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Open Workshops on Fish Handling, Tagging and
Research
in Northern
Queensland
Well
known marine biologist, author and researcher,
Dr Julian Pepperell, will be conducting a series
of workshops in Northern Queensland centres in
April to educate anglers on how to maximise
survival of released fish, how to tag fish
correctly and how to assist marine scientists in
their research.
Many
thousands of anglers go out fishing every day
and catch fish that they return to the water.
Sometimes they do so because of regulations
(size and bag limits), others because they want
to take part in tagging programs and some simply
because they love fishing but prefer to release
most of their catch. In all cases, enhancing the
survival of the fish released has many flow-on
benefits.
In the
case of sport and gamefish anglers, tag and
release plays a major role in their activity.
Maximising the survival of all fish released,
whether tagged or not, simply makes good sense.
The importance of knowing how to do so has
resulted in an educational project aimed at
recreational anglers since it is clear that most
anglers want to do the right thing in looking
after fish stocks for the future.
The
project, jointly funded by the Federal
Government under its ‘Community Coastcare’
initiative and the Queensland Game Fishing
Association will be commencing soon in northern
Queensland. The seminars/workshops are supported
by GBRMPA and will be delivered by your local
game fishing club.
The
aims of the seminars/workshops are:
To
develop capacity for ongoing education,
promotion and skill development for marine life
conservation by
·
Education in correct handling and release of
fish and other marine life
·
Correct use of ‘fish-friendly’ gear
·
Promotion of tag and release practices
·
Improved species identification and size
estimation of released fish
·
Education on assistance with biological studies
of fish
·
Improved data collection from recreational
anglers
·
Promotion and education of codes of practice,
fishing regulations and angler ethics.
The
program will initially consist of a series of
evening seminars/workshops, to be held in Airlie
Beach, Townsville and Cairns. They will be open
to not only game fishing club members but also
the public. Each workshop will be two to three
hours duration during which Dr Pepperell will
outline all aspects of correct fish handling,
tagging and assistance in research studies and
have a range of ‘fish-friendly’ equipment on
hand to demonstrate skills and techniques.
The
first seminar will be held at the Airlie Beach
V.M.R. Club at 1 Altman Street, commencing
19.00hrs on Friday the 16th April 2010. Due to
limited space please secure your seat by R.S.V.P.
to the President of the Whitsundays Game Fishing
Club on 0438203644. Refreshments will be
available.
The
second seminar will be held at the Townsville
Motor Boat & Yacht Club commencing at 17.00hrs
on the 17th April 2010. To ensure your place
please R.S.V.P. Mick Meiers on 47804719.
Refreshments will be available at venue.
The
third seminar will be held at The Cock and Bull,
Cairns commencing at 17.00hrs on the 18th April
2010. Please R.S.V.P. to the secretary of
Cairns Bluewater Game Fishing Club on
0419742250.
Refreshment will be available.
A
second part of the project at a later date will
involve on-board demonstrations of techniques to
specialized anglers, captains and crew on a
typical fishing outing. The intention of this
second phase is for the specialists who receive
field training to pass on their knowledge to
other anglers.
Additional information on the work shops can be
obtained by calling Mick Meiers on 47804719
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