Original story: Narromine News
Fisheries Education Officer Stephen Thurstan said the Department of Primary Industries was calling out for people to join the successful Fishcare Volunteer Program, which had in excess of 300 volunteers State-wide.
Volunteer undertaking biology training, Cronulla
“The program is run using funds from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to sustainable recreational fishing and habitat conservation,” Mr Thurstan said.
“Fishcare volunteers play a vital role in promoting responsible fishing practices, and do a terrific job in advising anglers about the rules and values of sustainable recreational fishing in NSW at events, such as fishing competitions, shows and field days, children’s fishing workshops and the ‘Get Hooked It’s fun to fish’ schools program, passing on their knowledge and skills, and encouraging values that ensure there will be fish for the future.
“It is estimated more than a million people fish in NSW at least once a year - this makes angling the most popular of all the recreational activities.
“And that’s why we are so grateful and appreciative of the hard work our Fishcare volunteers do.”
The NSW Fishcare Volunteer program has been running for 12 years and volunteers help with a range of activities.
“Volunteers can also assist a number of community groups with fishing activities such as high schools with fishing for sport, retiree organisations, indigenous communities and several special needs groups,” Mr Thurstan said.
“All of this would not be possible without our amazing volunteers. The yearly training is planned for July 27-28 (at a location to be set) and will encompass both fresh and saltwater information sessions.”
Mr Thurstan said they were seeking people, over the age of 18, who had a keen interest in fishing, and liked to listen and share information with the angling public.
Distributing regulation material on Sydney Harbour
“Volunteers come from a wide background, quite a few are retirees, others may be looking for an experience that will enhance their employment opportunities and some are keen to improve fishing habitat,” he said.
“You don’t have to be an expert on all the fishing rules but you should know how to help others look them up.
“The training includes presentations and break-out sessions by NSW DPI staff and guest speakers about the NSW recreational fishing licence fee, NSW fishing rules and regulations, conservation and habitat, catch-and-release techniques, fisheries research, the volunteer codes of practice, NSW DPI policies and communication skills.”
There is also an accredited TAFE training component in fish biology and identifying fish species. At the end of the workshop participants will receive a statement of attainment from TAFE NSW.
Volunteers do not have any enforcement powers.
For more information download a nomination form fromhttp://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/info/fvp#Want-to-apply?
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