Welcome Norah Hammerheads

New Spearfishing Club from the Central Coast joins the USFA

Exciting news as the USFA welcomes the latest spearfishing club to join the USFA – The Norah Hammerheads! The continued growth of spearfishing in the outer reaches of the greater Sydney area continues, and the Hammerheads will be a tremendous asset to spearfishing, based loosely around the Norah Head to Swansea region, Norah Head boat ramp being the local, the Club Committee consists of

President: Alex Bond Vice President: Brett Carter Treasurer: Craig Bond Secretary: Justin Elsey Sports Secretary: Beau Mellon

The foundation for the club is based on bringing families and the community together for a bit social fun and some friendly competition with the added bonus of putting some fresh healthy fish on the dinner table. A focus on giving education and support to new members of all ages to the sport, teaching safety awareness, understanding the rules and regulation in regards to safe boating and legal capture of species, and to promote the sustainable sport of Spearfishing in a positive way.

The Hammerheads will have regular meetings at the Norah Head Sports Club, third Sunday of the month from 1630. The USFA Committee and members wish “The Hammers” all the best and we look forward to seeing you grow and develop your membership under the auspices of the Underwater Skindivers and Fishermen’s Association.

USFA AGM 2023

Underwater Spear Fishers Association NSW
AGM 2023 June 8th

Attendance
Lee Dalli (NSUC)
Ian Buck (NSUC)
Parry Gryllis (SSD)
Simon Trippe (SSD
Ricardo Casquete (SSD)
Patrick Ireland (PHP)
Alastair Cooke (CCSL) Sam K (SSD)
Apologies
David Leha (Mulloways)
Stephen Park (Whalers)
Michael Song (Orcas)

Meeting begins 1945

Minutes from previous meeting discussed, no business arising.

President’s Report for USFA AGM 2023
Where do I begin…. The past 15 months have flown since the extraordinary AGM was called, a new committee was ushered in, and overall, the time has seen relative smooth sailing. Much has occurred so I will attempt to keep them brief:
USFA has become better understood by NSW and in particular Sydney spearos are seeing how the USFA assists spearfishing; the NSW government and Fisheries are aware of what we can do, communications have been good and we have been given audiences upon request such as the Fisheries Minister meeting spearos to hear our concerns and proposals on slot sizes, marine parks and Mulloway; the Sydney Kingfish Cup was a resounding success; our new spearfishing club the Mulloways our First Nations Spearfishing club associated with us have held three cultural camps; the AUF finally reciprocated a temporary membership fee for USFA members to enter their events, thank you Tom Sandstrom AUF NSW Secretary for pushing this through; myself and other USFA members have engaged in great discussion with AUF, both State and at National level, and while on the AUF I would like to congratulate Arnold Piccoli on becoming the new National Spearfishing Chairman.
There have been lots of positives over this committee’s tenure.
What lies ahead, hopefully lots more positives. A meeting with the current DPI Minister and DPI director general is planned; a spearfishing only National body has been discussed this could be happening by next year, and I keep my fingers crossed for this, a stand-alone spearfishing body, ASA – Australian Spearfishing Association is one name that has been bandied about. For now, the USFA will continue to work within NSW and assist all spearfishers on education, safety, and accessibility.
On the latter – accessibility to spatial areas we share with other stakeholders: Bongin Bongin at Mona Vale is an all-access area excellent for beginner spearfishers, and well used by rock fishers, being proposed by a swimmer’s group to be the latest no take Aquatic reserve (which is really a sanctuary) labelling the area unique. This community action group seem intent to exclude certain stakeholders read – fishers and spearos from an area that is a well-loved and used safe location for all age groups. We have members on the ground dealing with the local council, and involved in an action group rallying for continued all stakeholder access, common sense should prevail here. Safe access is always going to be on our agenda as we use the same areas as many other user groups, as you are aware we spearfishers are restricted by depth and of course ocean conditions and we should not have access denied because another stakeholder feels their point of view is just. Please, USFA members, if ever you are contacted by your Association to complete a submission, or to attend an action meeting near you, please consider doing so.
Note: The Bongin Bongin issue went to a council meeting and saw what one councillor stated “the largest gathering at a meeting in his time” the room was packed with fishers, USFA members, and representatives from the Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers Party. The Indigenous lands council sent in an email that did not support the proposal for a marine park. Dr Marcus Lincoln-Smith a marine scientist spoke well on spearfishers behalf, and the Liberal councillors also supported fishers, all this support and assistance resulted in a commonsense victory for fishers.
In the coming year ahead, I would like to see our back of house further tidied up – means also increasing some fees; a state-wide, open to all spearfishers, spearfishing event occurring – watch this space; an organised training reference for use by the USFA clubs to assist Juniors and newcomers’ skills and safety development complemented with a sustainable and ethical purpose.
I’ll finish by saying I have enjoyed being in the President’s role and with that its responsibilities, and that wouldn’t be possible without having so many people to lean on, therefore I would like to thank the committee who have supported me this past 15 months, David Leha, Parry Gryllis, Alby Cooke, Ian Buck, Evan Leeson, Lee Dalli, Sam K, and Ricardo Casquete. You have all lent me your ear, given me sage advice and been instrumental in seeing the USFA sailing well. Not to forget the Club delegates and workers such as Steve Park (Whalers), Patrick Ireland, Marty Kieselbach, Tony Couchman, and Gary Baxter (Penguins), Sahil Prasad, Ben Lake, Vita Malukova (Dolphins), Michael Song and Bob McComb (Orcas), Adam Price and Justin Delaney (Sea Hawks), again I will mention David Leha (Mulloways), David you have been inspiring to me to see all that you have done for your community at large and the USFA will endeavour to assist you over the years with your projects; too, Craig Seadog, yes, the Seadog gets a mention, Craig you have been a champion for spearfishing, those who know you know this, thank you. There are many, many others too, think all of you who I have engaged in conversation with, that have helped me along this journey. Thank you.
Yours in safe spearfishing
Simon Trippe

