Top international fishers promoting fish habitat

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Top international fishers promoting fish habitat
13 Aug 2012 - NSW Fisheries

Two passionate Northern Hemisphere fishermen are touring NSW coastal fishing communities spreading the word about the role recreational fishers can play in improving fish habitat.

“American Chris Hunt and Englishman Simon Evans are inspirational fishers who combine a passion for fishing with a commitment to improving fish populations,” said Manager of the Conservation Action Unit with NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Mr Craig Copeland said.

“Chris is the National Communications Director for Trout Unlimited, a leading US-based fisheries conservation organisation. Simon is the Deputy Director of the Wye and Usk Foundation in the United Kingdom, a fishing-based charity that is addressing a massive decline in Atlantic salmon stocks.

“Both Chris and Simon provide an international perspective on the key issues affecting fisheries management today and in the future and what practical solutions are really making a difference in fisheries enhancement,” he said.

“They are both keen recreational fishers and are touring coastal communities this week to meet other passionate recreational fishers and to see some rehabilitation work underway in NSW.”

Mr Copeland said Chris and Simon will tour fish habitat rehabilitation sites including wetland rehabilitation projects in the Hunter, Manning, Macleay, Clarence and Richmond catchments as well as numerous fish passage and riparian projects.

“They will also be catching up with some recreational fishers and fishing researchers along the way.

“Their tour ends at the National Recreational Fishing Conference on the Gold Coast on August 17, where both Chris and Simon are keynote speakers.”

Mr Copeland said Chris and Simon are talking about the significant impacts that rehabilitating fish habitats have on restoring fish populations and how everyday fishers can, and should, get involved.

“The habitat component of the Conference has been sponsored by the Fish Habitat Network, of which DPI’s Conservation Action Unit is a part.

“We and our partner organisations from other States are proud to be supporting the work ordinary fishers are doing to improve fish habitat around Australia.

“We are keen for Chris and Simon to talk with as many of these fishers as possible while they are here,” Craig said.

The visit by Chris Hunt and Simon Evans is supported by funds from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust, raised from the NSW Recreational Fishing Fee, and managed by NSW DPI.