Fishing Australia

The quality of fishing in the ‘net free’ recreational fishing havens along the south coast has snuck up on many anglers to the extent that we almost take it for granted.

I recently had to fish in an estuary where netting is still allowed, (and happens on an alarming scale). I found that fish were very scarce, even the smaller species that are abundant in the havens. It made me realize just how lucky we are to have havens where all anglers can enjoy quality fishing.

There are dozens of recreational havens along the NSW coast, and you can find a list of them on page 68 of the NSW recreational fishing guide available at all tackle stores.

Some of the havens have been running for five or more years now and that means there is lots of fish that are 5 years bigger; and that is great for the whole community.

More importantly the habitat where fish breed, rest and grow is not being ripped up by nets, and I for one have noticed a marked increase in huge schools of tiny bream, luderick and other species. This is proof enough for me that the environment and habitat is better for breeding and recruitment of many species.

But the good news doesn’t stop there, fishery bodies, marine park authorities, angling clubs and people in general are all working harder towards a better future; it is not a straight forward or overnight process, but every bit helps.

Here’s another example of work that will right wrongs of the past and improve things even more.

Native fish to benefit from auto tidal floodgate:

A new fish friendly version of the humble floodgate has been installed at Shoalhaven Heads as part of a project designed to help bring back fish to local waterways.

Industry & Investment (I&I) NSW’s Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation Conservation Manager Scott Nichols said access to the upstream environment will improve feeding and recruitment opportunities for native fish, as well as helping them avoid predators.

“Many native fish need to migrate as part of their life cycle - accessing estuarine environments to breed, with adults and juveniles returning to freshwaters to grow and mature,” Mr Nichols said.

“The auto-tidal gate allows for fish passage into the waterway upstream, when by default the old flapgate would have been closed.

“Normal operation of the flapgate is retained so that under high catchment inflows, water can escape to the estuary, while high tides are prevented from entering the upstream waterway.

“The gate operates with the action of the tide, with a float and hinge mechanism opening a smaller opening within the flapgate to allow water exchange and fish passage.”

The float controls a hinge that opens the smaller gate on a falling tide.
As the tide begins to rise again, the float controls the amount of time before the smaller gate closes again.

“Because tidal exchange is increased from the installation, water quality in smaller waterways, such as Shoalhaven Heads will improve,” he said.

“It’s also hoped fish population numbers will also rise as previously restricted habitat becomes accessible once again.

“Native species like mullet, bream, eels, Australian smelt, and gudgeon species are likely to benefit from these structures, especially where there is a large area of waterway upstream of a flapgate.”

All sites have their water levels monitored as part of the project.
.
The project is funded by the Federal Government’s ‘Bringing Back the Fish’ project and supported by Shoalhaven City Council and the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority.

In the meantime the Clyde River will be the next area of extensive study by researchers from the University of NSW and the Batemans Marine Park.

Manager of the Batemans Marine Park Dr Brendan Kelaher said the study would look at the effects of human impacts on estuaries, including those in the Batemans Marine Park. He said work had already begun in Wagonga Inlet at Narooma, and the Clyde River near Batemans Bay would be the next focus for the research team.

“With Chief Investigator Dr Emma Johnson and her team we’ll be looking at how multiple stressors interact and ultimately affect biodiversity.

“We’re looking forward to starting work in the Clyde later this month. This work is not a one-off event, but will be ongoing for the next three years.” Said Dr Kelaher.

Great work that Doc and good to see that researchers are not singling out anglers but rather helping to show that protecting the environment and habitat is the bigger picture and is everyone’s responsibility.

See you on the water.

Rob Paxevanos