Monthly Summary – October 2022

Photo courtesy of Luke – Oz Fish and Game

As another month drew to an end, I took the time to write up a short summary of what I’ve been up to throughout October 2022. Highlights include; a new training application, a written submission, and a podcast appearance. Let’s start with the new training application…

Firearms training application

On the 10th of October 2022, I submitted an application to become a firearms safety training provider in NSW. Beyond the financial benefits for the club, my aim is to increase the number of licenced firearm owners in our community. With greater numbers, comes greater leverage. These numbers can be used to influence politicians – thereby safeguarding hunting and shooting activities within our state. I am hopeful that a flow-on effect will be the spread of positive discussions on these topics, which in turn will sway public perception to our side.

As of the 18th of October, my application was approved by the NSW DPI and has been forwarded to the NSW Firearms registry. I will provide further updates on this application as things progress.

Another written submission

BEP Commercial Fishing Regulation Amendments – Paper 17, Ocean Haul Fishery – Crowdy Head

On the 23rd of October 2022, I wrote a submission to support the extension of the commercial fishing area for Mullet ‘GP’ net hauling from Crowdy Head, south towards the Harrington Inlet.

While commercial fishing operations are generally held in contempt by the recreational fishing community – sometimes justified, other times not so much… I firmly believe that both parties can achieve a mutual benefit by extending commercial fishing access within this small coastal community.

Before reading my submission, please consider the following facts:

The reduction of the fishing area (circa 20 years ago) was a voluntary act by these same commercial operators. This was done to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks, by preventing interstate operators from accessing and overfishing highly productive areas outside of their allocated region.
Current research suggests that beach hauling operations have a negligible impact on the environment, and when properly managed, are deemed to be a fully sustainable resource.
Fishing quotas will not be increased as part of these proposed changes.
Minimal by-catch is caught as a result of this method of fishing.

My submission can be found below.

Hi Commercial Fisheries,

I am submitting this email as a letter of support for the proposed use of GP hauling nets during the ‘mullet travelling season’ (March to August) along the 6 km stretch of beach between Crowdy Head and Harrington Inlet. This change will impact myself and the community in a positive manner, due to the outcomes listed below:

Improve community safety

By allowing commercial fishing access to the Southern side of Crowdy Head, there will be less potential for vehicular interactions between those engaged in commercial fishing activities and the general public. This is due to the fact that the south side of Crowdy Head is far less populated by swimmers, surfers, and other recreational users than the currently designated fishing zone – the North side of Crowdy Head.

Support for the well-being and profitability of local fishing families

Increased fishing access will provide greater financial security for commercial fishing operators and their families. As the current designated fishing area covers only a small access range, the pressure of producing a wage is compounded with additional factors that are outside of their control. This includes weather conditions and other factors.

By improving fishing access you will increase the likelihood of these operators being able to earn a reasonable living wage, thereby improving the physical and mental health of those who are reliant upon this activity to provide for their family.

Financial benefit for the local economy

As mentioned in the above point, increasing fishing access will bolster the financial security of commercial fishing operators. This in turn will allow them to employ additional staff (i.e. net/deckhands) throughout the fishing season. The result of this short-term employment will be a financial boost to the local economy through the purchase of goods, accommodation, and other miscellaneous expenses.

Improved access to bait

An increase in commercial fishing access should, in theory, result in a higher probability for commercial operators to catch their allocated fishing quota. As the sale of their catch is permitted to members of the public, this will provide greater access to low-cost bait solutions for the recreational fishing community, and other associated businesses (i.e. bait and tackle shops).

Continuation of cultural fishing practices

Increased fishing access will allow commercial beach hauling operations to become a more viable method of producing a wage. But the importance of these funds extends far beyond simply the money. Financial viability allows these fishermen to continue participation in these cultural fishing practices which have taken place within Australia for well over 100 years. For many, the draw to this profession is a way of maintaining a connection with their fathers, grandfathers, and other long-lost ancestors who provided food and income for their families through this ocean-based lifestyle. If this fishing area is not increased, we risk losing this part of our Colonial culture – which I argue, should be considered equally as important as many of the protections given to Indigenous hunting and fishing activities.

Thank you for taking the time to read this submission. If you have any questions or wish to discuss this further, please feel free to contact me via the methods listed below.

Hunting connection podcast

Recently I was invited on the ‘Hunting Connection’ Podcast with Zach Williams. This was a great opportunity to discuss all manner of topics; from the proposed ban of bowhunting in South Australia to mental health, and our pathway to changing the community’s perception of hunting.

The podcast is now available, via the link attached here.

Feel free to send through some feedback on this discussion, and let me know if you’d like to hear more about any particular topic in the future.

Final thoughts

The benefits of collaboration

In an industry where social media content is often shut down based on an agenda and an algorithm, many of us struggle to find an alternative way to reach a broader audience to get our message across. “Liking” and “sharing” content does help, but it only provides a single short-term boost to viewership.

So, are there any alternative solutions to this problem?

Yes, it’s called collaboration. Unlike a retail store which sells physical merchandise and is dependent upon the loyalty of each individual customer, social media works in a much better way. It rewards those who work with others by boosting the collective viewership of both parties.

The idea is that by creating engaging high-quality content with an external collaborator, you will attract their regular viewers (or readers) over to your platform. In return, they will attract yours. If you are a content creator in our industry, I highly recommend that you utilise this method to grow your following and spread your message. Be it through; photos, videos, podcasts, or written content.

But remember, don’t just aim to lift yourself by working with larger platforms, give the smaller emerging channels a boost by working with them too.

Now more than ever, we need to work together and spread the positive aspects of our industry. The benefits of this are obvious – the safeguarding of our way of life.