mrmoshe

Thanks Grant...will do. Pete.

Probably blind mullet Kingsrule!! Seriously though, I'm told it has some bass in there according to a bloke I met once but it's pretty stagnant water in there so I doubt it somehow. Pete. PS: Just did some Googling and apparantly there were some surveys done on fish in Dee Why lagoon...see below: http://www.warringah.nsw.gov.au/pdf/pom_de...appendicies.pdf Fish Three surveys in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s recorded 53 species of fish in the lagoon. The number of permanent resident species was constant between 10 and 14, however the number of temporary species ranged from 12 in 1978 to 29 in a 1982 survey. The increase in 1982 may have been due to improved sampling techniques and the lagoon mouth being open to the sea for a lengthy period of time which may have resulted in increased recruitment from the ocean. Two distinct fish habitats exist in the lagoon. The central lagoon area and entrance channel with a strong marine influence, greatest depth, a high percentage of sand in the sediment and some seagrass patches is one habitat. The southern section of the lagoon is shallower, has more variable salinity, a higher clay content in the sediment and supports less seagrass and is regarded as another distinct habitat. Fish species diversity and abundance is restricted by the small size of the lagoon, limited habitats and the harshness of the environment - lagoon opening events often result in extreme variation in water level and salinity and the lagoon bed drying out completely. Dredging the lagoon is likely to improve fish habitat but result in increased numbers of existing species rather than a marked increase in species diversity (Allen, 1985). Artificial opening of the lagoon to enhance fish or prawn stocks is regarded as an extremely difficult exercise on a lagoon specific or regional basis.

Narrabeen lake has just been opened again this morning by the two councils. I was down there this arvo fishing in the lake and noticed that there was actually a slow current happening, so off I went down to the entrance and guess what?? It was fairly ripping out!! This time they have opened it up even wider than last time. It's now about 20 metres wide and flowing fast. I met the chief engineer from the council who was there observing the flow and got to chatting to him. He said he thought it may stay open a while longer this time with the low tide tonight at 2.30am being a particularly lower than normal at .31 metres and that should let even more water out to sea and scour a good channel overnight. I threw a line into the flow to see what was about but did'nt get a nibble. Lost about 30 metres of line in the process when I got hung up on the exposed rocks in the flow out. There were a few nice gutters forming out beyond the outflow so perhaps tomorrow might be good for a beach fish near the North Narra entrance. I only had my estuary gear with me and couldnt cast out far enough to reach them. The engineer told me that they are also going to open up Dee Why lagoon tomorrow so perhaps Dee Why beach might be also a good spot for some predators lurking out off the beach. He also told me the dredging is expected to begin late this year to remove 100k tonnes of sand from east & west of the Ocean St. bridge. They will dump it on Collaroy Beach to stabilise that beach. When the dredging is finished, there should be a straight run for water to escape to sea instead of the "S" bend that is there now. Anyway, it's good that they have stood by their word to open the lake when it reaches 1.2 metres (it was 1.15m yesterday at the Ocean St bridge). Cheers, Pete.

Fish latest weapon in war on terror From: Agence France-Presse From correspondents in Tokyo July 24, 2006 FORGET about Japanese technology. The country's latest contribution to the war on terrorism is tiny fish, which will be deployed to detect contamination of water supplies. Light-orange ricefish, which are some 4cm long and are commonly kept as pets in Japan, will alert authorities if their movement is irregular. Shizuoka prefecture south of Tokyo devised the fish alert system after the government asked the country to come up with anti-terrorist measures following the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US. If the water is contaminated, the fish show irregular behavior, such as swimming with their noses near the surface because of breathing problems, or simply die. "This live water surveillance system is useful because usual water filters take up to 15 hours to detect contamination, whereas with these rice-fish it will only take three hours," said Mitsuyoshi Hori, an official handling the project. Shizuoka prefecture started using ricefish on a test basis last year at two water plants Hamamatsu city and will soon equip the prefecture's central system. "Of course, we don't know what the real possibility is of terrorist attacks on our water supply, but we should be ready. Although if it really did happen it would be a whole other story of greater degree," Mr Hori said.

