BFCA calls for government's marine policy

The Boating and Fishing Council of Australia (BFCA) is calling on the Gillard Government to release its policy on a number of key issues that will affect rec fishos.

In a statement released today the BFCA is calling for:

• A guarantee from Labor that the legislated targets of a minimum of 30 per cent "no take" areas per bioregion by 2012 proposed as policy by the Australian Greens will not be agreed to;
• Labor must clearly dispel the concern that they are adopting policy based on ‘percentages’ and not ‘representative areas’ as agreed at international forums;
• Agree that all future decisions that lockout fishers from the marine environment be based on credible rigorous and agreed science;
• That the social and economic ramifications of displacement, eventuating from decisions associated with closures, Marine Protected Area’s, no-take zones, fully protected areas etc, be honestly and seriously considered;
• That full open consultation occur well before decisions are made
• That the Government appoint a standalone Minister for Fisheries and/or a Parliamentary Secretary;
• That the Labor Government continue to be committed to the Recreational Fishing Ministerial Round Table / Advisory Reference Group and a properly funded and appropriately structured representativebody for recreational fishers;
• That a greater level of reinvestment back to our respective sectors be evidenced as a proportion of the revenue generated by our sectors for the Australian economy;
• That the Labor Government take on board international models like those in the USA that deliver a more balanced and substantive policy outcome for communities, fishers, boaters, industry and the environment, and;
• That the opportunity for Australians of all ages to continue to engage in recreational fishing activities be a major priority for a Labor Government.

BFCA spokesman Dean Logan stated, “There is no doubt the Labor party Green preference announcement is potentially leaking massive amounts of votes around the country and the battle lines are now drawn for Labor to now come clean on policy.

“5 million recreational fishers many of whom live in marginal coastal seats - and 80% of boat owners who fish - deserve to know what Labor's policy is sooner rather than later,” concluded Logan.

Fisho contacted a federal government spokesman this afternoon for comment on these issues. We will keep you informed of any response.