ANNEX A : PROPOSED GUIDELINES FOR SPORTS FISHING
This set of guidelines addresses four main areas of fishing responsibilities. These include:
• Sustainability of sports fishing stock,
• Protecting the environment,
• Public safety,
• Respecting the rights of other park users
These four objectives forms a framework for the specific principles stated below.
Principal #1 : Catch & Release Only For Game Fish Species
We need to recognize that game fishes are valuable sporting resources. Hence, it is imperative that game fish resources are preserved by encouraging catch and release practices. Such practices must be strictly enforced to minimize the attrition of game fish stoke to ensure the sustainability of a quality sports fishing environment.
Principal #2 : Prohibit All Non-Sporting Fishing Means
A sporting pursuit of game fish usually involves the use of either fly fishing or lure fishing tackle. Non sporting means that aim to harvest game fish in large numbers, specifically netting of any form, fish trapping and poisoning should be strictly prohibited.
Principal #3 : Minimize Injury To Game Fish Due To Sports Fishing
Guidelines need to be promulgated to ensure that permissible sports fishing tackle allow released game fish to have a good to excellent chance of survival. Some specific restrictions on sports fishing tackle that need to be imposed are :
• All hooks are to be barbless
• Lures or flies are limited to a maximum of 2 single hooks or a maximum of 1 treble hook
• Gang hook rigs are prohibited
Moreover, incorrect handling damages fish and reduces their chances of survival after release. A fish out of water cannot live for more than three or four minutes because of brain damage caused by lack of oxygen. An exhausted fish played too long, may not recover. This means:
• retrieving fish as quickly as possible
• allow the fish to stay in the water when unhooking them
• ensuring that fish are not left to flop and flail around
• using minimum of handling to ensure that released fish have a good chance of survival reviving tired or semi conscious fish. Hold the fish gently and move it forward to force water through its gills. When it has revived, and is able to swim normally, set it free.
Principal #4 : Observe All Fishing Regulations And Report Illegal Fishing Activities
Regulations serves to manage the fisheries for now and the future. To protect fish stocks and fish habitat, report illegal fishing activities to the relevant authorities. It is important that the fishing community does not ignore activities that threaten the fisheries and damage the reputation of responsible sports fishermen. Looking after our fisheries means:
• keeping up to date with regulations and observing them
• acquainting yourself with legal and illegal fishing areas and practices
• be familiar with tackle restrictions and checking the dates of local seasonal closures
• helping to explain fishery regulations and the reasons for them to others, especially children
• reporting black marketing of fish by recreational anglers
• reporting poaching, theft and illegal netting to the relevant authorities
• NOT presuming to act as officers of the law.
Principal #5 : Supporting Activities That Enhance Fisheries & Fish Habitat
We are all dependent on healthy ecosystems. Habitat destruction and modification, resulting largely from human activities, presents a huge threat to the maintenance of fish stocks and the availability of other species within the ecology. Restoring and enhancing fisheries and fish habitat means:
• recognising the fragility and environmental diversity of streamside vegetation, estuaries, & water vegetation. These areas provide food, shelter and important breeding and nursery areas for many fish species
• Do not remove or replace rocks or physical structure around aquatic environment
• participating in research, rehabilitation and monitoring programs if any
• educating others, especially children, in sustainable fishing practices
• be familiar with the life cycles and breeding seasons of aquatic species and fauna
• be involved in programs that restore aqua vegetation and habitat
Principal #6 : Preventing Pollution By Removing Rubbish Not Using Organic Baits
Pollution affects the health of the environment and spoils our experience of the outdoors. Natural areas continue to suffer major problems due to the side effects of human activities. Preventing pollution means:
• taking fishing line, polystyrene foam packaging, bottles, six pack holders, cups and packaging, etc. away from fishing sites. All items must be disposed of correctly.
• not using organic or natural baits as these substance may decay and pollute the reservoirs
• not leaving bait to foul rocks, river banks or beaches
• not washing rubbish, chemicals or other waste into stormwater systems. Most stormwater drains run directly into waterways
Principal #7 : Reporting Environmental Damage And Pollution To The Authorities
The protection of the environment is everyone’s responsibility. By reporting pollution problems to the relevant authorities, we help ensure that our waters become pollutant free and discourage practices that destroy fish habitat. Reporting environmental damage means:
• reporting any fuel and oil spills
• reporting all stranded or dead aquatic animals and protected species
• reporting any signs of discharge of polluted waste waters
• reporting any vegetation or stream damage, e.g. declining water quality, algae, etc.
Principal #8 : Practicing Courtesy Towards Others Who Use Reservoirs & Waterways
Lakes, creeks, rivers, and coasts are used for a variety of purposes. By recognising the rights of others to use the waters for their recreation, sports fishermen help ensure that all are equally able to enjoy their activities. We should realise that friendly rivalry can exist between recreational fishermen without the need for anyone to dominate
Principal #9 : Consider Own Safety And The Safety Of Others When Fishing
Playing it safe while fishing is good commonsense. Never risk a life while trying to catch a fish. Caring about safety means:
• observing pedestrians and other fishermen when casting lures and flies
• observing and understanding all water-craft regulations, including the carrying of the required safety equipment. Only legal watercrafts are allowed.
