Fishing Australia

Industry and Investment NSW would like to remind anglers via the following press release that rock fishing can be dangerous and there are some of steps that can be taken to help make it safer:

AVOID ROCKFISHING TRAGEDY

The State Government is running a series of workshops designed to prevent rockfishing tragedies, especially among non-English speaking fishermen, Primary Industries Minister Tony Kelly said today.

“While it’s a popular and enjoyable pastime, rockfishing is a sport that poses many dangers,” Minister Kelly said.

“According to Surf Life Saving Australia nine people lost their life in NSW rockfishing accidents between January- to mid October this year.

“Now with the onset of warmer weather and more people wetting a line, I urge rock fisherman to make sensible decisions on their safety and avoid taking any unnecessary risks.

“It is estimated that one million people go recreational fishing at least once a year in NSW.

“We want each and every one of these people to play it safe around the water no matter how experienced they are.”

Minister Kelly said the NSW Government would roll out a series of workshops funded by $33,000 from the NSW Saltwater Recreational Fishing Trust to arm people with the knowledge and information to help keep themselves safe at ocean fishing spots along the NSW coast.

The key messages for safe rock fishing are:

* Never fish alone
* Inform others of your plans
* Wear light clothing and appropriate footwear
* Carry safety gear
* Observe first and fish later
* Stay alert
* Plan an escape route

“We will also continue the installation of Angel Rings at popular rock fishing spots along the coast. There are already about 96 locations across the State with Angel Rings,” Minister Kelly said.

“I’m pleased to say that following initial workshops targeting Korean, Vietnamese and Chinese, Industry & Investment NSW has noticed an increase in non-English speaking background anglers wearing lifejackets.

“It’s clear the workshops have allowed the safe fishing message to be spread into these communities.

“A research project being conducted by The Royal Life Saving Society Australia and supported by I&I NSW and the Recreational Fishing Trust, is currently examining fishing related fatalities in NSW.

“It will broaden the findings of an earlier study that investigated the details and demographics of the 74 rock fishing fatalities that occurred in NSW between 1992 and 2000.”

Other rockfishing safety initiatives supported by the NSW Government apart from the installation of Angel Rings at various rockfishing locations across the state, the distribution of the Rockfishing Safety resource folder and the Examination of Recreational Fishing Fatalities in NSW 2002 – 2007 study being conducted by the Royal Life Saving Society Australia.

The NSW Rockfishing Safety Workshops will be coordinated by the NSW Recreational Fishing Alliance, in conjunction with the Australian National Sportfishing Association – NSW and supported by fisheries staff of Industry & Investment NSW.

The NSW Recreational Fishing Trust is funded by licence sales to recreational fishers. Funds raised from the sale licences are placed into two trusts, one for saltwater and the other for freshwater.

I am sure anglers will agree the above initiative is an important one. I personally would like to remind all anglers never to turn their back on the sea when rock fishing, and also when wading into deeper surf waters as well.

Going with a local expert is also very important until you have a lot of trips under your belt, and even then the seas and swell can change quickly, so never let down your guard.

Most of all; if in doubt about the conditions, don’t go out; perhaps the estuaries, lakes or surf beaches might be a better option on the day.

See you on the water.

Rob Paxevanos