 |
| Responsible FishingFletcher the Fish previously on TV talking about responsible fishing |
Hear what Fletcher the fish has to say about responsible fishing.
As Fletcher says, there are three simple things we can all do to make sure there are enough fish in our seas to enjoy for a long time.
The possession limits for many fish species are quite generous and should not be viewed as a target to meet. Take only enough fish for immediate consumption so there will be more fish left in the sea for another day. Fresh fish tastes much better than fish that have been frozen for extended periods.
Treat your catch well by immediately bleeding and putting it on ice. Fish left in a bucket of water in the sun will not be in the best eating condition when you get them home. Treat your catch like the precious resource it is. Learn how to fillet fish to get the most flesh off the frame and consider using fish frames in soups or stocks to get the maximum value from your catch.
There are a number of situations in which you will want to release the fish you have caught. You may be fishing for enjoyment or sport, the fish you caught may be undersized, you may have caught more than the possession limit or more than you may need for a feed. It is particularly important that undersize fish are carefully returned to the water as undersize fish have not yet grown large enough to breed and therefore provide for future catches. Although one or two undersize fish does not seem a lot, it is important to remember that there are many fishers and that if everyone took one or two, a few would become many and may result in stricter fishing restrictions in the future to preserve the remaining breeding stock.
Fish survival will be greatly improved if you use the following fish handling practices:
- Minimise the time spent to land the fish. Long fights on light tackle are very stressful for the fish and can cause greater damage;
- Use barbless or circle hooks whenever possible to minimise hook damage to fish;
- If the hook is deep down the throat (‘gut’ hooked), cut the line and don’t attempt to remove the hook;
- Where possible, release fish while they are still in the water or minimise the time out of the water. Remember fish need water to breathe;
- If a landing net is required, use fish-friendly landing nets with soft knot-free mesh to reduce harm to a fish’s scales, eyes and fins;
- Handle fish with wet hands or a wet cloth and don’t place them on hot or rough surfaces – if you damage the protective slime covering the fish’s scales you increase the chance of disease;
- Support the weight of large fish under the belly and don’t hold them by the jaw or gills; and
- Return the fish to the water quickly and gently – don’t throw them – in the same area where they were caught. You may need to help the fish recover by “swimming” it so it obtains a good supply of oxygen. Hold the fish upright in the water and gently wave it left and right until it is ready to swim away.
For more information see the web page on catch care.
Tasmania’s beautiful coastline and fish are a resource to be shared by everyone. With one in three Tasmanians doing some fishing every year, together we can have a big impact. This is why we must all share not only the catch but also the responsibility for looking after our marine environment. Being considerate of the environment includes properly disposing of rubbish and fish waste, retrieving fishing gear wherever possible, and being a barrier to the spread of marine pests and diseases.
Introduced species and marine diseases have the capacity to cause massive damage to Tasmania’s fisheries. Some pests and diseases can live for days in bilge water, fishing gear, diving gear, ropes, boat hulls and even in bait.
- Do not move water, fish or fish products between locations including bait, shells and offal. Take your whole catch home and dispose of the waste and shells with your household rubbish;
- Keep your fishing gear, dive gear and boat clean and disinfected. Thoroughly clean surfaces and remove organic matter that may harbour pests and diseases and dispose of waste in land based facilities;
- Wash all gear, boats and trailers with fresh water and detergent, away from the coast and any drains, and let it dry; and
- Do not release aquarium fish, pond fish, or plants into our waterways. This will help prevent the introduction of new pests and diseases.
Report a Pest
Community vigilance in being aware of marine pests and reporting them is an important part of reducing the threat. For more information call (03) 6233 3370. Report the accurate location of sightings to 0408 380 377 and collect a specimen if possible.
Report Suspected Diseases
Early detection is essential to controlling marine diseases, including Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis. If you see the effects of suspected marine diseases contact the Department's disease watch hotline 1800 675 888 (24-hours freecall).
For more information on how you can be a responsible fisher see the Code on Sea Fishing for the Future.
 | |
