RIVERLAND fishers are being encouraged to have their say on recreational fishing issues initiatives and policies, including a proposed recreational fishing licence.
The Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council (MRFAC) is conducting the Recreational Fishing Priorities Survey to determine the “issues of importance to the recreational fishing community”.
MRFAC representative Peter Teakle, of Renmark, said it was important for Riverland fishers to fill out the survey and share their views.
“The results from this survey will assist in the direction given by the MRFAC to suggest what areas require priority help in the restructure of the fishery,” he said.
“It’s also a chance to show the State Government how important recreational fishing is to the state.
“There are many issues that impact on the River Murray fishery where water security surfaces as a most important and complex issue.
“With the state of our freshwater fishery in SA, it is time for change.
“Healthy rivers and healthy fisheries result in healthy and happy communities.”
Respondents are also able to voice their opinion on the controversial recreational fishing licence proposal.
Mr Teakle said he supported the idea of a licence system, where revenue from fees is placed into a “dedicated trust outside of government” that can be used for project funding.
“If the survey favours a recreational fishing licence, it may be implemented in a similar way to successful interstate models that have underpinned their vibrant and sustainable fisheries for many years,” he said.
“It should be seen as a contribution to sustain troubled fisheries and to help in recovering fish populations for future generations.
“SA is far behind the licence system in the eastern states and would be starting from scratch.
“A licence would greatly assist with stocking, fish habitat rehab, science, compliance and other facilities like boat ramps for both freshwater and marine fishers.
“Recreational fishing is a part of our culture up here…so we must sustain it somehow.”
Mr Teakle said if a paid licence is rejected, a cost-free compulsory registration system that enables direct communication with fishers about potential changes to rules and regulations may be implemented instead.
For more information or to complete the survey, visit the MRFAC website (www.mrfac.org.au/representing-you).
The survey closes on July 15, with the results to be presented to Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Tim Whetstone and available on the MRFAC website.