The NSW Council of Freshwater Anglers (CFA) held a Fishing for the Future conference at Jindabyne’s Gaden Trout Hatchery on 8 March, bringing together 50 stakeholders from the recreational fishing community, government agencies, and environmental organisations to discuss the future of freshwater recreational fishing and fisheries management. The NSW Council of Freshwater Anglers is the peak body for recreational freshwater fishing organisations in NSW and the ACT.
The conference was held in the new visitor centre at the NSW Government’s Gaden Trout Hatchery on the Thredbo River at Jindabyne, overlooking the hatchery breeding ponds and the newly expanded hatchery facilities.
The Fishing for the Future conference highlighted the need for improved communication strategies, enhanced conservation efforts, angler engagement and stronger advocacy to secure community support, long-term funding and more effective government policy.
Importance to regional economies
According to the latest data from the Federal Government’s Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, in NSW and the ACT, recreational fishing contributed an estimated $4.07 billion to the economy in 2019-20, and 33,995 full-time equivalent jobs. This included $2.41 billion and 18,428 jobs in Greater Sydney, $190 million and 1,502 job in the ACT, and $1.47 billion and 14,065 jobs in regional NSW. Much of this activity is not directly generated by fishing, but is the result of the flow-on effects fishing generated in other parts of the economy – for example, jobs in charter and guided fishing, sales of fishing equipment, tackle and bait, and in accommodation and retail businesses used by recreational fishers when on fishing trips. Recreational fishing is one activity that helps spread city dollars into rural areas.
Enhanced conservation and habitat restoration
The conference highlighted how conservation and habitat restoration can ensure a sustainable freshwater fishery. Such projects demonstrate that responsible fish stocking and stream restoration not only improve waterway habitat, but also benefit anglers, land owners and local business communities.
This requires a collaborative approach with local communities to ensure long-term sustainability and involvement at a grassroots level.
Advocacy for policy and funding
The need for continued NSW and Commonwealth government funding for conservation projects was identified as a priority. Attendees called for greater government accountability and action on issues such as pest species incursions, endangered species listings and environmental management.
Strengthening communication and engagement
Recreational fishers need a clear strategy to engage policy makers to highlight the social and economic importance of sustainable fisheries.
The conference discussed the need for professional marketing and communication to anglers, the government and the wider community to boost engagement and also to secure corporate partnerships.
Social media is evolving and is expanding beyond traditional platforms like Facebook to reach younger demographics. A key discussion centred the importance of social media, email newsletters and other channels to better engage with recreational fishers about projects funded through their licence fees.
Revitalising membership and organisational structures
The conference discussed the need to overhaul representational and membership structures of volunteer fishing organisations to attract and retain members, including through inclusive and direct membership models to engage a wider and younger audience. This included the need for a critical review of the CFA’s own structure to enhance its effectiveness in representing freshwater anglers.
Commitment to natural resource management projects
Attendees agreed on the importance of dedicated natural resource management projects to enhance habitat restoration and sustainability. A strong consensus emerged on the need for successful and visible demonstration projects to support funding applications and community support.
Government collaboration and policy advocacy
While working with government agencies presents challenges, the conference underscored the importance of advocacy and persistent lobbying. Calls were made for a stronger, more unified voice to ensure that freshwater fishing interests are well-represented in policy discussions.
Gary Bickford, President of the NSW Council of Freshwater Anglers said ‘The conference underscored the importance of collaboration between recreational anglers, conservationists, policy makers, regional councils and local businesses to secure the future of Australia’s fisheries. By leveraging improved communication, strengthening environmental initiatives, and advocating for sustained funding, the recreational fishing community is committed to working with the community to ensure long-term sustainability and growth of our freshwater fisheries.’
