Fishy jingle highlights angler anger

Keep Australia Fishing (KAF), the peak advocacy organisation representing Australia's estimated five million recreational fishers, has released a music clip highlighting the importance of angling to families and the community.

The catchy jingle promotes the positive socio-economic benefits of the recreational fishing sector in light of the Federal Government's controversial marine park lockouts, which will see fishing families banned from 1.3 million square kilometres of Australian waters.

KAF managing director Jim Harnwell said: "In these tough economic times, when job security is being eroded and family benefits cut, it is vital that Aussie families continue to have access to sustainable fishing opportunities. Recreational fishing is Australia's number one participation sport and boasts significant social benefits, yet access to our waters is being restricted on a massive scale with little or no justification.

"This little song, and the video clip which accompanies it, is a fun way to help our political leaders realise how important recreational fishing is to the Australian community.

"We obviously don't have the million-dollar advertising and production budgets used by the environment groups to sell their anti-fishing agendas, but our message is clear: recreational fishing is part of life for Aussie families and that is being put at risk by senseless lockout policies.

"The fact is that the Federal Government's marine park plans, if approved by parliament, will result in the biggest angler lockout in history.

"We are extremely concerned that this will mark a tipping point for future access to our marine resources. It is vital that appropriate access to key fisheries be retained so they can be responsibly and sustainably enjoyed by all Australians. To do otherwise is to damage and possibly even destroy our rights to enjoy fishing with our families and friends," Harnwell said.

The KAF music clip is part of a raft of campaigns highlighting recreational fishing as a sustainable family friendly activity.

KAF, in association with a number of other grassroots angling groups, is staging a public rally on Sunday June 2, at Torquay Angling Club in Victoria to highlight the access issues that will result if the Federal Government's marine park lockouts proceed.

Hosted by fishing legend Rex Hunt, the rally will feature a speech by Shadow Environment Minister Greg Hunt outlining the Coalition's marine conservation plans in the lead up to the 14 September federal election.

Watch the clip at: http://youtu.be/1aCKHMZX8rA or sing along to the video below.

For more details on the rally, go to www.keepaustraliafishing.com.au