Treasurer’s report
Evan Leeson
• $21,000 in savings account
• $2,400 in “funny money” account pays the small bills without needing multiple signatures.
• Stripe, $9700 since November (1700 a month), covers bills.
• Bills to pay.
o Every month to pay for website service.
• $25 a month
o $220 for RFA membership affiliation (Recreational Fishing Alliance)

o $600 for TidyHQ
• Mailouts, handle payments, memberships
• New rate coming in for TidyHQ of $800
o Insurance
o Policies
• 1. $7,600
• 2. $6,400
• $14,000 to pay as lump sum.
• USFA has no cashflow risk.

o Schedule of fees
• Sam K brought up the schedule of fees that they should be reviewed.
• Orcas pay a token fee.
• Mulloways pay a token fee.
• Before June 30, so July we can release.
• Take note in minutes.

• USFA apology to Sam Clothier
o Sam Clothier contacted USFA President Simon Trippe about incidents occurring with previous USFA president Scott Williams. Legal action against the USFA was discussed.
o After assistance from Adam Price (former USFA Secretary supplying all minutes of all USFA and USFA Sydney Metro Zone minutes from meetings) and numerous conversations, and correspondence with all parties involved by Simon Trippe (current USFA President) it was decided by the now current USFA committee to apologise to Sam Clothier for the behaviour of the former President Scott Williams, who acted on his own behalf in making a decision impacting Sam Clothier. Where it was found, and all minutes shown, there was no consultation, vote, and agreement with other clubs, nor their representatives nor the committee of the USFA at a meeting as was implied by Scott Williams to Sam Clothier that the clubs had made a democratic vote to come to this “decision”.
o It was unanimous by all USFA committee in attendance to apologise to Sam Clothier, the motion also seconded by Lee Dalli. Those in attendance at the AGM expressed their disappointment and were exasperated by Scott Williams behaviours.
o The apology was accepted by Sam Clothier, and we are all moving on. Note: (this apology and acceptance by Sam occurred after this AGM and was given to Sam by Simon Trippe in written form via email)
o It was made note that this was a time consuming and often stressful period over several weeks for the President.

• USFA Committee Positions made vacant.

