Media release
Fishing, be it commercial or recreational, is an integral part of the Australian economy and lifestyle, and with Sunday 16 October being the inaugural Gone Fishing Day there has never been a better time to celebrate our Australian fisheries.
Across Australia, events and workshops are being held to encourage people to ‘wet a line’ and enjoy all that our marine environment has to offer.
Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s (AFMA) Executive Manager Fisheries, Dr Nick Rayns said that sustainable fishing and fisheries management were pivotal for ensuring that both current and future generations have a healthy supply of fresh Australian seafood to put on the table.
“Whether it is the weekend angler dropping a line, or the Commonwealth commercial fishing fleet, it is important that we have strong fisheries management measures in place that are based on science and evidence, so that are our fish stocks stay in great shape,” Dr Rayns said.
“Our fisheries are vital to communities across Australia with recreational and commercial fishing supporting many local jobs and making significant contributions to the economy.
“Indigenous Australians also rely on marine fisheries being readily available to their communities as a healthy food choice.
“Sharing fisheries amongst all those harvesting this important natural resource is a real challenge and it is vital that all voices are heard when making key fisheries management decisions.
“That’s why in Commonwealth fisheries we have an extensive stakeholder engagement process that encourages all fishing sectors to participate, including recreational fishing.
“In addition, recently the Australian government announced that this participation would be strengthened through changes to AFMA’s management advisory committees and resource assessment groups.”
The inaugural Gone Fishing Day is being presented by the Australian Fishing Trade Association, Keep Australia Fishing, and the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation. To find an event near you visit gonefishingday.org.
To find out more about AFMA’s management of Commonwealth fisheries, including how we work with the recreational fishing industry, visit afma.gov.au.