St Kilda Boat Sales - Australia's Recreational Fishing Future

The proposed future direction for Australia’s multi-billion dollar recreational fishing industry was revealed recently during the official launch of the ‘Keep Australia Fishing’ report at Sydney’s Watsons Bay.

Titled ‘Keep Australia Fishing’, the independent report was commissioned by the Boating and Fishing Council of Australia (BFCA) and prepared by former UK politician and Sydney resident Martin Salter.

Mr Salter, who served as Parliamentary Spokesman for Angling under the governments of both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, said the 54-page report drew on “best practice” from other countries around the world where recreational fishing was properly respected and valued as a significant economic contributor.

“Australia’s recreational fishing industry has been under threat for many years, from fish kills on major rivers, habitat degradation, urban pollution and unjustified marine park lock-outs,” Mr Salter said.

“While Australia still boasts some of the best recreational fishing in the world, pressure is mounting from poor land use practices and extreme Green movements that regard anglers as part of the problem rather than the solution.

“Responsible recreational anglers are the true guardians of the aquatic environment and sensible conservationists should be working with them to protect and enhance our fisheries.”

To read the full media release please click here.