Aussie Spearfishers call for “balance” on marine parks

The split this week between the Greens and the Government gives Labor the chance to restore balance to its Commonwealth marine park plans, the peak advocacy organisation representing Australian spearfishers says.

“It is clear to us that the Greens had pressured Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke to implement extremist lock out policies in the development of these marine park plans,” Adrian Wayne, Chairman of the AUF, said today.

“Now the Greens have walked away from their deal with the Government, we are expecting Mr Burke to restore balance to the issue by re-thinking the unjustified lock out of Australia’s 5 million recreational fishers from the proposed marine parks.

“We are ready and willing to immediately engage with Mr Burke and his Department to help formulate proactive policies that will protect our fragile marine environment while also allowing sustainable recreational fishing to continue.”

Current marine park plans being considered by Mr Burke would result in recreational fishers being locked out of 1.3 million square kilometres of Australia’s oceans.

“If that goes ahead, the Gillard Government would be responsible for the biggest angler lock out in history,” Mr Wayne said.

“We find it hard to believe that a Labor Government would want to deprive hard-working Aussies of the chance to enjoy a dip in the ocean and catch a feed for their families. In fact, we suspect the lock out agenda of the current marine park plans was forced on the Government via the deal with the Greens.

“Now the Greens have broken that deal, we are hoping that Mr Burke will want to talk with us about designing less extremist policies.

AUF said the split with the Greens presented the Government with the opportunity to show their true colours when it comes to dealing with Aussie anglers.

“Do they want to alienate us by locking us out or do they want to work with us?

“The fact is that recreational spearfishers are dedicated to marine conservation. We just don’t want to be locked out for no good reason. Hopefully Mr Burke will now want to work with us and other recreational fishers to achieve balanced and effective marine parks that will benefit all Australians for generations to come.” AUF’s Adrian Wayne said.

Media Enquiries:

Adrian Wayne
spearfishing@auf.com.au
0418 282 696

Download Media Release

The results for the National Spearfishing Championships that were hosted by NSW were a great success, see all the results

Please download the results of the Australian Open Fin Swimming Championships 2012.

 Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre

Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127

 Rules of Competition

• CMAS rules will apply (except some in water starts will be allowed for Masters competitors and those with disabilities)
• One (1) start only
• Separate Awards and records will be issued for Mono and Duo events.
• Competitors entering an event using a Monofin, cannot enter the same event using Duo Fins (bi fins).
• Where entries are less than four (4) for an event, the men’s and women’s events may be combined or where there is an event for separate Mono and Duo these may be combined but individual awards and records will be taken into account.
• Age records will apply and results will include best in each age group, although medals will be presented as open medals.
• Entrants in the scuba events MUST be able to show proof of scuba certification to the minimum CMAS standard of open water diver.

Individual Entry Fee (competition only) $75
Junior Fee $40
Family Entry Fee (Must include at least1 jnr) $110

OZFIN Membership (includes AUF) (Australian competitors only)

• Senior: $55
• Junior: $35

Membership to be paid via the AUF Member Portal (see links below).

Entry forms must be returned by 7 August 2013. Late entries will be considered only if there are spare lanes available

Please download and fill in the Entry Form.

Forms should be returned to: finswimming@auf.com.au

At last there is agreement for the two peak Spearfishing organisations to unite and be as one.

This follows discussions that have taken place since October 2011 and attendance by USFA officials at the AUF Spearfishing AGM in September 2012.

Both organisations were able to discuss the reasons for the prior split that occurred in 2009 but more importantly the positives to being united and how this might be achieved.  The meeting agreed on the following actions:

1. Adrian Wayne was elected as National Spearfishing chairperson to represent the interests of both parties.
2. A new umbrella organisation for Spearfishing Australia would be named and formed nationally.
3. All States,Territories,Clubs and Members would rejoin or their membership be transitioned to this new organisation.
4. The Constitution of the National AUF would be reviewed and changes submitted to facilitate the new Spearfishing organisation and the Constitutional concerns expressed by USFA.
5. Provided suitable Constitutional changes are agreed the new Spearfishing organisation and all of the members will be affilliated directly with the National AUF which will be the most beneficial situation for all parties.
6. Insurance options to be re examined and the most suitable options put in place. It is expected the process of unification will take some time and in the interim both organisations will continue to operate as they do currently but with far more communication and cooperation.
7. Current AUF Spearfishing competition rules, by laws, regulations will be re examined for their future suitability.

The officials at the AGM expressed extreme gratitude to the retiring Chairperson, Dr Adam Smith for his efforts and professionalism in taking our sport forward.

Any person who requires information on this important move forward should contact the State/Territory chairpersons or Mr Adrian Wayne, AUF/USFA Joint National Chairperson.

Media enquiries:

Adrian Wayne
Chairman USFA
National Chair AUF National Spearfishing Commission
spearfishing@auf.com.au

Download the Press Release

Ron and Valerie Taylor are pioneering Australian conservationists and film makers dedicated to promoting the conservation of sharks, sea lions and other marine species.

Ron and Valerie Taylor were members of the St George Spearfishing Club.

The park is an internationally-significant site for great white sharks and the only place in Australia where you can get up close to this protected species in their own environment in a unique cage diving experience.

Access to Neptune Islands Group (Ron and Valerie Taylor) Marine Park is from Port Lincoln.

Download the SA Premier’s Media Release.

See the Web Page for the Neptune Islands Group (Ron and Valerie Taylor) Marine Park.

See the Wikipedia Page for Ron and Valerie Taylor.

Venus:

• Theory: 88 A Esplanade, Port Noarlunga SA
• Practical: Practical Pt Noarlunga Reef, meet at the jetty

Cost:

• $370.00 Includes AUF Membership, NCAS Fee, manuals and resources
• Course fees must be paid 4 weeks before course.

Pre- requisites:

• 18+ Years of age.
• Ability to snorkel.
• One years experience in club/competition in snorkelling activities, or at least one years experience in teaching aquatic activities. