RJ5023

And he's right as well.One of the more important aspects of the Magiris saga was that the Greens tried to retain the part of the legislation that would have allowed the Minister to block any aspect of rec fishing any time he chose. That wasn't very clear to me, but it is now.So after teaming up with rec fishers in protests all over the country, the Greens then tried to make sure that the environment Minister would have the power to shut us down for 2 years whenever he liked, and for whatever reason he liked. Considering that 'valid' reasons include the Precautionary Principle (as has been appl

Rotare,You've raised some very good points.During the MPA debate, there was talk of providing some form of compensation to rec fishers via artificial reefs, breakwater capping etc, but that seems to have gone pretty quiet.Considering the loss of landbased access throughout the Port River system and Outer Harbour over the past decades, and the fact that the blueline has retreated far from most of the Metro waters during that same period due to the death of huge areas of seagrass - with the obvious impact to jetty and shore based rec fishing - a case could probably be made that the Port Stanvac

The politics of this issue are getting more bizarre as time passes.http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-09-18/super-trawler-bill-set-to-sail-through-the-senate/4266698Referring to the legislation that will ban the supertrawler:-Greens Senator Rachel Siewert says she will try to overturn the legislation."There are a lot of people that are concerned about these socio-economic issues," she said.Can't work that one out!Cheers,RJ

If it might help in any way go, for it Brett.I think that some people might be looking at this whole thing from the wrong direction (by-catch).Cheers,RJ

Done.Nick,Like many others I am totally opposed to the introduction of the Magiris to the Australian fishery.My opposition is based entirely around the fact that there will be approximately 18,000,000 kg of fish removed from Australian waters and then sold for $1 per kilogram.It seems nonsense to suggest that the local commercial fishing industry would find it viable to catch these fish if they could only be sold for $1/kg (after export).The Magiris operation is only commercially viable due to the huge volume of fish that it’s able to process, and it’s that very volume and the value attach

I don't think I can answer that one Ranger. Responsibility is spread among far too many Govt agencies, and each one of them is taking some form of action - some a lot more than others.EPA's approach to that is that it will be "people power" that will encourage change. Might sound like a bit of a cop out from the Govt, but I think he's right because there's a tendency for the public to expect more from our Govt than they'll ever be able to deliver. They make just as many poor decisions as the rest of us.For example, when you look at all of the issues that are confronting rec fishing at the mome

Thanks Cleaver,I've attached the full text version now.Cheers,RJ

Good afternoon all,The Metropolitan Fishers Alliance has completed a draft Possession Limit position paper for submission to PIRSA, and we are seeking your opinions and feedback.Please take a couple of minutes to read it and let us know your thoughts. Your opinion is important to the MFA. Paper has been posted here:-http://www.strikehook.com/forum/100-metropolitan-fishers-alliance/197945-the-adelaide-metro-recreational-fishing-group?limit=15&start=120#220366Regards,RJ

If you're feeling frustrated by the lack of action in SA, there's something that everyone can do to make a difference. By all means everyone should get into the petitions that have been kicked off interstate, that's all good.A group of Adelaide people want to make a difference locally, and they've been really getting stuck into all the local rec fishing issues for more than 4 months now.They could use your help, and it won't cost you a cent.The Metropolitan Fishers Alliance are doing some excellent work, and you're all very welcome to join in. MFA Meeting 4 Wednesday 4th July 2012 7:30 pm CWA

I posted this on FSA, but maybe it'd be a bit of help here as well?Problem is that the MPA process has been going for so long and with so many twists and turns along the way that anyone who wants to understand what's been (and is) happening hasn't got a hope of catching up. If they can't catch up they're less likely to get involved, and we need all the help we can muster.Cheers,RJIt’s probably about time it was done without the spin applied to these things by DENR and the conservationists. This has been my experience, others might see it differently. I've skipped over a whole bunch of associ

I didn't hear it, but it might have been this one khombi?http://www.strikehook.com/forum/74-pirsa-fisheries/215797-mega-factory-ships-close-to-homeCheers,RJ

Doesn't seem to be much to learn from them though. That's the result of a three hour meeting?Now we await the Minister's release of the draft Co-management proposal.Cheers,R.

