FROM THE OFFICE OF VRFISH – VICTORIAS’ RECREATIONAL FISHING PEAK BODY

VICTORIAN RECREATIONAL FISHERS WELCOME A MAKO AMENDMENT


VRFish, the peak recreational fishing body representing all recreational fishers in Victoria, is optimistic with Minister Garrett’s announcement this morning that the Federal Government will move to amend the EPBC Act to ensure that “international changes to the status of Mako Sharks would not affect recreational fishing activities in Australia”.

"While we are obviously delighted that the Minister has heard our concerns and acted promptly to ensure that we are not unfairly impacted by an automatic migratory species listing that was, in theory, out of the Minister’s hands” said VRFish Chairman Mr Geoff Cramer “we trust this means that recreational fishing for Mako Shark will continue in it’s current beneficial, sustainable and appropriately managed form”.

Geoff also stated “We need to know that the Federal Government intends to consult with recreational fishers at the National level, through our National representative body Recfish, to ensure that this type of issue does not happen again. The recreational fishing community was certainly united on this issue, and that is perhaps the greatest result of all”.

"While recreational fishers wait for the amendment to proceed, VRFish will continue to advocate for the science, and the funding, necessary to justify our position” said Mr Cramer, “It is very important to recreational fishers that the ocean environment is conserved for all generations, and the genuine conservation of recreational fishing species is a high priority” he said.

Further to this announcement, VRFish will continue to meet with recreational fishing industry representatives and parliamentary members in order to ensure that effective consultation precedes action, especially where actions potentially detrimental to the National Interest arise.

The Board of VRFish would especially like to make special mention of VRFish staffer Ben Scullin and the valued input of many individuals, organisations, and parliamentary representatives from both sides of the house, who worked tirelessly for the successful resolution of this issue.

VRFish – Victoria’s Recreational Fishing Peak Body
Marine House, Ground Floor, 24 York Street South Melbourne Vic 3205
Telephone: 9686 7077 Facsimile: 9682 1066 Web: www.vrfish.com.au