Push for rec-only Pittwater needs angler support

AS previously reported by Fishing World, a Sydney-based group is lobbying for Pittwater, north of the city, to be proclaimed a recreational fishing haven.

With the issue making page 3 news in last weekend's Sydney Morning Herald, spokesman for the Angler's Action Group, Andrew Tiede is renewing the push for support for the proposal from Sydney's fishos. A petition has so far been signed by 3500 supporters and delivered to Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson.

Tiede says the group's goal is to secure 5000 petition signatures by February 2012, in the lead up to a final decision on the issue expected some time around April.

A commercial fishing closure on Pittwater is also supported by local MP Robert Stokes and Pittwater Council.

There are currently 86 commercial licence holders in the area, although only a fraction of that are believed to still operate on Pittwater due to ever dwindling fish stocks making the effort unviable. Concerns have also been raised that commercial fishing boats spread the noxious underwater weed caluerpa toxifilia in the waterway, resulting in the killing off natural sea grasses and damaging fish "nurseries".

Pittwater's commercial fishers say they are fishing sustainably on Pittwater and anglers just want the waterway to themselves.

To support the petition download a hard copy HERE.

The AAG also urges supporters to email Minister Hodgkinson and let her know why you think Pittwater should become a recreational fishing haven.