mrsswordfisherman

More information LOOK HERE mrsswordfisherman

Email responded to today 2.19pm Donna, The meeting last week was attended by approx 100 Warringah anglers and other interested individuals. The aim of the meeting was to enlighten those not fully conversant with the NPA proposal and to stress that to be an effective force and lobby group, all rec fishers must be united in showing NSW State politicians we've had enough of the dodgy science and Green preference deals that have resulted in the current Marine Park locations. After 2 hours of discussion, the meeting unaminously passed a motion: "This meeting condemn's NPA's management by numbers approach to conservation and marine parks as it is totally counterproductive. As fishers; we insist that all marine park decisions are based on independant, proven science alone. We acknowledge that we must be true conservationists and we believe in sustainable fishing. We demand that our fishing fees are used to ensure that we can fish forever without restricted access." A lot of contact details were collected from those attending and we'll be keeping them informed. Find attached the wording of an address given to the meeting by Anglers Action committee member, Bob McComb. Cheers Warwick Gibson Vice President Anglers Action Group Here is the address referred to Marine Parks – a response to poor fisheries management Bob McComb 9/12/08 Is our current fisheries management working? Obviously not. Again fishers are faced with more restrictions to our access to the fisheries resource. Fishers – recreational, commercial and cultural have adjusted to any management regulations in the past and will continue to do so. However, this latest attempt from the National Parks Association infers that the current management policies of the Department of Primary Industries are failing to protect biodiversity or manage the fisheries resource sustainably. Fishers are conservationists. Conservation does not mean there shall be no interference from humans. Conservation is the sum of all actions taken to preserve and maintain those things to which we attribute a positive use or value. The conservation ethic amongst fishers, particularly those in organisations, is very high. We have accepted regulations on size and bag limits on fish. Quotas and effort are also regulated. We have had our access to a public resource taken in the name of conservation. And have been portrayed as the villain for the loss of biodiversity. All the while we have continued to fish ethically and to the regulations. We have called for better management and enforcement, a halt to habitat destruction, an improvement in the water quality of run-off, paid licensing fees and volunteered for habitat restoration and education programs. Fishing organisations have been very successful at spreading the conservation ethic and a responsibility towards the maintenance of the fish stock and biodiversity. Once again, three weeks out from Christmas a non0government organisation, the National Parks Association, have called for a large marine park with no-take zones. This park will have greatest impact upon the cultural, recreational, commercial, retail and tourism fishing industries and associations as it is targeted at NSW’s population centre. Conservation biology is cited as the main reason for the establishment of this large reserve, not to increase the abundance of valuable fish. Conservation biology is defined as those actions taken to prevent the loss of biodiversity, ie extinctions either localised or complete. Should the Department of Fisheries adopt a better management approach based upon the monitoring of trends in stocks and the impacts of human activities, this would go a long way to prevent the constant onslaught from non-fishing conservation organisations. These groups have been successful in seeing the implementation of no-take zones to prevent us to continue to fish the productive waters. Unless we can have the Fisheries Department change from a “Harvest till Death” management strategy to one based on scientific monitoring and “Optimal Sustainable Yeild” we will be constantly fighting this battle. Fifteen years ago when Anglers’ Action Group was formed our mission statement was “To make ourselves redundant by lobbying to have sustainable, transparent and adaptive management of our fisheries.” What we have now is a proliferation of marine parks. These areas are a dog’s breakfast of fishing zones where, unless you engage a local guide there is little relaxation at popular holiday destinations for fear that you may inadvertently be fishing in the wrong zone. The National Parks Association, who are calling this park for biological conservation, should clearly identify the key threats to any species. They should clearly identify all threatening processes and prove it is the actions of fishers which are leading to the extinction of any species. They should show the proof that fishing activities are causing extinctions. The threat abatement actions should not be based upon non-scientific inferences or perceptions. Have the no-take zones in the current marine parks been effective? By removing fishers has the extinction of any species been averted? Has there been an increase in the abundance of fish from the “spill-over effect”? Things we don’t know because of the lack of monitoring before or after the establishment of these reserves. The only monitoring which currently occurs for valuable fish species such as mulloway is a “trigger point”. That is, we wait until the catch plummets to this indices or “trigger” (Harvest until Death) before any change in management may occur. As fishers and conservationists we need to become more proactive in promoting the “conservation through the sustainable use of wildlife” concept. This is a management system where quotas are set at “Optimal Sustainable Yield” and not “Maximum Sustainable Yield” and income from the resource is used to conserve and value add to it. This system places a value on the habitat. When the habitat is protected so to is the biodiversity. The greatest threat to biodiversity is habitat destruction and the poor quality of water from run-off. These are also key limiting factors to the increase in abundance of valuable fish. We as fishers need to push for better adaptive management with harvest targets based upon proper monitoring techniques. A system of management which does not wait for a fisheries to collapse before management is triggered. We need more recreational fishers to become involved in fishing organisations which promote a conservation ethic. One this is certain after 15 years, groups like AAG will not be made redundant. We will always have to be vigilant. We will always have to fight animal welfare who promote to the public that animal rights and conservation are the same issue. Non fishing conservation groups will try to divide any allegiances formed between various fishing organisations. And stakeholders, this way we are easily defeated. How we combat this is by remembering though other fishing organisations may have differing views they are not the enemy. We must be proactive in promoting to the public our conservation effort and ethic. We must insist that the Government provides us with resource managers who can achieve positive, sustainable and measurable conservation outcomes. Bob McComb Anglers Action Group

