The Beagle Editor,
A meeting is being organised, most likely at Merimbula next week, to discuss the elephant in the room , particularly in Bega Shire, that is the Southern East Trawl.
Each night 20 odd trawlers operating in NSW waters dump tons of bi- catch.
Each trawler drops 4 to 6 tonne.
NSW Fisheries do not want the bi- catch revealed so no records are kept. I understand this has been occurring 10- 20 years.
When on the Ministers advisory council I asked for the records, details of observers, how often were they on the trawlers, and who were they!
The response was "No worries, will provide at next council meeting".
Outcome! Never happened!
The commercial fishers approach the recreational fishers (RFA) seeking assistance.
RFA has approached three Fisheries Ministers. No response. The RFA will ramp this issue up for the current By-election and the State election in 2023.
The "fish" are the issue and targeting a nursery is not the way to retain a sustainable fishers, particularly when the commercial trawlers want out!
For more details and to read submissions refer to NSW RFA.
Happy to discuss with community.
Cheers Max Castle
VP- RFA.
Comments