Shades Fishing News

A comprehensive new survey gauging the socio-economic importance of recreational and charter boat fishing to the NSW economy is to commence in the first half of 2008, acting Minister for Primary Industries Linda Burney announced today.

The ‘NSW Socio-economic Survey of Recreational Fishing’ will provide an overall snapshot of the impact of recreational fishing on the NSW economy.

“The results of this survey will provide the basis for new fishing-focused economic activity across regional and coastal NSW,” Ms Burney said.

“The data will allow the Iemma Government, the recreational fishing industry, local councils and associated businesses to better respond to the needs of recreational fishers when making planning decisions for the future.”

The study is being backed by the Recreational Fishing Trust Expenditure Committees and Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing, given the importance of obtaining accurate state-wide estimates of the socio-economic value of recreational fishing.

The Recreational Fishing Trust which invests money raised via fish licence fees back into recreational fishing is providing $150,000 towards the study.

“The information gathered through the survey will complement and update other facts about recreational fishing gained from the National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey undertaken in 2000/01,” Ms Burney said.

“It is widely recognised that recreational fishing is an important sector of economic activity. The National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey reported that NSW had the highest number of recreational fishers (998,000) in Australia and an estimated recreational fishing expenditure of $554 million.

“Getting more up-to-date information about the social and economic activity generated by recreational fishing will guide the Iemma Government in understanding the motivations for recreational and charter boat fishing, attitudes to government initiatives to provide better fishing opportunities, and the social and economic impact of recreational and charter boat fishing.”

Media contact: Phyllis Sakinofsky 0406 164 034 / Jason Bartlett 0438 209 281

Source: NSW DPI

Shades Fishing News is back to business after what extended into a longer break than first thought

Happy New Year, and I hope all the best for you and yours.

I’ve been fishing the salt water at Lakes Entrance, and with the algae bloom occuring on the lakes, it’s been one of riding the tides and working near the entrance. Barrier Landing has been the most productive area of the Lakes for me on lure, taking salmon and flathead and bream.

Will be interesting to see how the lakes pull up, as on leaving, the bloom was still in full swing, with bright green water on Lake Victoria and Lake King, extending all the way to the mouth.

Anyway, back to the news, and for me, back to the freshwater greenbacks!