Update here - no response as yet to the email sent and read 12/12/08 mrsswordfisherman

The members of Fishraider support the concept of preserving our marine habitats so that future generations can enjoy the great outdoors and one, if not the most popular of pastimes, recreational fishing. Fishraider members are therefore not against the concept of Marine Parks, but rather a system within Marine Parks where Sanctuary Zones are used to exclude recreational fisherman from the most accessible and productive areas. So we ask you for your input on what is being proposed by the so called "National Parks Association" lobby group.

Veryyyyyy nice Mark Nice to see you back around Cheers mrsswordfisherman

I am quite sure that most of the result was from fishraider. I am watching the stats on the forum hits and topic views here - very interesting indeed. We can always run a poll here - no problems. I will use the results obtained somewhere down the track I am sure. Standby........ mrsswordfisherman

It's certainly not propaganda Byron. It indicates how people feel about the subject

Agreed boofhead. This poll will have no bearing on anything really, except to boost the hits on the site. The fact that people can vote more than once renders it quite invalid. What do they intend to do with the data anyway? It will be interesting to see how they interpret the result on Monday when it is closed If you look in their poll archives it has had the most votes ever - thanks to fishraiders mrsswordfisherman

Fishraider Admin have had some dialogue with AAG committee members last week. I have requested a report be posted asap on the meeting outcome. This is a very important issue and we have had contact from several groups regarding support etc... I would ask that members read and be aware of the facts. There will be plenty of activity soon. Groups are at present planning and consulting in preparation for a response to the proposal. This does not happen overnight. Fishraider has no political affiliations and will not become a political platform. Our aim here is to give members all the information and facts available so informed decisions can be made. The last thing we want is division. Keep yourselves informed and be patient. As pelican says we all want to be represented by a well managed body that has no other agenda. Rednecks and vigilantes who display kneejerk reactions are not the way to go. Fishraider admin are watching with interest what is being planned and will ensure that members are kept abreast of progress. mrsswordfisherman

Hi All, This important issue has been discussed and posted in Fisheries ,News and Politics Please join discussions in there and keep this area for fishing reports. mrsswordfisherman

See post here about what to bring on Sunday CLICK HERE Cheers mrsswordfisherman

Just a reminder to bring a few things with you on Sunday. ---- a chair ---- a hat (fishraider one if you have one) ---- packed lunch/drinks ---- rod and reel if you have one ---- money to buy fishraider merchandise , fr hats, boat stickers and brag mats or items from Go Fish Pete ---- sunglasses, sunscreen ---- wet weather jacket GO FISH PETE will have rigged up rod combos ready to purchase and an assortment of jigs, plastics etc..... Please present yourself to mrsswordfisherman on arrival to register and be taken to your instructor. The sessions will be followed by a lunch break and then hands on (landbased or on boats). We have some giveaways also for special effort and fish captures Be prepared for an interesting day. Cheers mrsswordfisherman

