Calls for feedback on beach fishing

Northern rivers residents who want to see protection restored to The Moat at Lennox Head, the shorebird roosting, nesting and feeding area around the mouth of Belongil Creek, and the dolphin nursery off Wategos are being urged to have their say on an assessment of the areas.

Conservationist Dailan Pugh says locals should ‘take a minute to let the NSW government know you care about conservation’.

Minister for primary industries Katrina Hodgkinson said community views are now being sought on recreational line fishing on beaches and headlands in the Marine Estate.

Mrs Hodgkinson said the government was undertaking a six-month assessment of recreational fishing access, including spearfishing.

‘This is a perfect opportunity to be part of that assessment to ensure vital social and economic information is captured through the online survey,’ she said.

The government introduced an amnesty allowing linefishing from ocean beaches and headlands in sanctuary zones, as part of the new Marine Estate Management reforms announced earlier this year.

An assessment of ecological assets will be led by the Marine Estate Expert Knowledge Panel to ensure threatened species and other important components of marine life are adequately protected.

‘The balanced consideration of all of these values is crucial in the management of the Marine Estate in NSW, as highlighted by the Independent Scientific Audit of Marine Parks in NSW,’ Ms Hodgkinson said.

‘To complement the online survey, targeted interviews are also being conducted by scientists, including award-winning researcher Michelle Voyer, to gather additional information on social and economic values associated with beaches and headlands.’

To provide feedback via the online survey or to gain more information visit www.marine.nsw.gov.au.