• keeping a safe distance from shore-based anglers, jetties, swimmers and other boats
• gaining local knowledge of common shoreline hazards including steep reservoir banks, shore platforms, deep water etc
• exercising caution and planning for contingencies
This set of guidelines addresses four main areas of fishing responsibilities. These include:
• Sustainability of sports fishing stock,
• Protecting the environment,
• Public safety,
• Respecting the rights of other park users
These four objectives forms a framework for the specific principles stated below.
Principal #1 : Catch & Release Only For Game Fish Species
We need to recognize that game fishes are valuable sporting resources. Hence, it is imperative that game fish resources are preserved by encouraging catch and release practices. Such practices must be strictly enforced to minimize the attrition of game fish stoke to ensure the sustainability of a quality sports fishing environment.
Principal #2 : Prohibit All Non-Sporting Fishing Means
A sporting pursuit of game fish usually involves the use of either fly fishing or lure fishing tackle. Non sporting means that aim to harvest game fish in large numbers, specifically netting of any form, fish trapping and poisoning should be strictly prohibited.
Principal #3 : Minimize Injury To Game Fish Due To Sports Fishing
Guidelines need to be promulgated to ensure that permissible sports fishing tackle allow released game fish to have a good to excellent chance of survival. Some specific restrictions on sports fishing tackle that need to be imposed are :
• All hooks are to be barbless
• Lures or flies are limited to a maximum of 2 single hooks or a maximum of 1 treble hook
• Gang hook rigs are prohibited
Moreover, incorrect handling damages fish and reduces their chances of survival after release. A fish out of water cannot live for more than three or four minutes because of brain damage caused by lack of oxygen. An exhausted fish played too long, may not recover. This means:
• retrieving fish as quickly as possible
• allow the fish to stay in the water when unhooking them
• ensuring that fish are not left to flop and flail around
• using minimum of handling to ensure that released fish have a good chance of survival reviving tired or semi conscious fish. Hold the fish gently and move it forward to force water through its gills. When it has revived, and is able to swim normally, set it free.
Principal #4 : Observe All Fishing Regulations And Report Illegal Fishing Activities
Regulations serves to manage the fisheries for now and the future. To protect fish stocks and fish habitat, report illegal fishing activities to the relevant authorities. It is important that the fishing community does not ignore activities that threaten the fisheries and damage the reputation of responsible sports fishermen. Looking after our fisheries means:
• keeping up to date with regulations and observing them
• acquainting yourself with legal and illegal fishing areas and practices
• be familiar with tackle restrictions and checking the dates of local seasonal closures
• helping to explain fishery regulations and the reasons for them to others, especially children
• reporting black marketing of fish by recreational anglers
• reporting poaching, theft and illegal netting to the relevant authorities
• NOT presuming to act as officers of the law.
Principal #5 : Supporting Activities That Enhance Fisheries & Fish Habitat
We are all dependent on healthy ecosystems. Habitat destruction and modification, resulting largely from human activities, presents a huge threat to the maintenance of fish stocks and the availability of other species within the ecology. Restoring and enhancing fisheries and fish habitat means:
• recognising the fragility and environmental diversity of streamside vegetation, estuaries, & water vegetation. These areas provide food, shelter and important breeding and nursery areas for many fish species
• Do not remove or replace rocks or physical structure around aquatic environment
• participating in research, rehabilitation and monitoring programs if any
• educating others, especially children, in sustainable fishing practices
• be familiar with the life cycles and breeding seasons of aquatic species and fauna
• be involved in programs that restore aqua vegetation and habitat
Principal #6 : Preventing Pollution By Removing Rubbish Not Using Organic Baits
Pollution affects the health of the environment and spoils our experience of the outdoors. Natural areas continue to suffer major problems due to the side effects of human activities. Preventing pollution means:
• taking fishing line, polystyrene foam packaging, bottles, six pack holders, cups and packaging, etc. away from fishing sites. All items must be disposed of correctly.
• not using organic or natural baits as these substance may decay and pollute the reservoirs
• not leaving bait to foul rocks, river banks or beaches
• not washing rubbish, chemicals or other waste into stormwater systems. Most stormwater drains run directly into waterways
Principal #7 : Reporting Environmental Damage And Pollution To The Authorities
The protection of the environment is everyone’s responsibility. By reporting pollution problems to the relevant authorities, we help ensure that our waters become pollutant free and discourage practices that destroy fish habitat. Reporting environmental damage means:
• reporting any fuel and oil spills
• reporting all stranded or dead aquatic animals and protected species
• reporting any signs of discharge of polluted waste waters
• reporting any vegetation or stream damage, e.g. declining water quality, algae, etc.
Principal #8 : Practicing Courtesy Towards Others Who Use Reservoirs & Waterways
Lakes, creeks, rivers, and coasts are used for a variety of purposes. By recognising the rights of others to use the waters for their recreation, sports fishermen help ensure that all are equally able to enjoy their activities. We should realise that friendly rivalry can exist between recreational fishermen without the need for anyone to dominate
Principal #9 : Consider Own Safety And The Safety Of Others When Fishing
Playing it safe while fishing is good commonsense. Never risk a life while trying to catch a fish. Caring about safety means:
• observing pedestrians and other fishermen when casting lures and flies
• observing and understanding all water-craft regulations, including the carrying of the required safety equipment. Only legal watercrafts are allowed.
• keeping a safe distance from shore-based anglers, jetties, swimmers and other boats
• gaining local knowledge of common shoreline hazards including steep reservoir banks, shore platforms, deep water etc
• exercising caution and planning for contingencies
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