3.4m Australian anglers fishing for the future
Australia's 3.4m recreational fishers recognised as key contributors to fisheries' sustainabilityAssistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Anne Ruston, who convened the inaugural meeting of the National Recreational Fishing Council in Darwin in late November, 2017, has openly praised the recreational fishing sector for its commitment to sustainable fisheries.
The inaugural meeting of the Council highlighted the important role of
recreational fishers in ensuring the sustainability of Australian fish
stocks, while contributing to the economic well-being of regional
communities.
The responsibility that anglers assume for the environment and healthy fish stocks within is crucial to the recreation. With that and sound fisheries management, local economies will continue to grow off the back of the fishing-tourism dollar.
"Our fisheries belong to the Australian community and all stakeholders have a responsibility to ensure they can be utilised and shared by future generations," Minister Ruston said.
"Australia's 3.4 million recreational fishers are essential stakeholders and have much expertise to offer regarding the balanced management of our fisheries. Recreational fishing also makes an important economic contribution to regional communities.
"This is why the Australian Government made commitments at the last election to improve their representation, and the level of input from the recreational fishing industry into Commonwealth fisheries management?.
"I was delighted to convene the first meeting of the Council today and fulfil another Turnbull Government election commitment."
Minister Ruston also announced the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) would conduct a comprehensive National Recreational Fishing Survey in 2018.
"We strongly value the views of our recreational fishers and with this survey we're seeking a much better understanding of where, how, when and why they fish," Minister Ruston said.
"This data will be very important in future decisions about the management of Commonwealth fisheries."
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Photo Credits: Ocean Hunter Sportfishing, Fishabout Tours, David Lockwood
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