 President – Simon Trippe previous year, Simon Trippe nominated.
• Seconded Evan
 Vice President – Parry Grylls previous year, Parry Grylls nominated.
• Seconded Lee
 Secretary: Ian Buck previous year, Ian nominated
• Seconded: Simon Trippe
 Treasurer: Evan Leeson previous year, Evan Leeson nominated,
• Seconded: Simon Trippe
 Public officer: Alby Cooke previous year, Alby nominated.
• Seconded: Lee Dali
 Sports Secretary: Pat Ireland (Nominated by Lee)
• Seconded: Evan Leeson
 IT guru: Ricardo Casquete previous year, Ricardo nominated.
• Seconded: Parry Gryllis
 Web Master:
• Sam K previous year, Sam K nominated.
• Seconded: Lee Dali
 Indigenous Liaison Officer: David Leha
• Seconded: Pat Ireland
 Historian
• Mel Brown previous year, Mel Brown nominated.
• Seconded: Simon Trippe

The President thanks the former and now current committee for their efforts towards spearfishing and welcomes Patrick Ireland into the key role of Sports Secretary.

General Business

• Planning for
o USFA 75th Anniversary
o Kingfish cup in November
o Sub committees organised for these two main events.

• Underwater Hockey removed from the Australian Underwater Federation

Club Reports

North Shore Underwater Club – The Seahawks

• NSUC is currently at 55 financial members.
• Monthly Club Meeting attendance is approx. 15-20 people.
• Great training presentations held each month which are well received, particularly by the new members.
• Next Monthly Club Training presentation topic is ‘Reading the Weather for Spearfishing’.
• Coral Sea Trip ’23 (Coral Sea Cowboys) by Bretto Whalan: about thirteen of the spots are currently filled.
• New club members are attending Allimans to get experience and see ‘what it’s all about’.
• Social ‘Chat Group’ started within the club’s FB page.
• Club social events being planned for later in the year, including a club trip to Sealies or Mid-North Coast.
• Previously ‘new divers’ who joined the club in the last 1-3 years have been developing well, becoming good divers, and assisting in the running of the club by taking up active club management positions.

PORT HACKING PENGUINS

Penguins Committee for the year

  • President – Gary Baxter
  • Vice President – Tony Couchman
  • Treasurer – Glenn Sewell
  • Secretary – Martyn Kieselbach
  • Sports Secretary – David McGowan
  • Social Secretary – Craig Martin
  • AGM is held every December
  • Current total number of financial members = 46
  • The Port Hacking Penguins (PHP) continue to have representation at every Aliman Shield.
  • The PHP regularly have representation at other major competitions.
  • The 2023 PHP Catch of The Year remains in progress.
  • There was PHP club trips to Bawley Point and Montague Island in March, and Coffs Harbour in April.
  • Six Penguin members travelled to New Zealand in February 2023 for a spearfishing tour of the Coromandel region
  • The PHP have an ongoing and up to date presence on social media.
  • The PHP continue to instruct all divers in safety and encourage all divers, across social media, to join a spearfishing club and become involved in the USFA.

Mulloways First Nations Spearfishing

We have held several activities such as:

  • Dive basics
  • Dive equipment
  • Dive safety
  • Cultural stories and knowledge
  • Catch and Cook
  • Ceremony and Protocols e.g. giving thanks and asking permission and for protection
  • Improved networks and connection to support the ongoing cultural healing and sharing.
  • Increased community capacity and capability to the cultural identity, social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal people.

We would like to thank those that donated through the donations box at Adreno.
This had enabled many people to experience the underwater world using the donated equipment.

Regards
David
President First Nations Spearfishing Association.

SANS SOUCI DOLPHINS
The Dolphins are enjoying the 2023 season.
Club meetings, third Tuesday of the month held at South Sydney Amateur Fishing Association see regular attendance of divers from 30 to 75 members. Talks by our members include Safety; Blue Water spearfishing; correct breathing and proper equalisation for spearfishers; the right speargun for you; and of course – the Master Chef battle, the cook offs have been amazing.
Regular social dives – Coffs Harbour, South West Rocks, Crowdy Head, Seal Rocks, weekend camping at Broughton Island, Currarong and Eden.
The committee and members are anticipating our 70th year celebrations and looking forward to a turnout of over 150 divers from 1953 onwards.
With close to 70 USFA members and over 100 social members the Dolphins are benefitting from their many members’ input, work ethic and skill sets. All are welcome to attend.
Parry Gryllis, delegate.

