When we talk about sustainability and fishing in the same breath, one can’t help but think how Australia would have to be at the forefront of looking after their fisheries. The strict and well-executed protected zones on the great barrier reef to net free zones up the rivers are working well. Thus, anglers are now already reaping the benefits, as non-fishing zones open back up.
However, we can’t rely solely on the government to bring in legislation and laws to conserve our fisheries. We need to do our part as well. That said, we rounded up a few tips that can help sustain protect our fishery.
How to protect your sport fishery
The government agencies do their best to maintain the continuity of the “fishing tourism” industry. GBRMPA and other associated agencies can only do so much. We as anglers also need to do our part.
These steps listed below will ensure the continuity of the fisheries. Only by collectively working with the fishing community can we prevent a stock collapse.
1. Catch and release
Catch and release is a great first step towards conserving your sport fishery. Allowing fish to live another day and breed and go through sequential hermaphroditism—a transition from male to female at a certain stage or size in their life cycle. For these reasons, Australia enforces strict laws on maximum size limits on certain species, particularly for grouper, barramundi and flathead.
RELATED: Must Know Catch and Release Fishing Tips.
2. Fishing with barbless hooks
Barbless hooks, not only make it easier to release, but reduces the risk to the angler as well. Barbless hooks reduce lip and jaw damage. In the event you end up with a stray hook while handling a thrashing fish it, barbless hooks are easier to remove reducing injury. Nine times out of 10 it will save you a trip to the hospital.
3. Fish handling
If your target species is not your PB or one you’d consider a trophy, consider releasing the fish whilst it’s still in the water. By doing this, it will have a much better chance of survival. You will always want a photo opportunity with a trophy and take a fish or three home for feed. We photograph fish we decide to take home. On a recent adventure with some excellent anglers from Japan, we had a great session on doggies. Out of 22 fish we took home and photographed 3 fish and were able to release 19. Those 19, remained in the water during release and all successfully lived to fight another day.
With the advent of selfy poles it’s now easier to photograph or video billfish boat side. Just make sure your selfy stick is in position ready to go before you gently lift the fish for your pose. Make it quick and gently lower the fish, swim the fish ready for release.
Sport fishing handling guide
If it is a PB and you want that photo inside the boat, there are a few things you can do to allow that fish a better chance of survival,
- If you need to use the gaff…
Sometimes you need to use a gaff on really big GTs. You can gaff the fish through the bottom Jaw, just be careful not to pierce the tongue as this can cause the fish to bleed out. Always support the belly or tail when lifting it.
- Never put a fish on a hot deck.
If you can have a mat ready and washed down, you can use it to lay the fish on, before putting deck wash in its mouth. In case you don’t have deck wash, use a bucket of water and pour it over its gills.
- Now, it’s time for the photo.
If possible, get the angler to have a seat first, then have two people lift the fish onto his lap. This will avoid disastrous fish handling where people don’t secure the fish properly while taking a photo, and end up dropping the fish on the deck.
- Dumping fish on the side of the boat.
You tend to see a lot of people just dump fish back over the side of the boat. It’s fine to nose dive if it is a healthy fish. However, I much rather prefer to place the fish back in the water and hold the tail until it gets a bit of water back through its gills and slowly comes back to life.
RELATED: Fish Care 101: How to Handle and Care for your Catch
Zoning program: Restrictions and Fishing Guidelines
Yet another initiative that bodes well for the sustainability of fishing is the zoning program. The zoning program is only one of the many initiatives that the government takes to protect Australian fisheries. For each of the zones, the Australian government assigned a colour, ranging from light blue to pink. It also offers a lot of benefits, from bringing endangered species like the Napoleon wrasse back to the numbers that we see today to the preservation of existing marine life and habitats, particularly those that are unique in a certain area.
We listed four out of eight zones identified by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, since we believe these four to be the most common ones you’ll encounter as an angler:
Pink zone (Preservation)
The pink zone being a preservation zone is a no-go for anyone without a permit. No one can enter or extract anything in this area without permission.
Green zone (Marine National Parks)
This is the most common zone that you will see on your GPS or chart. Green zones are “no take zones” that offer a high level of protection for conservation purposes. Note that while the “no take zones” are closed parts, you are still allowed to travel through. Plus, there are a few other limited recreational activities that can be done like boating (except with dorries), snorkelling and swimming. Some fishing is also allowed, if you have acquired a permit.
Orange zone (Scientific research)
Like the green zone, some orange zones (signified by a green line outlined with orange) allow public access with non-extractive activities like swimming and diving. However, there are some zones specifically dedicated to scientific research that are totally undisturbed by extractive activities.
Yellow zone (Conservation parks)
The yellow zone promotes conservation, while still providing opportunities for reasonable and recreational activities bound by a few limitations:
- Limited line fishing (one hand-held rod or one hand-held line with one hook attached per person)
- Trolling (with a maximum of three lines and up to six hooks combined total per person).
- Limited spearfishing (snorkel only)
- Bait netting
- Limited crabbing (allowing four crab pots and collapsible traps)
- Limited collecting (of oysters and bait, with the exception of live or dead corals and anemones).
The Last Cast
The rules that are in place are good at ensuring sustainability of fisheries, particularly those dedicated for sport. It is evident in how successful Australia has been in protecting theirs. However, educating anglers is also important if sustainability and conservation are to be considered.
