ALL RECREATIONAL FISHERMEN
by Darian ~ March 9th, 2010Matters in relation to zoning for the Encounter Marine Park Marine Park (15) are progressing very quickly with the Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) setting what could be described as somewhat unrealistic deadlines for consultation on the premise that everyone has skilled, quick and easy access to the internet and WWW. There are now some important deadlines to meet.
Despite assurances that there would be no ‘carry over’ from the earlier historic zoning proposals we remain cautious that much of the semi protected waters, especially off Normanville and Carrickalinga are still earmarked for a no fishing zone and that without strong and rational representation they will be lost to recreational fishing.
DEH is now asking for information to input into its South Australian Marine Parks Information Tool (SAMPIT). This tool asks you to indicate cells on a map where you fish and what species you target. If you have access to the WWW you can find the SAMPIT site at the following hyperlink http://www.envapps.sa.gov.au/marineparks/sampit.html (please let me know if you provide any information to the SAMPIT).
If we do not indicate to the DEH before 31 March 2010 in what areas we have recreational fishing interests then there is a strong possibility that they will become ‘no fishing zones’ especially if ‘the public’ has not indicated their interest in them for recreational boating and fishing. You are strongly encouraged to indicate your fishing areas from Sellicks Beach to Cape Jervis for input into the SAMPIT.
As the representative to the DEH Marine Park 15 Local Advisory Group I have requested that the DEH provide an information and support session on the use of SAMPIT. DEH has kindly offered to do this on Wednesday 17 March 2010 commencing 7.30 pm at the Yankalilla Council Chambers, 1 Charles Street, Yankalilla (bottom of Yank Hill). DEH will also provide back ground information and answer any questions you may have going forward.
As many of our group as possible are urged to attend this session. We will also provide assistance to input data onto a hard copy of the SAMPIT. In addition I will coordinate a collective group input into the SAMPIT based on your local knowledge provided to me. Any SAMPIT information completed individually on the night can be made immediately available to DEH.
In addition I have asked for some financial support to post a hard copy of the SAMPIT sheet to all of our Group’s members. DEH has positively responded and will reimburse the cost of postage on a once off mail-out of SAMPIT information.
If you cannot access the SAMPIT website please fill in the hard copy which is being posted to you very soon and return to me at PO Box 2087, Normanville, 5204 before the end of the month. If you can attend, please bring your hard copy of the SAMPIT to the meeting.
Please note that Ross Manthorpe has kindly offered to assist me in coordinating our group, so in my absence he will maintain any communication and support.
Whilst the support of the DEH is gratefully acknowledged to assist with mail out and venue hire for the information session, we do have some costs associated with previous and subsequent mailing to members not on the internet, as well as the hard copy of the SAMPIT. A gold coin (or small denomination) donation would be very helpful if you can attend any of our meetings.
Regards
John H Humphrys
(H) 8558 2353 Mob) 0427 167 206