Yes, this hoax email has been doing the rounds for a number of years now. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES open one of these. Here is a link to the latest warning posted on www.trendmicro.com alerting everone to this latest one: http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/hoaxes/hoa...us+Warning+Hoax _____________________________________________________ @%^&&&& Virus Warning Hoax Type: Malware Related Discovery Date: Apr 9, 2006 12:00:00 AM GMT -0800 Last Reported Date: Apr 9, 2006 12:00:00 AM GMT -0800 Description: This email hoax warns users that email messages offering pictures of @%^&&&& hanged or captured contain a destructive virus that causes affected systems to crash. While the said email messages have been used by several malware, this warning, or variations of this warning, are already outdated. Users are therefore advised to keep their antivirus software up-to-date, and to refrain from forwarding similar messages to other users. Original Message: PLEASE INFORM EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Emails with pictures of Osama Bin-Laden hanged are being sent and the moment that you open these emails your computer will crash and you will not be able to fix it! This e-mail is being distributed through countries around the globe, but mainly in the US and Israel. Don't be inconsiderate; send this warning to whomever you know. If you get an email along the lines of "@%^&&&& Captured" or "Osama Hanged" don't open the attachment. Description Created: Apr 9, 2006 3:28:35 PM GMT -0800

Fish oil may lead to smart babies From: AAP By Samantha Baden July 20, 2006 WOMEN who take fish oil during pregnancy may give birth to children with improved hand-eye coordination, language skills and behaviour, an Australian study has found. Research by the University of Western Australia and the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research in Perth involved 98 pregnant women recruited from private obstetricians. The study initially looked at the effect of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acid, or omega 3 PUFA – which is contained in fish oil supplements – on immune function, disease susceptibility, foetal growth and development. To assess the effects of omega 3 PUFA, the pregnant women received either high doses of fish oil or olive oil from 20 weeks gestation until delivery. At two and a half years of age, 72 children born from the study group – 33 in the fish oil group and 39 in the control group – were then assessed by a clinical psychologist for growth, development, receptive language and behaviour, according to Janet Dunstan of the School of Paediatrics and Child Health at the University of WA. Dr Dunstan said the children in the fish oil group attained higher scores in all measures of development, behaviour and language, and had a significantly higher score for hand-eye coordination, compared with children from the olive oil control group. While further studies are required, the initial results indicate that fish oil supplements rich in omega 3 PUFA during pregnancy is safe and may have beneficial effects on the child. She said supplementation of 3.7 grams of omega 3 fatty acids, equivalent to one meal of fish per day, did not result in any adverse effects on mothers or children in the research group. “Improved hand-eye coordination can help in terms of developing fine motor skills that may enhance learning, for example being able to hold and use a pen or pencil, and increase self-esteem,” Dr Dunstan said. Dr Dunstan said her research team were now planning a larger study with 400 children to further assess the benefits of fish oil on the development of allergic disease. She said women who were interested in taking fish oil supplements during pregnancy should consult their doctor about dosage and whether it is appropriate for them. ”I think it's well accepted that fish is an important part of everyone's diet and we know that during pregnancy the baby needs extra amounts of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is present in omega 3 fish oil.”

