The “Stop the Trawler” organisation says the super trawler Geelong Star is bringing it's massive trawl nets back to the Far South Coast this week.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But a spokesperson for the Small Pelagic Fishery Industry Association said the Geelong Star was not heading to the region’s waters this week.
“It appears that local recreational fishers are being fed mis-information from the radical green groups in Tasmania who are waging an ideological green campaign against freezer trawlers," the spokesperson said.
“If the vessel does fish off the South Coast of NSW in the future, the operators have given an under-taking to recreational fishing representatives to keep away from game fishing competitions.”
However in response to the rumours the 95-metre vessel was heading this way, there is a meeting at the Merimbula Big Game & Lakes Angling Club House at 7pm this Thursday, Dec. 17.
“It was banned for six months because of killing dolphins, but it will start fishing again next Thursday - plundering fish stocks and threatening marine life that underpin your local fishing, tourism businesses, and local communities,” Stop the Trawler says.
“We need you to come to the public meeting and show local MP Peter Hendy that we don't want super trawlers in our backyard!”
The group says local fishers and business owners are so concerned about this, that they are organising a public meeting.
Planning to attend is Les Waldock, president of the Narooma Sport and Game Fishing Club.
“The Trawler will target the edge of the continental shelf - exactly the same area that supports the iconic recreational game fishing industry. Hear their concerns for our fisheries, oceans and the communities that depend on them,” the meeting publicity reads.
“With a Federal Election looming, it's super important that we show local MP Peter Hendy that they need to ban all super trawlers permanently.
“Thanks to high public pressure from you and others around Australia, we stopped the super trawler fishing around the Sapphire Coast for six months, but that protection is about to end. There are fish spawning all around the south coast at the moment, repopulating and providing dolphins and seabirds with a critical food source.
“We need to make our voices heard loud and clear to stop this valuable marine life - the basis of our lifestyle, business and communities - from being plundered by super trawlers!”
The Narooma News has contacted the Small Pelagic Fishery Industry Association to see if they can confirm the Geelong Star is indeed heading back to Far South Coast waters.
