Western Australia's Recreational Fishing Future in Safe Hands

Recfishwest is thrilled to announce the overwhelming success of the Western Australian Young Future Leaders in Recreational Fishing Program held this week at the Abrolhos Islands.

"The fourteen young and passionate recreational fishers that participated in the program all demonstrated a considered understanding of the challenges facing the recreational fishing sector as well as offering innovative solutions." Recfishwest Policy Officer, Mr Kane Moyle said.

The participants received an intensive introduction on the basic principles of fisheries management as well as a range of stakeholder views and perspectives. The venue of the Abrolhos Islands offered a fantastic environment for hands on experience to gain an insight into the importance of research and compliance in sound fisheries management.

"The participants were also given an insight into the views of the conservation and commercial sectors. It is extremely important for future recreational fisheries leaders to have an understanding of, and respect for others who share the fisheries resource." Mr Moyle said.

Each participant was mentored by an experienced and recognised leader in recreational fishing advocacy and management.

The course involved the participants splitting into three groups and working on a case study requiring them to comment on Fisheries Management Paper 225 - Managing the Recreational Catch of Demersal Scalefish on the West Coast. The program culminated in the young future leaders presenting their submission to their peers and mentors.

"I really enjoyed many aspects of the course and look forward to playing my part in the future. It has not only been an educational journey for me but also a personal one in such a short space of time." Participant and Young Future Leader, Mr Justin Nowrojee said.

Mr Moyle said that he was looking forward to witnessing these young future leaders taking an increased role in the management of the recreational industry and an active involvement in the next round of consultation for the management of the west coast metropolitan fishing zone.

This program was an initiative of Recfishwest and funded by the Australian Government Recreational Fishing Community Grants Programme and supported by the Department of Fisheries.

"The Department of Fisheries should be commended for its high level of support for the program, including the use of the Saville-Kent facility at Rat Island and the PV McLaughlan compliance vessel." Mr Moyle said.

"I was amazed at the high calibre of the participants and their eagerness to take an active involvement in the management of their industry. The recreational fishing future is certainly in safe hands." Mr Moyle said.

ENDS

Media Contact:- Kane Moyle, Policy Officer - Recfishwest ph. (08) 9246 3366

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This program was announced in Recfishwest's Media Release:- Recfishwest launches Young Future Leaders program in Western Australia



This page prepared on 7 March 2008, last updated on 1 April 2008.