Results are in on testing of commercial fishermen on Sydney Harbour. Here is the story from today's Sydney Morning Herald & Daily Telegraph. Pete: _________________________________________________ (Telegraph) Poisoned by our harbour Exclusive By David Fisher and Simon Benson July 20, 2006 12:00 BLOOD tests on Sydney Harbour commercial fishermen and their families have found that every one of them has dangerously high levels of dioxins in their bodies. The test results, which will be released to the families today, show all 95 people tested have dioxin levels between twice and 10 times the Australian average. Information obtained by The Daily Telegraph shows the dioxin levels are generally higher in the older people tested, although the figures are also alarming for the fishermen's children. And the fact that every person tested positive could have serious ramifications for recreational anglers and consumers who have eaten significant quantities of seafood caught in the Harbour. NSW Health officials admit, because so little is known about the dioxins, they can not say what the health consequences will be for the men, their wives and children. However, the Government – which for four months labelled the tests unnecessary and refused to conduct them – is now promising special health assistance to the families. When contacted by The Daily Telegraph last night, Health Minister John Hatzistergos said his department will introduce measures and assistance to the fishermen's GPs to ensure they are fully informed. He said that when the fishermen and their families are given their results at Concord Hospital this morning, they also will receive written advice addressed to their GPs. "We will also be convening a seminar to give the family GPs information on dioxins," Mr Hatzistergos said. "We will be establishing an on-going link to the Health Department where GPs can contact the experts and get advice. "It has been decided that because family GPs know their patients' medical histories, it is better for them to monitor them, but we want to provide them with as much help as we can." The blood tests were conducted about 10 weeks ago, although the families became concerned about their health in January, when commercial fishing was banned in Sydney Harbour after elevated levels of dioxins were discovered in prawns and bream. Virtually all the fishermen, their wives and children have always eaten large amounts of their catch – meaning they have been exposed to higher levels of dioxins. Dora Ianni, wife of fisherman Charlie Ianni, last night said she had put her life on hold waiting for the results. "We've been waiting a long time and I am worried about the results, not just for me and my husband, but more importantly for the children," said Mrs Ianni, who has girls aged two and five. "But we are also worried about what will happen next, what the Government will do to help us. "We don't know whether we are going to be able to get health insurance and we don't know what it is going to mean for our health down the track." It is understood that the levels of dioxins found in the tested families was similar to that of fishing communities elsewhere in the world, such as Finland and Canada. Australia's average levels of dioxins are lower than other countries. Levels in some places are three times higher than here. Fishing was banned in Homebush Bay in 1998 but in January this year the Government banned commercial fishing throughout the Harbour – and advised anglers to eat just 150g of fish a month – after elevated levels of dioxins were found in seafood. Homebush Bay is the source of virtually all the dioxins found in fish caught elsewhere in the Harbour. Dioxins bio-accumulate, so a fish that has never been in Homebush Bay can have elevated levels of dioxins because of the other marine life it has consumed. Government documents, revealed to the Opposition under Freedom of Information, show there was no Cabinet approval of funding for the clean-up when it was announced in 1997. Carl Scully, who was ports minister at the time, told Parliament that the Government was committed to the clean-up and it would pay $21 million towards it. _______________________________ (S.M.H.) Harbour fishermen have 'dangerous dioxin levels' Blood tests on Sydney Harbour commercial fishermen and their families show they have dangerously high levels of dioxins in their bodies. The test results reveal all 95 people tested have dioxin levels between twice and 10 times the Australian average, a newspaper reports today. The fact that every person tested positive could have serious ramifications for recreational anglers and consumers who have eaten significant quantities of seafood caught in the harbour. The fishermen and their families underwent blood tests about 10 weeks ago, when commercial fishing was banned in Sydney Harbour because elevated levels of dioxins were found in seafood. They will be given their test results at Concord Hospital this morning. The NSW government has promised special health assistance to the families, after initially labelling the tests unnecessary and refusing to conduct them. Health Minister John Hatzistergos said his department would introduce measures and assistance to the fishermen's GPs to ensure they are fully informed. "We will also be convening a seminar to give the family GPs information on dioxins," Mr Hatzistergos told the newspaper. "We will be establishing an on-going link to the Health Department where GPs can contact the experts and get advice." NSW Health officials say the health consequences are unknown because so little is known about the dioxins.

Nah, DSDC, the entrance is now as closed as a banker's wallet. Damn council's (Warringah & Pittwater) couldn't organise a sandwich at a picnic! I sure hope the dredging they invisage starts soon and they go the extra mile and open it up permanently. The water after the last few day's rains has increased the level about 6 inches from last week's level. I went for a fish in the lake last week and hardly even got a bite. I tried plastics, bait and lures for 4 hours for diddly squat. Good luck if you wet a line there. Take some of your famous rice wine along so at least you'll get something from the day, even if it is just a hangover! Pete.

