Fishing a major issue in NSW state elections

by Jeni Bone on 22 Feb 2011 Fishing and Marine Parks have emerged as a key issue in the lead up to the NSW state elections, with all parties divided on their stance, approach and policies.

The State Labor Government has added to restrictions on professional fishers around the Solitary Islands Marine Park, leading the NSW Coalition to devise a more attractive option to present to the seafood industry.

Yesterday, Opposition spokesman for Primary Industries, Duncan Gay announced the Liberal Nationals’ ‘Securing Sustainable, Viable and Healthy Fisheries’. The policy promises a $16 million restructure of the industry, through fishing business exit grants and share class buy-outs.

Mr Gay said an independent review would assess NSW fisheries policy, management and administration and a new fishing stakeholders advisory council would also be formed.

'It’s vital that we protect our food security in NSW and this policy goes a long way to ensuring that the industry remains viable and that the NSW public can keep eating fresh local seafood' he said.

Describing the limits on fishing in marine parks and reserves as 'voodoo environmentalism', Mr Gay said there was a lack of scientific basis for declaring vast tracts of coastline off limits to fishers.

'An important part of the policy is a review into which lead agency should be in charge of marine parks. My strong personal view is that marine parks should be under the professional guidance of NSW Fisheries. It will provide a strategy and implementation framework to ensure the public are confident that the fisheries of NSW are environmentally responsible and both ecologically and economically sustainable into the future.'

The policy was well received by industry and local fishermen’s co-operatives, according to John Harrison of the Professional Fishermen’s Association.

'A properly funded structural adjustment program, a comprehensive review of the fisheries policy, management and administration, a review of zoning arrangements for access and a range of other initiatives is long overdue,' Harrison said.

Geoff Ruse of the Newcastle ECOfishers said he is 'disappointed' in the Coalition’s lack of commitment to the concerns of recreational fishers.

'The coalition has not made the two most important commitments needed for the security of recreational fishing and the environment (most fisherman are the true conservationists of our waterways). The real threats are ignored through current Marine Park Legislation.'

Ruse stated that he Coalition should have made solid commitments to 'allowing access back into the banned greenie zones (supposedly sanctuary zones) until such times that scientific evidence, not yet produced, supports such radical measures, and returning the MPA agency to be governed by our government scientists within the Fisheries Department, and not by bureaucrats in the Department of Climate change who have no scientific qualifications, and who force political agendas on us'.

He continued: 'The coalition have had plenty of time to confirm the corruption and lack of data on the process which the Labor party has inflicted on the unsuspecting public, with Labor attacking our core values instead of standing against extremist unscientific doctrine by the greens.
'The coalition has also failed to make solid commitments, instead of making firm commitments on the solid evidence currently available to everyone, they are hedging themselves behind reviews and audits which once elected can be easily put aside, prolonged or forgotten.

'If the coalition wants the public to see their integrity on this issue, they need to make a stand and a promise to the public, and not repeat the same kind of tickle-my-ears garbage we have had to put up with from the current Labor party ministers and the ones now sacked for mismanagement of funds, like the former Labor minister for fisheries who inflicted us with the current marine parks.'

ECOFishers state that their main objective is to: 'challenge the misinformation and emotional nonsense from the extreme Green preservationists'.

Also pitching their case to NSW voters, the NSW Greens claim that they have 'the best policies for the protection of our way of life and the sustainability of our natural resources'.

Greens MP and marine spokesperson, Cate Faehrmann today slammed the Coalition for its comments denying the science behind marine parks.

'Comments from Duncan Gay, dismissing the science behind marine parks as ‘voodoo environmentalism’ are a frightening indication on where the Coalition really stands on environmental issues,' she said.

'The Coalition has ignored the scientific consensus on marine parks. In a recent open letter to the Prime Minister and federal Opposition Leader, over 150 marine experts from universities across Australia backed the science, saying marine parks play a vital role in protecting marine ecosystems, and are just as important as national parks.
'Recreational fishers and those who care about the health of marine ecosystems should be very worried about the Coalition’s view on sustainable fishing. We need fish to fish.

'Also worrying is that Duncan Gay wants to put marine parks under the professional guidance of NSW Fisheries. Next we’ll have our national parks run by the logging industry,' said Faehrmann.

Last weekend, Greens candidate for Oxley, Jeremy Bradley, took the concerns of locals and the members of Community Action for Fish Rock to the Greens State Delegates Conference. He said 'the Greens are committed to discussions with any conservationists on the issue of protecting the environment'.

Following the meeting of the Greens State Delegates Council, several amendments were made to Greens’ policy.
'Our policies are written by people who care for the environment for people who care for the environment. It’s my experience that fishers and boaters do care for the environment.'

The Greens, continued Oxley, are not focused on 'line on maps or percentages'. 'We are committed to supporting the best available science.'

Of the claims by the Coalition that there is no scientific evidence to support Marine Parks and lock-out zones, Oxley said: 'There are many experts who support the Greens’ stance. If you want to hunt for the science to suit your preconceptions, you can.'

The chief executive of Sydney Fish Market, Graham Turk, who is at the front line of consumer interest in the issues and sees daily impact of restricted fishing zones, pointed out while nobody wants unsustainable fishing, blocking access to certain areas does not protect threatened species against pollution, urban and rural runoff and introduced pests.

More at http://nsw.nationals.org.au/Latest-News/nsw-liberals-a-nationals-fishing-policy-securing-sustainable-viable-and-healthy-fisheries.html

The Open Letter from scientists and marine experts can be viewed at http://www.ecology.uq.edu.au/docs/Marine%20Reserve%20Scientist%20Ltr%2018Aug2010.pdf

More at www.ecofishers.com