NSW recreational fishing trusts a model for NZ

Opinion

Management of New Zealand’s fisheries has always been a bumpy road, with the underlying potholes of dominant, self-serving corporate fishing companies influencing the government, and too often inept, short-sighted management.

The one million Kiwi recreational fishers have been neglected, with central government giving them low priority in management decisions.

There just has to be a better way. So some time ago I visited Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) to see their fisheries management, particularly from the recreational perspective. From my observations, I concluded NSW had an impressive, intelligent fisheries management system, mostly run by the recreational fishers themselves who understand the local issues.

To fish in NSW waters, both fresh and saltwater, a fee is paid and the receipt for this must be carried when fishing. It applies to all recreational fishing.

There are exemptions such as for juniors under 18 years, adults assisting juniors, a private dam under two hectares, an aboriginal person fishing in fresh water, a pensioner with a SuperGold card, and interstate and overseas visitors.

Fees are reasonable — $6 for three days, $12 for one month, $30 for one year and $75 for three years. Charter boats or fishing guides may have an exemption certificate.

The fees go to saltwater and freshwater recreational fishing trusts to be spent on projects that improve recreational fishing. Expenditure committees manage spending on behalf of the recreational fishing community. It is vital the trusts are accountable to the fishing community, and accounts are audited annually by the NSW Auditor-General.

Projects may vary. For example, fishers have 30 recreational havens along the NSW coast following the removal of commercial fishing effort in these areas. Money raised from the fee enabled the $20 million buyout of over 250 commercial fishers to create the 30 havens. Now 27 percent of NSW estuary waters are preserved for recreational fishing.

The commercial buyout was funded by the Saltwater Recreational Fishing Trust via a $20m loan that the trust is repaying on an annual basis. Comprehensive surveys indicate the recreational harvest of popular species has increased significantly since the creation of the havens in 2002.

A system of marine parks, aquatic reserves, and intertidal protected areas has positive effects on the ecosystems, habitats and species under protection. Scientific evidence demonstrates fish stocks and fishing in and around marine parks get better as a result of the extra protection.

The saltwater trust funds nine coastal fisheries officers to target high-risk offenders and known “black spots” — an effective deterrent against illegal activity.

Twenty-one fish aggregating devices (FADs) have been successfully placed in coastal waters to attract pelagic fish such as mahimahi, tuna and marlin. FADs provide an alternative to traditional fishing grounds while relieving fishing pressure on popular surrounding reefs.

Artificial reefs are being investigated to enhance recreational fishing by creating new habitat for marine fish. Eighteen small reefs have so far been deployed. Monitoring results and reports from recreational fishers have shown the reefs to be a huge success.

A programme called Fishcare Volunteer has been the flagship education initiative of the recreational fishing trusts. Started in 1999, it now involves over 300 volunteers. Fishcare volunteers promote awareness and advise fishers about the rules and values of sustainable recreational fishing. Fishing workshops, catch surveys and community fishing events are other activities.

The NSW gamefish tagging programme, launched in 1973, is the largest of its kind in the world. The saltwater trust provides tags for big and small gamefish ranging from kingfish to marlin. So far, 300,000 fish have been tagged, giving important information about growth and migration.

Through small grants, the trust has been instrumental in setting up fish-cleaning tables, measuring stations, fishing platforms and fisher information booths. Stocking of highly-prized sportsfish in estuaries and other key areas is being investigated. Fishing workshops have been established and every year the department participates in over 40 coastal workshops, teaching responsible practices to children and their families. Emphasis is placed on the quality of fishing guides and charters.

The trust also funds essential biological research to ensure the sustainability of key recreational species, e.g. kingfish, snapper and striped marlin. Other studies are under way to assess survival of fish when released, with work so far demonstrating high survival.

A new educational programme for primary school children will start soon, introducing children to the concept of sustaining quality aquatic habitats by practising safe and responsible fishing, with the aim it will become a lifelong interest.

These are the major points of the NSW recreational fishing model, which it seems to me is a splendid example for New Zealand recreational fishers to look at.