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NEWS
Pittwater fishing bans unlikely
Push to oust pros turns into talkfestAfter pressure from angling groups and local MP Mike Baird to implement a complete commercial fishing ban in Pittwater, Sydney, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has formed a working group instead.
The idea is to provide a forum for discussion of fisheries management information, issues and concerns by local representatives and users of Pittwater. In other words, create a talkfest and do nothing.
Meantime, commercial fishers string huge nets in the system that can reach almost from one shore to the next, net the mouth of tributaries like McCarrs Creek, and have a minefield of sunken traps silently taking bream and more bream.
All this happens while anglers struggle for a nibble. According to Fisheries’ own surveys, it takes some five hours of angling effort to land a single retained fish from Pittwater these days.
The survey results also show the fish to be on average smaller than in recreational-fishing only havens such as Port Hacking. Yet it has been ascertained that Pittwater anglers spend on average $150 for every fish retained.
It’s also common knowledge among anglers that Sydney Harbour out-fishes Pittwater most days of the week. The poor fishing in Pittwater stems in part from the netting of whitebait, a vital link in the predatory food chain.
But Director of Commercial Management, Andrew Goulstone, said DPI is pleased to support discussions, and to examine local management arrangements and determine what management settings could be improved with the agreement of stakeholders.
"Pittwater is important to many fisheries sectors, with some relying on it to generate their income and others for recreation," he said.
"It is important that DPI balances the needs of recreational fishers, the communities’ demand for fresh local seafood and environmental factors.
"There are many competing concerns and interests at Pittwater, making management of fisheries in that waterway extremely complex.
"Both the recreational and commercial fishing sectors at Pittwater have indicated their willingness to work together to improve management of the fisheries resource.
"Their goodwill has led to the formation of the Pittwater Working Group to get a better understanding of the different concerns of stakeholders, and examine and report on fisheries issues in Pittwater."
Mr Goulstone said the Working Group will consist of representatives from the recreational sector, commercial fishers, local government, community groups and DPI.
Warren Martin, an independent consultant with extensive natural resource management expertise, will chair the Pittwater Working Group.
The views of recreational fishers will be represented by the Chair of the Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing, Bruce Schumacher and Andrew Tiede from the local Anglers Action Group, who has been instrumental in trying to get the pros out of the waterway.
Long-time mullet fisher Ted Allen and Brendan Schonkala join the group on behalf of local commercial fishers and Ross Fidden represents the Professional Fisherman's Association.
Roy Privett joins the group on behalf of the Boating Industry Association.
Other members of the group include Pittwater Council General Manager Mark Ferguson, Scotland Island Residents Association member Paul Kinnison and Mackerel Beach Association representative Gavin Shennan.
Rob Stokes, the State Member for Pittwater will attend as an observer. A whole bunch of talent there to sit and talk.
The Pittwater Working Group will meet three times in coming months and provide a final report on its deliberations by the end of 2012 when everyone involved is all out of puff.
Photo courtesy of Ron Osman, Estuary Fishing Tours.
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Written byBoatsales Staff
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