BOB_SMITH

The people on Fishraider need to be able to express their views and beliefs. If they are different to yours then bad luck. That goes for other fishing chat sites as well. The fishing community as far as I can assertain is fed up with the crap they are being fed, all they want to do is go fishing and not be told when and where and how much.!!!!!!! Bob Smith straight from the hip

Sweep I am renown for catching red herrings. The more I go fishing these days the bigger they are getting, and not surprisingly they seem to be getting more plentiful. As of me being uninformed you need to open both eyes and be honest. I will keep interupting in any discussion on subjects that are politically motivated over scientific facts. In NSW that is rife in regard to Marine Protected Areas and the stopping of recreational activities. i.e FISHING The Bob Smith character PS How is the TEST going in SA

Sweep Seeing you are coming from SA, as a TEST and no detraction from Fishraider could you please post your credentials and story on the SA fish chat site as well > fishsa.com. This lot will give you the thumbs up or down on SA MPA's. After all they will be the fishos you ought to be convincing. Just an idea Bob Smith

Sweep and all FFC is suspiciously a psuedo GREENIE group set up to decoy the Marine Park no-take zone debate This is their web summary Signatories include: The Wilderness Society Australian Marine Conservation Society Australian Conservation Foundation Greenpeace Conservation Council of SA Nature Conservation Society SA Surfrider Foundation Marine Education Society Australia Marine Life Society Ocean Defenders Inc Animal Liberation SA Friends of Newland Head Fishers for Conservation Friends of Corvisat Bay Friends of Sceale Bay Baird Bay Ocean Eco-experience Consensus Statement - full text below South Australian Marine Conservation We the undersigned groups working for a better protected, managed and healthier South Australian marine environment state that: South Australia’s marine environment is an important part of Australia’s ‘Unique South’, the southern temperate waters, where up to 90% of the species in some plant and animal groups are found nowhere else in the world. There is strong and increasing scientific support for networks of strictly protected areas in Australia’s southern temperate oceans. Our marine waters have many uses. They will all benefit from a better-protected and healthier marine environment. We the undersigned groups believe that: South Australia’s unique marine waters deserve and need a system of strictly protected Marine National Parks. Marine National Parks are marine areas that are strictly protected for non-extractive uses including conservation, research, education, recreation (diving, snorkelling, boating, surfing, swimming) and tourism. They prohibit all extractive use. Marine National Parks constitute the core protection within broader, ecosystem-based management of the total ocean, in which marine uses are allocated within an integrated, spatially-managed framework. Marine National Parks and ecosystem-based management plans should be established without further delay, and before any further potentially harmful extraction activities, including aquaculture developments, are permitted. Adequate resources must be allocated within management plans to provide for ongoing, long-term scientific monitoring and research of Marine National Park areas. The Marine National Park network can be declared under the existing National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 and/or the Wilderness Protection Act 1992. Any new 'Marine Protected Areas' legislation must deliver at least the protection of IUCN category Ia or Ib and should not further delay the implementation of the network of Marine National Parks. A community nomination process similar to that in the Wilderness Protection Act should be incorporated into any new Act, with legislated minimum time frames for response to nominations. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For my two bobs worth please be careful as NO FISHING ORGANISATION is a signatory My research puts a different perspective on Marine Park science and any MPA should reflect the condition of the area nominated or TAKEN for so-called protection. Again I base my statement from the research links on TFP Website. Don't fall for this emotional rhetoric but consider the facts and make up your own mind. Bob Smith. PS Todays Sunday Tele (NSW) reveals the deals being done in the Labor/Green marriage

