Code of practice for recreational fishing

The National Code of Practice for Recreational Fishing was first drafted in 1994 and recently, Recfish Australia (the peak representative body for anglers at a national level) said it commissioned a review of the code by respected fisheries biologist and TrailerBoat columnist, Dr Julian Pepperell.

RecFish Australia said the review took into account feedback from fishing organisations from across the country, government departments, as well as animal welfare groups such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).

Speaking about the revised code, Len Olyott CEO of RecFish Australia said: "This revision of the code has focused on four key areas: humane treatment of fish; looking after our fisheries; protecting the environment; and, respecting the rights of others.

"RecFish Australia believes that every angler has the responsibility to consider these four principles. We should be teaching them to our kids to make the next generation anglers even more ersponsible," he said.

RecFish Australia said corresponding to each key responsibility are 14 specific principles which include: Quickly killing fish that are intended for consumption; Taking no more than our immediate needs; Taking car when boating and anchoring to avoid damage to wildlife and habitat; and, Caring for our own safety and the safety of others when fishing.

The code is available to all fishing clubs and representative organisations to adopt as their own or to form the basis of their own codes, said RecFish Australia.

Copies of the code (printed brochure or CD) are available from RecFish Australia and its member organisations (listed on www.recfish.com.au) or by phoning (07) 3356 1111 or email: admin@recfish.com.au