Simon Trippe was inducted as a Life Member at the recent USFA AGM. Below is a response from Simon to the USFA membership.
“The USFA NSW AGM held on Tuesday 12th August was held with good attendance from all affiliated clubs, not surprising as the USFA membership has swelled to a great number and continues to grow weekly largely due to the enthusiasm shown by your respective committee and members, it is credit to you all that spearfishing in NSW is in a great position going forward because of your enthusiasm to uphold the values of our constitution. “To promote and develop the sport and other associated underwater activities; To actively implement and promote any and all safety measures applicable to our activities.”
People come to clubs to learn, perhaps find a dive buddy, and to be a part of a community. The clubs are all doing this so well, thank you.
Dolphins social dive
I have for some time wished to depart from my role as President of the USFA. I take the role seriously, it is an honour to have this responsibility. Upon seeing a lot of fresh faces amongst the seasoned at the AGM, I decided it would be a perfect time for others to throw their hat into the ring and come on board, with that I welcome Charles de Villiers as the new USFA President, Charles is the St George Dragons President, who was a leading figure during the Oak Park “Gus the Groper” fiasco and I was impressed by his tenacity, organisational skills, and his willingness to stand up for others in this battle of spearfishing exclusion. Charlie was a big reason we had a successful outcome for spearfishers there. New Vice President Daniel Coelho (Pt Hacking Penguins) is a fantastic person, and his enthusiasm to progress spearfishing is next level. Great club members Alex Bond is our new Secretary (Norah Hammerheads), Sports Secretary Rico Casquete (Dolphins), Treasurer Evan Leeson (Dolphins), and Public Officer Alistair Cooke (Sea Lions) round out the executive, thank you all of you.
I’d like to particularly thank the former USFA Vice President Parry Gryllis who has been my sounding board for the past three years, thank you mate! Ian Buck, former Secretary, thank you too, you never said no to any request I had, cheers Ian; I have received invaluable support from Treasurer Evan Leeson, and former President Bob McComb, thank you both Ev and Bob.
Rick and Simon Trippe
I was drawn into taking minutes for the Sydney Metropolitan Zone meetings around 1982, as a young teenager I was excited to help out, and to be able to talk spearfishing to my older peers. What I didn’t realise was the gift that came to me from being a volunteer, yes the great friendships of course, yet the satisfaction of helping others get a foothold into spearfishing and seeing them develop their skillsets and then they too becoming mentors for others, (in and also out of the spearo community), it is something you can’t put a price on. Today seeing a young diver enjoying spearfishing and reaping the benefits it gives to them is immensely gratifying to me, therefore to be bestowed Life Membership from my peers I am honoured, and thank you all for giving me an unexpected, wonderful surprise that I hold dearly.
Simon and Ned Trippe
There will always be the threat of exclusion to safe access for spearfishers, this is something I have always been vocal on, never let other stake holders not share the resource with us, the seas are for everyone to share and enjoy. I know the USFA will continue to fight for safe access, promote and develop the sport, and continue to actively implement and promote any and all safety measures applicable to our activities. What great reasons to be a member!
Mulloway are a species we all hold in high esteem & value. All of us want to see Mulloway recover to at least the 1990s level – what was that level, Fisheries?
The information around Mulloway abundance is beyond poor. Yet Fisheries have access to data already, have had for decades.
We have all been asked to do the survey, but we haven’t been given good data to provide valuable feedback, nor have we been given good options.
USFA always requests good science, we want good science and wish to see good data used for our membership to make good decisions.
The Recreational Fishing Alliance (the USFA are affiliated with the RFA) has sent a GIPA (Freedom of information act) asking for all the unpublished data on Mulloway that Fisheries have not shared in this harvest strategy.
This survey will not reach anywhere near the intended audience. There are fishers who do not use technology (don’t laugh, its real), nor does it reach out multi-culturally to the many fishers in the State who do not have English as a main language.
Recreational fishers are not quasi-fish biologists; it’s not our job to record catches. We pay a recreational fee for a licence. We are taxed to enjoy fishing, (we are the only group that are taxed) yet the Department want us to do our work.
Mulloway are on a good pulse at the moment (good rains and climate assist Jewfish populations) so do we actually need this Strategy and form of governance?
We only need relative abundance not an absolute abundance figure, which Fisheries are attempting to achieve. They have more than enough data for relative abundance.
Example – Commercial catch at a reported tonnage of 70 tons of Mulloway in 2020 – Fisheries know this, yet they don’t have measurements nor the sizes, nor the sex of these fish. They don’t need recreational fishers to do Fisheries work for them. Fisheries do some work!