G'Day Mick Are you refering to The Fishing Party. If you are, what do you expect them to do as your input would be welcome. We have met with ALL sides of politics and we WILL do deals with whatever party serves fishing best. At the moment it is NOT the Labor Party or the Greens or the Democrats, but after all it is YOUR choice at the ballot box. TFP attends most protests and especially if they are invited (should we do that) and always state our case. Here is what I said at the Mingara Central Coast protest and I did not see a camera anywhere?? If anybody is interested here is my 10 minute topic presentation, about 350 attended I believe > Welcome Firstly- I want to make it quite clear that $%^&* and The NSW Fishing Clubs Association IS NOT THE FISHING PARTY. There is no financial or dependence or any control between them other than a mutual agreement of support aiming for the same outcome. The Fishing Party has a Political aim of leverage in Politics and to challenge the major party structure with sensible alternatives to the Greens. That’s the way politics work and that’s your decision to either support or dismiss the idea. But for now it’s about the Marine agenda and Regional Biodiversity Assessments creating Marine Parks where the fishing community is locked out of 20-50% of declared parks. Today being the Hawkesbury shelf bio-region stretching from Shellharbour in the south to Stockton Beach in the North including all tidal Estuaries, Headlands, Beaches and waterways out to the 3 nautical mile state-waters line. Ban fishing, No more family days down the beach, Close that track off, Don’t walk on the grass, Don’t park there, Pay these fees, Don’t drive on the beach, You need a license, Over-fishing, 50%-30%-20% sanctuaries, Precautionary principal, Spillover affect. These are today’s Marine headlines, and I hope everybody is asking WHY???? And what you should be asking is “WELL - What about true conservation issues.” Don’t eat that- it’s toxic, Another major fish kill, Bad luck- there’s no compensation for your business, What science –there is none, CONFUSING –you bet, Mismanagement- you bet, Misleading- guaranteed. My answer to this is ANTI-FISHING LOBBYING AND POLITICAL POWER PLAY is prevailing. The fishing community is divided (some of that is on purpose and others are blinded by authority and opportunity) The magic word today is BIO-DIVERSITY This word is manipulated and lied about whenever the bureaucrats fail in research, science, facts and data to get their way. Even you and I can manipulate it to get a desired outcome. I seem to have a different meaning and responsibility to the decision makers. The newspapers and media love it, especially when promoted by warm cuddly land and sea animals in a one sided emotional propaganda campaign. This is the legacy of BOB Carr’s 10 year Labor reign of an arrogant mandate driven by stealth which now must be exposed for it’s deceitful merit and especially the major downfalls. The Extremists and their ground support (of which we the taxpayers are funding) are writing Labor green policy, they all will deny it of course but the evidence is overwhelming. We all see “Save the Koalas, Save the Trees” as headlines but we don’t see the extremists in the aftermath of the smoldering carcasses and the destruction. How many extremists do you know who are members of the rural fire service or part of the rescue teams who put their lives on the line trying to protect these green policy aftermaths. What we are trying to expose in this vast land of under-utilised Marine resources is the true conservation measures that need addressing and to be prioritised by a committed and responsible government rather than stopping fishing to appease the so-called greenies. Referring to our NSW waterways, some of which are so toxic by 40 times the W.H.O. standard, there is a major failure to even recognize the disastrous state of marine survival let alone the human health nasty potential. Prof Leon Zann from Southern Cross has some excellent papers on the state of the environment in relation to the marine resource survival. He promotes that up to 50% of eastern coastal stocks (NSW & southern Qld) have succumbed to environmental disaster. With my own research and along with TFP Environmental Officer Paul Hennelly we have personally witnessed all along our coast, Major fish-kills, Massive sewage problems (the central coast has major sewage and nutrient problems), Major water quality and quantity issues (some have no inter-tidal water change at all), Erosion, Diseases and viruses, Massive siltation problems, Stagnant and de-oxygenated water meaning stuffed fish nurseries, Toxic Blue-green Algae. None of which receives very little rectification commitment from governing bodies, as it’s easier to put up a NO-FISHING sign or create no-fishing zones by default. The Sydney Harbor toxic fiasco is just the tip of the iceberg that could not be avoided in getting the public eye like other disasters have. The results of the Green Olympics as we were to be at the time. For 10 years Governments have known about this problem with promises emerging at every election, even in 2002 an Upper House inquiry exposed the facts- results NOTHING but toxic fish. I remember having arguments on the south coast radio with Steve Dunn about why fisheries don’t do something to prevent fish kills. Not their responsibility was his reply as his department was only managing the fish resource and it’s harvesting, not their health. That answer showed me the proof of why our oyster industry is suffering, our Abalone industry is diseased and why there are headlines weekly and sometimes daily of major environmental fish kills somewhere in NSW. I hear now there is ANOTHER sewage outfall going in below the Hawkesbury rail bridge. Do Governments ever learn, apparently not? Nobody in this room and as a matter of fact anybody I know, is not conscious of the environment and deliberately works for it’s destruction but I can’t find the right answer for stopping recreational fishing in AUSTRALIA other than the toxic health issue. For any part of Australian Government in power, state or federal, whether Labor or Liberal, to promote the best and easiest access fishing spots as NO-FISHING ZONES without backing it up with any scientific evidence is surely embarking on an anti-fishing program and MUST be challenged. We hear from the managers and Ministers that our state controlled marine stocks are not over fished but they continue with having No-Fishing zones and promote 20-50% sanctuaries. Somebody is telling a lie when we hear from the extremists (NCC. TWS. NPA etc) about the collapse of our marine resource. If it is the extremists then Minister you need to say so and denounce them. If it is you then you need to be sacked. We (the majority of the fishing community) are being hoodwinked into believing it’s for our own benefit. This lockout agenda is failing to see the Real Conservation problems that affect our Marine Resource, and that’s what we want to get public guarantees from the major party political structure to happen. The Fishing communities CAN make that happen come 24th March 2007. Robert Smith The Fishing Party 0265560338, 0432252789, sinali@optusnet.com.au, www.thefishingparty.info I Fish I Vote I Care Taken from research links on the party website. Bob Smith

