Posts Tagged ‘ fisheries ’

NSW fisheries centre to close

February 24, 2012
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THE NSW Government is standing firm on its decision to close the Cronulla Fisheries Research Centre. Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson says the centre will be shut down as planned, and its functions moved to Port Stephens, Nowra and Coffs Harbour, despite continued opposition from staff. Her comments come after around 100 workers from the centre rallied today outside NSW parliament against the controversial proposal, which was announced late last year. The closure is part of the government’s decentralisation policy, but it has been criticised by conservationists, scientists and local Liberal MP Mark Speakman. “I’m not interested in taking the hard-working staff of the Cronulla Fisheries Research Centre on a wild goose chase,” Ms Hodgkinson told Question Time. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the decentralisation is going to proceed, and it will deliver great benefits for regional communities in NSW. “This project is going to proceed.” Opposition leader John Robertson said there was no reason to close the centre. “What we’ve got is a decision made by the O’Farrell government that ignores all the science,” he told protesters. “It’s not interested in science, it’s not interested in reason, it’s not interested in logic, it’s simply interested…

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NEW FISHERIES VESSEL FOR MID-NORTH COAST

July 19, 2011
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NEW FISHERIES VESSEL FOR MID-NORTH COAST

A new $150,000 high-speed fisheries patrol vessel has begun patrolling the waters of the NSW Mid-North Coast, Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson and Member for Coffs Harbour, Andrew Fraser, announced today in Coffs Harbour. “Fisheries officers are the front line in protecting our State’s fisheries resources,” Katrina Hodgkinson said. “The purpose-built 6.8 metre vessel will be utilised across the region to detect and deter anyone engaged in illegal fishing activity. “It has been fitted with the latest technology and safety equipment and will help the vital work of our fisheries officers,” Ms Hodgkinson said. The vessel will be utilised in the ocean trawl, ocean trap and line, rock lobster, ocean haul and recreational fisheries to conduct compliance checks and surveillance operations. It is capable of being launched from ocean beaches and can cross bars at river mouths. Mr Fraser said the patrol vessel was equipped with a state-of-the-art navigation system for accurate recording of offence locations at sea and many other enhanced safety features. “The vessel will be based at Coffs Harbour, and with its exceptional range will be patrolling waters as far north as Tweed Heads and down to South West Rocks,” Mr Fraser said. The vessel is…

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BOATER AND FISHER SURVEY

December 19, 2010
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BOATER AND FISHER SURVEY

 NSW Boaters and Fishers – We need your ideas!!!   You may go water skiing, sailing or cruising offshore. You might throw a line from your tinnie, fish from the shore or gamefish the open ocean. Whatever your involvement with boating and fishing in freshwater or saltwater we are seeking your opinions and ideas about a new education project.   We are asking you to complete a brief (approximately 7 minute) survey so you can have your say. The valuable information collected will be used to develop an environmental education strategy to help maintain the quality of your favourite recreational sport for your, your children and your grandchildren. You could even win a voucher for your favourite boating or fishing tackle store! This project is being conducted jointly by all the NSW Coastal Catchment Management Authorities and the following project partners: Boat owners Association of NSW Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW Boating Industry Association of NSW NSW Maritime Industry and Investment NSW (Fisheries) Department of Environment Climate Change and Water This project is supported by all the NSW Coastal Catchment Management Authorities through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring For Our Country and the NSW State Government. To take part…

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SUBMISSIONS FOR SOLITARY ISLANDS MARINE PARK ZONING PLAN CLOSING VERY SOON

September 11, 2010
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The Member for Coffs Harbour, Andrew Fraser, today advised that time is running out for submissions to be made about the proposed changes to the Solitary Islands Marine Park Zoning plan. “The draft zoning plan has been on exhibition for the past three months and there has been strong community concern about the proposed changes. “I attended a meeting last Monday at the Deep Sea Fishing Club where Professor Robert Kearney of the University of Canberra advised a large audience that the NSW Government had wasted $33 million in taxpayers money creating marine parks that have failed to conserve fish numbers. “Professor Kearney also pointed out that plans to increase sanctuary zones and phase out prawn trawling in the Solitary Islands Marine Park cannot be supported by any scientific evidence. “I have raised my concerns in Parliament as I believe the Coffs Harbour economy will be greatly affected if these proposed changes go ahead. “I believe the whole consultation process is being held as an exchange for Green preferences in marginal Labor held seats in Sydney. The Keneally Labor Government is desperate to retain seats and appears to be doing so at the expense of the hard-working fishing families of…

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Anti Marine Park Lobbyists Take Easy Shots

