G at Australian Seachange Newsletter

Transcription

Seachange
Newsletter
Edition 7
July 2009
G
at Australian
Contents:
Editorial
International Results
Benefits 10% discounts
Qld & Australian records
Competitions
What makes a Champion?
State news
Media Releases
Safety
AUF Mission: Bring Sport, Conservation and Awareness to the Underwater World
Editorial
Welcome to edition 7 of Seachange.- the newsletter for members of the Australian Underwater
Federation Spearfishing Commission. This issue is packed with information, issues and results and
photos from the recent Interpacific Championships in Australia and the South African National
Championships invitation- the Australian teams won both events- Congratulations. Also great to see a
large number of new Spearfishing national records- many from Juniors and ladies.
Change always occurs in sport and life. We have had a great few years with growth of sustainable
Spearfishing, membership, increased profile of the AUF and associated businesses. We are now at a
crossroads – questions are being asked - should spearfishers continue their affiliation with the AUF or
go it alone? – one of our state bodies the USFA (AUF NSW) has strong opinions and has proposed a
split from the AUF. See their press release. I will continue to talk to individuals, clubs, state Chairs
and USFA about issues, options and outcomes for the best interests of all Australian spearfishers.
The global recession makes for tough times for all of us- divers think twice before purchasing new
gear or going on dive trips- some have or will sell their boats and some will even question the small
amount of money for membership of the AUF Spearfishing. Small businesses are in tough times and
this will and has impacted on sponsorship. In tough times we should be able to help each other and
have loyalty and trust. So I ask you to support the businesses that support the AUF and remember
they offer 10% discounts (see adds below) and keep up your membership so we can support you
There is another huge threat to our sport- The Coral Sea has now been declared a Conservation area
and the Green groups have huge funding (over $1 million from Pew) and lobbying power to declare
no fishing zones. I have been very fortunate to dive the Coral Sea and it has clear water and amazing
fish and shark life and Australian spearfishers would be devastated if we are denied access to this
“Everest” of spearfishing. The AUF Spearfishing
has very limited funds but will work with other
If (WHEN) some of the Coral Sea is made
fishing groups (particularly Recfish Australia)
into a sanctury then the capture of prized
and Government to determine our most
pelagic species such as this magnificiant
important areas, the issues and try and
Dogtooth Tuna will not be possible for
maximise access for current and future
Australian spearfishers
recreational spearfishers. If you wish to help you
can send a letter to your Minister or donate
funds.
What can you do to help current and future
spearfishers have access to these fish in the
Coral Sea?
The AUF National body has been working on national insurance and an online membership systems.
For more information see the AUF media release or check the system at www.auf.com.au. Also see
th
th
the media release for the 60 anniversary of AUF\USFA on 19 September.
How are we doing as an organisation representing spearfishers? I am keen to receive feedback and
work with all to continue to improve our sport. If you are happy or dissatisfied with the volunteer
management of the AUF Spearfishing at national, state or local level let us know what you can do to
help.
There are a few people who put in enormous effort to make a difference- I would particularly like to
acknowledge Alastair MacNeil and his team for their outstanding commitment as Convenor and
Manager Interpacific team for the recent competition in WA – well done.
Dr Adam Smith, National Chair (Spearfishing)
BENEFITS FOR AUF MEMBERS
SPEARING THE MENU- 15 % discount
Spearing the Menu, Australia’s first spearfishing television program, is now available on DVD with a
15 per cent discount being offered to AUF members. The two-disc DVD set contains all seven
episodes from the first series.
Interpacific- Dunsborough WA April 2009
Report by Ali MacNeill – Australian team manager
The end of April and beginning of May saw four extremely talented teams of divers arrive in
Dunsborough, Western Australia, at various times from the countries of New Zealand, Hawaii, Tahiti
and host country Australia.
New Zealand being very keen and with a large entourage, arrived first. They headed down to the
South West of WA and settled into the Dunsborough Lakes Caravan Park, where we would all
eventually stay. New Zealand had a strong line up with Duane Herbert (Runner up at the Australian
Nationals, Colin Smith, Ian Warnock (very seasoned competition divers) and a young enthusiastic
and competent, Julian Hansford and Herb as Manager. Whilst New Zealand began their scouting of
areas, thankfully our young and extremely experienced Drew Fenney (Australian Team) arrived early
also and was able to scout and keep an eye on our Kiwi rivals!
Next to arrive to our shores was the laid-back and very talented Hawaiians, their team consisted of
Mark Healey Marnie Zukevich, Kapono Zukevich, GR Tarr and Manager Bill Ernst. Their priority was
to travel north for five hours by car and then travel by boat for a further 3 hours to the famous
Abrolhos Islands. Dave Bay, a local spearfisherman was kind enough to look after the Hawaiian team
throughout their stay. The team enjoyed diving at the islands and were able to shoot some
magnificent Spanish Mackerel and some great bottom fish. After two days, they returned to Perth to
get the low-down about the competition areas, and after providing them with information, fish ID
books and charts of the area (which they were to share with New Zealand!), they departed to
Dunsborough.
I was to receive a phone call a couple of days later asking, “What was the record for WA Dhufish?”
Kapono had been scouting at Hamelin Bay with his team mates, when during the day, he had seen a
fish; large, just like a grouper back home. At the end of the day, after not shooting any fish they
decided that the rules would be to shoot a fish for meals. Kapono was confident he had the correct
landmarks for this “grouper”, so he returned to the exact cave where he then shot an amazing 21kg
West Australian Dhufish, one of the biggest shot in nearly 8 years, and certainly a fish that very few
divers have ever shot!
Saturday evening of the 25th April saw the ever-talented and humble Tahitians arrive at Perth
International Airport. I greeted the team of Lai lau Amatahiapo , Joel Drollet, Tepou Nehemia, Teva
Monta and their captain, Romuald Montagon. The language barrier was going to be a problem, so I
was fortunate in locating an interpreter Tony Pelleau through the Dunsborough Outdoor Sportz
Centre (Damo Lane was very crucial in many aspects for making this event a great success). It took
the very tired team a mammoth 22 hours to travel from Tahiti to Perth and after collecting luggage
and equipment it was on to the IBIS hotel in Perth! It took a lot of explaining (mainly sign language!)
to explain to the Tahitians why there were so many people in the city centre that day dressed in
military uniforms, with smiling faces and in party mode . Later in the week, through or interpreter,
we were able to explain to them that it was ANZAC Day celebrations (Australian and New Zealand
Army Corp – who served during World War 1). On behalf of all countries competing, we
acknowledge the ANZACS and thank them for the sacrifices they made so that we can live in a great
free country.
Sunday saw the Tahitians heading to AQWA to look at the magnificent aquarium and familiarise
themselves with our fish species. After many extra hours driving, the Tahitian along with Jorma
Merilainen another local spearfisherman who also came for the week to look after them, the team
arrived in Dunsborough in the late hours of Sunday night.
Monday morning 8.00am saw the Australian contingent meet together and head off to do our own
respective reconnaissance of the competition sites. The Aussie Team had a powerful line up,
consisting of 3 times Australian Champion, Arnie Piccoli (also the oldest member of our team!), Drew
Fenney from Victoria, and experienced local divers with national and international experience, Dave
Sutcliffe and Derek Dufall. The team could not have achieved its success without the support of a
young and keen local diver Cameron Neilsson - his commitment to the team spirit was greatly
appreciated. Thanks also to a young Jordan MacNeill who ably assisted throughout the tournament,
the organisers and all countries.
The next two days saw teams scouting areas, divulging little but
wanting to know everything! We had a great opening ceremony at
Damo’s shop and we were thankful to the Fisheries Department
of WA who came to assist with fish ID and explain fishing rules to
our visiting countries. Unfortunately the weather forecast for the
second day of competition predicted swell, peaking at 4.7metres
during the day. A decision had to be made. The managers and
captains decided to bring the competition forward by one day and
although it was unfortunate, it was a mutual consensus. All teams
had at least one scouting day at each of the sites. Hamelin Bay
was Day One’s location and Day Two (big swell day) was to be
Canal Rocks. If the competition had to be cancelled on the day, we
could then consider Friday as an alternative or head to the backup location of Eagle Bay.
Wednesday morning saw us all head down to the picturesque
Hamelin Bay where conditions were good with a small swell, but
rising throughout the day with a light South Westerly blowing. As
teams prepared themselves, safety boat drivers deliberated about
launching and retrieving boats later in the day. 8.00am saw the
start of the 24th Inter Pacific Spearfishing Championships and
oddly enough, at this point in time, only a couple of divers and not
one onlooker had questioned the fact that we were swimming in
the Indian Ocean! Four countries and two pairs per country
headed off at great pace to start the day. Seven pairs headed off
to the south-west and one Hawaiian pair headed to the northwest. After an hour the safety boats located their divers. Divers
were in very close proximity to each other and had swum 2.5kms
out to sea to secure what was meant to be the great spot. Fish
seen on previous days were not there on competition day, as is
the nature of fishing. However, some good fish were landed and
the divers continued for a further five hours, swimming and
hunting for species. The day ended well, once we were able to
On behalf of the Western
Australian Spearfishing
Commission and the
Australian Underwater
Federation I would like to
give you some great
comments I received
today from Foodbank (An
Australian Without
Hunger).
"Dear Alastair, please
accept this
correspondence as one
of sincere appreciation
for your members of your
association from the
donation of fish from the
two recent competitions.
Since the inception of
Foodbank South West
(21st September, 2004)
this is the first time we
have had fresh fish to put
on the menu for those in
need. The charitiable
Organizations, being
recipients (Welfare
Agencies) have
expressed their gratitude
to us."
Thank you to all
competitors and helpers
from the National
Spearfishing
Championships and the
24th InterPacific
AUF Mission: Bring Sport, Conservation and Awareness to the
Underwater World
Spearfishing
Championship, for
helping people in need. A
special mention to Simon
retrieve all the boats. We then returned to the Dunsborough Lakes Caravan Park for the weigh in,
but were somehow missing the Tahitian Team as they decided to stop and have a beer at the
Karridale Tavern! Eventually, the weigh in took place. Some great fish were presented, including
Dhufish to 13kg, Samson Fish, Harlequin Fish, Queen Snapper, Black Drummer and Breaksea Cod.
The day’s result was Australia leading, followed by a close and competitive New Zealand , Tahiti and
Hawaii.
On Day 2, managers and captains headed off early to check out conditions at Canal Rocks. We knew
that the swell was going to rise from 1.5 metres to 4.7 metres during the day. Conditions looked
good with no wind, so we decided that we should continue. Managers phoned the contingent at the
caravan park to awake and prepare divers.
