Latest News – Underwater Skindivers and Fisherman's Association

Presidential Update: USFA Gives Evidence to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Public Lands and Waterways Access

Today was an important day for our community. On behalf of the USFA and every spearo we represent, I had the honour of appearing before the Legislative Council’s Select Committee on Access Restrictions to Public Lands and Waterways to give evidence for recreational spearfishing in New South Wales. I attended as the sole representative for the USFA, and I carried our members’ views into that room with pride.

I want to sincerely thank the Committee Chair, the Honourable Mark Banasiak MLC, for the invitation to take part. It is a genuine privilege to be asked to put our members’ views directly to Parliament, and it is not an opportunity we take lightly. I also want to thank the rest of the committee for their open dialogue and their genuine interest in our discussions. The questions were thoughtful, the engagement was real, and that gives me confidence that our concerns were truly heard.

We spoke plainly about what our members face every time they enter the water. Access and diver safety are inseparable. Spearfishers are limited by physiology to what we can reach on a single breath, which is typically around ten metres. When the shallow, accessible reef is closed to us, our access is not simply moved, it is removed, because we cannot safely go deeper to make up for it. Diving deeper on a single breath is significantly more dangerous, and any rule that reduces access and pushes divers in that direction puts lives at risk.

We also raised the rule that permits spearfishing on an ocean beach only within twenty metres of either headland. The rule is ambiguous in practice, and that ambiguity makes general access and egress more dangerous than it needs to be, leaving divers unsure of where they may safely enter and leave the water. We asked that it be clarified and public education be provided so that spearos can access / egress from popular beaches without scrutiny from public or officials (the detail of this rule can be found in the NSW Fisheries rules).

We were also honest about the constant battle against lockouts. Each closure is presented as small, but together they are steadily removing the best of the shallow, accessible reef that spearfishing depends on. We proposed that a controlled point of action be put in place such that when these splinter groups arise, the default response is to refer to robust local science closing out the conversation before it begins.

We were candid about the lack of genuine consultation, where decisions that affect our members most are too often made with little meaningful engagement with the very people they affect. We noted that there was a significant loss in confidence in the current government following recent knee jerk reactions, and that it would take work to rectify. We highlighted that many DPI decisions are made and raised to public input prior to engagement with peak bodies such as the Recreational Fishing Alliance or the USFA.

It was not all about resisting closures. We also put forward a positive proposal, that Long Reef be established as a dedicated spearfishing reserve, to demonstrate that spearfishing is the most selective and sustainable form of fishing there is, and a legitimate, valued use of our marine estate. We noted that listing Long Reef, our spiritual home as a Spearfishing Reserve, was in title only ensuring we protect access. We would encourage fair and equal access to all, and take on a higher level of stewardship to protect our home.

Above all, we set out what fair process should look like from here. We asked for fair and transparent consultation, with peak bodies engaged before decisions are taken to the public for comment, not after. We asked that every management decision affecting access rest on sound, transparent science. And we asked that the RFA and USFA be engaged to peer review study and survey proposals before they are acted on, so that avoidable mistakes are caught early. We pointed directly to the blue groper experience, where flawed methodology including the use of inappropriate baits, undermined confidence in the outcome. With the right people at the table beforehand, that kind of problem is entirely preventable.

I am proud of the case we put today, and prouder still of the community we represent. As my predecessors Simon Trippe and Bob McComb have noted to me, when we wear a wetsuit, we don a uniform that represents the entire community. Wear it with respect and pride. We are divers who know these waters better than anyone, who have a deeper stake in healthy fish stocks than anyone, and who are conservationists in the truest sense of the word.

We will keep you updated as the inquiry progresses. Thank you to every member for your continued support. It is what gives our voice its weight.

Charl de Villiers
President,
Underwater Skindivers and Fishermen’s Association

USFA PRESIDENTIAL UPDATE: DEFENDING OUR SEAS & OUR LEGACY 🛡️🐟

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

USFA 75th Anniversary – Save the date

Hi Spearos!,

Save the date

The Underwater Skindivers and Fisherman’s Association is celebrating 75 years this year and would like you to be a part of this celebration.

More details to come in the following weeks. In the meantime please inform your old diving buddies from last year or last century to save the date – October 7th.

Thank you,
On behalf of the USFA Committee
Simon Trippe

Vale: Les Gleaves

Les Gleaves, Sans Souci Dolphin Life Member, NSW State spearfishing representative, UW hockey player, great all-round fisherman and man of the sea, an excellent pool player, and just an all-round gentleman and good guy.