September 7, 2010
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Anti Marine park lobbyists, as reported in the Mondays Coffs Harbour Advocate, are taking easy shots and making conflicting claims according to local National Parks Association spokesman Ashley Love. Anti marine park lobbyist professor Bob Kearney is taking easy shots at the Marine Parks Authority, a small Government Department that has limited capacity to defend itself according, the National Parks Association claim. The Marine Parks Authority is tiny by Government standards, many of its resources are committed to policing fishing regulations and it is held tightly under the Governments reign. The Chair of the Marine Park Authority is the head of the Premiers Department. Professor Kearney seems to spend more time at anti-marine park rallies than undertaking scientific research the Association says. A search of the web of science found more than 1100 peer-reviewed publications over the last twelve years with marine protected areas, marine reserves or marine sanctuaries in the title. This massive scientific research effort was produced by more than 1650 individual scientists. Professor Kearney does not rate one publication on the list. In view of the one sided reporting in Mondays paper and the editorial supporting the pro fishing Lobbyists claims, adopting a more even handed coverage…

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ALERT- NSW NATIONAL PARKS ASSN SOLITARY ISLANDS AND OTHER MARINE PARKS UNDER THREAT URGENT ACTIONS NEEDED

September 1, 2010
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 Solitary Islands marine life is facing new threats. The NSW Governments proposed increases in sanctuary zones are under attack by a group anti-marine park lobbyists. They are seeking to wind back almost all the proposed sanctuary zones around the Solitary Islands Marine Parks unique islands, headlands and beaches. The NSW Government is also considering a ban on any new marine parks. Both of these moves go against the overwhelming scientific and community support for marine parks and sanctuary protection for our turtles, dolphins, seahorses and hundreds of other marine plants and animals.  We need you to urgently take the following steps to help save our marine life: Step 1: Please fill out our online submission forms supporting our proposed sanctuary zonings for the Solitary Islands Marine Park. The submission form can be signed at www.marine.org.au THEN Step 2: To sign our online form to state you strongly disagree with the proposed freeze on new marine parks and sanctuaries in NSW. Visit www.marineaction.org.au to have your say. Thank you for your support in protecting our oceans and marine life.  ASHLEY LOVE

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FILM PREMIER OF “SOUTH SOLITARY” FOR COFFS HARBOUR

August 31, 2010
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The Australian feature film “SOUTH SOLITARY” will have its north coast premier on Friday September 3 at the Sawtell Cinema. Organised by the local ZONTA club, in conjunction with Friends of South Solitary Island,they will be holding a charity evening commencing at 6.00pm with the film screening at 7.00pm, following a drinks and nibbles session at the cinema. Tickets are $20 per person which includes drinks and snacks. Friends of South Solitary Island will have a former South Solitary Island lighthouse keeper and lady who was a resident of the lighthouse prior to WW2 as a child, available to speak  and answer your questions about lighthouse life prior to the screening. The movie, while not filmed on location at South Solitary Island, has been inspired by lighthouse life on the island in the 1920s, when it played a major part in the shipping traffic on the NSW coast and Coffs Harbour. The film was written and produced by Shirley Barrett, starring Barry Otto and his daughter Miranda. It is a wonderful opportunity to have a night out, supporting a local charity and experience this delightfully unique Australian film with its local connections. Tickets available at the Hope Chest,and at the…

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This is what I was trying to do the other day

August 15, 2010
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This is what I was trying to do the other day

 

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Threat to North Coast’s fishing industry

August 12, 2010
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Lee Rhiannon and The Greens threaten future of north coast’s fishing industry The people of Coffs Harbour should be wary of the Greens whose policies will threaten business, farming communities and impose higher living costs. NSW Nationals Senator Fiona Nash is visiting Coffs Harbour today, with the Nationals Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsukyer. “The Greens push for more marine parks is one of the big concerns locals are telling us about,” Senator Nash said. “It will threaten the livelihood of the region’s fishing industry, the local economy and jobs.   “The National-Liberal Coalition instead supports a balanced approach to marine conservation. We would properly consult the industry and communities on any proposed Marine protected areas.” Senator Nash said farmers on the north coast should also be very concerned about the Greens plans for agriculture. “For one, agriculture would be included in an Emissions Trading Scheme, increasing costs for not just farmers, but consumers. “Their support for an ETS also means higher electricity prices for everyone. “It’s despite daily reports about families struggling with rising living costs. “To top it all off, the Greens want to bring in death duties. They want to tax the living and the dead. “It’s time…

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Trawler beached on Park Beach

August 11, 2010
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Trawler beached on Park Beach

well and truly stuck

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