Upon returning, the divers prepared themselves for the second day of competition. The swell was
definitely rising and there was a big suck up and down the beach. After the divers left, in smoky
conditions (a result of CALM doing some back burning), the task of launching boats took place.
Eventually, after a bit of grief, all boats on the hour headed to locate their divers. Australia, New
Zealand and Hawaii sent divers to the west, while Tahiti went north-west and the remaining four
pairs raced to the Indicators.
As the day progressed, the swell rose considerably, but all teams fished productively. Again great fish
were found including, Samson Fish, Dhufish, Salmon, Flathead and Queen Snapper. Our boys dived
very well, with Arnie and Drew working out deep in 20 to 30 metres and Dave and Derek worked in
the surgy shallows and white water. Today was going to be a very successful day for the Aussie
Team. The wind didn’t pick up during the day, but some divers found the smoky conditions a little
awkward for breathing. After six hours of teams working extremely hard in conditions that were
deteriorating throughout the day all divers returned and the task of retrieving boats began once
again. Earlier in the competition, one of the observer’s boats returned early as they had a disastrous
time tyring to get their boat up. After the propellor at high speed, it hit the concrete ramp when the
water sucked away and the boat was bakento heavy, the final repair bill came in at $7000! The
remaining four boats came in unscathed thanks to the assistance of all divers. Everyone was now
talking and sharing stories and experiences that had unfolded during the day.
At the final weigh in, some great fish were once again presented. The spirit and atmosphere around
the caravan park was of laughter, awe for some of the public and in particular the great appreciation
from Foodbank, the agency who gladly accepted all the fish we had wanted to donate to people and
families in need. We later received a letter from Foodbank thanking us for the fish and
acknowledging the great work the Australian Underwater Federation had done in running such a
great event. Since Foodbank’s inception, no other fishing organisation had ever donated fresh fish to
them, so we want to extend thanks to all teams for their efforts.
The
final weigh-in saw Australia present a magnificent catch to dominate Day 2 and convincingly win the
competition. Tahiti and New Zealand were neck-a-neck on the last day with Hawaii only just behind.
Many photos were taken that afternoon as we all relaxed with a beer to reflect on a great week. The
spirit, rivalry and friendly nature in which the competition proceeded was a credit to all countries
and the many volunteers who assisted, making the event a huge success.
The following two days saw some divers head out to try and catch a Dhufish before they headed
home to their native country, while others explored the great location and wineries of the
Augusta/Margaret River region. The final presentation night was held at Rivendell Winery, where a
magnificent three course meal was served, stories were exchanged, traditional bantering between
Australia and New Zealand continued, Hawaiians appeared as relaxed as ever and the Tahitians’ sang
and played their musical instruments to the pleasure of everyone.
Final Placings
Place
Country
% Score
1st
Australia
200%
2nd
New Zealand
173%
3rd
Tahiti
154.2%
4th
Hawaii
125.8%
South African National Titles and 1 Day International
Between South Africa, the SAUFF Team and Australia.
As a preamble to a story about a great week of diving I would like to set the scene.
During World Titles in Venezuela In October 2008, the South Africans invited Australia to attend
their National Championships and a 1 day International, early in May 2009.
The competition area, Southern KwaZulu/Natal, from Hibberdene to Port Edward, had also been
proposed as the venue for the 28th CMAS World Titles in 2012.
This would be an opportunity for Australia to scout and acquire valuable information in the lead
period to the 2012 World Titles.
We were already committed as hosts to the Inter Pacific in WA late in April 2009.
Due to the tight schedule we selected two teams, one for each competition.
Hi Adam,
Just a short message to say that we've
had a wonderful time in South Africa. We
had great conditions, great fishing, and
at the end of the day we managed to put
our act together and win the One Day
International.
Kind Regards,
Tony, Graham, Ric & Rob
Tony Heugh, Rick de Vries, Graham Carlisle and Rob Wills arrived in Durban, South Africa, early
on 2 May.
After a brief stopover at the Dive Factory, where we borrowed weights and plastic bins for our
gear, we travelled south in a double cab, kindly on loan to us from top South African diver, Gyula
Plaganyi.
On the 3rd we travelled north to Rocky Bay, where we were loaned the use of a large semi-rigid
rubber duck from Mark Addison of Blue Wilderness. Mark, renowned internationally for shark
tours and conservation, showed us some great spots and we were able to acquaint ourselves
with many of the varied fish species. We are all much indebted to Mark and hid wife, Gail, for
making their excellent facilities available to us during these championships.
Later on the 3rd, we attended the sign on function and captains meeting at the Shelly Beach Skiboat Club, a fantastic venue virtually on the beach with launching facilities.
On the 4th we headed down the coast to the southernmost competition area and launched off
the beach at Port Edward. We had been kindly sponsored a very nice new 15 foot Cat by Ryan
Hanson of Ski-Vee boats. This great little boat was ideally suited to our needs and came decked
out with Australian team signage.
This was to be the first of two days of SA individuals and each diver was to weigh in his/her own
fish, to determine the SA individual champion. The score sheet was interesting, 1 point per
kilogram up to a maximum of 5 points per species, fish weighed to the nearest lower 100 grams
after being gutted and gilled, bonus points for each species on a scale of 1 to 5, a maximum of
10 fish allowed for each diver.
We had managed to source weigh points from local divers and Graham who had only recently
immigrated to Australia and knew the area. We headed to the northern part of the area where
we were greeted with murky water - Graham told us not to be disheartened as often the less
dense freshwater from the rivers formed a layer over clean water. It turned out to be clear
water under a layer of 2 meters of mud and we found some good sized Bronze Bream in
relatively shallow water and Graham also boated a nice Catface Rockcod in this area.
Next we headed wide and deep where we dived in 20 to 25 meters for the rest of the day.
Graham speared some good fish which included Baardman, Rubberlip, Spade Fish and
Englishman. Rick and Rob speared Bumphead, Knifejaw and Scotsman and I finished off the day
with a nice Yellow Belly Rockcod.
The weigh in took place at the Port Edward Ski-boat Club and the day was Gyula's with an
impressive bag of great fish. Graham had done well with 9 weighers and was in the running with
a top 4 or 5 placing for the day.
Next day we were to travel north for a competition off Scottborough. We launched at Rocky
Bay. After some years away from SA surf launching conditions we were happy to have great
conditions for the early days of the competition - unlike Australia where we are fortunate to
have great launching facilities, the guys in SA have to launch off the beaches with 4 wheel
drives, tractors and winches. Timing is essential and one has to be patient in waiting for a lull or
break in the sets of waves before making a break for the open water behind the surf zone. The
SA guys knew their stuff and we all made it out for the start of another great day at sea.
The Aussies had an average day and were humbled by a great catch of fish by Southern Natal A
diver, Broderick Whittaker. Gyula of Natal A was to placed second overall behind Boland A
diver, James Lawson-Smith. 50 Divers weighed in and the Aussie contingent was holding their
own with credible placings for Graham 11th, Tony 19th, Rob 22nd and Rick 26th.
A strong frontal weather system had developed and we did not dive on the 6th. After hard deep
diving of nothing under 20 meters on the previous day, we were glad for an opportunity to thaw
out and rest. During the day a strong wind arrived with a thunderstorm at the head of a front,
followed by torrential rain and the rivers soon filed and spilled silt laden water into the southern
competition areas. We were treated to a braai/barbacue at the Shelly Beach Ski-boat Club in
the evening. We had a great array of local cosine with putu pap, boerewors, salads and the local
beer brews were taking to our liking.
Next was to be the team’s event on the 7th. Due to torrential rains in the south, the venue was
again moved to the northern zone. For this event individual scores were not an issue and the
teams focused on landing 30 high point scoring weighers from 3 divers. We were not allowed to
rotate divers so reserves spent their time manning the boats and sorting the fish into categories
according to points. We were allowed a maximum of 3 fish per species.
Soon after the competition start, we dived in deep water wide of Scottborough and boated a
couple off good fish. I had just allowed a large Cape Knifejaw to tangle me up in a cave and had
had a stressful time sorting my spearline out when Graham surfaced behind me and shouted for
everyone to jump onto the boat. It turned out he had dived to see fish scatter and upon
reaching the bottom a large Great White had approached him from behind and followed him to
the surface in a somewhat erratic behaviour.
After a quick team talk we decided 'discretion to be the better part of valour' and retreated to
resume or efforts elsewhere. Before our departure we notified a couple of the other teams in
the area. Notably Natal A stuck it out for a while, didn't see the shark and to their credit, won
the day.
I speared a Spanish Mackerel early in the day but had placed a dodgy high shot, so asked the
Rob to round up the others who helped to land the fish. We were lucky to save the fish from a
persistent Bull shark - thumbs up for a team effort - we were starting to show signs of good
things to come!
The weigh in was at Mark's Blue Wilderness facilities - in this day and age where prejudice
against spearfishing is rife, it was a pleasant surprise to find ourselves welcomed by an
essentially scuba diving outfit. Mark and Brent are of the belief that spearos are not villains of
the sea, but rather extreme sportsman willing to brave big surf and test the elements in quest of
a fair contest for a feed of fish. No more than 10 fish per diver at one fish per species was the
rule for each day of the competition.
Most of the teams did not manage to fill their quota for the day and the Australians managed to
weigh in 25 fish between 3 divers for a credible 6th place out of 18 teams.
Due to strong winds the 2nd team event day was cancelled and we all took some well earned
rest on the 8th. During the evening I attended the annual AGM for the SAUFF at the Shelly
Beach Ski-boat Club. The meeting was well attended and I noted a reminder in the brochure for
the Champs, 'that all members should attend'.
I took time to reflect upon the poor attendance at Australia's AGM's and the hope that we can
take a keener interest in our sport in the future. Brent mentioned that the SAUFF was struggling
to get membership interest outside of competition divers - likewise the AUF is struggling with a
core membership of keen competition divers and needs numbers to be truly representative as
the peak body for spearfishermen from all walks in Australia - it might be a way for us to
combine efforts to improve membership interest in our respective organisations into the future.
The 9th dawned, the day scheduled for the 1 day International between the host, South Africa,
The SAUFF team and Australia. So far we had been diving 6 hour competitions. Strong winds
had been forecast for the day - after an early briefing, during which the teams decided on a 4
hour competition, we launched at Rocky Bay and headed for a central meeting point off
Scottborough. We'd had plans to dive some distant locations, but due to a shorter format and
rough conditions, decided to dive a similar location to the one where Graham had sighted the
Great White 2 days earlier. This proved to be a good decision as the South African A team
wasted time getting to a distant location and did not give themselves enough time to spear
enough fish to win in the shorter duration competition. The SAUFF team were not fairing much
better. They had elected to dive the deep Scottborough area closer inshore, where we had
been in the Interprovincial competition 2 days earlier.