I don't, but some bloke named daVinci plays one I hear. http://www.sam-hane.com/sass/songs/vincbanj.htm Actually, a mate of mine in the U.S. is a fantastic banjo player...always admired the way he played that thing. it's a pity the banjo gets such a bad rap. Pete.

I was down there late this arvo for no result, just a few undersize bream. I was at Wimbledon Ave side but maybe the creeks are firing better than the rest of the lake at the moment. The water level has dropped about 18 inches so far but the entrance is closing up rapidly. Good luck. Pete.

way to go Livebait. Here's a great recipe for those blackfish. enjoy: Pete. Baked Luderick Chef: Peter Coulton Degree of difficulty: Low Cooking time: 45 minutes You need: 1 kilo Luderick 1 medium onion ½ cup claret 1 rasher bacon chopped garlic 1 red chilli ½ teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon ginger Method: 1 Luderick around 1 kilo. Clean the fish, make sure you remove the black from the inside of the fish. After cleaning rub the inside and outside of the fish with salt and pepper, and stuff with the onion, garlic, paprika, cinnamon and chopped bacon. Lay the red chilli, thinly sliced, over the fish, and sprinkle with nutmeg and cinnamon and dot with butter. Place fish in a well-greased tray, pour over the claret and bake in a moderate oven, basting often for ¾ hour.

Yowzer!! Remind me never to go paantballing with you as the enemy Just got 141 and 3270

82 enemy killed & score of 1720 Pete.

Went down to Narra Lake today to see how the entrance just opened looked. The opening is about 10 metres wide but fairly shallow still. The tide was nearing high and was at least washing salt water into the lake. The lake has dropped in level about half a metre since the opening. I had a fish along various spots in the lake up to the entrance and didn't get one bite. A pity as I just got given a brand new Shimano Stradic 4000 and wanted to break it in, but to no avail. They are one awesome reel after the clunker I've been using lately. Might go hit North Narra beach closer to the high late this arvo and give it a whirl there. Pete.

Just read this in today's Manly Daily for all Fishraiders who also like to dive: Pete. _________________________________________ Fish Surveys. The National Parks Association is offering free dives to divers who want to participate in fish surveys in Sydney Harbour. The surveys are part of a project by NPA Harbourkeepers to enable a picture of the ecological health of the harbour to be created. The NPA trains divers to recognise the 50 species targeted in the study and to record their numbers and distribution. The next Harbourkeepers dive is in Chowder bay tomorrow. Details: www.harbourkeepers.org.au

Speaking of bitey and stingy things.... From today's Sydney Morning Herald. The rare species of irukandji jellyfish that killed an American tourist off far north Queensland has been identified by a leading marine biologist. Surf Life Saving Queensland national marine stinger adviser Lisa-ann Gershwin said the irukandji responsible for Ohio man Robert King's 2002 death was a member of the genus group Malo. She said it was rarely seen in Australian waters. Mr King, 44, died in Townsville Hospital from irukandji syndrome after being stung while snorkelling in waters along the Great Barrier Reef, off the popular tourist spot of Port Douglas. Dr Gershwin said stinger cells collected from the clothing Mr King was wearing when he was stung were the same as those gathered from the new species of irukandji. The new species of irukandji will be formally named later this year. "I've known about this type of irukandji for about eight or nine years but didn't have all the evidence to link it," Dr Gershwin said. "The first time I saw it I knew it was dangerous. It's incredibly toxic, incredibly potent, but very rare." Dr Gershwin, an expert in all matters irukandji after naming four of the known 10 species, urged swimmers to don protective lycra suits if venturing into waters known to contain marine stingers. She said lycra and wet suits, and to a lesser extent pantyhose, could prevent potentially fatal stings. The stinger season runs from October to May along the Queensland coast. Dr Gershwin said she had informed Mr King's former partner of the discovery. Mr King was the second tourist to die from an irukandji sting. British man Richard Jordan, 58, also died from irukandji syndrome while swimming near Hamilton Island three months earlier. Dr Gershwin said two scientific research groups - one in Townsville and another in Melbourne - were currently working on an anti-venom for irukandji stings. The sting from an irukandji, measuring just 1.5cm but containing up to 80cm-long tentacles, has the potential to cause a rapid rise in blood pressure that can lead to a cerebral haemorrhage.

