COMMENT: Pew loses battle for Coral Sea

TONY Burke seemed quite surprised when I asked him if he was going to bow to Pew's demands and ban fishing in the Coral Sea. "No, of course not," he replied. "Why would I do that?"

These are the words Aussie fishos have been waiting to hear. The fact that the federal Environment Minister has categorically refused Pew's calls for a massive no-take marine park in the Coral Sea, east of the North Queensland coast, is a clear sign that the Government is taking a level headed approach to marine protection.

There is no doubt that we need to protect our oceans and fish stocks. Anglers have for generations led the way on marine conservation, arguing against industrial over-fishing, opposing inappropriate development and mandating strict catch and bag limits. But in recent years environmental groups, in many cases aided and abetted by the American-based Pew organisation, which has huge cash reserves and significant political clout, have pushed a strict anti-fishing agenda, calling for all fishing to be banned across vast swathes of ocean.

Despite protestations from the rec sector, the anti-fishing lobby has steadfastly refused to differentiate between industrial fishing and recreational angling. Lumping all fishing together is a clever political strategy – it's far easier to call for blanket bans on everything than it is to explain to politicians and the public at large the differences between trawl nets and spin sticks, long lines and baitcasters.

But this somewhat devious campaign by Pew and its acolytes has seemingly backfired. At a dinner with rec fishing leaders last week, Tony Burke outlined his plans for marine protection in Australian waters. Despite the millions of dollars spent by Pew on emotive campaigns calling for massive closures, Burke has rejected the narrow-minded green agenda and opted instead for a unique and visionary strategy that will limit destructive commercial fishing but (mostly) allow well-managed recreational fishing.

This is a politically astute yet environmentally responsible move by Burke. His plan is aimed at delivering good social outcomes (read votes) while also cementing his reputation as an environmental reformer. Burke has demonstrated with this decision that he's a savvy political player who wants the best for the environment while not unduly limiting its responsible use and enjoyment. Burke is no fool - he knows that the hard-core greens can never be satisfied – whatever you give them, they want more. Unlike some other politicians, he also realises that recreational fishing in this country is something of a sleeping giant, especially in regards to voting patterns. In his plan for federal marine parks Burke has sworn to protect what needs protecting while acting also to rebuild bridges with the four or five million Aussies who like fishing. This can only be seen as a clever and well-rounded strategy.

Burke outlined his goals regarding marine protection at a dinner last week with a small group of rec fishing leaders. The Minister made it clear from the outset that he wanted to re-establish positive dialogue with the rec sector. This in itself is a welcome move. Along with talking about how the rec sector can better work with Government, the Minister also outlined in detail his plans involving federal marine parks, including the Coral Sea and the soon-to-be-announced park in the southwest of WA, mooted as the biggest marine park in the world.

The Coral Sea and the southwest would be the areas that would receive the most environmental protection, the Minister said during the dinner. Other areas in the north of the country would have fewer restrictions (whether Top End anglers will accept any restrictions at all remains to be seen as yet ... the recent hue and cry stimulated by an ambit claim put forward by the Australian Marine Conservation Society for large areas of the NT to be closed to fishing doubtless gave federal politicians, including Tony Burke no doubt, a small taste of what can be expected if they plan to mess with Territorians and their fishing!).

Top End shenanigans aside, the Minister was at pains to explain that the entire network of federal marine parks, due to roll out over the next year or so, would be multi-use, not total lock-ups as advocated by the anti-fishing groups.

During the conversation, the Minister revealed that all the new federal parks would have significant zones mandated as "recreational only". These areas would be accessible to the majority of fishos – ie, they would be open to anglers fishing from trailer boats. Under the Burke plan, specific rec fishing sectors – for instance, the black marlin fishery off Cairns, which the Minister singled out for particular mention – would also be recognised and protected from commercial exploitation and/or anti-fishing closures.

This federal identification of recreational fishing as a legitimate activity within a marine park has major socio-economic and environmental implications for fishing in all marine parks, be they state or federal. Minister Burke's decision to highlight recreational fishing and to give anglers what amounts to exclusive rights to large areas of commonwealth waters signals that he understands the hugely important role fishing plays in Australian society. It also indicates that the Government realises that well managed recreational fishing need not have an adverse impact on the environment.

Of course, the question of balance comes into the equation as well. There is no doubt that some areas of our marine environment need stringent protection and Minister Burke made it clear that he would provide that protection in areas that require it. Anglers by and large understand and accept this. What we don't understand or accept is the no-compromise total lock ups advocated by Pew and other hard-core environmental groups. It seems that Minister Burke shares our convictions in this regard ... Stay tuned for further developments. Marine Business contacted Pew for comments on this issue but has to date received no response.

Jim Harnwell is the editor and publisher of Fishing World. He has for several years reported on issues involving the politics of marine parks.