Next USFA Meeting 21st March 1900 at Adreno Sydney


Meeting finishes 2230.

Sutherland Shire Council Meeting – Mayor’s Motion regarding boundaries for Spearfishing

Monday February 19th

Sutherland Shire Council Meeting – Mayor’s Motion regarding boundaries for Spearfishing – Shelly Beach to Bass and Flinders Point. Creating a new Aquatic Reserve therefore increasing the spearfishing exclusion boundaries.  USFA protested peacefully against these Mayoral motions and offered solutions.

USFA Members hold your heads up high!

Last night’s Sutherland Shire council meeting saw an overwhelming number of recreational fishers attending to offer solutions to be able to share the marine resource rather than have spearfishers excluded losing safe access to more of our treasured shallow water hunting grounds.

Every single fishing representative in attendance, close to 150 rec fishers showed class and dignity and gave respect to others of the public, showing the Council the quality of people involved in recreational fishing. Council staff mentioning they had not seen such numbers in attendance at any Council meeting previously.             

The Crux of the matter: A protected specie – the Blue Groper was speared, by an unlicensed fisher new to the country, therefore due to the actions of one person fishers are to lose territory.

Julian, Hon. Mark Banasiak MLC, Alex Bellisimo, Simon Trippe USFA President

Our Association and its members boast many generations of experience dealing with issues relating to sharing the spatial areas that we use with other stakeholders and this again came to the fore as the talks given by David McGowan (Pt Hacking Penguins) and Charl deVilliers (St George Dragons President) were on point. 

Dave McGowan

David mentioning the benefits of the ocean for our health and well-being “the ocean is the antidote to modern life”; David expressing that we could flip this problem to an opportunity to solve this together, “as changes to the rules wont change behaviour… yet an engaged community from all sides with guidance and leadership from governing bodies could lead to great things for the marine environment further benefitting the community… Do we turn our backs on each other, close the door and lock it down, or do we open for community collaboration and positive change?

Charl pointing out that the La Perouse aboriginal land council had not been consulted. Charl expressed there were 40 000 rec fishers in the Shire; he queried the lack of good, respectful and collaborative approach liaising with the community to solve the problems, and finally he asked Council to stop special interest groups who request exclusive access to the public domain.

Note, the USFA, and its speakers representing tonight absolutely condemns the taking of Blue Groper by spear. Spearfishers are not at fault here.

We suggest to the Minister, her Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, and the Sutherland Shire Council the following:

Education: The USFA would like to be involved with the Department to assist concerned locals in communities, and recreational fishers on the fishing regulations, and to promote spearfishing in its best light where people are realising the huge positive impact it has on fitness, well-being and mental health. An open day at Oak Park promoted by governing bodies assisted by USFA local members would be a great start to this ongoing education.  Too, encouraging local dive and tackle stores to promote awareness of the Blue Groper.

Science:  That there needs to be an index of abundance on Blue Groper. The species have been in an eruptive phase for several decades and it would be worth looking to see if they are a threatening process to other species due to their inter-specific hyper dominant nature, and their sheer biomass. You would look to adaptive management based upon the science and monitoring.  The USFA would be happy to assist with this research.

The Mayor and Councillors were impressed by the spearfishers and had good discussion and decided to make amendments to forward on to the Minister. Council looks forward to positive collaboration with community stakeholders and USFA in the ongoing education of people in the benefits of spearfishing and those coming into their community enjoying the wonderful Marine environment the Shire offers.

Thanks must go to the Hon. Mark Banasiak MLC and his amazing team from the SFF Party, Mark you have always stood by the spearo, thank you so much; the amazing crew at St George and Sutherland Shire Anglers Club who turned in in great numbers; various members of the Stop the Lockout Alliance with their banners; the Spearfishing clubs, our tribe! Port Hacking Penguins, St George Dragons, Sans Souci Dolphins, North Shore Sea Hawks (at least 7 members from the Northern beaches came to support!) plus, legends like Alex Bellismo; the Wild Foodmeister; Fergo’s Tackleworld staff, cheers Johnny and team! Adreno Legends – thanks Craig Seadog for being there too, and lastly Danil Hike, Nick Tang, Melven Brown AO, and Bob McComb, what a think tank and awesome action group you guys were with the countless days combined you spent on this with Charlie and David, thank you all so much.