Well put kon.As I recall, some beaches in Vic have charged access fees for decades now (via parking fees).The other group that might have something to say about using coastal waters that are practically unusable for any other purpose are the surfers.I think someone's attempting to bite off a bit more than they can chew. Again.Cheers,RJ

Maybe it'd help to show her this.

If you're keen on a Barcrusher, you should have a look at the Surtees as well.Better boat IMO. (got one)Cheers,

Can't hardly believe that I'm saying this - I've always opposed an RFL.Maybe the best way out of this mess (non representation of rec fishers) is to put the MP process on hold, implement a Recreational Fishing Licence and use the proceeds exclusively to fund SARFAC and remove them from any Government influence.Then restart the whole MPA circus with a revitalised SARFAC doing the job for us.Remember, there's absolutely no need for this MPA program to be completed according to the current Govt/DENR schedule and legislation can be ammended if the political will exists.What's the rush?We must have

I think the answer is to help SARFAC to help us. They would be a lobby group for 236,000 recreational anglers - regardless of which party is in power and that's a lot of votes.Maybe in time a party like the FLP would come to represent us in the House, but that looks a long way off at the moment..and. Just maybe, after all the current noise the major parties will each decide to have a portfolio and minister to cater specifically for recreational fishing (long overdue).In either case SARFAC would still represent the united voice of recreational anglers in the state. Hard to see how any one polit

Good post.There's a lot to think about if you venture out on the water - especially at night.One thing doesn't seem to get a lot of attention. Have you ever run a man overboard recovery drill on your boat? That's a sure fire way of finding out what works and what doesn't, and whether you really should be out there - especially in the dark.How would you handle it?What if you were the one that went over the side?Cheers,

If the day comes when we must have an RFL, it is only ever going to be a good thing if we have input into how it works, how much it costs and where the money is spent.- or else this will be the result.www.xtranormal.com/watch/7226899Regards,RJ

Any fishing licence - if we ever get one - should exclude kids and olds.If we DO have to have a RFL - and there's no indication that it is really happening - I'd be happiest if all of the revenue raised was used for just one thing. Enforcement. There's no point in having reasonable rules to control the fishery if there's not enough patrols around to make sure that they're obeyed. The future of Rec fishing relies on this working!We're already paying for facilities - they're pretty good and we seem to have a pretty well regulated fishery - except for compliance.Id do whatever I could to prevent

Thanks Kon,I saw that one :-"Extra charges contained in the leaked copy of the Sustainable Budget Commission's recommendations to the Treasurer which were not adopted include the introduction of a renewable boat licence, which would have raised an extra $8.8 million over three years,"What a croc! Foley got to stand up and tell us all the (Razor Gang) crap he wasn't going to chuck at us (onya Kev!), and then dump reality all over us. :@ ...but nothing related to a Recreational Fishing Licence - that I've been able to find.Cheers,

But is an SA Recreational Fishing licence a reality?During this last Budget bullshit period the Govt used a "Razor Gang" to come up with all kind of penny pinching schemes to save money. These whacko ideas were leaked to soften us up for the real thing, and among much more important issues (such as shutting down hospitals) were:-Introduction of renewable boat licencesIncrease launching charges at Osullies boat ramp to $13Introduction of Rec Fishing LicencesNow that the Govt. smoke and mirrors have been put away (till next time), I can't find any reference to the introduction of an RFL.Ozzy mak

Not a chance. You could expect every Green to support the RFL though. Anything that reduces rec fishing would be like gold to them.The Greens want to lock up 30% of SA Marine Parks as no-take zones. the Wilderness Society want to lock up 50%. How do you think paying for a licence will give us more influence? It seems to have made no difference at all in Vic/NSW where Rec fishers are currently doing battle against the Greens over more closures in Marine Parks. As far as I can see, the Rec fishers are going to get steamrolled.In today's world it's only political influence that counts. Decision m