My 10 min topic presentation at the Central Coast meeting if anybody is interested> about 350 attended I believe. There will probably be an official report which I can post if someone else doesn't Welcome Firstly- I want to make it quite clear that $%^&* and The NSW Fishing Clubs Association IS NOT THE FISHING PARTY. There is no financial or dependence or any control between them other than a mutual agreement of support aiming for the same outcome. The Fishing Party has a Political aim of leverage in Politics and to challenge the major party structure with sensible alternatives to the Greens. That’s the way politics work and that’s your decision to either support or dismiss the idea. But for now it’s about the Marine agenda and Regional Biodiversity Assessments creating Marine Parks where the fishing community is locked out of 20-50% of declared parks. Today being the Hawkesbury shelf bio-region stretching from Shellharbour in the south to Stockton Beach in the North including all tidal Estuaries, Headlands, Beaches and waterways out to the 3 nautical mile state-waters line. Ban fishing, No more family days down the beach, Close that track off, Don’t walk on the grass, Don’t park there, Pay these fees, Don’t drive on the beach, You need a license, Over-fishing, 50%-30%-20% sanctuaries, Precautionary principal, Spillover affect. These are today’s Marine headlines, and I hope everybody is asking WHY???? And what you should be asking is “WELL - What about true conservation issues.” Don’t eat that- it’s toxic, Another major fish kill, Bad luck- there’s no compensation for your business, What science –there is none, CONFUSING –you bet, Mismanagement- you bet, Misleading- guaranteed. My answer to this is ANTI-FISHING LOBBYING AND POLITICAL POWER PLAY is prevailing. The fishing community is divided (some of that is on purpose and others are blinded by authority and opportunity) The magic word today is BIO-DIVERSITY This word is manipulated and lied about whenever the bureaucrats fail in research, science, facts and data to get their way. Even you and I can manipulate it to get a desired outcome. I seem to have a different meaning and responsibility to the decision makers. The newspapers and media love it, especially when promoted by warm cuddly land and sea animals in a one sided emotional propaganda campaign. This is the legacy of BOB Carr’s 10 year Labor reign of an arrogant mandate driven by stealth which now must be exposed for it’s deceitful merit and especially the major downfalls. The Extremists and their ground support (of which we the taxpayers are funding) are writing Labor green policy, they all will deny it of course but the evidence is overwhelming. We all see “Save the Koalas, Save the Trees” as headlines but we don’t see the extremists in the aftermath of the smoldering carcasses and the destruction. How many extremists do you know who are members of the rural fire service or part of the rescue teams who put their lives on the line trying to protect these green policy aftermaths. What we are trying to expose in this vast land of under-utilised Marine resources is the true conservation measures that need addressing and to be prioritised by a committed and responsible government rather than stopping fishing to appease the so-called greenies. Referring to our NSW waterways, some of which are so toxic by 40 times the W.H.O. standard, there is a major failure to even recognize the disastrous state of marine survival let alone the human health nasty potential. Prof Leon Zann from Southern Cross has some excellent papers on the state of the environment in relation to the marine resource survival. He promotes that up to 50% of eastern coastal stocks (NSW & southern Qld) have succumbed to environmental disaster. With my own research and along with TFP Environmental Officer Paul Hennelly we have personally witnessed all along our coast, Major fish-kills, Massive sewage problems (the central coast has major sewage and nutrient problems), Major water quality and quantity issues (some have no inter-tidal water change at all), Erosion, Diseases and viruses, Massive siltation problems, Stagnant and de-oxygenated water meaning stuffed fish nurseries, Toxic Blue-green Algae. None of which receives very little rectification commitment from governing bodies, as it’s easier to put up a NO-FISHING sign or create no-fishing zones by default. The Sydney Harbor toxic fiasco is just the tip of the iceberg that could not be avoided in getting the public eye like other disasters have. The results of the Green Olympics as we were to be at the time. For 10 years Governments have known about this problem with promises emerging at every election, even in 2002 an Upper House inquiry exposed the facts- results NOTHING but toxic fish. I remember having arguments on the south coast radio with Steve Dunn about why fisheries don’t do something to prevent fish kills. Not their responsibility was his reply as his department was only managing the fish resource and it’s harvesting, not their health. That answer showed me the proof of why our oyster industry is suffering, our Abalone industry is diseased and why there are headlines weekly and sometimes daily of major environmental fish kills somewhere in NSW. I hear now there is ANOTHER sewage outfall going in below the Hawkesbury rail bridge. Do Governments ever learn, apparently not? Nobody in this room and as a matter of fact anybody I know, is not conscious of the environment and deliberately works for it’s destruction but I can’t find the right answer for stopping recreational fishing in AUSTRALIA other than the toxic health issue. For any part of Australian Government in power, state or federal, whether Labor or Liberal, to promote the best and easiest access fishing spots as NO-FISHING ZONES without backing it up with any scientific evidence is surely embarking on an anti-fishing program and MUST be challenged. We hear from the managers and Ministers that our state controlled marine stocks are not over fished but they continue with having No-Fishing zones and promote 20-50% sanctuaries. Somebody is telling a lie when we hear from the extremists (NCC. TWS. NPA etc) about the collapse of our marine resource. If it is the extremists then Minister you need to say so and denounce them. If it is you then you need to be sacked. We (the majority of the fishing community) are being hoodwinked into believing it’s for our own benefit. This lockout agenda is failing to see the Real Conservation problems that affect our Marine Resource, and that’s what we want to get public guarantees from the major party political structure to happen. The Fishing communities CAN make that happen come 24th March 2007. Robert Smith The Fishing Party 0265560338, 0432252789, sinali@optusnet.com.au, www.thefishingparty.info I Fish I Vote I Care

