Moruya River Commercial Fishing
Reverend the Hon. Dr GORDON MOYES: I ask the Minister for Primary Industries a question without notice. Why has commercial netting of fishing continued to occur in the Moruya River on the South Coast of New South Wales, even though a proposal exists to create a marine park on the South Coast in the near future? Does the Minister support continued fishing in this area, with its severe implications for the sustainability of resources? Can the Minister explain why commercial netters of fish in the river have not been required to provide statistics to the Fisheries Department on the number of fish caught in the area by them? Can the Minister inform the House what is happening with the licensing fees charged to recreational fishermen fishing in that river?
The Hon. IAN MACDONALD: In relation to the last part of the question, licensing fees are under consideration at the moment. A few years ago, when the Hon. Eddie Obeid was Minister, there was a decision to create 30 havens along the coast of New South Wales, and those havens have defined the activities within them. Essentially, the rest of the coast was available under various licensing and quota arrangements for commercial fishing.
This will be a very interesting question into the future, because we need a viable and sustainable commercial fishery in New South Wales. In raising this question about a particular lake on the South Coast the honourable member is questioning again whether commercial fishing activity could occur in this area. Similar questions have been asked about numerous areas throughout the State, and I constantly receive representations in this regard. We are constantly monitoring the environmental aspects.
The Hon. Duncan Gay: Just tell him you don’t know and you’ll try to find out.
The Hon. IAN MACDONALD: No, this is important, and if the Hon. Jennifer Gardiner were listening she would be very supportive of what I am about to say—unlike the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. It is important that we have a viable commercial fishery in New South Wales, and we are endeavouring to ensure that the fishery is both sustainable and profitable into the future. I am about ensuring the continued availability of areas to commercial fishing. As a matter of equity everyone in this State should have the opportunity to eat fish.