We dived 4 spots without moving too far and spent a lot of time in the water, bringing in quality
high point scoring fish at a steady rate most of the day, but did not land much during the last
hour of the competition. Rick left a reelgun in a cave after his spear was stuck and his reel
jammed - he cold not let out line and did not have the puff to cut the spearline. In hindsight we
should have visited a 5th spot an hour before the end - instead we stayed on the fish we had at
our 4th spot.
We had about 23 fish in the bag for the day and were not at all confident of our fortunes when
we beached. however it soon became apparent that the other teams had not done particularly
well either. I walked into the weigh in area confronted by a large Black Muscle Cracker speared
by SA captain, James Lawson-Smith - the most prized fish and envy of all the spearos who had
attended the 4 days of competition diving! A great fish worthy of recognition and for a
moment I had a feeling of being done yet again. Upon collecting my thoughts I noticed 3 crates
of fish and recognised ours as the middle one - also the fish looked heavier and more numerous
in that crate. A moment later I looked up and the story in the expressions was told - we had
won the day by an incredible stroke of fortune and some lucky decisions which went our way.
James's fish stole the show on the final day, but we were happy to take the honours for our
combined efforts, which included quality fish, amongst which were a Red Flush Cod, 2 large
Rubberlip, Santer, Englishman and Green Jobfish.
We can't say enough to thank our hosts, the Hibiscus Underwater Club, their Chairman who also
chairs the SAUFF, Brent Addison, his son Mark and the use of his facilities at Blue Wilderness in
Rocky Bay, the Shelly Beach Ski-boat Club for the use of their facilities, Gyula Plaganyi for the
use of his double cab ute, Ryan Hanson for the use of his boat, and so many others.
On behalf of the AUF and my fellow team members, Graham, Rick and Rob, I would like to
extend our sincere thanks for a great time in South Africa. We hope that in the not too distant
future, we can host a South African team on our shores.
We are also grateful to the AUF and its members for sponsoring us with $1000 towards our
expenses.
Tony Heugh.
More photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/robwills/sets/72157618134744636/
AUF diver focus – Tim Neilson
This is a new section so you can get to know the people who are making a difference.
Tim Neilsen has been Spearfishing for over 20 years , has achieved great results in Spearfishing
competitions all around Australia including winning the 1997 Australian Spearfishing Titles.
Tim has represented Australia at the inter-pacific championships and the world titles in Croatia and
is keen to offer his services as manager for the Australian Team in the upcoming titles in 2010.
Tim is off to Croatia this month to start preparations for next year. He is excited about the position
and is keen to do whatever it takes to give the Australian team its’ best possible chance.
Tim is also the owner of Australias largest Spearfishing store- ADRENO Spearfishing Supplies
& Dive Centre in, Brisbane.
Records Officer Report
Greg and Anthea Pickering
There have been 29 records processed this year with 3 more pending. Although not all are on the
website as yet, updates will be done shortly. The majority of records have been from Queensland
with the female records doing rather well. The largest fish being the Yellowfin Tuna caught by Keith
See Kee out from Shark Bay.
A 26.800kg Wahoo caught by Thomas Bateman (Junior Record) is a fabulous catch.
Wahoo
26.800kg
Thomas Bateman
Big-eye Trevally
3.067kg
Jayme-Lee Neilsen
High-fin Cod
2.430kg
Jayme-Lee Neilsen
Black Unicorn
1.639kg
Jayme-Lee Neilsen
Stripey Sea Perch
.770kg
Jayme-Lee Neilsen
Small-spotted Spinefoot
1.097kg
Jayme-Lee Neilsen
Golden-spotted Spinefoot
1.070kg
Jayme-Lee Neilsen
Purple Rock Cod
2.150kg
Jayme-Lee Neilsen
Moses Perch
2.560kg
Bryson Sheehy
Yellowfin Tuna
60.800kg
Keith See Kee
Red-bellied Fusilier
1.000kg
John Van Blanken
Small-eyed Paddle-tail Sea Bream
4.240kg
Bryson Sheehy
Tomato Coral Cod
2.952kg
Timothy McDonald
Red Emperor
12.840kg
Timothy McDonald
Marbled Rock Cod
5.830kg
Craig Whalley
Yellow-stripped Leatherjacket
.625kg
David Scholefield
Pickhandle Barracuda
6.850kg
Kate Saunders
Barcheek Coral Trout
4.410kg
Thomas Barnett
Rainbow Runner
1.500kg
Jayme-Lee Neilsen
Saddle-Tailed Sea Perch
6.780kg
Andrew Sprenger
Long Spot Coral Trout
9.170kg
Andrew Sprenger
One Spot Razorfish
.750kg
Michael Saunders
White Trevally
.680kg
Jayme-Lee Neilsen
Stripey Sea Perch
1.660kg
Brett Gamlin
Tarwhine
1.980kg
Warren Carter
One Spot Sea Perch
2.420kg
Adam Hansen
Sweetlip Emperor
4.750kg
Andrew Sprenger
Sawtail Surgeon Fish
2.075kg
Jayme-Lee Neilsen
Long Spot Coral Trout
8.800kg
Barry Paxman
Some house keeping. Please fill in all of your application. Some applications arrive incomplete and
this then takes time to follow up. Please be considerate by adding all you details. Also if you can
write a short story re how you caught your record I can then add it to the AUF Spearfishing website.
Greg and Anthea Pickering
QLD and Australian records updated
Copy from
Mick McDade
07 3269 4683
Diver tells of freak wave
capsize
Posted Wed May 6, 2009 1:46pm AEST
Updated Wed May 6, 2009 5:04pm AEST
The rescue boat returns to port with two men who were rescued off Ceduna on Tuesday
night. (West Coast Sentinel)
An abalone fisherman has spoken about his rescue off the coast of Ceduna in South
Australia after his boat capsized.
Greg Pickering was working with a deckhand about 20 kilometres offshore when a freak
wave struck late on Tuesday.
Mr Pickering says he was diving to about 12 metres when it happened.
"I'd been there for four hours and all of a sudden I just got pulled off the bottom and it just
kept pulling and pulling, 'cause I was on a dive hose that was connected to the boat," he
said.
"Then the air went off and I came up and the boat was upside down and the deckhand was
sitting on a capsized boat and he was okay."
The two men were found by rescue crews in a life raft about three hours later.
GREG’S ACCOUNT
Recently my Abalone boat was tipped over by a large wave while I was Abalone diving 25km’s off
Ceduna on the far West coast of South Australia. It could have been a very serious situation for my
deckhand and me but we were rescued very quickly due to safety procedures we had in place.
As the boat was up turned I had to make a number of dives to retrieve the safety gear including a
PAINS WESSEX 406 MHz EPIRB, flares and life raft.
The EPIRB worked extremely well and a spotter plane found us after 2 1/2 hours (it was dark by
then). We were safely tucked away in the life raft and as we heard the plane approaching we
operated the distress flares. The life raft carried virtually everything that we would need, food,
water, medications, torches etc. The sun went down and we avoided some exposure to the extreme
cold by being in the life raft.
However it was the EPIRB that was the real star of the show. All my contact details, had previously
been registered on line in Canberra. The signal was picked up almost immediately and my wife
Anthea was contacted to confirm that I was at sea on that particular day.
The State Emergency Service in Ceduna was contacted and within a short time a fixed wing aircraft
was getting ready to leave Ceduna airport, at the same time they put to sea in a 31’ Catamaran.
Once the position was pinpointed by the second satellite going overhead the plane left Ceduna to
locate us. The boat drove directly out to where the coordinates from the EPIRB indicated. The plane
spotted us and the boat arrived a short time later. Phil from the Canberra search and rescue office
was able to convey to my family at this time, that we were both well although the boat had rolled
over.
We were picked up after 3 hours, an amazing short time considering our position off the coast. The
S.E.S. is partly funded from boat registration fees (recently increased in S.A.) and it is money well
spent. I cannot emphasize how good these 406 MHz EPIRBs are. They are a vast improvement over
previously available ones (which only got the search area down to 5 square kms).
I think every spear fishing boat should have one of these 406 MHz EPIRB s considering some of the
remote areas being dived these days. I would like to thank the S.E.S. for their professional service at
all times. They are all volunteers and they deserve a heap of praise for their efforts.
We recovered the vessel, conducted a complete refit and are fishing again.
Marine parks may not be the
answer
WEDNESDAY, 15 APRIL 2009
Professor Colin Buxton is a leading marine expert and Director of the
Tasmanian Aquaculture & Fisheries Institute, University of Tasmania. He
offers the following opinion piece on the topic of marine parks:
The South Australian Government is planning to turn almost half of the
state’s waters into marine parks which in time will incorporate “no take”
sanctuary zones where commercial and recreational fishers will be banned
from entering. On the surface, the concept of marine park protection
appears to have merit in preserving fish stocks and protecting the local
marine environment.
However, research funded by the Australian Government’s Fisheries
Research and Development Corporation indicates that there can actually
be side effects from the establishment of marine parks which can be
potentially devastating to the very fish stocks they aim to nurture. For
example, studies on some marine protected areas established in
Tasmania indicate that waters adjacent to “no take” sanctuary zones face
considerable pressure because of increased use from displaced fishers. As
a result, these adjacent areas are prone to serious damage through
overuse, potentially leading to a collapse in fish stocks. And while the SA
Marine Parks Act provides for displaced commercial fishing to be bought
out, this is not the case for recreational fishers, who will face extra fishing
pressure and competition for spots from their fellow recreationals who are
displaced because of the marine parks. If we are genuinely concerned for
the environment we must be concerned about the effect of marine
protected areas on the remainder of coastal waters.
The SA Government, commercial and recreational fishers have one thing
in common — they have the best interests of the state’s marine
environment at heart. Commonsense would dictate that the best way of
tackling this concern is to first identify any problem. However, to date the
Government has not detailed the existing threats to SA marine
ecosystems. If there are concerns with over-fishing, would it not be
better to focus our energies and scientific research on tackling these
problems head-on and across the whole state rather than to rely on a
network of marine parks to do the job? If we are genuinely concerned
about our marine environment how can we argue that only 46% should
be protected? To me this makes no sense and in fact implies that South
Australia’s fisheries management is not doing its job — despite being
independently accredited as best practice. Commercial and recreational
fishers have been vocal in their opposition to the excessive size of the
marine park outer boundaries planned by the Government. Quite rightly,
they argue that the marine parks are not based on addressing the real
threats to marine ecosystems and habitats, and are demonstrably not the
best way to manage fisheries.