URL's for 2 good stories about Byron declaration> To see photo's click on URL's http://www.northernstar.com.au/storyprint....storyID=3682639 PROTEST: Ken Thurlow (with sign) protests during Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald’s speech. Marine park declaration angers fishers 02.05.2006 By SAMANTHA TURNBULL sturnbull@northernstar.com.au IF STATE Primary Industries Minister Ian Macdonald expected a trouble-free visit to Byron Bay, he was mistaken. The Minister was yesterday met by a group of 40 angry anglers as he declared the Cape Byron Marine Park zones in force, prohibiting fishing in some locals’ favourite spots. Leading the protest was Northern Rivers Fisheries Conference chairman Ken Thurlow who heckled the Minister throughout his speech. "Why do commercial fishermen get 50 per cent of the park and families get 0.1 per cent?" Mr Thurlow yelled. The Minister replied: "That’s a gross exaggeration. It’s your view." Mr Thurlow yelled again: "And you didn’t listen!" "I listened to the broader community ... there’s overwhelming support for marine parks across New South Wales," the Minister replied. The yelling continued until the Minister’s final remark: "You can yell and scream all you like Ken, but you cannot change it. You’re better off working with us." After the speech Mr Thurlow shrugged his shoulders and said ‘only 11 months to wait until the next election’. However, there was at least one marine park supporter who welcomed the Minister’s arrival. Byron Shire mayor Jan Barham said the State Government had balanced the needs of the whole community in establishing the marine park zones. "It’s clear not everyone’s happy, but I think the Government has delivered a fair outcome," she said. nTHE NSW Marine Park Authority has created a zoning plan users’ guide. For a copy phone 66396200. 2nd story> http://www.northernstar.com.au/storyprint....storyID=3682486 LINES CAST: Ken Smith (left) and Ken Thurlow out fishing before the Marine Park becomes official today. Picture: COLLEEN BACON Anglers threaten marin park 'no-go' revolt 01.05.2006 By SAMANTHA TURNBULL sturnbull@northernstar.com.au ANGLERS are risking fines of up to $11,000 by threatening to ignore new Cape Byron Marine Park rules which come into effect today. Northern Rivers Fisheries Conference chairman Ken Thurlow said most anglers would ignore the rules. "The recreational fishers I represent say they will take no notice whatsoever," he said. NSW Primary Industries Minister Ian McDonald will officially announce the commencement of the new zones this morning at the Cape Byron lighthouse. The marine park has been divided into seven different zones, including sanctuary zones where no fishing is permitted. The largest single sanctuary zone covers 3.6km of Tyagarah Beach, offshore waters of Tyagarah Beach, Julian Rocks, Cape Byron and a small area east of the cape. Marine park manager Andrew Page said anglers caught disobeying the new regulations would be given a warning in the first few weeks of the changes. "There will be staff out (from today) to inform people about what you can and can’t do," he said. "We will adopt an advisory approach at first, but if people are caught repeatedly disobeying the rules, they will be fined." Anglers caught fishing in sanctuary zones face $500 on-the-spot fines and a maximum penalty of $11,000. However, Mr Page said he did not expect any massive problems with the introduction of the new zones. "Recreational fishing and collecting can be undertaken in most places, but anyone wishing to fish or collect in the Marine Park should check whether the activity is permissible," he said. Angler Ken Smith fears members of the Byron Bay Deep Sea Fishing Club have cast their last lines together. The Ewingsdale-based club president said the park zones could mean the loss of the club’s 50 members. "The fact is we’ll have to go elsewhere, outside of the region, if we want to catch fish," he said. "What they’ve given us is desert. We can’t fish on the reef near Julian Rocks any more and the next closest reef is too far out for members with small boats to get to." Recreational fishing will be permitted at one spot on the western side of Julian Rocks between January and April, but Mr Smith said that was not long enough for his club members. Environmental groups and the State Government have applauded the creation of the park, which covers an area of 22,000ha from Brunswick Heads to Lennox Head. Detailed maps and copies of the regulations are available from the Cape Byron Marine Park Information Centre on 6639 6200, online at www.mpa.nsw.gov.au and from outlets that sell recreational fishing licences. Bob Smith TFP

