Report on management committees: Coast greenwash

By John Van Klaveren
THE REGION’S coastal managers are pursuing environmental concerns at the expense of the recreational fishing industry, a government report has found.
The report said at least one coastal committee of management openly “limited” recreational fishing facilities.
“There were concerns about the future of recreational fishing with an increased environmental focus from some coastal management stakeholders,” the report said.
“In some locations, environmental interest groups played a significant role in local coastal management bodies.
“In one case these stakeholders were open about seeking to limit recreational fishing in their areas and having no desire to improve the quality of coastal fishing facilities.”
The report called for a “more-balanced approach” to ensure consideration of economic and social interests in planning and management of coastal facilities.
The report said anglers should be encouraged to participate on coastal boards.
“Both government and industry stakeholders felt there was a need to improve the image of fishing and fishers and better recognise their efforts in promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.”
The Independent revealed earlier this month that the coast from Queenscliff to Anglesea was rated as having the most inadequate recreational angling facilities in Victoria.
Western Coastal Committee acting chair Sue Mudford challenged the reports suggestion of an imbalance in representation on the committees.
“We gathered input from 30 different groups, associations and organisations as part of our western Victoria boating coastal action plan,” she said.
Fishing Geelong secretary John Hotchin said environmentalists were a “vocal” minority group.
“They tend to have the ears of government and they take up opportunities to get onto these committees,” he said.
“We’re trying to get more fishing representation on local committees. We need more people on the ground to represent the recreational angler.”