You all came, you were respectful, we left a great impression, thank you! Now for the Minister’s announcement to come, watch this space…..

3 USFA Presidents Bob McComb, Jack Jones, Simon Trippe. Jack is now a keen angler with St George and Sutherland Shire Anglers.

Oak Park Groper issue heats up

Correspondence to the Minister for Agriculture

Correspondence has been sent to the Hon Tara Moriarty MLC Minister for Agriculture regarding the “noise” the USFA are hearing from Sutherland Shire Council, and their Mayor, regarding their appeal to extend the no spearfishing  zone in the Cronulla area and make the area an Aquatic Reserve.  This reaction from the Mayor has occurred from the unfortunate incident of the speared blue groper at that site at the beginning of the year. The USFA will always fight for safe access and will not yield this ground unless unbiased science proves otherwise.

What was detailed in the letter sent to the Minister was our good relationship; how we condemned the act of the person spearing the Groper, reminding the Minister it was the USFA who pushed for the protection of Groper in the late 1960’s;  how USFA members have much experience in sharing the spatial area equitably with other stakeholders and that we could assist the Department with this current issue.

We offered solutions such as better science and education:Science where there needs to be an index of abundance done on the Blue Groper as they have been in an eruptive phase for several decades and it would be worth looking to see if they are a threatening process to other species due to their inter-specific hyper dominant nature, as well as their sheer biomass and from these findings look to adaptive management based upon the science and monitoring.  Of course we offer assistance in this research.

Education and ethics are central to our Association and members of the USFA engage positively with members of the public.  Education will not prevent this incident from happening again, however it will reduce the incidents. We offered our involvement with the Department to assist in engaging locals and rec fishers on fishing regulations, and to promote spearfishing in its best light where people are realising the huge positive impact it has on fitness, well-being and mental health, an education day at Oak Park with spearfishing representatives engaging locals and rec fishers was suggested.   Too, encouraging dive outlets and tackle stores to promote awareness of the Blue Groper.

I encourage spearfishers to attend the Council Meeting being held this Monday February 19th from 18 at Level 2, Council Administration Building, 4-20 Eton Street, Sutherland.  Bring a friend.

Thank you

Simon Trippe

President USFA NSW

USFA SYDNEY CHAMPIONSHIP

SYDNEY CUP

Spearfishing Extravaganza at Gunnamatta: A Sizzling Showdown Under the Waves!

Date & Location: 21st January 2024 at Gunnamatta

The sun was high, the ocean shimmering, and the excitement palpable as 21 daring competitors gathered at the picturesque Gunnamatta Bay for the hottest spearfishing competition of the year. The conditions? Well, they were downright sizzling with a temperature soaring to a scorching 39 degrees, making it a perfect day for a splash in the deep blue.

The underwater world was a mixed bag, like a buffet of visibility. Some spots offered poor visibility, creating an intense challenge for the competitors, while other areas revealed a clear underwater wonderland with visibility exceeding 10 meters. It was a true test of skill and adaptability as spearfishers navigated the ever-changing underwater landscape.

Our intrepid contestants, armed with their spears and clad in wetsuits, took the plunge, each hoping to emerge victorious and claim one (or more) of the various categories. The number of competitors, a solid 21, showcased the growing popularity and passion for spearfishing in the community.

Now, let’s talk about the man of the hour—Warren Carter of the Port Hacking Penguins. With a skilful finesse and an uncanny ability to spot the elusive underwater prey, Warren emerged as the highest scorer on this blistering day. The Penguins must have some secret weapon hidden in their icebergs because Warren’s performance was nothing short of spectacular!

Warren Carter, Sydney Cup Champion and Gunther Pfrengle, Runner up
Father and Son Lee and Sam Dalli

Of course, what’s a competition without some fabulous prizes? Dive store Adreno  generously donated over $1000 in Adreno vouchers, creating a treasure trove of rewards for the winners. The vouchers were spread across various categories, ensuring that excellence in different aspects of spearfishing was duly recognised.