Grant The sanctuary zoning is standard total protection where not even a twig or a shell can be removed BUT! the Minister can regulate different closures or species/area specific in the other zones to suit either scientific committee/extremists/political pressure. (At any time or review) Zones:- Sanctuary zones allow for total protection of marine animals and plants and their habitat. Activities that involve harming any animal, plant or habitat are prohibited. Habitat protection zones give protection to habitat, but allow limited taking of specified fish and plants. Only activities that do not have a significant impact on fish populations and have a negligible impact on other animals, plants and habitat are permitted. Line fishing, spearfishing and hand gathering are all permitted within a habitat protection zone. General use zones allow multiple use, as long as these are ecologically sustainable. Activities in general use zones are subject to generic regulations that apply across the whole park, including permits. Special purpose zones are used when special management systems are required, including protection of Aboriginal and other cultural features, marine facilities, or for specific park management reasons. To check what can happen in the Byron Bay Park (and this could have changed with yesterdays declaration up there) go to > http://www.mpa.nsw.gov.au/cbmp/pdf/Final%20info%20side.pdf Here is some of the basic regulations that happen in the Byron Political Park > Permits A variety of activities undertaken within the Marine Park require a permit from the Marine Parks Authority. The Cape Byron Marine Park Zoning Plan identifies activities that can occur without specific permission and those that require a permit. Examples of activities undertaken within the Marine Park requiring permits include: • Commercial activities; • Personal watercraft and hovercraft use; • Organised events (including weddings and competitions); • Research; and • Collecting for private aquariums. Domesticated animals Domesticated animals (including dogs and horses) are permitted on beaches within the Marine Park that have been designated for such activities by local government authorities or other land management agencies. Dogs are not permitted on beaches adjacent to a National Park or Nature Reserve. Horses are permitted on Tyagarah Beach subject to the owner obtaining a Marine Parks Authority permit. Domesticated animals will be permitted within any zone of the Marine Park if they are assisting a disabled person, are a police dog, remain confined to a vessel or vehicle, or if the owner has a Marine Parks Authority permit. Recreational and commercial boating Speed Restrictions In addition to speed restrictions imposed under the Maritime Services Act 1935, all vessels are required to limit their speed to 4 knots within 200m of Julian Rocks trigonometrical station, except where preservation of life or property requires. Personal watercraft and hovercraft The use of motorised personal watercraft (including jet skis) and hovercraft for commercial or non-commercial purposes is prohibited within the Marine Park unless use is: • by a regulatory authority in the course of its business; • for safety purposes (e.g. by surf lifesaving clubs under permit); or • for an organised event (under permit), including training, that requires the use of such craft. Anchoring and mooring• Anchoring is permitted in the Marine Park with the following exceptions: – anchoring is not permitted on any reef within a sanctuary zone; – anchoring is not permitted within 700m of Julian Rocks trigonometrical station. • Vessels greater than 25m in length can only anchor in areas of the Marine Park north of Julian Rocks, latitude 28° 36.6’S, or south of Cape Byron, latitude 28° 38.6’S; • Seven moorings have been provided at Julian Rocks that may be used by vessels of up to 15 tonnes displacement (up to 10m in length) in winds of 24 knots or less; • A mooring provided by the Marine Parks Authority must not be used in a manner contrary to the conditions of use as displayed on that mooring; • A vessel cannot occupy a Marine Parks Authority mooring for more than 2 hours; • A person cannot attach a vessel to another vessel already at a Marine Parks Authority mooring (does not apply to tenders); • Fishing is not permitted from a vessel attached to a Marine Parks Authority mooring; • A person cannot attach a vessel to a Marine Park Zone Marker Buoy. NOTE: Anchoring is permitted in all areas of the Marine Park in emergency situations, where preservation of life or property requires. Transiting the Marine Park/sanctuary zones A Marine Parks Authority permit is required to undertake a commercial activity in the Marine Park. However, a Marine Parks Authority permit is not required for a commercial vessel to transit the Marine Park provided that no commercial activity is conducted within the Marine Park, and the route through the Marine Park to a destination outside is the most direct and expeditious. Fishing vessels may transit a sanctuary zone provided that all fishing gear is stowed appropriately. Fishing lines must be inboard and must not be baited and no part of a fishing net can be in the water. Discharge of ballast water Discharge of ballast water is not permitted within the Marine Park. Any vessel intending to discharge ballast water is required to exchange ballast water outside the Marine Park. Hull fouling Where a visiting vessel is considered to be heavily fouled by marine organisms or poses a reasonable risk of the introduction of exotic animals and plants to the Marine Park, the vessel will be required to leave the Marine Park, except where the preservation of life or property requires. Commercial vessel based whale watching The operators of commercial vessels require a permit from the Marine Parks Authority to conduct whale watching in the Marine Park. Permits will not be granted for commercial vessels to undertake whale watching in the Marine Park to the east of Cape Byron between latitudes 28° 36.9’S and 28° 39.6’S; that is, east of a line from 1 nautical mile north of the northern most extremity of the Cape (Stepping Stones) to 1 nautical mile south of the southern most extremity of the Cape (Cosy Corner). Motorised wheeled vehicles The use of vehicles on beaches is only permitted where designated by local government authorities or other land management agencies. Emergency and authorised vehicles, including those with a permit from a relevant government agency, are permitted on beaches in the Marine Park as required. Boat launching is permitted at current boat launching areas within the Marine Park. Fish feedingFish feeding, including shark feeding is prohibited in the Marine Park. Fish cleaning Fish cleaning and dumping of fish discards is prohibited in sanctuary zones. Collecting • Collecting is not permitted in sanctuary zones, or in Mackerel Boulder, Wilsons Reef and Bait Reef, or Lennox Head Boulder Foreshore habitat protection zones; • Commercial collection for the aquarium trade is prohibited in the Marine Park; • Recreational collecting for aquarium specimens is allowed subject to possession of a relevant permit; • Collecting marine plants and animals for scientific or educational purposes is allowed, subject to possession of a relevant permit; • Collecting (for non-scientific purposes) in habitat protection zones is restricted to species listed in Table 1. Setline/dropline, longlining, and purse seine nettingAll forms of setline/dropline, longline and purse seine net fishing are prohibited in the Marine Park. Protection of species All species are protected in sanctuary zones of the Marine Park. All species are protected in habitat protection zones of the Marine Park, except those species listed in Table 1. Note, all species of sharks and rays (Class Chondrichthyes), are protected in habitat protection zones. Here is the other basics > Marine Parks Act 1997 No 64 (Note i) 17 Other regulations for marine parks Without affecting the generality of section 15, the regulations may make provision for or with respect to the following matters: (a) regulating the use and enjoyment of marine parks, ( regulating or prohibiting the carrying out of activities (including commercial activities) within marine parks either generally or in relation to particular marine parks or by reference to different zones within a marine park, © regulating or prohibiting the taking of animals, plants or materials from or into marine parks, (d) regulating or prohibiting the entry into a marine park (or part of a marine park) of all persons or any class of persons, (e) removing from marine parks trespassers, persons causing annoyance or inconvenience or persons committing offences, (f) regulating navigation and use of vessels within marine parks, or closing a marine park or part of a marine park to vessels, (g) regulating where vessels may be moored or anchored within marine parks, (h) protecting cultural heritage within marine parks, (i) prescribing fees payable in respect of the use of a marine park or the carrying out of any activity within a marine park. Expect similar regulations at Batemans and Port Stephens Bob Smith TFP