Yeah Flattieman, I may even break out the long sticks this weekend myself and give 'em a lash. I'll bet there are some hungry flatties just waiting outside the entrance for all those mullet to make a break out of the lake. Pete.

I haven't been down for a look yet but judging by the picture they had in the paper, it's only about mid calf deep at the moment. Hopefully it'll gouge out some more sand as the water flows out and become a bit deeper. It also said they intend dredging sand out near the entrance later this year which should make it a bit more permanent. It sure needed a flush out though. I was fishing down there last week and it was getting a little pongy. I managed a nice flatty though (released) but nothing else much biting of last...too much fresh water in it. Pete.

Well, Narrabeen Lake (Lagoon) is finally open!!!! And about time too!!! Might be worth a trip for some beach fishing at North Narra soon. Pete. Here's the story in today's Manly Daily: _____________________________________ Lagoon waters flow 05jul06 THE entrance of Narrabeen Lagoon was mechanically opened yesterday, much to the relief of nearby property owners. Recent rain in the lagoon's catchment had seen the water level rise to the agreed level at which the lagoon is opened for flood mitigation. Warringah Council senior environment officer Daylan Cameron said the level of the lagoon was very close to the 1.2m mark at which it has been agreed by Warringah and Pittwater councils, and the State Government, that the lagoon's entrance should be opened to prevent flooding. ``The opening was in accordance with the entrance management policy we've got that was developed in 1997,'' he said. ``When the water gets to 1.2m we open the entrance mechanically. ``It's a flood-mitigation measure. ``If we didn't break it open, and if we got a big dump of rain, we'd get flooding of properties around the lagoon. ``The water level will gradually go down and the risk of flooding is avoided. ``The water level got up to 1.16m, which is close enough to 1.2m. ``We keep a close eye on the water levels. ``When it reaches that trigger point we initiate the mechanical break-out. ``It won't scour all the sand from the entrance but the entrance will remain open for a few weeks. ``The entrance clearance we've scheduled for this year - which is a separate but related issue - will occur when we take all the sand out of the entrance and use it to replenish Collaroy, after which the entrance should remain open for about three years. ``We're looking forward to that. ``The entrance was closed over the peak holiday period last year but it should be open for this summer. ``We had hoped to begin work in June but we've had a few delays. But we expect to complete the work before Christmas.''

Mmmmm Nice crab there. Here's a great recipe for them from ABC: I'm drooling already at the thought of it....enjoy. ____________________________________________ Blue Swimmer Crabs with lemon & garlic Mayonnaise Degree of difficulty: Low You need: Probably the most common edible crab in the world. The crab when fresh is a beautiful blue colour and turn all red when cooked. Vary in size between 300 and 700gms 2 egg yolks Add 4-crushed garlic, juice of 2 lemons 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil Add a pinch of salt water Method: Boil the uncooked crab in salted water for 8 minutes. Allow to cool in the water for 10 mins, then drain. Cool it rapidly under cold water before putting in the fridge. When cool prize off the top shell, throw away the feathery gills and rinse properly. Cut into quarters 2 egg yolks into mixer or by hand with a whisk Add 4-crushed garlic, juice of 2 lemons Start whisking or blending Slowly dribble in 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil Add a pinch of salt A little water at the end if the sauce is a bit thick Serving Suggestion: Serve with a freshly made Aioli or lemon and garlic mayonnaise.

Thanks for checking...I thought it may have been my connection but alas, it's down alright. Good idea about getting a team together sometime...some bright minds in the group. Pete.

Hi MrsSwordie..the trivia site seems to be having problems tonight. I'm missing my nightly fix of brain teasers...any thoughts?? Pete.

Last one from me tonight:

One more;

A few more for your perusal fellas: