Mako Fishing Ban
I am fairly disappointed and somewhat p*ssed off with this mako ban given that I dont think the ban here will do anything to help the mediterranean makos so I have decided to write to Peter Garrett on the matter. I have tried to stay away from abusing anyone, telling them that I will not vote for them or any such thing. I think that sort of carry on does not help the issue. What do you think?
Dear Mr Garrett,
I write to you to express my concern at the Government’s proposal to ban the targeting and capture of short finned mako sharks. I understand and commend the Government on its stance to protect endangered species and the signing of the UN Sponsored Convention on Migratory Species, but I believe that each individual issue needs to be assessed on its own merits and not covered by a blanket ban.
Dr Julian Pepperell – a very highly respected fisheries scientist specializing in large open water fish – has claimed the ban as “mystifying – there is no biological sense to it. There is no evidence of any connection between the population of makos in the Mediterranean and the short finned makos off the Australian coast”
I understand that one of your spokesmen stated that the ban would take place from the end of January 2010 but could not explain how the Australian ban would aid the Mediterranean mako sharks.
It appears to me that perhaps we are ‘jumping on the band wagon’ to be seen to be protecting endangered species and be seen as a good global environmental citizen. May I suggest that with a bit more research and time taken to consider the finding we can focus our efforts on schemes that will actually have the desired effect on the targeted species.
I am a resident of Victoria and mako sharks are one of a very limited number of species that game fishermen can target here during a certain time of the year. These fishermen spend considerable amounts of money which benefit a number of industries including tourism, fishing tackle and boating. These people will not go out fishing if their sole quarry is not able to be caught and all of these industries will suffer as a result.
I am a very responsible angler and have always observed size limits, bag limits and have where possible try to educate others on the values of maintaining a sustainable fishery. I am also an advocate of catch and release fishing. I am a member of a number of organizations such as ANSA (Australian National Sportfishing Association) and ALBAA (Australian Land Based Anglers Association - http://www.albaa.com.au) who also are very focused on sustainable fisheries and environmental protection. ALBAA is an association with the interests of anglers, fisheries and the environment as their main focus. They have run numerous ‘Ledge Care’ events which focus on cleaning and maintaining popular fishing locations.
I am also sending copies of this letter to the shadow minister the Hon. Greg Hunt, MP, the Victorian premier John Brumby and I am also sharing this letter with a number of fishing forums where discussion on the topic has been quite intense and the results of the ban are being discussed passionately.
I implore you to reconsider the proposed ban on mako sharks until you have a chance to fully understand the impacts of such a ban and indeed the lack of effect it will have on trying to resolve the issues faced in the Mediterranean.
This is an issue which affects me personally and both the issue itself but also the way it was handled will enter my consideration next time I head to a ballot box. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the issue.
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Alan James
Posts: 2301
Date Joined: 30/06/09
Sweet
A good constructive letter.
7739ian
Posts: 948
Date Joined: 25/06/08
Good constructive effort
and i hope at least his staffers bring it to his attention. Given Mr Garrett's impeccable performance though i don't the chances of getting him to change his stance - i think you could persuade him to ban fresh water whaling without too much trouble.
GusG
Posts: 547
Date Joined: 07/04/08
Ha haa that is a classic
Ha haa that is a classic call ian and unfortunately all too true
Matt T
Posts: 875
Date Joined: 19/11/07
LOL Ian
Gus, a very well written letter in my opinion.
Fathom
Posts: 622
Date Joined: 18/04/08
"I am also an advocate of
"I am also an advocate of catch and release fishing"
Have you ever considered why these bans are taking place? I doubt your letter will be taken seriously after saying you catch fish for fun and then let them go.
People like you need to be stopped ASAP before you destroy our food stocks. If you think catch and release is a benefit to OUR fish you need to have your head read
barneyboy
Posts: 1392
Date Joined: 08/01/09
Fathom,
have you ever stopped to realise how much tag and release fishing helps scientific research into different species of fish, their migratory patterns, growth rates and longjevity after being captured. Instead of trying to read, tag & release fishos heads, try googling some statistics on tagging programs and read that. And as for stopping us, I bet you will get stopped by fisheries with and undersize tailor before I do because you didnt want to throw it back..
Thankyou for putting the time and the effort in to write that letter, obviously did some good
FEEEISH ONNN!!!
GusG
Posts: 547
Date Joined: 07/04/08
Looks like we may have
Looks like we may have beaten the ban on mako fishing. Here is a copy of the press release i was just emailed.
Good to see us fishos banding together for a cause and getting a good outcome! Thanks to everyone that wrote, emailed, phoned their minister or signed a petition
SENATOR THE HON RICHARD COLBECK
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
M E D I A R E L E A S E
25 January 2010
Recreational fishermen force backdown on mako shark ban
Australia’s many thousands of recreational fishermen, in conjunction with the Federal Coalition, have scored a huge victory with the Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett finally backing down on a decision to ban the fishing of mako sharks.
Federal Coalition spokesman for Fisheries Senator Richard Colbeck said Minister Garrett’s long overdue backdown was the result of an extensive campaign.
“The mako shark fishing backdown is a win for grassroots politics,” Senator Colbeck said.
“Mr Garrett did not consult with either recreational or commercial fishermen – just his mates in fringe environmental groups.
“Labor backbenchers were content to merely parrot the claims of Minister Garrett that mako fishermen were “unlikely” to be breaking the law. The pressure finally showed last week with panicked Labor MPs calling on the Prime Minister’s office to intervene.
“Finally the Government has caved into public pressure and agreed to make legislative changes allowing for mako sharks to be fished – just as the Federal Coalition asked it to do at the outset of this campaign in December.
“In working with recreational fishermen to force this backdown, I have been impressed by their commitment to the cause. They understand the need to maintain sustainable fisheries, but they also understand when they haven’t been given a fair go.
“The backdown follows a coordinated campaign by recreational fishermen to phone, email and write to Minister Garrett and Prime Minister Rudd and express their disgust with the ban and the failure by the government to conduct consultation over the ban.
“These fishermen are to be praised for their efforts and commitment.
“My office has received over 5000 petition signatures calling on Minister Garrett to postpone the ban and conduct genuine consultation with recreational fishing groups. Hundreds have also joined packed public meetings on the issue.
“This backdown should cause Minister Garrett to finally start listening to the ordinary Australian rather than just fringe green groups who, among other things, want to shut down Australia’s fishing industry.
“Consulting with fringe green groups and not consulting with the people who are directly affected – in this case, the fishermen - has become a disturbing pattern of behaviour for Mr Garrett.
“Relying on fringe groups to advise on the fishing industry is akin to asking the fox to advise on hen house security.”
mako magic
Posts: 5785
Date Joined: 03/08/05
extremely good outcome,
extremely good outcome, atleast now you can head out with aaron still and get into them again.
Over east all the game fishing clubs will surely be celebrating this one indeed
big john
Posts: 8786
Date Joined: 20/07/06
Good result
Yeah a good result for sure.
Love that last line in the ministers reply.;)
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