Member for Bega, Andrew Constance and Minister for Agriculture, Adam Marshall with recreational fishers. Photo: Supplied.
New fishing areas are being opened up within the protected waters of the Batemans Marine Park ahead of the school holidays as part of a plan the NSW Government says will give recreational fishers more options to drop a line and snag a fish.
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall was in the Narooma yesterday to announce the five new fishing zones.
“Fishing is one of this State’s iconic pastimes and as Minister I’m keen to support our recreational fishing industry, which generates $3.4 billion in economic output each year,” Mr Marshall says.
“These newly created zones within the Batemans Marine Park will allow families to access more fishing areas ahead of summer school holidays.”
The five sites identified for increased access are – Brou Lake (South), Clarks Bay (Freshwater Bay), Forsters Bay, Montague Island (East and South) and Nangudga Lake.
Member for Bega Andrew Constance says the announcement delivers on a commitment earlier this year to boost fishing access in the Marine Park.
“The Greens and Labor locked up 85 per cent of the region’s best fishing grounds with the stroke of a pen, which was an absolute body blow to our community’s recreational fishers,” Mr Constance says.
“Tragically a lot of these areas weren’t locked up for any sound ecological reason, meaning recreational fishers missed out simply because of senseless politics.
“The sites we have identified are low hanging fruit and areas where it makes sense to wind back restrictions on recreational fishing activities.
“Today’s announcement will provide immediate access to these areas before school holidays start and we see tourists and families heading out for some quality fishing.”
The changes include:
Brou Lake South
• Catch and release recreational fishing will now be permitted.
Montague Island South and East
• Recreational fishing activities will now be allowed (including line, spear, trap & net, hand haul prawn net).
• Fishing will be restricted to protect grey nurse sharks between 1 November and 30 April each year
Clarks Bay – Freshwater Bay and Forsters Bay
• Recreational fishing activities will now be allowed (including line, spear, trap & net, hand haul prawn net).
Nangudga Lake
• Recreational line fishing and prawning using a hand held scoop net will now be permitted.
Mr Constance has also flagged further changes with a broader review of the Batemans Marine Park currently ongoing, “that will provide Government with key information about management of the Park going forward.”
“I want to see a Marine Park that balances recreational, tourism and conservation values,” he says.
Batemans Marine Park extends from the most northerly point of Murramarang Beach near Bawley Point to the southern side of Wallaga Lake entrance at Murunna Point. For more check the DPI website.
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