Appearing at the Dolphins in the late 60’s as a gangly, quiet teenager Les quickly made his mark spearfishing amongst his peers.

Growing into phenomenal strength both physically and mentally, and possessing a freakish breath hold and a fantastic fish sense Les had this unerring ability to usually spear the biggest fish of an outing. Les held the World and National Record for Dogtooth Tuna at 55kg, an amazing achievement at this time (speared in 1986 in the Coral Sea) the record lasting a decade.

Selfless and a good listener. he would be that guy who would often take the juniors and beginners on his boat, never worrying much if it affected his day; you could ask Les anything and he would tell you what he knew to help you progress; he would listen to everyone’s tales of woe (typical of all fishermen) yet I could bet after you spilled your misery he would have some quip, or his own experiences of the day to say to brighten your own day. Les continually assisted on committees of his club, Zone and State and held positions as Sports Secretary and Records Officer amongst other roles.

Revered amongst the Spearfishing Association scene as a lovely bloke, who possessed a cracking sense of humour, Les was seldom seen without a beer in hand after a dive usually bare chested wearing his customary wetsuit shorts for all seasons and climes. Les was a fount of knowledge on all things fish, superb at fish identification, and complemented this with knowing where best to find each species of fish.

Les with Maori Wrasse and sea snake adornment

Les, myself and plenty of others were looking forward to catching up with you at the USFA’s coming 75^thanniversary, those that had the good fortune to have met you will miss you, may the waters you dive be clear, the fish abundant, your spear flies true and forever cold is your beer. Thank you for being so kind and patient with me, and for everything you gave to spearfishing, you never asked for anything in return. You were one of my heroes.

Simon

2017 – Start of the year announcements

It is with much excitement that the USFA would like to announce that the NSW State Spearfishing titles will be held on the October long weekend in conjunction with the Tomakin Sporting Clubs Fishing Bonanza. The State Titles will be a one-day pairs event on the Sunday only and as with all USFA competitions full USFA membership will be required to fish. Pair’s events are becoming more popular in our region and this is the format favoured by our neighbouring countries and the format of our most esteemed competition with them. By incorporating this competition with the Tomakin Fishing Bonanza there is the opportunity to further promote this event, promote pairs competitions and spearfishing to the broader community. On the Saturday morning we also plan to run a spearfishing induction course and then encourage experienced divers to accompany the tyro’s on a dive. There will be incentives to participate in this.

It was decided at the USFA executive meeting last Thursday to keep the USFA membership fee at $90. This was achievable due to discounts on our insurance; the level of coverage still remains the same as when the premiums were higher. The executive have worked hard with our insurance provider to create this policy and although some feel it is too expensive, we believe it represents good value and is the best currently available to spearo’s in Australia. As spear fishers in other states and territories become aware of this policy, we expect to increase our membership footprint outside of NSW as a result.

The USFA is the peak spearfishing body in NSW and has always advocated for spearfishing access and rights to all spearo’s, be they a member of the Association or not, this is always our default position. In order to improve communication it has been agreed that we should offer a ‘social membership’ to the USFA at nil cost. This is in the hope of improving communication, inwards and outwards, and also that more people will then see the value in taking up full membership with the USFA. This social membership will not have the voting rights, insurance or other benefits of full members, however as we are the strongest voice for all spearo’s in NSW in the legislative and regulatory process, we feel improving our relationship with all of our extended tribe is very important.

Thursday evening also saw the AGM held and the re-election of the entire executive to their previous positions. Two new executives to previously unfilled positions were filled by Bob McComb as Deputy Chair and Simon Horvath as Information Officer, this new influx of experience and enthusiasm is a deliberate attempt to improve consultation with members and stakeholders. Changes to our constitution are also being discussed at the executive currently; these can only be made with the mandate of the membership. All members will be given notice well in advance and we ask that you consider these and the intent of any changes and vote accordingly.

“Where there is unity there is always victory” (Publilius Syrus).

2016 Australian Spearfishing Team needs our help

The 2016 Australian Spearfishing Team is getting ready to smash it at New Zealand in March and USFA are 100% behind helping them get there. Any donations go into the draw for a huge prize pool.