This zoning map is circulating AS CURRENT for the Port Stephens Marine Park. An announcement is imminent. Bob Smith TFP

Spin, Spin, Spin, all sounds good but!!! Sorry but I have to be negative Where is the spin about fixing the problem with the land runnoff and swamp toxins, acid sulphate soil and drains and all the reasons for the MAJOR fish kills that have devastated everything up there on a number of occasions. Is this a protection for the seat of Tweed. Don't forget the TWEED is next in line for a MARINE PARK and sanctuary zones, How much work has this or any government done to fix up the nursery grounds, erosion, algae problems etc. So the next big lot of rain and fish kill will have bigger piles of rotting fish. Bandaids don't fix the problems. I hope Professor Leon Zann at Southern Cross responds to this. Supposedly pristine waterways up that way can't even support the oyster industry. Quote 'The State Government is strongly supportive of these innovative research projects, which support a healthy recreational fishing industry in NSW. 'If the program is successful, we will consider expanding our fish stocking program. In the past, it has been largely limited to freshwater species.' Why wouldn't they be when the anglers are paying for it?? Bob Smith TFP

In a de-regulated industry (by Eddie Obeid back in November 2000/2002? sometime) and with high cost recovery and taxes from legitimate participants what would you expect. The risks in being caught are small. The rewards are great. Its like putting up tip fees and then whingeing about all the rubbish left in the bush and at the gate. Redundancies and budget cuts are being hidden by allocating recreational license monies for compliance. The illegal stuff is outstripping the progress. I believe that the abalone industry especially down south was let run rife for donkeys ages where it was known the bureauracy turned a blind eye on many occassions and catch figures manipulated. Fines and penalities go to consolidated revenue so there is another loss. Bob Smith

All, here is a Public Meeting Notice next on the Central Coast. This should be huge and be the start of others. Shellharbour to Newcastle. Plenty of your best fishing spots which means plenty of LABOR LIES from Ministers Debus and Macdonald. See you there!!!!!!!!! and tell your friends This is what it is all about> http://www.mpa.nsw.gov.au/pdf/Hawkesbury%2...0Assessment.pdf Public Meeting MARINE and NATIONAL PARK LOCKOUTS "IMPACTS AND IMPLICATIONS" Mingara Recreation Club - 6pm Monday 8-5-2006 Presentations by scientists and politicians Defend your fishing and access rights Hosted by concerned citizens in association with $%^&* Inc. Bob Smith TFP Supporting $%^&*

All When you have some spare time this will clear your mind. I refuse to take any responsibility for the replies. http://www.environmentalism.com/ Bob Smith TFP

Ken We might get the report from Paul Winn but in the meantime here is the story link from Wainright http://www.smh.com.au/text/articles/2006/0...4521466294.html Bob Smith TFP

Here is a link for todays letters in SMH Finally someone has relented on our behalf http://www.smh.com.au/letters/?page=2 Bob Smith

Son in Law said he is trying to get a copy of Mr Paul Winns report that this story seems to be based on Lets see what happens Bob Smith