Let’s look at the questions in the Survey
4. Do you support the approach outlined in the draft harvest strategy for managing harvest to rebuild the Mulloway fishery in NSW?
NO
5. Do you have any further suggestions or comments regarding the Draft NSW Mulloway Harvest Strategy?
The Draft Strategy does not include plans to mitigate the negative effects of estuarine and river mouth trawling, set nets/meshing on juvenile mulloway. The stock assessment modelling does not appear to factor this in either.
6. Do you support establishing real-time reporting by commercial and recreational fishers to improve Mulloway data, stock assessments and effective management of harvest and stock health?
NO
USFA would support real time reporting for commercial fishers but not for recreational fishers.
8. What is your preferred option to manage annual recreational harvest of Mulloway?
• Option 1a: Use the existing daily bag, possession and boat limits as the primary control, and implement a closure period based on estimated catch progression if needed to restrain catch further.
• Option 1b: Use the existing daily bag, possession and boat limits as the primary control, and implement a closure period based on real-time reported catch levels if needed to restrain catch further.
• Option 2: Introduce a new formal Recreational Total Allowable Catch supported by real-time reporting as the primary control, with cease of fishing (i.e. a closure period) if the total recreational share is caught.
This is a trick question with no option to “Use the existing daily bag, possession and boat limits as the primary control.”
There should have been an option to retain current arrangements! This will get lots of recreational fishers to just select an option that closes recreational fishing for part of the year. Commercial fishers get to select Option1- Use daily take and possession limits as the primary control. These tactics undermine confidence in NSW Fisheries willingness to undertake genuine consultation.
In Summary
Having recreational fishers keeping log books is inverse to the concept of “recreational” and is just another speed bump to discourage people from going fishing and connecting with nature.
Possible negative effects on opportunity costs and public health benefits which is avoidable given there are better alternatives.
Any harvest strategy going forward does need to be based on good monitoring and science and this should be the priority before we start to fiddle with any process other than the ones we know are the actual key threats.
The DPI needs to do better and not use recreational fishers as scape goats for poor and non-existent data sets which they could have (and still can) captured.
The lack of information is designed to deliver a pre-conceived outcome.
USFA strongly suggests, if you are interested in seeing Mulloway further recover, to write to your local State MP & ask that this consultation process be binned & started again after the DPI use better methodology & produce updated abundance figures.
USFA suggests rather than the entering a submission email your concerns and thoughts to [email protected] the link is found at the end of the online submission questions
USFA will come back to its members once more information is received from Fisheries
Thank you to the many USFA members, RFA members and Marine Biologists who helped with the information provided.
Please note this is just a small part of the information and feedback that I have been provided by many concerned stakeholders involved with this fishery.
Sans Souci Dolphin Founder Fred Nann passed away yesterday after a long illness. Fred was 89. Fred was a remarkable man, being the eldest amongst a group of teenage swimmers he had the only driving licence that enabled the Dolphins to set off on many adventures into the Royal National Park and beyond. The Dolphin’s first Club President and Life Member, Fred after moving to Western Australia also became the first Australian to dive to 30m in an official attempt. Fred Nann is a true pioneer of spearfishing in this country.
Gone, but you won’t be forgotten Fred. May you be diving with great fish and many Dolphins
Life Members Len Goldsmith and Fred Nann Froggo Goldsmith, Dan Galea, Fred Nann, SImon TrippePhil Britton (National Pairs Champion); Evan Leeson (Dolphins Champion); John Black (National x3 Champion); Fred Nann (Dolphins first President) and Bill Richmond (inaugural member and Dolphins Life Member) at the Dolphins 60th Anniversary – 2013
Invited by the North Shore Seahawks to attend their recent meeting and address their members on the upcoming Sydney Kingfish Cup, discussing some background about the USFA and its commitment to spearfishing along with the benefits of being a member of the Association saw me eagerly looking forward to catching up with a lot of like-minded people.
Matti Hallanoro
The large gathering, at least seventy people in attendance, were welcomed by Seahawks President Henry Blaker-Morgan and new attendees were made to feel welcome. Sport Secretary Matti Hallanoro gave an amazing report on recent club dive events including updated “Trophy Fish” catches. Here I am thinking, “Wow! What a great club to be a part of, what a presentation, and look at these great fish being caught…” then James Williams hops up and talks about his recent Mulloway adventures further captivating the crowd and drawing me in.