From the team:

We’re heading to the Interpacific Spearfishing Competition in New Zealand this March and are raising funds to make it happen. If you would like to make any donation it would be greatly appreciated! You can visit our fundraising page

Also if you would like to check out our friend Michelle de Rooy Speara‘s athlete page, you will notice she is doing everything she can including promotional videos on youtube to help the team go viral… Check it out!

Hello there winners (cc team and sponsors)

Congratulations to you all – please see the draw results attached.

Thanks for entering the raffle and supporting the team this year, it was certainly appreciated by us all.

It was a tough and fair competition with our men finishing 3rd and our ladies team 4th. Both hard earned results in some very tough conditions which played right into the hands of our kiwi brothers and sisters.

We raised $3,220 through our fundraising efforts with the majority of that money being applied toward our travel and associated costs (think excess luggage!) for our 8 person strong team.

Please be sure to thank the sponsors for their generous donations and do what you can in future to support those who generously give back to our sport year after year.

Congratulations once again from myself and the rest of the team,
Mick Pannach

USFA welcomes Adreno sponsorship

The USFA has been working solidly to engage Australian Spearfishing Retailers and Suppliers to develop a more structured level of support for our USFA Social Projects and Major Competitions.

Traditionally, individual competition and event conveners needed to approach these suppliers independently for individual donated goods to supply the event prize pool. By taking this new united approach, the USFA will now negotiate a collective sponsorship and distribute the prizes in a more professional, efficient and organised fashion with greater benefit to all.

As in the past, the USFA does not endorse any one particular vendor. Many suppliers were contacted and several negotiations are still underway. All offers of support are welcomed and will be considered on their merit.

We are pleased to announce that Adreno Spearfishing Supplies is the first Retailer to offer a generous sponsorship package to go towards both the USFA Social calender and Major 2015 Competitions. The USFA deeply thanks Adreno for their contribution and looks forward to a mutually beneficial future.

Further negotiations are underway with other merchants and the USFA looks forward to passing these vast benefits onto members in return for your continued membership and participation.

You can find Adreno Spearfishing Supplies here:
Website: http://www.spearfishing.com.au/
Forum: http://www.spearfishing.com.au/sf-forum/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adreno.spearfish

Dive Safe

Mel Brown – A true gentleman and custodian

Spearfishing’s greatest historical custodian and true gentleman, Mel Brown, has been honoured and humbled by his inclusion on this year’s Australia Day Honours List.

Mel was made a member of the Order of Australia for his service to recreational fishing through an extensive range of representative and advisory roles.

Mel Brown with a Yellow-tail Kingfish in 1975

The purpose of the Order of Australia is to recognise, by national honour, those who have made outstanding contributions that benefit their communities, and ultimately our country.

The second purpose of the Order of Australia is that it serves to define, encourage and reinforce community standards, national aspirations and ideals by acknowledging actions and achievements and thereby identifying role models at all levels and in all spheres of the community.

The Underwater Skindivers and Fisherman’s Association (USFA) are extremely excited and proud of Mel’s exceptional achievement.

USFA President, Peter Saunders, was especially proud saying, “There is no one more deserving of this national recognition than Mel. The things he has done for spearfishing and the hours he has put into this sport are just phenomenal. He is a true gentleman and legend.”

Mel first began spearfishing in 1962 at 18 years of age. Over the last 53 years he has held numerous vital roles within spearfishing and government bodies.

His first ever dive was on the south coast of NSW at Bulli Point, just off the rock pools. He affectionately remembers shooting his first fish, a Rock Cale, with his trusty 2-piece brass hand spear. He then upgraded a few years later to a telescopic model with which he was able to secure fish up to 10kg. “After losing a few 20kg Kingfish,” he chuckles, “I thought it was time to upgrade. My first gun was and Undersea Bantam. I am still using a gun almost as old as that now.”

Mel began his representative duties as USFA Minutes Secretary in 1971, before moving on to other roles such as Treasurer. He was there when the USFA changed to the NSW Underwater Federation and then again to the AUF NSW Branch. Mel is now USFA Historian and is Australia’s greatest custodian of spearfishing history. He has all of the original minutes, magazines, photos, t-shirts, equipment catalogues and documents dating back to April 1948 when Australian Spearfishing first took shape and the USFA was formed. His records continue on to include the formation of the AUF in the following years up until present day, making for a rich collection of our spearfishing history in Australia. He also owns what could easily be described as the largest collection of spearguns and early diving equipment ever seen in Australia, which he often takes to displays and events around the country.

