Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing Inc.Bulletin

December 2010

ROCK LOBSTER PROJECTTARFish were successful last year in securing a Fishwise Community Grant for a project Recreational Rock Lobster Survey Methodology Peer Review. The project was developed to review the method used by the Tasmanian Aquac-ulture & Fisheries Institute (TAFI) to estimate the annual recreational catch of Rock Lobsters.

TARFish located an independent, world leading expert in recreational fi shing survey methods to conduct the review which has now been completed. The review report has been provided to DPIPWE & TAFI who have already responded to some of the recommen-dations in the report by incorporating minor enhancements in this year’s recre-ational rock lobster survey.

The review report was also tabled at the RecFAC meeting in October. RecFAC supported the report fi ndings, and expressed confi dence in the surveys methodology and their advice has been provided to Minister Bryan Green. Minister Green is currently reviewing the reports recommendations, along with RecFAC’s advice, and will determine which recommendations will be imple-mented.

TARFish have been pleased with the outcome of the review as it has reinforced our view that the method used by TAFI is nearing world’s best practice and the areas identifi ed for improvement were of only a minor nature. The Review Report is available on our website or by contacting us and we will post you a copy.

ANOTHER LUCKY MEMBERYoung Todd Cooper of Exeter was the lucky winner of our Members Prize Draw for October. When presented with his fi shing gear prize Todd was excited and almost speechless as he was shown the different uses for the fi shing gear. Todd’s mum Teena said Todd was a mad keen fi sher and the gear couldn’t have gone to a more enthusiastic fi sher. Todd’s father Nigel said that with Todd’s bountiful fi shing gear prize he would not have to borrow his gear anymore. It is great to see so much excitement and enthusiasm for fi shing and I’m sure Todd will grow to become a lifelong devotee of recreational fi shing in its many forms. Todd’s family enjoy fi shing the North East coast of Tasmania and regularly camp and fi sh in both salt and freshwater.

TARFish JOINS M.A.N“The Marine Adaptation Network (MAN) works closely with the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (NCCARF) to deliver on its vision to build adaptive capacity and adaptive response strategies for the effective management of marine biodiversity and natural marine resources under climate change.

The MAN comprises a holistic framework of fi ve connecting marine themes (integration; biodiversity and resources; community; markets; and policy) that cross-cuts climate change risk, marine biodiversity and resources, socio-economics, policy and governance, and includes ecosystems and species from the tropics to Australian Antarctic waters.

The Marine Adaptation Network is hosted within the School of Geography and Environmental Studies at the University of Tasmania and is led by Associate Professor Neil Holbrook (convenor).”

TARFish have joined the Marine

TARFish

Looking after the interests of recreational marine fishers

Adaptation Network to ensure we have input into, and are aware of, initiatives being developed for climate adaptation.

ROCK LOBSTER RULESThe Rock Lobster Rules Review process continues with no changes to occur to the current season rules for 2010/11 which end on 31st August 2011. Previously the government had advised the Draft Management Plan would be released for public review in December however it has been confi rmed by government it will be released early in 2011. We believe all relevant advice from the Fisheries Advisory Committees has been forwarded to Minister Bryan Green and he will decide shortly the content of the Draft Rules. The government have also confi rmed “There is no intention to commence public consultation or release the rules in the peak holiday period.”

Rock Lobster fishing photo by Visual Obsession.

MAST FISHING FORUMS

TARFish attended all 3 of the MAST Fishing Forums held in November in the

SPECIES NOMINATEDTwo additional shark species, Dusky Whalers and Shortfi n Mako’s, have been nominated for listing as vulnerable under the Threatened and Endangered Species List. We have received copies of the nomination applications and will be making a submission to the Threatened Species Scientifi c Committee. Public submissions close on 10 December.

HEAVY METAL TESTINGThe Derwent Estuary Program (DEP) is a regional partnership between local governments, the state government, commercial and industrial enterprises, and community-based groups to restore and promote the Derwent Estuary in Hobart.

TARFish are a supporter of the DEP program and recently took a day out of the offi ce to collect fi sh samples for heavy metal testing. We were successful in collecting 20 non-Derwent Cod and 20 non-Derwent Australian Salmon. Following our successful sample collection the DEP have asked if we could supply them with 20 Derwent caught Whiting. Now we don’t profess to be ‘gun’ fi shers, merely average recreational fi shers with a passion.

Finding and catching Whiting is a rather specialised skill, which I might add we do not possess - but have a keen desire to learn. So if you know where, and how, to catch Whiting in the Derwent River please contact us and pass on your knowledge as we would like to fulfi l the commitments we gave to the DEP.