What rubbish Here is a link to the propaganda story that might give some insight to the crap> http://www.pbs.org/emptyoceans/aboutfilms.html What link to recreational fishing for bream and Tailor and Snapper fishing in NSW there is I am blowed if I know. Atlantic Salmon, Bluefin Tuna, Atlantic Cod, Atlantic Halibut and Salmon (I hope they don't mean Aussy Salmon) These extermists will go to any length to discredit fishing and it seems the SMH is keen to help. Bob Smith TFP

If you are interested in seeing and reading what you are up against with the NCC, what and how your taxes, levies and fees pay for to screw you, then have a read of their 2005 Annual Report> http://www.nccnsw.org.au/index.php?option=...d=30&Itemid=154 For quick references go to pages- Finances 7 to 15, Fishing 24 to 25, Who is on what Committee 36 to 38, Member groups 40 to 41 and Major Corporate sponsors page 42 On checking others here is TWS The Wilderness Society Annual Report shows how much money they have to play with as well, the grants breakdown would be interesting for the finer details if anybody has access to them> http://www.wilderness.org.au/pdf/AnnualReport0405_web.pdf Bob Smith Compromise always bites you on the bum.

The Fishing Party A.B.N: 76 086 236 465 HEAD OFFICE (Federal) 11Watts Close SINGLETON HEIGHTS NSW 2330 Ph/fax 0265 560338 0408434591 Email: sinali@optusnet.com.au www.thefishingparty.info Monday, February 20, 2006 NEWS ITEM & NOTICE Community Marine Parks and Toxic Fish protest rally RED DAY ALERT 28th Feb at Parliament House, Macquarie St, Sydney This rally will now be a Protest March from Hyde Park North down Macquarie St to Parliament House where speakers will address the crowd and Politicians responding. This is the first day back to Parliament for the politicians in 2006. The traffic police have sanctioned a street march from Hyde Park rather than provoke traffic outrage with boats on vehicles. Although nobody can control who drives up Macquarie St, the community rally will have Police in control of the march. A soapbox rally will then be held in front of parliament house. Robert Smith, The Fishing Party chairman said “we anticipate gathering in Hyde Park (north) from 10.30 am and parading down Macquarie Street at 11.00am with banners, placards, signs, flags and a few loud hailers denouncing the NSW Labor Government about taking your fishing access away with senseless, emotional and unproven sanctuary zones and Marine Parks, while not addressing the real problems of poisoned fish and the environmental degradation of our waterways through mismanagement and other major state problems”. The protest welcomes ALL concerned fishing citizens to show support. Families, people in wheel chairs who like to fish, kids, sports fishers, charter boat operators, oyster farmers, gamefishers, commercial fishers, kayakers, boaters, indigenous fishers, tackle store owners and any business who will be affected by fishing closures and polluted waterways. Even swimmers and surfboard riders who are all facing access exclusion from their recreation and business downturn need to voice their opposition to this Labor Government Green marriage for votes. The NSW Fishing Clubs Association, The Fishing Party, $%^&*, The Spearfishing Association and concerned Politicians will lead the march displaying their banners and placards down Macquarie St. This is the communities chance to show and voice their concerns about the management of our marine resource. Come by bus or train or park down at the Domain. For further information or if you want to address the rally please contact Bob Smith on email: sinali@optusnet.com.au or phone 0265560338. Robert Smith TFP Chairman and appointed community rally co-ordinator

Hi all News just to hand is that there will be approx 10,000 flyers handed around the Central Coast area shortly in regard to the protest rally. I will try and post a copy when I have an electronic copy I hope there are other interested communities around like this as NSW is likely to have a NO-FISHING flag flying and be known as the FEE STATE if they get their way. I guess the rest is up to you Bob Smith

Information from Kempsey A bus (or buses) is being organised from Kempsey to take anybody interested in supporting the rally at Parliament on the 28th The cost is $53.00 without or $68.00 with a RED SHIRT screenprinted with a slogan. There will also be placards on board for the day. It will leave Kempsey at 4.00am and leave Sydney no later than 1.00pm to get back. This bus can pick up from stops down the highway if needed. Port Mac, Taree etc Please ring Les Sharman Tackle Store (a great supporter of our cause) on 0265624240 between 8.30am and closing time at 5.00pm. Donations can also be made at the store to offset some costs Fishing rods, fishing hats, Flags or Banners are welcome and bring your friends. If you can't come on the bus drive the fishing machine or the ute. Bob Smith

Consider this Iemma a few months ago didn't have a clue about Marine Parks. Mental Health gets media attention. The Greens announce a backdown on their DRUGS policy. Marine Parks Authority get 12 days notice to implement the Batemans Bay and Port Stepens Marine Park (which supposedly was 2 years away) Iemma broadcasts a crackdown on growing high strength Drugs (Marijuana and Cannabis) mmmmmmm This wouldn't be the deal would it. Nah that doesn't happen !!! The opening parliamentary debate with new legislation will be interesting in the NSW Upper House. Watch this space they say, and the other states reaction or following. Bob Smith

Prime TV is supposedly doing something tonight with Duncan Gay. What areas I don't know Bob Smith Is anybody attending or organising a group

