October 2002 Updates

October 11, 2002

Minister Welcomes Court Decision

The Minister for Fisheries, Eddie Obeid today welcomed the High Court’s decision to reject an appeal by the commercial fishing lobby group Profish against the State Government’s creation of 30 recreational fishing havens along the NSW Coast.

Mr Obeid said today’s decision is Profish’s third defeat following similar decisions in two separate courts.

“I’m delighted the High Court has upheld the NSW Government’s fisheries reforms which include the creation of 30 recreational fishing havens along the State’s coastline,” Mr Obeid said.

“The High Court today denied Profish special leave to appeal against the NSW Court of Appeal’s decision to reject their case.”

“The NSW Government is determined to manage our fish in a sustainable way so that future generations can continue to enjoy this community owned resource.”

Mr Obeid said the High Court decision supports our management strategy and the creation of recreational fishing havens. This process included detailed studies of the social, economic and environmental benefit from these havens as well as extensive community consultation.

“The various court decisions clearly indicate the NSW Government has acted appropriately when it protected 27 per cent of the State’s estuarine waters from commercial fishing.”

“It’s now time for Profish to put an end to their differences and to work with the NSW Government to ensure we manage this resource in the best way possible,” Mr Obeid said.

"Today's decision ends the threat of renewed commercial fishing in the 30 areas which became recreational fishing havens."

"It's now time for everyone involved in this process to put aside past differences and work together to protect our marine environment," Mr Obeid said.
Recreational fishing havens include:

Tweed River – pt closure
Richmond River – pt closure
Clarence River – pt closure
Bellinger River
Deep Creek
Hastings River
Camden Haven River – pt closure
Manning River – pt closure
Lake Macquarie
Botany Bay
St Georges Basin
Lake Conjola
Narrawallee Inlet
Burrill Lake
Lake Tabourie
Meroo Lake
Tomaga River
Tuross Lake
Lake Brunderee
Dalmeny Lake (also known as Mummaga Lake)
Little Lake (also known as Little Tilba Lake and Hoyers Lake)
Bermagui River
Nelson Lake (Nelson Lagoon)
Bega River
Back Lake (Back Lagoon)
Pambula River
Yowaka River
Nullica River
Towamba River (also known as Kiah River)
Wonboyn Lake,River and Wonboyn Beach

October 9, 2002

New Trials for Botany Bay Aquatic Pest

A team of NSW Fisheries scientists today began using a new underwater habitat mapping system as the latest tool to help control the seaweed.

"Over the next two weeks, the local community will see surveys being carried out around Towra Point, Ramsgate and Penrhyn," Mr Obeid said.

"This research is part of the NSW Government's $1 million plan to control Caulerpa and other aquatic pests in State waters."

For the first time in Botany Bay, NSW Fisheries researchers are using a boat-mounted video camera, depth sounder and global positioning system to define the boundary of each outbreak. Further checks are then carried out by divers.

Last month, scientists used the same technique to survey large patches of the weed in Lake Macquarie, Port Hacking, Lake Conjola, Narrawallee Inlet and Burrill Lake.

"The new surveys will provide NSW Fisheries with an accurate picture of the amount of Caulerpa remaining in Botany Bay following the weed's winter die back," Mr Obeid said.

"NSW Fisheries will use the new surveys of the three Caulerpa beds in Botany Bay to develop new plans to try to control the weed before summer."

"This introduced species can smother seagrass beds which are important nursery areas for fish. It grows rapidly and easily regenerates from pieces that break off existing plants."

NSW Fisheries has also been carrying out trials to determine the best way to control the weed using a variety of methods such as hand picking, dredging, smothering and salt.

"Caulerpa is a community problem and I urge everyone enjoying this waterway to try to stop the spread of this weed," Mr Obeid said.

An extensive community education campaign has been implemented locally.

Members of the community can report any sightings of Caulerpa to the pest species hotline on 4916 3877 or contact your nearest NSW Fisheries office.