We are - be patient

ABC WORLD TODAY Have a listen to the interview

Thanks to the many people who have contacted us via phone, pm and email. Keep your ideas coming. We are looking at all this and will respond in a timely manner. Communications need to be intelligently constructed, assertive and non-threatening or abusive. This is a very important issue to us all. Fishraider may even become an archive of "what was" or cease to be!!! Have read below (sent to me by Ross Hunter) President Bush’s historic amendment maintains fishing in marine protected areas Alexandria, VA –September 26, 2008 – On September 26, President George W. Bush signed an amendment to the 1995 Executive Order on recreational fishing. This historic amendment ensures that federal agencies must maintain recreational fishing on federal lands and waters, including marine protected areas. Once implemented, this policy will provide access to places where men, women and children can enjoy fishing now and in the future. The Executive Order revises Executive Order 12962 signed in 1995 by President Bill Clinton. Over the past two years, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the Center for Coastal Conservation and its members, the Coastal Conservation Association, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Shimano American Corporation worked together to secure recreational fishing and boating access. President Bush’s amendment recognizes the marine and freshwater conservation impact of recreational anglers by allowing responsible recreational fishing and boating in marine protected areas and federal lands. “We applaud the President for taking this unprecedented step which recognizes that anglers and boaters play a significant and critical role in this country’s successful conservation model which is the envy of the world,” said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. “As a recreational angler and boater himself, the President clearly understands that sportsmen and women are conservationists first and foremost and that recreational fishing is an essential component of the nation’s heritage.” “The President’s action established a legacy for recreational fishing by securing access to fishing and boating, the lifeblood of the American model of fisheries management and conservation,” said ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson. “Every time American anglers buy fishing licenses or sportfishing equipment, an investment is made in fishing’s future. This highly successful user-pay system for fishery management depends on access to the resource.” mrsswordie

In today's Telegraph LOOK HERE mrsswordfisherman

Bryce hope you have a great day Cheers mrsswordfisherman

Great news - the boat was located and returned to owner Raider power strikes again. Good work VA911 and johnno. Cheers mrsswordfisherman

There is news on this issue. Phar Cue please read your pm's and make contact. Anyone else with any information pm Phar Cue and Stewy or me. mrsswordfisherman

He is still around - he was lurking here at 3.30pm this afternoon

No idea Anthony ???? A member can't help you with this anyway. Shoot admin or mods a pm at any time if you have a query. If it was removed by us you would normally receive a pm regarding it. Post it up again by all means. mrsswordfisherman

Here is an interesting news story COAST GUARD RESCUE Cheers mrsswordfisherman

Thanks for your comments Matt. That is what we call "fishraider spirit". Most of our members are willing to share and help others along their fishing journey. Cheers mrsswordfisherman PS To the members that told you not to divulge spots

Go Fish Pete will be there with some stuff for sale - he will be posting very soon. Please don't bring items to sell as this is not a swap and sell meet. It will be purely instructional and will give beginners a good chance to try their hand at fishing with soft plastics. Unlike other workshops on sp's this is not sponsored by any company ie: there will be no rep there plugging just their products. Your instructors are real fishos that are experienced anglers and will expose you to all types of products. This is a fishraider event - for fishraiders and by fishraiders our community is very rich with talent We will be posting up more detail for participants in a few days time. Keep watching this post Cheers mrsswordfisherman

Introduction of the Fair Work Bill The Minister for Employment & Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard introduced the Fair Work Bill into Parliament on Tuesday 25 November 2008. The Fair Work Bill will completely replace the Workplace Relations Act 1996. The Bill delivers: A modern safety net of employment entitlements, made up of the National Employment Standards and modern awards. Changes to the agreement making process including the introduction of good faith bargaining obligations. Protections from unfair dismissal for all employees, and the introduction of a Fair Dismissal Code for Small Business. The right to be represented in the workplace NEWS ITEM ACTU VIDEO Cheers mrsswordfisherman