New Fisheries Education Officer to boost services for Inland NSW Anglers

A new Education Officer has been appointed by NSW Fisheries to boost services for anglers in the State's inland areas, the Director-General of NSW Fisheries, Steve Dunn, said today.

Mr Dunn said the new Education Officer will liaise closely with local communities to promote recreational fishing and educate anglers about fishing rules and conservation.

"Elizabeth Jones, based at NSW Fisheries' Bathurst office, will coordinate a wide variety of community education programs," he said.

"This includes managing volunteers under the successful Fishcare Volunteer Program, helping to run fishing clinics and attend trade shows and other community events. There are 108 Fishcare volunteers in inland NSW."

Mr Dunn said NSW Fisheries' Education Officers play a valuable role in the community, teaching people of all ages fishing skills and the values of sustainable recreational fishing.

Ms Jones, with a background in agriculture and education, said she hopes to work with inland communities to raise awareness of conservation issues, promote ethical and sustainable recreational fishing and raise the profile of NSW Fisheries. .

NSW Fisheries employs four Education Officers. The other three officers are based at Sydney, Lake Illawarra and Coffs Harbour.

Mr Dunn said the Education Officers are funded by the Recreational Fishing Trusts, which distribute funds raised from recreational fishing licences.

"This is anglers' fees at work - all money raised by the NSW recreational fishing licence is placed into saltwater and freshwater trusts overseen by anglers and used to improve recreational fishing," Mr Macdonald said.

For more information about NSW Fisheries and how to contact your local Fisheries office, visit the website at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au.

Media inquiries: Eric Aubert (02) 8437 4948, 0419 185 375.