The question also has to be asked as to why the Government would
deliberately exclude Adelaide’s metropolitan coastal area — which is so
obviously in need of protection — from its contentious marine parks
proposal? Is there an election coming up?
I believe that well-designed and managed marine parks can be a valuable
tool in the protection of specific marine habitat and can contribute to the
mitigation of properly identified threats. They are also especially valuable
as a baseline reference point for scientific study. But if the South
Australian Government is serious about protecting the marine
environment it should outline the specific threats to the marine species
and ecosystems before it confines 46% of the state’s coastal waters as
marine parks. It should also articulate how marine parks are going to
manage those threats. After all, if we all know the threats we can all work
together to solve the problems, which may or may not necessitate marine
parks, and importantly, may not need to exclude fisheries
Test your knowledge- How good are you with fish ID?
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
Small headed reef flathead
Fringe eyed flathead
Black flathead
Dusky flathead
Bar-tailed flathead
Year
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1987
1986
1985
1984
1983
1982
1981
1980
1979
1978
1977
1976
1975
1974
1973
1972
1971
1970
1969
1968
1967
1966
1965
1964
1963
1962
1961
1960
1959
1958
1957
1956
1955
1954
1953
Venue
Open
Dunsborough, WA
Arnold Piccoli
Wollongong, NSW
Paul Roso
Townsville, QLD
Adam Smith
Kangaroo Island, SA
Ian Puckeridge
Phillip Island, VIC
Robert Torelli
In our sport we respect our Australian Champions
Perth, WA
Arnold Piccoli
and those who represent our country. The list on
Ulladulla, NSW
Ian Puckeridge
the left contains some well known multiple
Magnetic Island, QLD Ken Picard
sporting champions
Rye, VIC
Andy Ruddock
Perth, WA
Ian Puckeridge
Nelson Bay, NSW
Ian Puckeridge
Hobart, TAS
Tim Nielson
Batemans Bay, NSW Ian Puckeridge
Kangaroo Island, SA
Robert Torelli
Townsville, QLD
Ian Puckeridge
Eden, NSW
Mark Colys
Perth, WA
Andy Ruddock
Wollongong, NSW
Robert Torelli
Hobart, TAS
Robert Torelli
Kangaroo Island, SA
Greg Pickering
Cairns, QLD
Andy Ruddock
Phillip Island, VIC
Robert Torelli
Perth, WA
Arnold Piccoli
Sydney, NSW
Paul Riorden
Swansea, Tas
Robert Torelli
Fleurieu , SA
Robert Muir
Tannum Sands, QLD cancelled
Warnanbool,Vic
Len Joyce
Perth, WA
Robert Muir
Eden, NSW
Heiki Nevala
Triabunna, Tas
Les Siemek
Minlaton, SA
Ralph Whalley
Cairns, QLD
Kevin Ranger
Port Fairy, VIC
Bob Hart
Margaret River, WA
David Hopkins
Bridport, TAS
Ralph Whalley
Nowra, NSW
Brian McKenna
Narooma, NSW
Les Siemek
Edithburgh, SA
Geoff Skinner
What makes a Champion?
Mackay, QLD
Allan Badger
Ocean Grove, Vic
Steve Duffy
Busselton, WA
Brian Bailey
"When considering the stature of an athlete or for
Shoal Bay, NSW
John Black
that matter any person, I set great store in certain
Maroochydore, QLD
Peter Kemp
qualities which I believe to be essential in addition to
San Remo, VIC
Ron Taylor
skill. They are that the person conducts his or her life
Kangaroo Is, SA
Ron Taylor
Denmark, WA
Ron Taylor
with dignity, with integrity, courage, and perhaps
Currarong, NSW
Ron Taylor
most of all, with modesty. These virtues are totally
Phillip Island, VIC
Ben Cropp
compatible
with
pride,
ambition,
and
Bicheno, TAS
John Black
competitiveness." Quote from Don Bradman
Tullebudgera, QLD
Bob Webb
Moonta Bay, SA
Roy Howell
Bremer Bay, W.A.
Bernie Harbour
Next event- 14 -21 Feb 2010- Victoria
Bermagui, N.S.W.
Barry May
Point Lonsdale, VIC
Barry May
Rapid Bay, SA
Frank Kirkham
Tweed
Heads
Ron
Cox Conservation and Awareness to the Underwater World
AUF Mission: Bring
Sport,
Australian Spearfishing
Champions
Open
USFA / AUF 60TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION DINNER
INFORMATION SHEET
To celebrate its 60th anniversary the USFA has hired the Whitlam Theatre at the Revesby Workers
Club for a reunion dinner to be held on Saturday 19th September 2009 commencing at 6.00 pm. Past
and present members and their guests are invited.
Tickets are now available at a cost of $65.00 per person (3 course dinner included). Tickets must be
pre-purchased and are not available on the night.
This is the same venue where the highly successful 50th Anniversary reunion was held. This event had
almost 400 past and present members travelling from all states and territories to attend. It is
advisable to book early to avoid disappointment as seating is limited.
There will be displays of diving memorabilia and historic equipment and a slide show presentation
featuring our early members and our association’s history. Don’t forget to bring along your old photo
albums and diving memorabilia or other items of interest. There will be prizes for the best decorated
tables and time for dancing and talking about the good old times.
A strong line-up of guest speakers will feature Ron Taylor, John Harding, Barry Andrewartha, Terry
Hagley (USFA Foundation Member) and Keynote Speaker Toni de Fina (Life member and past
President AUF).
The Revesby Workers Club has, on several occasions, been awarded with the prestigious Club of the
Year Award and is located adjacent to Revesby Railway Station. Access to car parking is via Blamey
Street (off River road) or Tarro Avenue (off Weston Street) and there is ample free parking for over
400 vehicles situated at the front and rear of the premises. There is easy access from Sydney Airport
by taking the South Western Motorway (M5) and using the River Road exit.
Come along and have a great night with great company, great food and a lot of great memories.
PS. Don’t forget your table decorations.
Tickets may be obtained from:
Mel Brown
Ph.
02 4283 2757
9 Narelle Crescent
Mob.
0412 494 186
WOONONA NSW 2517
Email
[email protected]
Great Australian Shark Count (Watch)
Key contacts if you want to get involved are:
National Michael Rupnik- [email protected] - 0400367424
National Adam Smith- [email protected] 0418726584
Or log your sightings online at www.auf.com.au
Please spread the word that we are doing our bit to understand the marine environment and sharks
We have put in letters to federal and state Ministers asking for additional funding to support the
GASC. You may wish to contact Peter Garrett (Environment Minister)
[email protected]
or Tony Burke (Fisheries Minister) [email protected] and let them know you support the
future of recreational fishers and divers and stewardship and community monitoring of sharks.
QLD REPORT
Retirement of a great bloke from Qld Chair- Thanks Dave
Dear Qld exec, clubs and members
As indicated at the recent AGM I wish to stand down as the Qld chair, but agreed to stay on in the
interim since there were no nominations and felt I may be able to help the new committee “settle in”.
Due to work and personal commitments I will be standing down from the Chairperson position
immediately. I will still make myself available to the SC committee of Shane, Craig, Anthony, and
Chad if needed but only in an advisory type role.
When I stepped in to the position over 5 years ago there really wasn’t a lot of guidance as to what the
role was, apart from a very broad duties statement. That statement has since become more detailed
(attached) as I have taken on tasks I felt were appropriate to those duties, and tasks I felt were
needed. In that time we were fortunate to have risk management training so as to develop a risk
assessment (attached) for spearfishing in Queensland. This risk assessment served to ensure me
that the tasks I was carrying out were the right ones, and also identified areas where the spearfishing
commission should be paying attention to. Many of these include: better communication with
members, education of non-spearfishers (and spearfishers), changing public perception, and
engaging with decision-makers better. This helped me in developing a strategic plan (attached) for
spearfishing in Qld, which I sought input from club contacts. A strategic plan is simply a plan of what
we want to achieve within certain time frames to help ensure the tasks and actions that are needed
are clearly identified, and that they are actually carried out. These tasks were what guided me in
setting up a committee based on types of tasks (eg communication), however the roles of each of the
committee members will probably evolve a little.
In the past 5 years I have written numerous articles, given many public talks and displays, spoken to
all types of media, met and worked with other stakeholder groups and representatives, met and
worked with environmental and fisheries managers from Qld and NSW, attended and chaired many
meetings – AUF and others, organized an annual Qld competition schedule, met and worked with
many other spearos from around Australia, collated and maintained state and club contact lists, have
been an integral member of the Great Australian Shark Watch project, promoted our activities at
every opportunity, assisted Qld members in representative duties where possible (eg. grants, team
shirts), created AUFQ links with research, as well as the many administrative developments
mentioned. I have had deputies during most of this period in Shane Morrison (Assistant – Nth) and
Kevin Chard (Assistant – Sth), who have been great to work with. However, many of these tasks are
now spread among the committee to make the load easier, to spread the knowledge of the
commission among several, and hopefully make being a part of the Spearfishing Commission more
enjoyable. I have also worked with the national AUF spearfishing executive over the years and with
the current professional leadership through Adam Smith, my job has benefited through learning and
adopting national approaches and initiatives.
I therefore would like to encourage somebody to nominate for the Spearfishing Chair position. If you
love spearfishing and working with others, have some basic computing skills and access to email,
have some political awareness, have a professional attitude, and feel you can devote 2-3 hours a
week to the role then you are ideal. I can honestly say that I have personally gained a lot from being
in the role: new friends, training, many new skills, travel, a sense of achievement and in helping make
a difference.
Please contact me if you wish to discuss or Judy Breeze ([email protected]) if you wish to
nominate.
Emerging future needs:

Review of AUFQ spearfishing rules and bylaws (need to be consistent with AUFQ constitution
and the national spearfishing rules where appropriate)
 Review of the risk assessment
 Develop policy on competition organisation (a guide using template docs and spreadsheets,
include sponsorship guidelines)
 Explore NEATFish competition accreditation.
 Policy on commission spending (in conjunction with AUFQ)
Also attached for your records are: the current AUFQ constitution, the current AUFQ Spearfishing
Bylaws, and a notice of competition eligibility in Qld as a result of the changes made to the AUFQ
constitution recently.
