New web site to help kids learn about Fishing

13 May 2003: NSW Fisheries has launched an innovative new web site that helps children learn about responsible fishing in a fun way, the Director of NSW Fisheries, Steve Dunn, said today.

He said the web site, www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au/kids is aimed at children aged five to 12 and has easy-to-read information and entertaining activities.

“NSW Fisheries surveyed 60 children and incorporated their feedback and ideas into the website’s design,” Mr Dunn said.

“The result is a bright, colourful and interactive resource that helps children learn how fun and exciting fishing can be, while highlighting the need to be responsible and safe.

“The web site is on based on four engaging fish characters - Bluey the blue groper, Perchy the silver perch, Nursey the grey nurse shark and Murray the crayfish.”

Mr Dunn said the web site had a range of informative sections including:

Learn to fish – a step-by-step guide on how to get started and practical safety tips
Did you know? - interesting facts about fish and invertebrates
Help save fish – ways kids can help protect fish habitats
Fun stuff – hands-on activities such as games, jokes, stories, photos, pictures to colour and a special ‘sing-a-long’ video
Fish pets – tips on how to pick the right type of fish and how to keep them healthy
Fish recipes – such as pita fish rolls, seafood kebabs and honey king prawns, all developed especially for children by the Sydney Seafood School.
Mr Dunn said the Fish‘n’kids web site was one of several NSW Fisheries fishing initiatives for children.

“A new education kit called Get Hooked – It’s Fun to Fish has been trailed in 25 primary schools across the State. Results from the trial are being used to improve the kit, which has been developed with the NSW Department of School Education and the NSW Board of Studies.

“NSW Fisheries also runs regular fishing clinics where children learn about the aquatic environment and how to fish responsibly.”

For further information log onto the Fish‘n’kids website at: www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au/kids.