Here is a copied report from Phil (the chairman of the Narooma meeting) Firstly, and I mean FIRSTLY, a very big thanks to Rod Burston for co-ordinating the speakers from $%^&* and making that aspect of it go seamlessly for me. Secondly a very big thanks to Jon Jenkins (MLC), Robert Smith and Ken Thurlow for excellent speeches on the night. Both at the BB meeting (I sat up the back) and the Narooma meeting. All the speakers were entertaining, which is a most important aspect of the whole exercise, as none of the audience lost interest and drifted off. It's all very well to present half baked ideas and present statistics by the score, but these guys were concise and precise. In particular Ken Thurlow gave an entertaing and informative speech. I have done a LOT of research, and it was interesting to see the NPWS speakers present "science" that one can readily see on the Nature Conservation Council web site. Having seen it there, ie. "spill-over", "bigger better fish" etc., etc. it was good to see it shot down in an open forum, AT LAST. I have heard reports of between 500 and 650 at BB, and about 200 - 220 for Narooma. A report appeared on the news (WIN 4 ??) that night and a friend (a non-fisherman) from Bowral rang to say he saw it, and how the pollies were on, but it was still well covered!! So what was the mood of Naroomas meeting. Well for starters it wasn't as rowdy as BB's at the end (smaller size, less grog ). In our audience we had quite a few from the Narooma Sport and Game Fishing club, some divers, tackle store owners and some commercial trap and line fishermen, as well as the "usual" recreational fishermen. The meeting was pretty free of interjections so it ran smoothly. So this is the report. Meeting held Wednesday 25th January 2006, Narooma Services club In attendance Mr. Tim Shepherd, representing MPA, but uis actually Far South Coast Manager of NPWS Mr. Dene Moore, representing Eurobodalla Council, Mayor was at an Australia Day function. Mr. Robert Smith, President NSWFCA and Chairman The Fishing Party Prof Jon Jenkins, Outdoor Recreation Party, MLC Mr. Ken Thurlow, Chariman of Northern Fisheries Conference The Hon Duncan Gay - MLC, Shadow Min, for resources and PI Mr. Andrew Constance - our local member VERY STRONG * Because Marine Parks answers to 3 Government departments - Premier's (main one involved because this was a pet project of Premier Carr at the time), Primary Industries (Fisheries) and Dept. of Conservation (NPWS) there is a LOT OF CONFUSION as to who answers to what and whom. * What is the REAL purpose of the Marine Park. In both Batemans Bay, and Narooma the overwhelming feeling was that there was a preference deal for GREEN votes on the agenda. STRONG * Many issues related to fish stocks and fish habitat protection are able to be handled by Dept. of Fisheries. Ie. whta happened in Sydney Harbour with dioxin fish. Is the declaring of these Marine Parks a "slap in the face" for NSW Fisheries Minister McDonald for incompetent performance. * Economic benefits that are touted by Government and Conservation groups are illusory, and incompotently so, as the NCC believes that there are 800,000 scuba divers in NSW alone (real figure is 10K). See their Marine Portal, under "activities", "scuba diving". The NCC base their entire "economic" argument on the increase in dive tourism because there are no pesky fishermen around. * What is the Scientific proof that sanctuary zones protect habitat and biodiversity. A lot of the "pro-marine sanctuary" work was done in the 90's into 2000. Afterwards, once the effects werte seen of these "no take" zones there has appeared a significant amount of research querying the true picture of no take zones. A lot of the pro marine park debate at the IUCN level is what happens on a macro scale, ie. Tuna, gemfish and so on. Marine Parks as have been declared off the NSW/Vic border in Commonwealth waters are on a macro scale. * Marine Science is nowhere near as advanced as Agricultural Science, because of funding, numbers of scientists doing pure research and just the physical difference between the Tarrestrial and aquatic environment. However the NCC, NPA and Wilderness Society would have us believe that the evidence is always "unequivocal" Mr Constance and The Hon Duncan Gay made a committment to pressure the Labor Government to: 1. Put off the declaration (April 2006) of the Marine Park until 2007, and make it an election issue. 2. Do a proper socio-economic study prior to the declaration. 3. Perform a proper Biodiversity report for our region, as the current one has not found the other (well known to divers) Grey Nurse habitat sites on the mainland of our coastline within the Batemans bioregion. 4. If the Government gazettes the Marine Park in the lower house to have it disallowed in the upper house, within 14 days. 5. If (when!!) they gain power in May 2007 they will move to disallow the 2 Marine Parks and/or modify the zoning of any/all of them when appropraite. For a full text of Bob Smiths presentation see the following link http://www.thefishingparty.info/uploads/Th...ection%20.1.doc Bob Smith

Love or hate the pros somebody must answer the legalities of it all and dollars are mounting. If this mess lingers then the recreational side of things will suffer as well. A reasonable big cheque looks like the answer because if not then the Hawkesbury sewer drain will get more attention and you never know what testing will bring up there as well. Catch and release is ok for some but the food gathering is most important. Remember dioxin problems don't go away and they get passed on through the breeding cycle (as stated in the tele reports) I guess any solution would require affected marine life removed from the system as well. A long way to go here I would think. Bob Smith