Ali Gordon and Chi Lo
The core of the meeting now began as club Training co-ordinator Ali Gordon introduced Chi Lo and together they began a thorough presentation on Yellowtail Kingfish. All eyes were front and centre, an outstanding presentation. Now I am thinking that if you were a first timer to this club you’d become a member for life.
To talk about the Sydney Kingfish Cup in any time frame is difficult, as it is a huge, loveable beast, there is so much to say about it. I think the best and it is the shortest approach, is to say it is the social spearfishing event on the calendar, where else can 250 odd divers get together repeatedly over a couple of weeks and talk diving and fish, go diving and attempt to catch a fish while having a heap of fun doing all of it. Tick! Come along and be a part of it www.adrenosydneykingfishcup.com.au
The founding of the USFA by our pioneer fore-fathers is always a good story to retell. It begins post-world war 2 in NSW where Australians taking up the sport in droves after seeing it done in the Pacific Islands are being arrested for participating, and the threat of their new hobby being banned divers rally together and form the Association in 1948. Their basis of inclusion for all stakeholders to the resource – the right to spearfish; to have safe access and to not be restricted on headlands and shallow water reefs; to have a voice at the decision table; to encourage ethical and sustainable spearfishing ; and of course promoting safe diving practices is still pursued today by the committee, the clubs and their members.
Those in attendance took on board the messages, I left on a note that the North Shore Club have Sydney Harbour, Pittwater and the Northern beaches at their doorstep, they are privileged to have it, while the USFA and its clubs have fought for it for over 75 years, they need to continue to uphold the principles of our mantra Safe, Selective, Sustainable or they may well lose that privilege. Their President Henry, earlier in the night, stated the popular catch cry “…once you put on your wetsuit you are now wearing a uniform, you represent all spearfishers, do the right thing…”
With the passion and energy displayed this night it pleases me to see the Seahawks and spearfishing on the Northern beaches is in good hands.
The Sealions have done it again! Their inaugural Crevice Creeper event was a great day for the eager divers in attendance with conditions seeing an average of 10m visibility across the Central Coast with the better visibility being on the south end of the coast; a one meter NE swell with the same wind direction 20-25 knots.
Thanks go to the 39 divers who travelled to Terrigal many from as far as Sydney’s southern suburbs, to Newcastle entering in this first time event. The Neptunes, and Dolphins were prominent in attendance.
A pairs event, each pair was allowed to enter two crayfish, two slipper lobster and two abalone between them, a very conservative amount being well under bag limits. Boats were used, too, many divers drove to locations and entered the water from the rocky coastline.
Wenjun with his outstanding 17.5cm Eastern Rock Lobster, heaviest on the day
Invaluable Research
Back at the sign off a total of 16 Eastern Rock Lobsters were presented to the weigh master, along with abalone and Slipper Crays. Marcus Miller a crayfish researcher from NSW Fisheries was invited by the USFA and he took valuable data of the captured Eastern Rock Lobsters. The USFA again assisting with scientific research to ensure our fishery is well managed into the future for generations to come.
Eric Yue a well known blue water hunter is also pretty adept with crevice creeping. Eric with this ERL over 17cm.
Results
Biggest Abalone – Kearin Timp – 570 gms
Biggest Slipper Lobster – Eric Yue – 770 gms
Biggest Eastern Rock lobster – Wenjun zhing – 2120 gms
Pairs 1st place – Eric Yue and Wenjun zhing – 6345 gms
Pairs 2nd place – Josh ward And Corey Thompson – 3520 gms
Pairs 3rd place – Steve Montgomery and Josh Green – 3470 gms
Congratulations to Wenjun and Eric with their terrific catches.
Thank you go the Sponsors – Under Pressure Spearfishing – a new player in the spearfishing equipment industry, Hohnke Spice Rubs, Wet Mammal, EKF and Adreno Spearfishing.
Well done to all who entered the event and we look forward to a bigger, better Crevice Creeper tournament in 2025.
Harry Howes dialling in on Slipper Lobsters
thanks to Josh Ward the President of the Central Coast Sealions for providing information and images.
The Dolphins annual beach clean up is coming! Save the date for Sunday July 28th.
Meeting at Long Bay, Malabar, this year the beach and ocean area being cleaned will be Little Bay.
Food and refreshments will be provided after the event. All divers are welcome to come along and be part of the clean up in what is always a great social event.
Meet at Malabar Beach between 0730-0800 the day will finish up around 12pm.
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
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.
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.
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