Anglers raise public awareness of issues for 60 Minutes

by Jeni Bone on 15 Feb 2011 A vocal and passionate group of anglers, scientists and lobbyists took on the might of the Greens and others who support Marine Parks along the east coast of Australia, at last week's Tweed Heads debate which was part of the filming of a segment for TV program, 60 Minutes.

The special, which will air in four weeks time, was hosted by keen fisho, Charles Wooley, who also interviewed commercial fishermen, charter operators, Markwell Fisheries and the humble fish and chip shop. The 60 Minutes team is now completing the piece, filming at the Great Barrier Reef and in Hawaii for other aspects of the story.

Keith Douglas, spokesman and president of the Marine Action Group, who also ran for parliament as the candidate of the Fishing and Lifestyle Party, says the event was successful in raising public awareness of the real issues and the lives and livelihoods at stake.

'It really woke up public opinion, and we are hoping the 60 Minutes program will do that on a broader scale.'

Douglas reports that present at the event were Dr Ben Diggles, the eminent environmental expert, Paul Burt, the fishing and TV identity, Bob Littler from BLA and Markwell Fisheries Richard Brown, as well as many passionate and well informed anglers.

'Marine Parks are all about politics, and nothing to do with the environment,' he continues. 'You can't create arteas that fish will hide in! In fact, Marine Parks are often bad for the environment, as they case stress in other areas.'

The pressure is on the federal Labor government, says Douglas, 'who are over a barrell with the Greens'.

'I have received numerous phone calls from around Australia from fishermen and recreational anglers who want to take a stand. It's a national issue and it's making the news pages of our mainstream media. When the wider community understand the real issues, they will see that there is no science backing the call for widespread Marine Parks. The silent majority will start to counter these shaky claims.'

At the rally, Dr Ben Diggles and others invited to speak 'really served it to Joe Obono, former Greens candidate and now an environmental consultant'.

'They argued strongly against the concept of Marine Parks and certainly they know. Around Australia, they have had a record fishing season. This is about the future of Austalian food security and the economy, as well as the huge recreational fishing and boating industry, worth $40bn a year. These restrictions will affect thousands of businesses.'

Douglas sites the expert opinion of Professor Ray Hilborn, professor at the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, at the University of Washington. Hilborn teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in conservation, fisheries stock assessment and risk analysis.

'Professor Hilborn says very clearly Marine Parks are not necessary and in fact, 'concentrate load in a smaller area', which is what would happen here if you close off the country's most productive fishing grounds.'

More at www.marineactiongroup.com and for video and details on the rally and issues visit
www.fishingandlifestyle.com