In recent years Mel has begun the arduous process of digitising these records for future generations and uploading them to the USFA website. www.usfa.org.au

Mel has been holding positions and helping spearfishing for 44 years and would be one of our longest serving workers.

“Things have changed a lot since those first days”, Mel recalls, “back then everything was written out by hand and then later transferred onto a typewriter. We then used a Gestetner machine, which was a manual printing press of sorts, using paper stencils.” “You might run off 50 copies and then they would have to be mailed out to the clubs and executives. It is much easier today. I can just send an email.”

When asked how he found the time to get all this done Mel confessed, “I was fortunate to work nightshift a the mines where I was an Electrician. I’d get on top of my work then duck off to a quiet corner to attend to spearfishing matters.”

It is not practical to list all of the positions that Mel has held over the years and the representative and advisory bodies that he has been a part of. However, of important significance some of his roles included: the Advisory Council on Recreational Fishing, NSW DPI (1991 – 2006); Jervis Bay Marine Park Advisory Committee (1998 – 2003); Abalone Management Task Force (1994 – 2002); Grey Nurse Shark Recovery Team.

It was, however, his role on the Rock Lobster Management Advisory Committee (1995 – 2001) that Mel feels he did his proudest work. Today’s Rock Lobster fishery is thriving and is in the best condition seen for decades. Mel explained that back when he first joined the committee “the fishery was not doing very well at all.”

“There was no maximum size limit and the minimum size was far too small. Even today it is still a little small. They don’t really breed until they are about 2kg in size. I’d like to see the minimum size increased. However, by us introducing the maximum size limit to protect the breeders and through the success of other management strategies we have seen a positive result.”

Further to this Mel recounted that “back then the ‘black market’ was out of control and the commercial fisherman had no real controls in place. Through the committee we established protocols on the minimum/maximum size limits and introduced tagging and quota systems for the commercial lobster fishermen.” “There was a lot of politics involved back then”, “They were going to close the recreational catch altogether”. “It is definitely a pleasing and positive outcome that I am proud to have been a part of, especially considering I was the first ever person from a recreational fishing background to be appointed to a Commercial Fisheries Management Committee.”

When asked what he saw as the most critical issue facing today’s spearfishers, Mel indicated that “access issues and Marine Parks were probably our biggest threats” and that “education and the club systems” were our best defences available.

Over the next 5 – 10 years Mel would like to see “strong leadership in both, working with government departments and in running the USFA”.

“I am very pleased to have received this recognition. To have spearfishing as a whole recognised nationally in such a positive light is just fantastic. There are a lot of hard working and well deserving candidates. It is very overwhelming yet satisfying in a humbling way.”

This level of commitment and effort for so many years comes at a personal and family sacrifice at times. The USFA would also like to acknowledge and thank Mel’s ever supportive wife, Roslyn, for her enduring support throughout the years.

Mel is currently working towards gaining some federal support to realise his dream of truly documenting Australia’s spearfishing and diving history. He would like to setup a diving museum and have all of his records professionally digitised and catalogued along with all his early spearfishing and scuba diving equipment displayed for all to see and enjoy. “It would be a terrific thing. It is important to know your sport. To know where we have come from and how it progressed.”

“It was not that long ago that spearfishers were wearing jumpers to keep warm and making masks out of truck inner tube tyres and glass.”

“There has been such a dramatic technological development in materials and manufacturing. It really is marvellous”.

On behalf of all spearfishers, the USFA would again like to congratulate Mel on his national recognition. It is truly exciting and satisfying to see his dedication rewarded.

He is indeed a true gentleman and legend of this sport

Peter Walsh

USFA Vice President

USFA attends the Family Fishing Show

The weekend of the 5th and 6th April 2014 saw a bunch of dedicated USFA Committee members brave the torrid wind and rain to set up and run a successful booth at the Family Fishing Show located out at Penrith Paceway. The show, focussing on family orientated enjoyment of Recreational Fishing, sounded exactly like what the USFA were seeking; an audience focussed on the social aspects of catching food for the plate. The estimation of 30,000 show visitors made the choice to attend relatively easy. The odds looked good for us to convert at least some of these visitors into USFA members. To aid this goal we put on a show special of a $50 Senior and $20 Junior membership. But as some things go, there were hiccups to overcome along the way. I must point out here that our team met these obstacles head on and manipulated some very favourable outcomes whilst wearing a smile despite some sometimes trying conditions.