TARFishsouth of the state. Around 450 people attended the 3 events and received expert hints and tips from Michael Hayley on Estuarine Fishing, Stuart Nichols on Game Fishing and Neil Grose on Trout Fishing. Andrew Hart and Nick Duigan from the popular TV show Hook Line and Sinker wrapped the expert tips up with their own unique style and combined with timely advice from MAST on boating safety the evenings were thoroughly enjoyed by those who attended.

SBT LISTEDThe Federal Minister for the Environment, The Hon Tony Burke MP announced on 24 November that Southern Bluefi n Tuna (SBT) had been listed as conser-vation dependent. Minister Burke noted “The species has declined in the past, and while ongoing improvements in management measures are helping to stabilise the population, the breeding population is still considered to be less than 8% of unfi shed levels....This listing will not prevent or restrict fi shing or create additional regulatory burden on the industry.” At this stage we do not believe the listing will affect our ability to fi sh for SBT but we will be watching developments very closely as this is an extremely valuable species for the recre-ational fi shing community with strict bag/possession limits already in place.

TARFish

BulletinDecember 2010

MARINE RESERVE BUOYSA TARFish Member contacted us recently and suggested that Marine Reserves and Marine Protected Areas should be clearly identifi ed with on water markers as well as land based markers. Current government practices only see land based markers put in at access points and boundary limits.

As the member pointed out if you access a marine reserve from the water you may not know that you have actually entered an area where fi shing restrictions may exist. The member suggested that having uniquely identi-fi able markers, similar to the buoys used by Marine Farm Leases, would minimise the chances of unintentionally breaking the law by fi shing in a Marine Reserve.

We took his suggestion to the Recrea-tional Fishing Advisory Committee (RecFAC) Meeting held in November. The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) have agreed to consider the suggestion and will report back to RecFAC in early 2011.

SPECIAL MEMBER PRIZEWe have been able to organise a very special Members Prize for Christmas. Imagine this...

Nestled amongst the picturesque fl owing green hills of Upper Natone, just a short drive from Burnie, Natone Lodge boasts a comfortable and tranquil country setting for you to sit back, relax and enjoy. With ample parking, the comfortably well presented Lodge can

Looking after the interests of recreational marine fishers

accommodate up to 5 people.

This easily accessible, but secluded rural retreat is fully self contained with laundry and BBQ facilities available allowing you the ease to cook in whatever manner you desire, at your leisure...possibly even one of the many prize trout on offer from either of the two fully stocked dams just a short walk away. Relax on the veranda

Photos by Carol Haberle

TARFish

BulletinDecember 2010

of an evening and marvel at the often spectacular sunsets, whilst nibbling on a variety of famous Tasmanian cheeses complimented by some of this State’s award winning wines, all of which you can get from the nearby famous Cheese Factory.

You can go bushwalking, platypus spotting and bird watching if fi shing isn’t your thing and enjoy the sights and sounds of the native wildlife or enjoy a game of Boule.

Natone Lodge and Fishery have gener-ously partnered with TARFish to offer a unique fi shing package for the serious or beginner fi sher.

The complete prize package includes:

* 1 nights accommodation for 2 people

* private fl y fi shing tuition from Natone’s guide

* access to two fully stocked private dams

* use of quality fl y fi shing equipment if you do not have your own gear and

* light refreshments to round out the package.

TARFish have visited Natone Lodge and Fishery and were impressed with the fi shing experience offered. We were very pleased to be able to organise this special Members Prize with Natone Lodge and Fishery and are confi dent the winner will be just as impressed as we were.

The Members Prize will be drawn on 31st December and all current members are automatically entered. If you are not a member of TARFish and want to go

into the draw for this unique prize then simply fi ll out an Associate Member Application Form which is available from our website or contact us and we will mail you the form.

MARINE POLICE GO HI-TECEvery vessel in the marine police fl eet has been recently fi tted with new technology to enable police to quickly home in on and identify boats which may be involved in illegal activity, no matter where they are in Tasmanian waters. The technology is delivered through an iPhone which gives police the capability to access a database of details including fi shing and boat licences. TARFish commend the marine police for taking innovative and proactive steps to reduce the incidence of illegal fi shing which in turn improves the sustainability of fi sh stocks.

We have joined the social networking space by setting up on Facebook. At present we are only newbies to this communication channel and look forward to receiving your thoughts on how best we could use this tool. Just use the search facility in Facebook to fi nd TARFish and send a message or your thoughts.

