To our Members and friends,
The USFA is currently facing a wave of proposed “no-take” zones and lock-outs across NSW that threaten the very heart of our sport. From the South Coast to the Central Coast, we are on high alert, ensuring that marine management stays rooted in science, not emotional rhetoric or exclusionary politics.
Here is where we stand:
BOODEREE NATIONAL PARK: FIGHTING THE TOTAL BAN
The 2026-2036 Draft Plan for Booderee is a direct attack. It explicitly seeks to ban the possession of a speargun anywhere within the park, whether you are on land or on the water.
We are fighting for clear, common-sense wording that allows for the transit of spearing equipment. It is nonsensical to criminalize a diver simply for having gear in their car or boat while traveling through the park.
We are working closely with the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) to ensure a unified voice against these overreaching restrictions.
LONG REEF: RECLAIMING OUR SPIRITUAL HOME
Long Reef is where the USFA was founded by Australian Diggers, 4th April 1948 with the sole focus to stop spearfishing from being banned at the time. We have been working as a unified front ever since.
The groups pushing for a total sanctuary lock-out and targeting our home ground will be met with nothing short of fierce resistance.
I have appointed Bob McComb to act on behalf of the USFA on these fronts, dealing with the National Parks Association’s Subsidiary the Friends of Long Reef and attending local meetings on our behalf.
As a result of this recent action, we are now officially lobbying for Long Reef to be declared a “Spearfishing Reserve.”
This is a title only designation unlike the exclusionary zones proposed by others. Our model ensures that NO ONE is excluded from access.
BALMORAL
At Balmoral, we are actively opposing efforts to turn the current IPA into a total “no-take” zone. Current protections are sufficient and further closures are an unnecessary lock-out.
TERRIGAL
We are keeping a vigilant eye on the Central Coast Council regarding Terrigal. If their sanctuary proposal gains traction, we are ready to mobilize. The Central Coast Sealions has done a great job keeping us aware of the situation and being prepared to act when necessary.
A CALL TO OUR CLUBS: LOCAL VIGILANCE
It is of paramount importance that all clubs pay close attention to their local catchments. There are many attempts occurring simultaneously so we need to work together to keep ahead of this unprecedented shift.
Local clubs look after local and council matters; the USFA handles the heavy lifting at the State level and above. When these topics arise in your area, engage with your councils immediately and keep us informed.
If you have a proposed lock out in your catchment and your club is unsure how to act please reach out for guidance.
MEMBER GUIDELINES: HOW TO DISCUSS OUR SPORT
When engaging in public discussion, stay professional and stick to logical arguments:
✅ Sustainability & Selectivity: We are the most selective form of fishing on the planet. We have zero by-catch and only take a small quantity of fish.
✅ Safety & Fairness: Focus on our high safety standards and our right for fair access to public waters.
MEDIA & COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL
To ensure our message remains unified, please refrain from providing personal statements to the media. Under no circumstances is any individual or club to make a statement on behalf of the USFA.
All official correspondence must go through the USFA committee. Aiming to exclude one group to provide exclusive access to another is fundamentally un-Australian.
We stand for access, we stand for science, and we stand for YOU.
Safe diving,
Charl de Villiers
President
Underwater Skindivers and Fisherman’s Association