Fishers for Fish Habitat gets underway: Macdonald

Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald today launched a new educational project called Fishers for Fish Habitat which aims to get more recreational anglers involved in boosting native fish numbers.

"The new project aims to increase awareness about the importance of fish habitat and inspire anglers to do what they can to protect and enhance these vital areas that our native freshwater fish need to survive and thrive," Mr Macdonald said.

"NSW Department of Primary Industries will be engaging and working with recreational anglers throughout NSW who want to give our fish a fighting chance," he said.

"There are a number of fishers in NSW enthusiastically involved in cleaning up their fishing spots, improving fish passage and even planting trees to enhance water quality, create shade and food for native fish and provide a future source of snags.

"Through the Fishers for Fish Habitat project, these activities will be highlighted at information sessions and in written information to inform anglers about how they can get involved in improving fish habitat," Mr Macdonald said.

"Many people are interested in helping to improve fish habitat and this program will advise them how they can make a real contribution by doing some relatively simple things."

Mr Macdonald said NSW DPI in partnership with NSW Fishing Monthly, the NSW Council of Freshwater Anglers and the Murray Darling Basin Commission had received funding from the Natural Resources Advisory Council’s Forging Partnerships Program for the project.

Project coordinator Charlotte Jenkins from NSW DPI at Wollongbar said the project would tap into the experience of recreational fishers who had previously been involved in projects to help fix up native fisheries.

"We want to hear from these fishers and find out how we can get more fishers actively involved," she said.

"Fishers who have concerns about the health of their favourite fishing spots or who want to know what they can do to help can also call us for advice."

Project staff will be available to meet and talk with fishing clubs, associations or like-minded individuals who are interested in the project. 

The project will culminate in the first NSW Fish Habitat Forum in June 2009. Registration details for the forum will be available from NSW DPI early next year.

For information on the project, hosting information session in your local area or the forum please contact Charlotte Jenkins Conservation Manager NSW DPI 02 6626 1107 or charlotte.jenkins@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Further reading

Threats to fish habitats

Fishcare volunteer program

Making more fish - Rehabilitating habitats