Media Release

For immediate use - 13 September 2002

RELEASING FISH - GENTLY DOES IT

'Gently does it' is the theme of a new campaign to show recreational fishers how to release fish to improve their chances of survival.

The campaign is one of a number of projects being funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) under it's Released Fish Survival Initiative.

Infofish Services Manager Bill Sawynok, who is managing the Initiative, said fishers will be provided with information on best practices in releasing fish through a national television advertising campaign featuring well known fishing presenter Andrew Ettingshausen.

A range of information products available through tackle stores, recreational fishing clubs, on video and via the Internet will support the television campaign.

The campaign will drawn on the latest research on released fish survival collected as part of the Released Fish Survival Initiative.

Mr Sawynok said that it was important for all recreational fishers to be aware of the techniques to use when releasing fish so they have the best chance of survival. Techniques already proven to improve survival include landing a fish quickly to minimise stress and using hook patterns and sizes that minimise hooking damage.

Surveys in a number of states over the past few years have shown a high rate of fish being released, in some fisheries over 50% of fish caught are released. A national survey will shortly provide figures for all states and at the national level.

"Increased management of recreational fishers through bag and size limits along with an increasing practice of catch and release will ensure that the trend to releasing more fish will continue," said Mr Sawynok.

"Surveys before and after the television campaign will be undertaken to determine practices in, and attitudes to releasing fish. This will provide information that will enable us to better target our messages and to measure changes as a result of the campaign.

"The project has the strong support of the peak recreational fishing body Recfish Australia, Australian National Sportfishing Association, Australian Fishing Tackle Association and State Fisheries agencies.

"It important to take a proactive approach in dealing with this issue to ensure the future sustainability of fish stocks and recreational fishing," Mr Sawynok said.

ENDS

Contact:

Mr Bill Sawynok, Infofish Services, Ph: 07 4928 6133 or 0417 075 277
Kylie Paulsen, Communication Manager - R&D Extension, Ph: 0438 630 491