Contrary to the view of some environmentalists, anglers are a caring lot. A recent study reveals we spent more than $33 million in the last two decades on environmental initiatives.
The study, Angling for Conservation, was funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation.
"This is the first time anyone has tried to develop an understanding of the role that recreational fishers play in looking after Australia's aquatic resources. And the results have been really interesting," the leader of the study, Matt Barwick, said.
Angling for Conservation revealed Australia's recreational fishing community plays an increasingly important role in caring for our fish stocks, rivers, estuaries and oceans.
The study found the community invested about $33.1 million in projects focusing on conservation or sustainability. Most of the investment occurred in the last decade and it's increasing each year.
Initiatives to improve habitat were the most common projects funded by recreational fishers, with 18 per cent involving revegetation of river banks and foreshores, 17 per cent involving improvement of fish passage, and 14 per cent involving bank stabilisation works to reduce erosion.
But in terms of total investment, recreational fishers spent most of their money ($9.47 million) on research to ensure our fisheries remained sustainable. The world-class NSW Game Fish Tagging
Program is a prime example.
A new national fish habitat rehabilitation strategy is being formulated. Also, with healthier waterways and better water quality, survival rates of fish larvae can only improve. More information is available at anglingforconservation.org.
Meanwhile, the fishing has improved for the long weekend and last week of school holidays. Warmer water is pushing south and our estuaries are starting to fire.
Offshore, snapper are snapping with some solid fish from the central coast to south coast reefs. Try the 40-metre mark and fish floating pilchards in a berley trail.
Kingfish are on the deep reefs, flathead are on the drifts, with morwong and even a few pearl perch off the central coast. The only snag is the line-snipping leatherjackets.
Trevally are holding around the headlands, with Aussie salmon schooling behind the beaches and around the bay mouths. Beach fishers have found whiting, but tailor are more common at night.
Everyone's excited by the news of kingfish in our estuaries. Anglers are also starting to land a few flathead that have woken from their winter slumber.
Hawkesbury guide Ron Osman says Broken Bay is good for trevally and salmon. Pittwater has kingfish, while luderick are upstream around Brooklyn.
Harbour highlights centre on the kingfish and flathead, with the latter coming from Botany Bay and Port Hacking as well.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
What is the Angling for Conservation study and who funded it?
Angling for Conservation is a study that mapped the role recreational fishers play in caring for Australia’s aquatic resources. It was funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and led by Matt Barwick.
How much have recreational fishers invested in conservation and sustainability projects?
The study found recreational fishers invested about $33.1 million in conservation or sustainability projects over the last two decades, with most of that investment occurring in the past decade and increasing each year.
What types of fish habitat and conservation projects did anglers fund?
Anglers funded a range of habitat projects: 18% involved revegetation of river banks and foreshores, 17% focused on improving fish passage, and 14% supported bank stabilisation to reduce erosion. In total, recreational fishers also spent about $9.47 million on research initiatives.
Which research programs were supported by recreational fishing investment?
The study highlights that a large portion of spending went to research, with the world-class NSW Game Fish Tagging Program given as a prime example of the kinds of research projects recreational fishers helped fund.
How can angler-funded habitat work affect fish survival and water quality?
The article notes that healthier waterways and improved water quality—outcomes targeted by habitat rehabilitation—can improve survival rates of fish larvae, so habitat and water-quality projects can support long-term fish population health.
What current fishing conditions and species trends did the article report?
Fishing has improved recently: warmer water is pushing south, estuaries are firing, snapper are active offshore (central coast to south coast reefs), kingfish are on deep reefs, flathead are showing on drifts, trevally are around headlands, Aussie salmon are schooling behind beaches, and beach fishers are finding whiting (with tailor more common at night).
Are there practical snapper and reef fishing tips mentioned in the article?
Yes — for snapper try the 40-metre mark and fish floating pilchards in a berley trail. The article also notes kingfish on deep reefs and that leatherjackets can snip lines, so anglers should choose tackle and bait accordingly.
Which local hotspots and species did guide Ron Osman highlight for Hawkesbury and nearby waters?
Hawkesbury guide Ron Osman said Broken Bay is good for trevally and Aussie salmon, Pittwater has kingfish, luderick are upstream around Brooklyn, and harbour highlights include kingfish and flathead (with flathead coming from Botany Bay and Port Hacking).
Call 1300 880 160
Start a chat
Schedule a call