Cheers
David Welch Ph: 0414 897 490
NQ Titles 16/5/09
COMPETITOR
Total
Species
Total
Weight
Points
Percentage
6. Adam Smith/TSC
12
37.0
1570
100.0
13. Marc Richards/CUA
10
20.0
1200
76.4
16. Jake Boyd/TSC
8
30.0
1100
69.8
9. Kevin Ranger/CUA
7
19.6
896
57.1
11. Keith SeeKee/CUA
7
18.5
885
56.4
7. Dave Welch/TSC
7
18.0
880
56.1
21. Jason Coe/CUA
20. Matthew
Ludbrooke/TSC
7
17.2
872
55.5
6
15.7
757
48.2
19. Sid Caswell/CUA
5
13.0
630
40.1
12. David Williams/TSC
5
9.0
590
37.6
10. Shane Holley/CUA
3
21.5
515
32.8
3. Warren Faithful/CUA
4
11.0
510
32.5
17. Chris Ray/CUA
3
13.0
430
27.4
4. Andrea Severati/TSC
3
10.5
405
25.8
5. John Picard/TSC
3
10.0
400
25.5
2. Alan Banister/TSC
2
8.5
285
18.2
2
8.5
285
18.2
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
8. Stephen Menzies/TSC
1. Bob Malcolm/TSC
14. Michael PannachTSC
15. Will Evans/TSC
18. Joe Elams/CUA
Total fish = 94 Av 3kg
Total weight = 281 kg
Did not
weigh
Did not
weigh
Did not
weigh
Did not
weigh
94
281.0
Fish/diver hour = 0.23 fish
Nemrod results
Marc
Richards
Kevin
Ranger
Keith
SeeKee
Jason Coe
CUA
Adam Smith -1570
Jake Boyd - 1100
Dave Welch - 880
Matt Ludbrooke - 757
TSC 4307
1200
896
885
872
3853
QLD Calendar 2009
Jan
Feb
Nationals WA
14th-22nd
Mar
Apr
Bluewater Classic Easter 10th-13th
28th and 29th
May
Jun
Sat 16th May
Qld Titles
NQ Titles Townsville
6th-7th
AUFQ AGM 28th
Interpacific WA
Sun 17th
Vic state titles
27th apr-2nd may
Backup day
Eden Champs
7th-9th
Jul
Aug
6th-7th
Sep
Oct
Nov
Cloughy Challenge
Cairns Nemrod
Cairns Nemrod
12th and 13th
Sat 31st
Back up Date 7th
27th Club dive
Contacts
Craig Barnett
04 1774 1774
Dec
Queensland titles Report by Peter Muller
Queensland 2009 State Spearfishing Titles June 6 & 7 - Cape Gloucester
The 2009 Queensland spearfishing State titles, organised by the Mackay Down Under Skindiving
Club, were held over the Queens birthday long weekend on the 6 and 7th of June. Twenty-three
competitors from the Tweed Gold Coast, newly formed Curtis Coast (Gladstone), Mackay and
Townsville clubs nominated, with competitors staying at the Gloucester Eco Resort which is situated
on the tip of Cape Gloucester, to the north of Airlie Beach.
The competition began at first light on Saturday morning with a briefing at 6:30 am on the beach in
front of the resort. The dives were held at the Charity and Faith reefs, which are some 80 to 85 km to
the north of Cape Gloucester. Four boats from the Mackay club were used to transport divers to the
reef, with the trip taking around an hour and a half.
The conditions at Charity reef on Saturday were ideal, with calm seas and sunny blue skies and a day
time of temperature of 26 to 27°C. Winter had not yet set in and the water was still a mild 24°C, with
visibility of 10 to 15 m throughout the day. Boats arrived at Charity at 8:00 am with the 5 hour
competition beginning at 8:35. Charity is a small “C” shaped circular reef about 2 km in width with a
central lagoon.
Charity reef lived up to its name and turned on some good action providing divers with the full range
of fish. Trout were abundant with several divers weighing 3 trout species of a blue spot, leopard and
footballer and plenty of big blueys coming in as well, the best being a 10 kg monster captured by
local Bowen diver Clint Stoneham. Mackerel were about also with many sharky and several spanish
being taken. There was also a good range of parrot fish available with some divers spearing up to 5
species.
However day 1 went to Jake Boyd, also of Bowen, who set the pace by weighing an impressive
nineteen species. The ever perennial Adam Smith was close behind with seventeen species, but with
10 kg more weight than Jake, was to make up some of his lead. The nearest rivals of Craig Barnett
and Tony Heugh came in with 12 species each, which gave Jake and Adam a break of 35 percentage
points.
Sunday, day 2, had a similar start, however the competition was shortened to four hours and GTs
were also taken off the list. The boats headed out to Faith reef soon after 6:30 am for the quick trip
to the reef. A slight swell was running from a light north-westerly wind which soon flattened out on
the approach to the reef. Sunday was similar but with more cloud and milder conditions, but still
ideal for spearfishing. The day’s dive started at 8:45 am with a 12:45 finish. With the shortened time
divers got away quickly and were soon dispersed across the reef.
Faith was a little disappointing, even though being only 5 km north of Charity, fish were not as
plentiful with divers having to work hard for their fish. As a result, only 4 divers weighed 10 or more
species with Tony Heugh and Adam Smith both weighing 12 species. Again it came down to weight
and Tony won the day with 7.5 kg more fish. Mick Saunders and Ken Hunter of Mackay both had
good days bringing in 11 and 10 species respectively which helped improve on their Saturday scores.
Several of the divers in the top 5 dropped down the ranking by not doing as well as the previous day.
By being consistent and coming second on each day, Adam Smith won the competition with 190
percentage points. Tony Heugh was runner-up on 161 points, closely followed by Jake Boyd on 158.
The Veterans performed impressively by making up 4 of the top 6 places, which shows that
experience counts – see below for full results.
Place
Name and Club
Day 1
points
Day 1 %
points
Day 2
points
Day 2 %
points
1st
Adam Smith (TSC)
2220.6
95.4
1420
95.0
190.4
2nd
Tony Heugh (TGCFC)
1421.5
61.0
1494.5
100
161.0
3rd
Jake Boyd
2328.7
100
876
58.6
158.6
4th
Michael Saunders (MDUSC)
1190
51.1
1412
94.5
145.6
5th
Simon Baldwin (TGCFC)
1278
54.9
1269
84.9
139.8
6th
Ken Hunter
841
36.1
1296
86.7
122.8
7th
Lee Jamnicky
1000.9
43.0
1132.5
75.8
118.8
8th
Clint Stoneham
1035
44.4
1083
72.5
116.9
9th
Dave Welch
1358.2
58.3
815
54.5
112.8
10th
Bryson Sheeny
1103.7
47.4
969
64.8
112.2
11th
Craig Barnett
(MDUSC)
1461.7
62.8
619
41.4
104.2
12th
Shayne Martin (MDUSC)
1198
51.4
720
48.2
99.6
13th
Andrew Lucas (MDUSC)
1220
52.4
611
40.9
93.3
14th
David Jensen
901.5
38.7
777
52.0
90.7
(TSC)
(MDUSC)
(TGCFC)
(TSC)
(TSC)
(TGCFC)
(CCSC)
Total %
points
15th
Daniel Tarasiuk (TSC)
1118.5
48.0
621
41.6
89.6
16th
Matt Ludbrook
(TSC)
642
27.6
846
56.6
84.2
17th
Paul Urane
(CCSC)
562.6
24.2
831
55.6
79.8
18th
Shane Morrison
1052
45.2
466.5
31.2
76.4
19th
John Vandenburg
580
24.9
500
33.5
58.4
20th
Natt Kane
985.5
42.3
0
0
42.3
21st
Jackson Hong
(MDUSC)
540
23.2
236
15.8
39.0
22nd
Mark Brooks
(CCSC)
254.4
10.9
249.5
16.7
27.6
23rd
Tim Davidson
(CCSC)
356.3
15.3
0
(MDUSC)
(MDUSC)
(CCSC)
15.3
The Mackay Nemrod was also held on Saturday with the Nemrod final being decided on the Sunday.
Townsville easily won the Mackay Nemrod round with an impressive 7026 points, followed by
Mackay (5070 pts) and Tweed Gold Coast (4804 pts).
However for the Nemrod final, Tweed Gold Coast came up trumps with a winning score of 4865 pts,
while Mackay was second on 4047 pts and Townville third on 3957 pts.
The Pairs and Team competitions were also determined on Sundays dive and the Pairs were won by
Tony Heugh and Simon Baldwin of the Tweed Gold Coast Freedivers club with 2764 points. Adam
Smith and Jake Boyd of Townsville came second on 2296 pts, closely followed by Michael Saunders
and Shayne Martin of Mackay on 2132 pts.
The placings remained the same for the Teams competition, with Tweed Gold Coast (Tony Heugh,
Simon Baldwin, Bryson Sheeny & Lee Jamnicky) winning with 4865 pts, Townville (Adam Smith, Jake
Boyd, Dave Welch & Clint Stoneham) second on 4194 pts and Mackay (Michael Saunders, Shayne
Martin, Craig Barnett & Andrew Lucas) third on 3362 pts.
Four age categories for the men’s section (no Masters competed) were contested at the 2009 State
Titles. The Queensland age categories had also been brought into line with the rest of Australia after
the AUFQ AGM this year, so that the age categories now are Masters, Veterans, Seniors,
Intermediates and Juniors. The place getters for each age group are as follows:
The 2009 State Titles were a huge success with fantastic weather and full credit must go to Craig
Barnett, Andrew Lucas, Shane Morrison, Dan Wisely, Shane Martin, Ben Shepherd, Bob Eaves and
the rest of the team at Mackay Down Under Skindiving club who organised the event. Also special
thanks to the boat drivers -Shane Morrison, Bob Eves, Ben Shepherd and Craig Barnett for providing
their boats and time over the weekend.
Several great prizes were also donated, with all competitors able to win these prizes from a draw
held after the presentation. Tony Heugh donated a carbon Edge spear gun while a Omer Cayman HF
1300 spear gun was put up by Andrew Lucas, Craig Barnett and Shane Morrison Marine who also
chipped in with a selection of diving accessories. MDUSC donated a Ray Whitton painting valued at
$500. A huge thanks to all those who sponsored and supported the 2009 QLD State Titles.
The lucky winners were Tim Davidson, who won the Omer carbon rail gun and was so happy at
winning he did not let go of the gun for the rest of the night. Tim had unfortunately come down with
food poisoning on the Saturday and spent a lot of the time out at the reef being sick. Mick Saunders
number came up again for the Edge spear gun, this being his second prize draw win in a row. Clint
Stoneham from Bowen won the Ray Whitton painting, congratulations to all.