Firstly, due to heavy rainfall the week preceding the event, the location of the show was picked up and moved from Parramatta Park to Penrith Paceway. A brave move by the organisers the week before the scheduled event. However, there was not much choice available as the ‘Powers that be’ at Parramatta Park had threatened to possibly cancel altogether if the poor weather continued. The event co-ordinators did an exceptional job just to be ready in time and due credit must be given in this regard. However, it also saw a few other obstacles appear with last minute arrangements and organisation.

The USFA team comprised of USFA Historian, Mel Brown, who despite having a bung shoulder ready for surgery put in a solid three full days. Mel also bought along a selection of Historical items for display including vintage Fins, Guns, Snorkels with ping pong balls, and even a mask made from a car tyre inner tube and piece of glass! Classic stuff. I thoroughly enjoyed looking through the old photos and listening to Mel explain the history behind our pioneers and their equipment, nearly all self-made. The crowd too, were impressed. Thank You Mel. Resident Fish Expert, Sascha Schulz, made the trip from Berima on the Friday to help us set up. His underlying Electrical Engineering qualification also became handy when we had to navigate the Penrith Paceway Electrical system to get some safe power for our stand. Thanks Sash.

Max Gordon-Hall, having driven 6 hours from Bathurst on the Friday to help setup, also proved invaluable as he was ordered to the very top of the ladder to hook up his event-saving tarpaulin that he just happened to have in the back of his car! The driving rain and wind was kept at bay thanks to that lovely tarp!! Max also assisted the following day at the booth before making the arduous drive back to Bathurst to start work by 8pm that night. Impressive effort. Thanks Max.

USFA President, Peter Saunders, was also on hand each day and was a great asset in converting semi-interested onlookers into excited potential members, especially those of the fairer sex! On a more serious note, Peter and I were able to spend time with many of our Fishing and political allies to strengthen and strategise our common goals for a stronger future. This alone, was worth the effort of the event. Thank You Pete. Alby Cooke, despite having just emerged from hospital for surgery to his arm, made the trip down from Terrigal and put in a full days effort at the stand. Nothing was too much effort for him and he was a great help. Thank You Alby.

Simon Trippe and Andrew Harvey were guest speakers at the event and kept the crowds enthralled with their safety and Jewfish presentations. They too, assisted the team in spruiking the joys of safe diving. Thank You guys for your support. Thanks must also go out to our ever serving Treasurer, Lee Dalli, who , despite having worked through the night made sure we had USFA shirts, eskys, drinks, membership forms, magazines and a host of other things that were critical to our success. What would we do without you Lee? Thank You!

At the booth we had a large assortment of back issues of our USFA Skindiver Magazine, and boy did they go like hotcakes! We managed to slip a membership form and the Spearfishing Guide into each bundle and I would estimate we gave out several hundred Spearfishing Safely DVDs, Membership forms, Guides to Spearfishing and magazines. Plenty of great information out in to the public! I was very impressed with the number of people who took interest in what we had to say and they were even more impressed when we were able to back it up and give them a Safety DVD and Guide to Spearfishing. Many mothers, Fathers and Grand Parents were taking them for people “who could do with this information”. Great stuff, exactly what was being aimed for when these resources were developed. Similarly, many were impressed to hear about our Code of Conduct and mentoring strategies delivered through our club network up and down the coast. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few new faces at club meetings over the next few months.

We had video footage running on two 42 inch TVs the entire time which also kept the crowds interested. A huge Thank You goes out to Michael Tackach for giving us the opportunity to play his exceptional footage throughout the weekend. The Jew schools stopped them in their tracks!! Many were impressed by the marine life available and the selectiveness of spearfishing. I can honestly say there was not one bad comment about spearfishing and I believe this was due to our members actively engaging anybody who even dared to stare in our direction and then giving them quality information and answering all their questions. Once again, a valuable strategy working towards changing any possible poor perception of spearfishing in the general public.

So even though it poured rain, the numbers to the show were not as high as expected and we had to overcome a number of obstacles we still had a roaring success. We had members that went beyond the call of duty to work together and improvise and we reached out to a very large proportion of those who came through the gates. We sold our values of safety and sustainability well and we distributed an enormous amount of material directly to those who were interested. Thank You again to our team and I look forward to an even bigger event next year. Max, you better pack that tarp again…. just in case!

Dive Safe Peter Walsh USFA Vice President