19th Jan 2010
Interesting reading
Interesting reading
I have just read through the independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act of 1999. Instead of reading the whole report I just focused in on chapter 11 Fisheries and Marine and I have to say anglers need to be afraid very afraid. There are continuous quotes from hardcore green groups yet there is absolutely nothing from the largest stakeholder – fishermen. On the commercial side of things there is no mention of the additional voluntary work to minimise impact on by-catch. For example longliners run more than the required Tori lines to minimise seabird causalities or what about all the million recreational anglers volunteer in the name of tag and release research.
The report does highlight concern about imported seafood and the lack of restrictions to confirm it comes from sustainable sources. Maybe we should put a halt to these marine parks and learn to look after our own sustainable fisheries rather than just palming it off and letting some third work country destroy their own fishery for us!
There is also mention that species should not be classified as endangered until there population level has dropped by 90%. This maybe a bit low for my liking but it does raise the question of what on earth is Garrett thinking about mako sharks because their stock levels are still healthy?
The highly contentious marine parks also got a mention and surprisingly the report stated
-MPA objectives need to be clearly developed, enunciated and justified – NSW failed miserably there!
- Impact on fishing industry and communities need to be minimised – might get NSW to read this report!
And the best one ‘Fishing activity should be permitted in MPA where it does not jeopardise the key ecological values that MPA seek to preserve or restore’ - This means that catch and release fishing should immediately be allowed in sanctuary zones!
All in all there are some interesting points that need to be addressed, however I feel that the misguided green groups need to take a more realistic view that is balanced.
http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/review/publications/final-report.html |
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