Runner-up Tony Heugh and winner Adam Smith Pairs winners – Tony Heugh and Simon Baldwin
IN THE NEWS- QLD (and responses)
Spearfishing ban slammed
DANIEL BATEMAN
June 19th, 2009
A NEW study that has proposed a ban on spear guns and gill nets to save the Great
Barrier Reef from overfishing has been rubbished by fisheries scientists.
An international team of scientists led by Dr Josh Cinner from the ARC Centre of
Excellence for Coral Reef Studies has proposed a ban on fishing gear such as spear
guns, fish traps, beach seine nets, and gill nets to aid coral reefs that have been hit with
bleaching.
The team's research, carried out in Kenya and Papua New Guinea, showed certain types of
gear was more damaging to corals and to certain species of fish needed to help reefs
recover from bleaching or storm damage.
Dr Cinner, who is based at James Cook University, said the fishing gear was creating a
double jeopardy for both the corals and certain types of reef fish.
"They are already on the edge because of the overfishing and the additional impact caused
by a bleaching even can push them over," he said.
The team found spear guns were the most damaging of all fishing gear, especially to corals
themselves and fish such as parrot and trigger fish, which keep seaweeds and urchins in
check while coral regrows.
"Spear guns target a high proportion of species that help maintain the resilience of coral
reefs, but also can result in a surprising amount of damage to the corals themselves," Dr
Cinner said.
"When a fish is shot with a spear gun, it often hides in the reef, so some fishermen break the
corals in their attempts to get it."
Dr Cinner said temporary bans or imposing permanent restrictions on the use of various
types of gear could apply to virtually any coral reef management whether in the developing
world or in developed countries such as on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Fellow JCU fisheries scientist Dr Andrew Tobin said the proposed fishing gear bans should
not be applicable to the Great Barrier Reef.
"Some of those findings are probably very reasonable for those areas they've studied, but to
make any link to Great Barrier Reef waters is probably drawing a very long sword," Dr Tobin
said.
"The fishing gears he's looking at, most of them aren't used in the GBR World Heritage Area
anyway."
Dr Tobin said there was very little spearfishing on the reef.
"There's already some pretty harsh regulations in place for that, he said.
"It's a reasonably low fishing method, as well."
Townsville marine biologist Dr Walter Starck, who provides advice to Sunfish North
Queensland, said there was no issue with overfishing of herbivorous fish on the Great
Barrier Reef. "Here in Australia, it is completely irrelevant," he said.
Sunfish North Queensland spokesman Brian Pickup labelled the study's scientists as 'doom
and gloom merchants'.
"All right, we might have a problem with netting, but we don't have a problem with
sustainability of our fisheries on the Great Barrier Reef," Mr Pickup said.
SHOULD SPEARFISHING BE BANNNED? HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW
Latest Comments on the website
(these comments were organised and written
largely by AUF Spearfishing members):
Just typical of the research that goes into fishery decisions. It all comes from overseas and is based
on a totally different scenario to the social values of the GBR.As a charter operator i have been
asked countless times over the years to participate in research studies, the latest being a survey by
dpi&f to study how many barra charter fishers kill and the sizes of those fish. But they were not
interested in how many we release and that is why i tell them all to get nicked these days as they
will only turn this info against us in the form of a rediculous fishery decision. The charter and
commercial sectors have been crippled in the last 5 years as a result of several fishery regulations
being introduced by political promises to the green movement and its going to get worse as leaks
have suggested the marine park to increase to over 50% green zones after the 2011 review of the
GBR. Must be the 52.6% they promised WWF back in 2003. By the way can anyone tell me why
spearos would try to shoot a trigger fish in the first place, i know i never have. Glad i sold my reef
boat when you could sell one.Posted by: Ryan Moody of hinchinbrook 10:36am Monday
This is disappointing. As an environmental resource management scientist and a spearfisher, this
article appears very poorly researched and reported to me. it appears the aim is for sensationalist
headline grabbing rather than accurate reporting. Safe, Sustainable and SELECTIVE most
accurately describes spearfishing as it is practiced in Australia (and on the GBR). To consider
spearfishing on a par with netting is unrealistic and misguided. Fishing pressure in general on the
GBR is very low compared to the rest of the world, and spearfishing has about the lowest impact of
all the methods used. I have yet to meet a spearfisher who does not care for the environment and
for the sustainability of the fish stocks. Many are actively invovled in the collection of both scientific
data and anecdotal evidence that may be used by regulators to best manage both the ecosystem
and the fish stocks. please consider contacting the Australian Underwater Federation Spearfishing, or other State or Local spearfishing groups to gain a better understanding of how the
activities are practiced here, you will find it is not comparable to subsistence collection and netting
in other parts of the world. Posted by: Matt Anscomb of Townsville 10:18am Monday
I can understand the outrage by spearfishermen in these comments, but the Bulletin article chooses
just a small section of the results of this study. The original article
http://www.underwatertimes.com/news.php?article_id=23651107408 talks about commercial and
poor subsistence fishermen in the tropics and the need for compensation if any bans are put in
place. It was investigating measures for heavily bleached reefs to allow them to bounce back, not
wholesale closures in general (especially areas with quotas, size limits and marine reserves).
“Selective gear restrictions offer reef managers and fishers alike some middle ground, reducing
pressure on the reef and its fish while it is in the recovery phase, while also providing fishers with
some options for their livelihood” Dr Cinner. The Bulletin draws the link to the Barrier Reef. The
authors quote was originally "In principle, it can be used anywhere." Obviously it wouldn't be used
where it wasn't needed. I also spearfish, but I understand that science is a search for truth, not
influence. Posted by: Robert Hughes of Swansea 6:51pm Sunday
This is yet another unfortunate case of science misinforming the public, and from a common
source. Many such studies have merit and are relevant to those regions where carried out. What is
failed to be acknowledged here, and time and again, is that fortunately the GBR context is very
different. Spearfishing on the GBR is at very low levels, the target species are generally NOT the
"susceptible fish species", and where they are taken, spearfishing very rarely takes the particular
species identified by the same research centre as the most important for reef resilience.
Furthermore these particular fish groups on the GBR are some of the most abundant. The authors
clearly do not understand spearfishing practices on the GBR and also they undermine the
considerable proactive efforts by Australian and GBR spearfishers in following best practice
environmental standards. Make the local relevance clear to the public if you are going to publish
this type of report locally, otherwise you are just misleading the public using false
credentials!Posted by: Scott Whitby of Brisbane 10:25am Sunday
I totally disagree with this study. Spearfishing is a ver ecologically sustainable sport as it is very
species and size selective. The diver can choose the more prized, edible species, and their is also
no bi-catch. The areas mentioned in the study are areas where overfishing had historically occurred
and a large proportion of the targeted catch are herbivorous fishes. This scenario and issues does
not occur on the Great Barrier Reef. Townsville Bulletin should do more thorough research into
what they are printing before they publish it!!Posted by: Brendan Meale of Townsville 6:48pm
Friday
Sensation seeking "scientists" should be banned not spearfishermen. Tvle Skindiving Club
members are very aware that their sport is based on safe, sustainable, selective fishing.Triggefish
are never taken & many members do not regard parrot fish very highly and would rarely take the
bag limits permitted by govt regulation.This proposal is not based on local science & is little more
than a greenies wet dream. Posted by: John Picard of Townsville 3:31pm Friday
Already mentioned is that Triggerfish are not targeted by Australian spearfishermen. Parrotfish hole
up at night time when spearfishermen do not operate. They are not targeted whilst hiding inside
reef structures! By daylight Parrotfish swim over reef structures and cross sandy bottom between
corral structures. Most often when speared these fish are away from the coral structrures and
spearfishermen target them in open water where they are not in front of corals which could be
damaged. Speaerfishermen do not put spears into coral reef structures if they can help it. Spears
are expensive and would stand to get damaged or lost if they did. If the scientists have studied
spearfishermen in action on the Great Barrier Reef - let them publish their science. Until this
happens I see no need for spearefishermen to answer ghosts. Posted by: Tony Heugh of Glass
House Mountains 2:29pm Friday
Spearfishing is selective (and possibly the most environmentally sustainable way to catch a fish) as
it has no bycatch, does not use bait, does not damage habitat. It is a recreational only activity in
Australia and has numerous environmental restrictions (clarity, depth, weather) and Govt
regulations as to where it can occur, what species can and cannot be taken and size restrictions. I
am proud to be a sustainable recreational spearfisher and a member of the Townsville Skindiving
Club and Australian Underwater Federation whose mission is "Bringing sport, conservation and
awareness to the underwater world" (www.auf.com.au). Yes we legitimately catch a small number
of quality fish to eat, we also take photos, love the exercise of freediving and we lead community
monitoring projects such as Great Australian Shark Watch.I would welcome Dr Cinner and other
scientists to talk to spearfisher or participate in spearfishing on the GBR to observe the sustainable
activity of Australian spearfishers before they make any further outlandish statements. Posted
by: Adam Smith of Townsville 1:25pm Friday
Spearfishing is one of the most ecologically sustainable methods of fishing. Spearfishing allows the
hunter to size up the prey before the kill and there is also no by-catch. A restricted dive depth of up
to approximately 18m makes the impact of spearfishing insignificant on natural populations and
ecosystems. I believe there are more important issues to address when considering threats to the
reef. Agricultural runoff, pollution and commercial fishing pressures have a far greater impact on
marine ecosystems. In a country such as Australia, that is supposed to be in the midst of an obesity
epidemic, spearfishing should be encouraged as a great healthy lifestyle of gaining exercise while
eating fresh healthy seafood that is caught sustainably. Activities such as spearfishing exposes
people to the beautiful marine environment we have on our doorstep and therefore helps people
gain a greater appreciation and respect for the marine environment and its sustainable use.
Encouraging inclusive input from people such as spearfishers, who have a great understanding of
the oceans' processes, many solutions may be found to help keep the GBR healthy and sustainable
for many years to come. Posted by: Grant Russell of Sydney 12:52pm Friday
This is yet another unfortunate case of science misinforming the public, and from a common
source. Many such studies have merit and are relevant to those regions where carried out. What is
failed to be acknowledged here, and time and again, is that fortunately the GBR context is very
different. Spearfishing on the GBR is at very low levels, the target species are generally NOT the
"susceptible fish species", and where they are taken, spearfishing very rarely takes the particular
species identified by the same research centre as the most important for reef resilience.
