Hi guys,

This just in from Sunfish.

YOUR FISHING FUTURE AT RISK – ALERT FROM SUNFISH
REZONING OF THE MORETON BAY MARINE PARK
INTRODUCTION
The Queensland Government has advised that a draft rezoning plan for the Moreton Bay Marine Park, from Caloundra to Southport, will be released for public comment in late 2007. The Queensland Environment Protection Agency (EPA) intends to expand the areas of green zones where recreational fishing is prohibited. A Scientific Advisory Committee selectively chosen by EPA has made a dubious recommendation that at least 10% of the Bay be “no fishing areas”, that is green zones. In addition, conservation groups are running a well organised campaign seeking up to 50% green zones in Moreton Bay. At this stage the EPA has not put forward any specific proposals for public comment. However Sunfish Queensland has MAJOR CONCERNS about the adverse impacts that the rezoning could have on the future of recreational fishing in the Bay.
WHAT’S AT RISK?
Recreational fishing is the most popular activity in Moreton Bay in terms of the numbers of participants. About one third of all recreational fishing in Queensland occurs in Moreton Bay.

IS RECREATIONAL FISHING HARMFUL?
The answer is NO! Importantly, all species targeted by recreational fishers are sustainable and tightly managed (Refer to the Dept of Primary Industries and Fisheries scientific report on status of fish stocks 2006). In addition there are no threats to biological diversity of the Bay by recreational fishing.
PROTECTION OF MORETON BAY
The greatest threats to Moreton Bay are associated with habitat loss and habitat degradation. These are not caused by recreational fishing. Sunfish strongly supports measures that would stop adverse impacts on aquatic habitats. Accordingly Sunfish supports the current protection of mangroves and seagrasses, and the existing Fish Habitat Reserves and Marine Park zones in Moreton Bay which protect vital habitats without stopping recreational fishing.
WHAT HAS SUNFISH DONE?
Sunfish has let all interested parties know that we are opposed to any further green zones in Moreton Bay. On 5 November 2007 Sunfish wrote to the Minister responsible for Queensland marine parks (Hon Andrew McNamara MP) and all his Cabinet colleagues to let them know of our opposition to further green zones.

WHAT SHOULD RECREATIONAL FISHERS AND THEIR ORGANISATIONS DO?
1. Immediate action (prior to the release of the draft rezoning plan).
We recommend that you write to or phone the Queensland Minister responsible for this marine park letting him know you are opposed to any further zoning restrictions on recreational fishing in the Bay. (Honourable Andrew McNamara, Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation. PO Box 15155, City East, Qld 4002. ph 07 33368032.
email: sustainability@ministerial.qld.gov.au

2. When the draft rezoning plan is released in late 2007.
If zoning restrictions are put forward that impact on recreational fishing oppose them by the most appropriate means. Sunfish will provide further advice in due course.
RECREATIONAL FISHING IN THE BAY IS NOW IN YOUR HANDS


I think this hits the nail on the head here based on the recreational fishing sector.

What is said here in this release is true, the 10% of the Bay claim is quite baseless from the EPA and the Labor Government's OWN report by DPI&F states fish stocks are healthy and alive in Moreton Bay. So why does the EPA think it knows better than the group who manages fish stocks???

The last line on bold is the most pertinant, that Recreational Fishing in the Bay is now in OUR hands. Will you help? Let Lucky_Phill know as he is collecting names of those willing to help for something. I sent my message to him already tonight.

Cheers,
Chris