitat throughout NSW here: HAG case studies brochure (PDF).

 

 

 

If you live for fishing, then Fish For Life! NSW offers a range of incredible recreational fishing experiences, from offshore gamefishing for rampaging marlin and metre-plus kingfish to soaking a bait in a tranquil estuary for bread & butter species like bream and whiting to casting big swimbaits in western impoundments for giant Murray cod.  With so much on offer, it’s no wonder that for many of us, fishing is more than just catching a fish, it’s a way of life.  This is why safeguarding our waterways is so important – by preserving and enhancing fish stocks and protecting the places we love to fish, we can ensure a positive future for our sport, the next generation of fishos and the environment.    Fish For Life is a new campaign initiative of NSW DPI and the Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council which promotes the sustainable growth of recreational fishing in NSW plus raises awareness of the positive social benefits associated with our great sport. As well as highlighting all the fantastic things about fishing, Fish For Life also encourages passionate fishers just like you to get involved in helping build a healthy fishing future in NSW.    Learn more about Fish For Life and how you can get involved here.  This new initiative is being run using funding from the Recreational Fishing Trusts

 

Draft Harvest Strategy for Lobster - Have your say! The Lobster Harvest Strategy Working Group has developed a draft harvest strategy for Eastern Rock Lobster (𝑆𝑎𝑔𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑠𝑢𝑠 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑢𝑥𝑖) in NSW waters – and we want your feedback. Harvest strategies are the best-practice tool for fisheries management used around the world. The final NSW Lobster Harvest Strategy will apply to commercial, recreational, and Aboriginal cultural fishing and, together with all other relevant information, will inform the Total Allowable Fishing Committee (TAFC) in making a Total Allowable Catch determination for Eastern Rock Lobster. The draft Harvest Strategy is now available on the DPI Fisheries website and consultation is open until 3 December 2021. Submissions can be made using the online form at https://bit.ly/3CBw4RZ For further information on harvest strategies in NSW please visit the DPI website at https://bit.ly/3mA3N8L

 

 

 

Submissions open now on Draft Marine Park Management Plan  NSW DPI have released a draft Management Plan for the NSW Mainland Marine Park Network (2021-2031) seeking  stakeholder and community input into the future of the management of our five marine parks along the NSW coast.   The five mainland marine parks in NSW include: Cape Byron Solitary Islands Port Stephens-Great Lakes Jervis Bay Batemans Bay The draft 10-year plan identifies the environmental, social, cultural and economic values to be conserved by marine parks, the threats to those values and also provides a road map for their future management. It sets out a simpler and more consistent approach to managing the network of marine parks along the coast of mainland NSW while also taking into account their unique issues and needs.   Our marine parks are so valuable, and we need your help to ensure we have the best plan to manage them effectively.   Please ‘Have Your Say’ and help us to improve the management of one of NSW’s greatest assets. For more information and the survey head to yoursay.marine.nsw.gov.au The plan will be open for consultation until 31 January 2022.