Furthermore these particular fish groups on the GBR are some of the most abundant. The authors
clearly do not understand spearfishing practices on the GBR and also they undermine the
considerable proactive efforts by Australian and GBR spearfishers in following best practice
environmental standards. Make the local relevance clear to the public if you are going to publish
this type of report locally, otherwise you are just misleading the public using false credentials!
Posted by: David Welch of Townsville 12:08pm Friday
it's a shame that jcu science is out of touch of the real world. would be avaiable to comment on
anything marine , boating ect anytime with an informed blanced opinion. call me on 0428988229
andrew Posted by: andrew mead of townsville 10:50am Friday
It never ceases to amaze me how these antifishing ratbags want to ban everything, one activity at a
time until there is nothing left. Banning spearfishing as if that activity is reponsible for overfishing
and coral damage is absurd. Spearfishing is a very hard activity. There is no by catch and certain
species and sizes can be targeted. Unlike line fishing and netting where you can catch anything.
There is not any overfishing on the Great Barrier Reef Posted by: Mike Forfar of
townsville 10:27am Friday
Spearfishing should not be banned. It is the most selective form of fishing there is and highly
regulated in Qld and Australia in general. Trigger fish are not target species and parrot fish are
subject to strict size and bag limits in Qld. K. Chard Spearfishing Representative- GBRMPA FRAC
Posted by: Kevin Chard 9:35am Friday
what next I suppose this is a lead up (excuse)to impliment a fee or levi if you like to our recreational
spear fishes. Carn't imagine what damage a hand full of spear fishes could do compared to what
get pulled up the commercial nets and left to die. Sometimes I think these people have to much
time on their hands and make these ridiculous statements to be seen to be doing something to
justify their positions. Sounds awfully fishy to me. Posted by: Evol Fayers of Cape
Cleveland 7:30am Friday
I hope that common sense will protect those beautiful fishing grounds around Australia.No need to
end up like the Philippines are now a big coral trout here is rarely bigger than 10 inches. Posted
by: Paul Linder of Davao 7:26am Friday
The Sandgroper Shield -A new, revitalised competition for WA
skindivers
It is no secret that in recent years there has been a huge drop-off in competitive spearfishing in
Western Australia. However, this year there has been National and International competitions in our
backyard, exposing us relatively new divers to the rigours and opportunities of Species/Swim
competitions. As a reserve for the Inter-Pacific team, I spent a week with experienced competition
divers, savouring the opportunity to learn by observation and inquisition. I also learnt more about
the competition scene that used to exist in WA, which helped to develop the divers that still stand out
amongst their peers today.
A group of us had whet our appetites at the Nationals, and were eager to continue the steep learning
curve of competition. With no one likely to stick up their hand and do it for us, it was up to us to
organise our own. This was the birth of the Sandgroper Shield - a series of 9 events to be held over the
financial year, all either shore dive or swimming from an anchored boat. The spirit of these
competitions is intended to be about gaining experience and improving as spearfishermen, but no
doubt a competitive drive will develop to take the Shield with the best score over 7 of the 9 events.
Competitions in WA have a recent history of poor turnout, due mainly to a focus on pelagics and big
fish. If that is the case with the Sandgroper Shield it will still run. If there are 5 regulars and a handful or
part-timers, competition will still be provided for the keen. The vision is to help develop a group of
competition spearfishermen that would be able to hold there own in a National Titles across the
Nullabor, and to dominate the next National Titles held in WA.
The first event will be a shoredive held in the Cape-to-Cape region, on the weekend of the 15-16th of
August. This time of year may be difficult for weather, but by choosing the best venue Cape-to-Cape
and selecting the best day of the weekend some great fish will no doubt be landed. Anyone wishing to
take part, please email me at [email protected] to be added to the contacts list.
South Coast Championships
Jervis Bay, NSW
The comp held over two
days..Forty spearos signed
on .Overall winner Jack
Lavender runner up Garth
Byron
Conditions in the bay were calm
outside one an half to two
metres swell from the south,
vis was good .
Divers went as far south as
wreck bay and up north to the
wide bomby of currawong.
Good species of fish
were weighed in. All divers went
to the presentation, and all went
home with a prize. Everyone
had a good time.
Everyone that fished the comp
.Thankyou for making it a great
weekend
Eddie skerry
[email protected]
EDEN – Queens Birthday long weekend
Winner Gunther Pfrengle
Winner Junior- Ryan O Donnall
2nd Jack Lavender
John Higgins and Boarfish
News from Victoria
Bluewater hunting in Victoria
The run of southern bluefin tuna off Portland and Port MacDonnell was strong again this year with
fish being caught from February to June. Fish over 100kg were caught on line, but most were
between 20-35 kg. A few keen spearos had a crack at the Australian Record of 28 kg. A few fish were
speared including this 16 kg tuna by Murray Peterson. This fishery is getting better and better each
year and it won’t be long before a seriously big fish is taken!
VRFISH mag
VRFish are Victoria’s recreational fishing peak body who aim to represent and advocate the interests
of the Victorian recreational fishing community. While VRFish members are primarily anglers,
SCUBA divers and spearfishers are also represented. A feature article was recently included in
VRFish’s magazine “Fishing Line” in which we were able to promote the sport, dive flag awareness,
the Southern Freedivers and the AUF. This magazine can be downloaded here
http://www.vrfish.com.au/newsletter/FishingLines-April09.LR.pdf.
Victorian Spearfishing Challenge
Murray Peterson won the Victorian Spearfishing Challenge, narrowly defeating Jordan Hill. Some
great fish were weighed in including kingfish to 15kg, plenty of sweep over 1 kg and some monster
crayfish.
SPECIES in gms
Flathead
Sweep
Snapper
Whiting
Snook
Crayfish
Kingfish
Trevally
Squid
Salmon
10920
900
1480
800
75
1460
1850
975
70
Total
NAMES
900
1140
700
640
1980
4140
Jordan Hill
1305
750
845
635
2195
2950
Rob Torelli
705
1130
620
1080
5050
15080
1050
2040
Ryan Harris
500
1040
770
590
700
3430
1800
380
590
830
53
780
560
13110
1100
1720
1110
52
Murray Peterson
Leigh Elliott
Aaron Crocombe
1350
1090
1090
Chris Monaghan
450
Drew Fenney
Matt Koopman
1190
1990
480
2140
4010
430
1560
1880
710
1840
39.5
460
26.5
1255
635
1550
885
760
530
17
11
2125
3180
535
Paul Dorfstatter
24
18
1620
Adam Greenhow
Jack Monkiewicz
680
825
Christian Hughes
Josef Bednarek
Louie
Papadopoulos
59.5
10
10
2860
1130
9
8.5
Club Championship
Results of the club championship are shown in the table below. Drew Fenney beat Murray Peterson
in A-grade. Leigh Elliot and Greg Sperring took out B-grade and C-grade respectively. Trent Crane
improved throughout the season to take out the Junior titles and Ashleigh Illingworth won the Ladies
section. Ryan Harris won the photo comp with this great pic of a cuttlefish. He won this comp last
year as well.
1st
2nd
3rd
1st
2nd
3rd
1st
2nd
3rd
1st
2nd
A
B
C
Jnr.
3rd
1
Ladies
Drew Fenney
Murray Peterson
Ric DeVries
Leigh Elliott
Christian Hughes
Jason Horne
Greg Sperring
Andrew Vibert
Luke Donnison
Trent Crane
Jordan Whitmore
Ashleigh
Illingworth
Ashleigh
Illingworth
Records
(click to view)
Latest Record
Random Record
Divers Name: C. WHALLEY
Divers Name: R. BARNES
Weight: 5.830 kg
Weight: 1.650 kg
Common
Marbled Rock Cod
Names:
Common
Maori Sweetlips
Names:
Scientific Epinephelus
Name: polyphekadion
Scientific Plectorhinchus
Names: multivittatus
Date
20-02-2009
Captured:
Date Captured: 08-11-1984
NO IMAGE ON FILE
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Some photos from last century
For immediate publication 26 March 2009
Community shark monitoring project enters a new era
The highly successful Great Australian Shark Count project is to undergo a name change to better reflect the
scientific benefits the project offers. This community-based project, previously coined the name GASC, will
now be known as Great Australian Shark Watch. The project has so far won national awards and generated
enormous community support. This project has also attracted enormous community and media interest due to
a number of shark attacks on swimmers, surfers and divers this summer.
“The new name better reflects the information generated by the project.” says Dr Adam Smith, national chair
for the Australian Underwater Federation spearfishers and the project co-ordinator. “Although the project
actually involves the community counting sharks, it will not be informative about trends in shark population
numbers. The data collected will however be very useful in showing scientists and managers where and when
particular shark species are found. This type of information is lacking and will become even more useful with
several years of data collected.”
With the help of the community, particularly divers and spearfishers, the project has recorded several
thousand shark sightings, including the unusual record of a leopard shark off Sydney, a species generally found
in tropical waters.
With the success of the project so far, organizers are very keen to see Great Australian Shark Watch continue
into the future, however this is currently in jeopardy says Dr Adam Smith. “The project funding runs out this
month and despite several attempts we have not been able to raise further funds to ensure the project
continues. This would be a real shame given the importance of sharks and the benefits the project provides.”
said Dr Smith. “The education side of the project which has raised awareness of shark conservation has also
been outstanding.”
The project has organized four dedicated community shark monitoring weekends in four different states in the
past year. The project will hold another one of these across the weekend of March 27 – 29 and are hoping for
hundreds of keen skin and SCUBA divers to be involved. Organisers will lead a monitoring team in the Solitary
Islands Marine Park in NSW, but urge divers from across Australia to monitor sharks on this weekend. To
report shark sightings divers can go to the project website at www.auf.com.au and be in the running for
random draw prizes such as wetsuits, t-shirts, posters and stickers.
The Great Australian Shark Watch project has been supported by a range of Government, scientific,
community and industry groups including DAFF, FRDC, Reef Check and The Ecology Lab. The organisers are
disappointed that the project appears to be in is final stages due to lack of financial and government support
and have recently written to federal and state environmental and fisheries Ministers and asked for ongoing
funding but have received no response.
“We have some dedicated volunteers who will help maintain the project database in the short term, however
the long term future of the project will depend on future funding” says Dr Smith. “The project has proven that
the diving community is interested in participating in monitoring sharks; however we need funding support to
ensure we can harness this interest and put it to some use.”
