Last week’s editorial on environmental flows and its impact on fishing certainly ignited a spirited discussion on our Facebook page.
As part of our opinion piece, we examined how current water management practices impact on how we fish and where we fish. Critical issues such as cold water pollution, black water events and bank erosion all play a role in this debate.
Our article was described by some of you as “one-sided” and “biased.” And we agreed.
We also agreed that environmental flows can be an “effective fishery management tool” and that the method is still a “young science”, as one of our readers pointed out.
But we are committed to gaining a better understanding of government policy when it comes to e-flows and fish outcomes.
Our editorial was designed to generate a conversation among anglers, communities and the relevant agencies on how e-flows can directly, or indirectly impact on our sport.
Well, it did. The conversation has started and we think it’s long overdue.
DPI Fisheries has acknowledged our need for more engagement and has invited me to be a part of a consultative process that aims to help NSW recreational fishers to better understand environmental flows and their impacts on fish.
I’m now a member of the newly formed Engaged Fishers within the Murray-Darling Basin focus group which has been set up to build awareness and interest of recreational fishers on environmental flows.
I join a core group of other highly engaged and well informed anglers who will provide advice to DPI Fisheries on how to better communicate the role and purpose of e-flows for fish outcomes.
I will aim to provide you, the angler with information from DPI Fisheries and other government body’s on the reasons for environmental flows. Social Fishing will become a hub for information on this topic. As we aim to keep you informed on not only what is happening but why!
Keep an eye out for updates on this issue along with regular progress reports from the Engaged Fishers focus group. There will also be a survey coming soon where you as an anglers can have your say!
Rhys Creed
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