Fishing competition management
Saltwater Trust Allocation
2008/09 - $108,110
Freshwater Trust Allocation
2008/09 - $27,030
Aim
To improve the management of fishing competitions in NSW.
Background
Fishing competitions remain a popular activity for recreational fishers in NSW and bring significant economic benefits, particularly to regional areas. However, these concentrations of fishing effort may result in some adverse environmental and social impacts. This program aims to develop and implement a code of conduct designed to address these impacts. The program involves significant liaison with competition organisers and competitors to develop and promote best practice for the management of freshwater, estuarine and saltwater fishing competitions.
Development of a Code of Practice for Competition Fishing in NSW
Recreational fishing representatives and DPI are working together to develop a Code of Practice for Competition Fishing in NSW. Our joint vision is for all fishing competitions to follow the voluntary Code of Practice so that the organisers and participants in these events operate in a safe and environmentally and socially responsible way. Competition rules and activities should demonstrate best practice and where possible, enhance the economic benefit for the community.
The main principles underpinning the development of the draft Code of Practice are that the fishing competition organisers and participants:
- Operate in an environmentally and socially sensitive manner
- Promote responsible fishing practices
- Comply with Fisheries, Maritime and Environmental Protection regulations
- Maximise opportunities to help the sport, the environment and the community
- Operate in a safe manner
NSW DPI is working with the Competition Fishing Working Group* and competition organisers to develop best practices for fishing competitions. This will include details on better ways to run fishing competitions and will cover all aspects of recreational fishing – so watch this space.
If you hold a fishing competition and would like further detail on ways to improve the management of your competition please contact the Fishing Competition Manager on (02) 95278411 or by email to fishing.competitions@dpi.nsw.gov.au.
A Competition Fishing Working Group has been formed that includes representatives from different types of recreational fishing groups in NSW. The group will help to develop the NSW Code of Practice for Competition Fishing, based on the above principles, drawing upon many years of knowledge and fishing competition experience.