If you can assist in ensuring the future of the Great Australian Shark Watch project, require
more information or wish to be involved in monitoring sharks please contact Michael Rupnik,
Executive Officer on [email protected] or on 0400 367 424.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Australian Underwater Federation (AUF) is the national governing body for underwater sports such as underwater
hockey, SCUBA, snorkel coaching and training, fin swimming, and spearfishing (a small but selective type of recreational
fishing). The AUF is a member of Recfish Australia and is committed to working strategically together with all recreational
fishers. The mission of the AUF isBring sport, conservation and awareness to the underwater world
Media enquires to David Welch on 0414897490 and Michael Rupnik 0400367424
www.auf.com.au
MEDIA RELEASE
So long and thanks for all the fish - a crisis for recreational fishers
Australia is in crisis with bushfires, floods, cyclones, oil spills and stock market crashes.
These haveaffected everyone and cost billions of dollars. Amidst all this chaos, recreational
fishing is the most recent casualty due to a lack of support by the Australian Government. It
may seem a small crisis but recreational fishing representation at a national level is almost
gone thanks to lack of government funding.
The peak national body, Recfish Australia has been told that the government will not provide
any funding in 2008/9. Formed in 1983, this peak body has existed on a government grant of
$100,000 peryear to represent a $2 billion plus industry with diverse interests and major
challenges. This is the same federal government that has just handed out billions of dollars
to jump start the economy and spent over $100 million on elite sport. This begs the question
of why several hundred elite sportspeople are supported by the government but over 3.5
million recreational fishers have no national support or national voice.
Recfish Australia has a proud 25 year history and many achievements. It continues to
represent Australia's 3.5 million recreational fishers at a national level on issues as diverse
as loss of access;shark recovery plans; management of Commonwealth fisheries and the
development of best practice guidelines for recreational fishing. Recfish Australia has also
been at the forefront in battles over Marine Parks, protected and threatened species and
sustainable management of fisheries resourcesand many more issues that impact on the
future of recreational fishers.
One of the major national issues is climate change and its impacts on recreational fishers.
The lack of funding means that recreational fishers will have no coordinated body to
represent them and no peak body to meet with government on climate change implications
and the impacts arising from natural resource management, competing user groups and
many other issues. “Without a strong, coordinated peak body, it’s inevitable that recreational
fishers will be railroaded when it comes to natural resource management” said Len Olyott,
CEO of Recfish Australia.
Recfish Australia has managed the role of peak body through a combination of government
grants, membership fees, project management fees and sponsorship funding and a huge
volunteer commitment for 25 years.
A small government investment of $100,000 a year from 2004-2007 supported professional
staff and allowed Recfish Australia to deliver a high level of service to grass roots
recreational fishers, its member organisations and the Australian Government and achieved
positive outcomes for the community.In a media release from October 2008, the Federal
Minister for Fisheries, the Hon. Tony Burke MP stated “The Rudd Government supports the
recreational fishing industry, which generates jobs and tourism in rural and regional areas,”
The Government also committed to a three-year, $2 million
Recreational Fishing Industry Development Strategy. So, one of the questions that Recfish
Australiahas continued to ask the Minister and the Rudd Government is how the $2 million
will be spent andwhy is the peak national body not supported with any Government funding.
Recfish Australia has recently developed a sponsorship and donations policy and is asking
organisations and individuals to help where they can. Assistance from $100 to $100,000 or
more willbe gratefully received and there is a range of benefits and rewards for becoming
involved with thework of Recfish Australia. A Supporters Club has also been formed to allow
individual fishers todirectly contribute and ensure that their voice is heard.
The short-term goal for Recfish Australia is an annual core funding of $400,000 per year to
allow theorganisation to effectively represent the recreational fishing sector. “Fishers are
quite happy to spendhundreds of dollars on fishing tackle so surely $20 to support a national
organisation that will ensuretheir rights are recognised is not a big ask.” said Olyott. Details
of the policy and how to becomeinvolved can be found on the Recfish Australia website
www.recfish.com.au or by contacting Len on
0427073356.
ENDS
Media Contact Len Olyott 0427073356 or Adam Smith 0418726584
Media Release
Please forward to your networks
For Immediate distribution 22 June 2009
Recfish Australia committed to sustainable recreational fishing
Recfish Australia today reaffirmed their commitment to ensure that sustainable
recreational fisheries continue in Commonwealth Waters. This follows two expert panel
workshops to consider the conservation values for the East Marine Bioregion. The
workshops, recently held in Cairns and Sydney involved a wide range of experts from a
variety of community sectors including: commercial, recreational and charter fishing,
marine tourism, shipping, state government, conservation NGOs and marine scientists.
The meetings were the first step to discuss conservation values presented in the draft
East Marine Bioregional Profile and to assess possible threats and existing threat
mitigation measures. Public consultation will occur later in the process but all
recreational fishers are encouraged to write to DEWHA with their comments about the
draft profile.
Recfish does however, have significant concerns with the process, not least of which is
the short time line for delivery with a draft plan for marine protected areas expected by
mid 2010. “We are talking about an area of Commonwealth Waters (between 3 nautical
miles and 200 nautical miles from the coast) that runs from near the tip of Cape York in
far north Queensland to past Bateman’s Bay on the south coast of New South Wales.
There is not a lot of information about the ecology of the region and there is not a lot of
time to collect information about the extent of recreational fishing in Commonwealth
Waters.” Said Len Olyott, CEO of Recfish Australia.
Participants at the Cairns workshop voiced grave concerns about the fisheries data
presented in the draft profile which was considered outdated and in some cases,
inaccurate. Regarding recreational data, Olyott had this to say “The Australian
Government is relying on recreational fishing data from a national survey conducted
nearly 10 years ago, a lot has changed since then and more people are accessing
Commonwealth waters in private boats or through expert charter operations. Any
closures that ban fishing will have huge negative impacts on regional economies and will
result in large scale job losses. We believe that recreational fishing in these areas is
sustainably managed. The problem is that we need time to collect the data to prove our
case.”
The biggest threat to recreational fishing remains the calls from extreme conservation
groups such as the American- based Pew Environment Group that continues to lobby
government to close extensive areas in the Coral Sea and off Southwest Australia.
Recfish Australia encourages all recreational fishers to apply political pressure through
their local federal MPs and senators to guarantee that all sectors have a chance to
present their case and to guard against any secret deals. To find out more about how
you can become involved, visit the Recfish Australia website: www.recfish.com.au
ENDS – Media Contact Len Olyott 0427073356 or Bruce Schumacher
0418499322
Mentoring- could it help Spearfishing?
A contemporary view of mentoring defines it as a voluntary relationship based on mutual respect,
trust with a two-way communication process. It provides an opportunity for sharing skills and
experiences so individuals can develop towardstheir personal and work related goals.
The mentor has knowledge and experience to offer the less experienced person. The mentee needs to
have the drive to acquire this wisdom or insight. Ultimately, the mentor cannot force the mentee to
learn or control how these insights will be implemented by the mentee.
The value of a mentoring system is in the availability of an individual that understands the processes
or issues confronting a colleague and who can offer the benefit of being able to ‘see around the
corner’.
Mentoring has become an increasingly popular method of developing skills and knowledge. Its
effectiveness is attributed to several key factors:
1. Timeliness- The mentee receives the information/skill they need when they need it
2. Relevance- Real world issues can be discussed and progressed
3. Customisation- This relationship exists to meet the needs of the two parties involved and can
therefore be customised to suit those changing needs.
Mentoring Skills
Core Mentoring Skills (needed by both mentors and mentees): Listening, Actively, Building Trust,
Encouraging, and Identifying Goals and Current Reality.
Australian Underwater Federation Inc
Susan Dockar
A.U.F. Memberships
P.O. Box 195
Menai Central N.S.W. 2234
Ph/Fax: (02) 9543-4907
Email: [email protected]
Representing all Freedivers, Spearfishers and underwater sports enthusiasts
Full Name: (print)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
(Surname)
Given Names
AUF Membership No………………………………………..……… New……. Renewal
Spearfishing and/or Freediving Club…………………………………………………………………………..
Address: (No. & Street)…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Suburb:……………………………………………………………..State:……………...Post Code:………….
Phone: (…..)………………………………………..Mobile:……………………………………………………….
Fax:: (…..)…………………………………………email:…………………………………………………………
Occupation: …………………………………………………….Date of Birth:………./…………/……………
Male:
Female:
NOTE: A.U.F. m/ship + National and State Spearfishing Commission memberships due 1st July and expires 30th June
.
NEW ONLINE FORM at www.auf.com.au
each year
Or contact Sue Dockar AUF Memberships – P.O. Box 195,
Menai Central, N.S.W. 2234 (02) 9543-4907
Do you want to learn more about Spearfishing?
Perhaps you or your club should contact one of these AUF accredited and trained
Spearfishing coaches.
Darren Craig - Central Coast Sealions (NSW) Accred Sept 2005 - 2009 - AUF Exp 30/6/06
(no contact info)
John Van Blanken - Tweed/Gold Coast Freedivers (QLD)
exp 30/6/08 (07-5593-9034)
Cameron Miller (QLD) - Acccred. Feb 2011
Accred to Jan 2010
- AUF exp 30/6/07
- AUF
(0438-801-990)
Les Tryk (Newcastel Neptunes) NSW - Accred. exp Jan 2014 - AUF 30/6/09
233)
(0402-459-
Mary Anne (South Australia) – 0419804685 [email protected]
Australian Underwater Federation Inc.
SPEARFISHING SAFETY RULES
These Safety Rules are intended to minimise the risk of injury or mishap to divers
engaged in Spearfishing. Divers are encouraged to adopt these rules without
exception and to promote them amongst divers who may not be familiar with them. It
is the responsibility of all A.U.F. members to make our sport as safe as possible.
While engaged in Spearfishing you should:
*
Tow a safety coloured float (yellow, orange or red) with an International Code “A” flag
(signifying diver below) displayed in a vertical position above the float.
*
Attach game to the towed float so that the game is carried away from your body.
*
Carry a knife that is attached to your body and which is readily accessible.
*
Carry a plastic safety whistle and a reflective signal mirror.
*
Wear a weight belt fitted with a single hand operated, quick release buckle.
*
Never load or carry a loaded speargun out of the water.
*
Ensure that speartips are suitably sheathed while not in use.
*
Ensure that you are not under the influence of any drugs or medication that may
impair your senses, judgement or physical ability.
*
Cease diving if for any reason you are not feeling well.
*
Take liquids to ensure that you do not suffer the effects of dehydration.
*
Avoid hyperventilating by taking no more than 2 or 3 deep breaths before holding
your breath.
*
Always dive with a friend or tell someone where you will be diving and your estimated
time of return.
*
Obtain a current weather report for the time that you will be diving.
*
Be on the alert for boat traffic and ensure that you are visible to passing vessels.

G at Australian Seachange Newsletter

Transcription

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