A group of new volunteers completed Fishcare Volunteer training at Campbell Town this weekend, maintaining the number of volunteers at around 100.

The Minister for Primary Industries and Water, David Llewellyn, extended a welcome to the new volunteers and thanked them for their commitment to Tasmania’s fisheries.

“Fishcare Tasmania’s volunteer program has been running for ten years with enthusiastic volunteers donating their time to raise awareness of responsible fishing practices,” Mr Llewellyn said.

“The program has been a huge success, with volunteers spending more than 11,000 hours providing information and advice on recreational fishing at more than 3,000 events and activities.

“The volunteers provide fishing advice at local fishing spots, attend community events with the Fishcare trailer and kid’s fishing pool, teach kids to fish at Take a Kid Fishing Days, assist with fisheries research, speak to community or schools groups and run fishing clinics throughout Tasmania.”

Mr Llewellyn said the volunteers are a valuable link between the fishing public and the Department of Primary Industries and Water, and are experts on providing practical advice on how to fish responsibly.

“The volunteers play an essential role in educating fishers and their work makes a real difference in improving the recreational fishing experience and helping make sure that there are fish for the future.

“I would encourage all Tasmanians who see a Fishcare Volunteer (in their blue and gold uniforms), to get their fishing questions answered or just get to know your local volunteer,” Mr Llewellyn said.

The Fishcare Volunteers program is funded by Fishwise, with revenue raised from the sale of recreational sea fishing licences used to fund programs that support recreational fishing activities.

The volunteers are trained to deal with practical matters that they may encounter during their Fishcare activities, including fishing regulations, fish biology, fish identification and conflict resolution.

More information on the Fishcare Volunteers program is available on the Department’s website at: www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/fishcare

Source : Tasmania DPI