CHRISTMAS TIMEAs this edition of the bulletin is being written the Christmas period is fast approaching. TARFish would like to thank recreational fishers for their support during 2010 and ask you to remember:

* always fish responsibly

* don’t at any time put your, or your crews, safety at risk

* make time to go fi shing

* enjoy the experience

Fishing is about reducing stress, enjoying good company, taking in the natural beauty Tasmania has to offer and honing your fishing skills with family, friends and complete strangers if need be.

Have a relaxing, safe, enjoyable and refreshing break over Christmas and the New Year and get out and fish as part of your well deserved break over the summer period.

CONTACTING TARFishEmail: info@tarfi sh.org

Website: www.tarfi sh.org

Offi ce: 1300 665 225

Mobile: 0403 868 004

GPO Box 2198, Hobart Tasmania 7001

The TARFish Bulletin is a project funded by the Tasmanian Government’s Fishwise Community Grants Program.

Looking after the interests of recreational marine fishers

GFAA Junior National Tournament 1st July 2010 to 30th June 2011.Each year, the four winners; [Small fry tag & release, small fry capture, junior tag & release and junior capture] from Tasmania are awarded a State Champion award and could be in line for the overall National Australian Champions trophy. These trophies are presented at the annual award dinners of the TGFA & GFAA.

To enter you must be under 16 years of age, completed an offi cial entry form, the cost of entry is $10.00 and this is paid for by the TGFA.

Mums and dads need to get the juniors involved, it’s great fun and they are the future of our sport.

More information can be found on the GFAA web site under junior happenings and tournaments.

Go to www.tgfa.asn.au and follow the links.

Representation saves Mako fi shing.During 2010 the federal Government put an unnecessary ban on fi shing for Mako sharks. Through the efforts of the TGFA and member clubs, GFAA & TARFish we can continue to fi sh for Mako’s.

TGFA Sanctioned Tournaments

All four Tasmanian game fi shing clubs run exciting fi shing tourna-ments throughout the year. Details and entry forms can be down loaded from www.tgfa.asn.com.au.

Expectations High for Exciting season ahead.With unusually high water tempera-tures on the East Coast of Australia, Tasmanian members of game fi shing clubs are looking forward to a big run of Striped Marlin and Big Yellow Fin Tuna.

Members in the past when water temperatures are in the low to mid twenties have encountered striped marlin to 150kg and big powerful yellow fi n to 80kg.

Local members are also reporting good bait schools just inside the shelf line from Flinders Island to Tasman Island all pointing to an exciting season.

information Bulletin

Why join a GFAA affi liated Club?TGFA is a member of the Game Fishing Association of Australia (GFAA) the longest established national fi shing association in the World. Founded in 1938, it has been, and remains, a model and example for game fi shing associa-tions around the world. All Tasmanian Game fi shing clubs are affi liated members.

Member’s benefi ts include.

• The administration of club, State and Australian records for male, lady and junior anglers, not only traditional offshore game fi shing records, but also fl y and land based records.

• Organised club structures that help give knowledge on technique and where to fi nd fi sh. Club organised tackle and ‘how to’ instruction nights and the like.

• Fellowship and social functions within the clubs.

• Receipt of members club and State association newsletter and the GFAA’s offi cial game fi shing journal.

However, one of the most important benefi ts of membership of clubs affi l-iated with the GFAA is to give input to clubs, state and national executives with government and related organisations and departments.

This involvement ideally leads to repre-sentation on government committees and advisory councils, a very necessary step. TGFA membership offers game fi shermen representation at national and international seminars on billfi sh and other pelagic species by all game fi shing sectors.

An active voice and contribution to ensure recreational offshore fi sherman have access to, and an equitable share in, fi sh and bait resources and the opportunity to take active executive positions in clubs, State associations and the national body.

Put simply...

IF YOU GAME FISH, IT IS IN YOUR INTEREST TO BELONG TO ONE OF THE FOUR TGFA AFFILIATED CLUBS.

T H E C L U B S :

Game Fishing Club of Northern Tasmania Inc.Contact: Sheryl Turner

mob: 0419 335 159

Southern Gamefi sh ClubContact: Peter Neilson

mob: 0418 358 498

Tuna Club of TasmaniaContact: Robin Banks

PO Box 507 Sandy Bay 7006

tel: 03 6229 4789

mob: 0419 871 195

St Helens Game Fishing ClubContact: Miss Chris Hughes

mob: 0407 795 393

information Bulletin

Tasmanian Game Fishing Association PO Box 572 Glenorchy Tasmania 7010 Email: gamefishtas@intas.net.au