As the sun set on this thrilling day of underwater adventure, the competition was far from over. A sizzling BBQ awaited the exhausted but jubilant competitors, turning the post-event atmosphere into a delicious fiesta. Tales of the ones that got away, and the camaraderie of like-minded adventurers also filled the air. A standing ovation and a sizzling shout-out to the BBQ maestro extraordinaire, Deanne Kieselbach! Deanne, we can’t thank you enough for generously volunteering your time and BBQ skills.

Deanne on the tongs

Until next year’s Sydney Cup, keep those spears sharp and your eyes peeled for the next big catch.

USFA SPORTS SECRETARY – Pat Ireland

Sydney Cup Open Champion – Warren Carter (Penguins) 678pts 14 species

Runner Up and Grand Masters Champion – Gunther Pfrengle (Dragons) 583pts

3rd Placegetter Derrick Cruz (Dolphins) 502pts

Derrick Cruz 3rd place with a 4200gm Rock Blackfish and good Bream
St George Dragons legends Mick Arentz and Gunther Pfrengle

Lee with Adreno winner Ben Favorito from the Dragons
Happy Adreno recipeient Marty Kieselbach from the Penguins

USFA statement on speared Groper

In light of the recent hand spearing of a Groper at Oak Park, Cronulla where the diver was subsequently fined by authorities for taking a protected NSW marine species, the USFA continues to encourage positive participation in Spearfishing.

The USFA absolutely condemns this isolated act. Spearfishers across the State are upset with this random behaviour that does not represent proper spearfishing practice in any way.

The USFA pushed for the protection of Blue Groper in NSW, and introduced a ban on Blue Groper amongst their association before it became formal.

Education and ethics are central to the Association, and members of the USFA continually engage positively with all participating stakeholders of the marine environment, adhering to our stringent Code of Conduct. https://usfa.org.au/usfa-code/

The USFA are happy to assist newcomers to spearfishing and direct them to the many clubs around NSW that are the learning portals that lead to continued ethical and sustainable fishing. 

Clean Up 2023

It’s back at Long Bay Malabar.

Where: Malabar Beach 

“We make a living by what we get,

but we make a life by what we give”

                              -Winston Churchill-

Are you ready to give? Give back to the ocean by helping clean up Malabar beach under water and on shore? Happy to donate a few breaths and half a Sunday of your time?

Then join our annual Malabar Beach cleanup!

When: Sunday August 13th

Sign on: 08:30am

Sign off: 12:00

Bring your dive gear

Divers must bring float with flag and rigline.

It would be great if we could get two boat owners to join us to act as safety boats and garbarges.

There will be no prices this year but I have two $30 fuel vouchers for the boaties.

Green Jobfish

Jonathan Cassell from the always progressive north coast club the Coffs Harbour Bluewater Freedivers has landed quite the fish. This amazing Green Jobfish is the new USFA NSW record and was speared in the Solitary Island group, it was 106cm long and a couple of grams over 13 kilos.

A handsome, wily, strong fighting fish Jobbies can really work your breath hold. Splendid specimens like Jonathan’s are definitely a top tier specie to land, as Jonathan expressed so well in his application, “…into the boat where we rejoiced in amazement” definitely a stoke specie, and, they are a great eating fish too.

Coff’s Harbour is known as the gateway in NSW for the warmer water species and with this great mix of reef and pelagic species some amazing spearfishing both on and off the shore can occur, it is well worth visiting the Solitary Islands Marine Park you will enjoy the experiences the water will give you.

NSW Record Western Foxfish

Justin Ewan recently landed a new NSW record Western Foxfish (Bodianus frenchii) of 1478gm. Long time St George member Andrew Boomer held the record previously of 1430gm.

Interestingly the NSW record has come from the same area at least three times.

Western Foxies, as a rule of thumb, seem to like access to steeper drop offs, with boulders and caves close to hand, so think of pinnacles too, so they can be seen in shallower water, yet a lot of sightings seem to be that 13 plus metre mark. They have two distinct pale yellow dots, one near the top centre of the body and the other located near the caudal peduncle.

Generally shy they are not often seen by spearos and appear more abundant on the Mid North coast and it’s array of Islands and offshore reef systems. Part of the Wrasse family, (think peg teeth, not fused teeth like Parrots) they are good table fare.

Well done Justin, and thank you for submitting this excellent specimen.