Saturday 19, May 2012
Local fishers helping to make more fish
The small coastal community of Hat Head on the NSW mid-north coast have been getting their hands dirty to ensure their favourite pastime can be enjoyed in the area for generations to come, thanks to a Habitat Action Grant.
NSW Department of Primary Industries Conservation Manager, Charlotte Jenkins, said the Hat Head Amateur Fishing Club has just successfully completed the first stage of a fish habitat rehabilitation project.
“With the help of a grant from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust funded Habitat Action Program and in partnership with their local Council, the Hat Head community has devoted their own time and labour to planting over 450 plants along the foreshore of the degraded Korogoro Creek,” Ms Jenkins said.
“Natural riverbank vegetation is essential to maintaining good quality fish habitat, with native river bank trees and shrubs providing fish habitat and food and act as a buffer.
“Reducing erosion and helping to maintain water quality are all essential ingredients to help fish survive and thrive.”
Hat Head project coordinator Peter Hemmings said the whole community was keen to get involved.
“The enthusiasm in the club for this project is very high and we plan to apply for more funding, to continue the rehabilitation of Korogoro Creek, to protect and restore local fish stocks,” he said.
Ms Jenkins said the NSW DPI is now calling on other individuals, groups, local councils and organisations interested in improving their local waterways for fish to apply for a Habitat Action Grant.
“We are particularly interested in community projects supported by anglers like this one at Hat Head which galvanise local communities into becoming true stewards of their local waterways and fish habitat,” Ms Jenkins said.
“In addition to there being grants of up to $40,000 available, there is also a new small grant funding opportunity this year for projects of less than $1,000.
“A small grant can be a great incentive in providing a kick start for these local community projects which in the long-term provide fantastic results for Australian fish and are great examples of recreational fishing fees helping to support recreational fishing and make more fish naturally.”
The Habitat Action Grants close on 28 September 2011.
For more information contact 66261107 or fish.habitat@industry.nsw.gov.au
NSW hooks its first offshore artificial reef
The State’s first offshore artificial reef is set to reel in recreational fishers from across NSW with work on the large structure to begin in the next few weeks, Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson said.
A construction contract for the artificial reef has been awarded to a Sydney-based company that specializes in major maritime infrastructure projects.
"This purpose-built offshore reef will be the first and largest artificial reef structure to be designed and constructed in Australia,” Katrina Hodgkinson said.
“We expect the artificial reef will not only attract fish species such as snapper and yellowtail kingfish but avid fishers from near and far.
“This is the first of the three offshore artificial reefs planned for NSW over the next five years and is expected to vastly improve recreational fishing opportunities.”
The first reef will be located approximately 1.2 kilometres off The Gap at Vaucluse and 1.9 kilometres off South Head.
Waterway Constructions Pty Ltd, in a joint venture with Haejoo Pty Ltd, was selected as the tenderers for the construction of the reef. A detailed design of the reef has been completed by Worley Parsons.
“The construction of the reef will begin this month and is expected to be completed prior to Christmas. This is great news for those hoping to do a spot of fishing offshore during the summer months,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
The reef structures will have a lifespan of more than 30 years and have been specially designed to withstand NSW coastal conditions while minimising ecological impacts.
“The artificial reef unit is made of steel, stands 12 metres high, weighs approximately 42 tonnes and is designed to provide a complex habitat for a range of marine species.
“Funds from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust will be used to construct the offshore artificial reefs and are a great example of how recreational licence fees are being invested back into the fishing community,” Ms Hodgkinson said.
For more information on the offshore artificial reefs visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries
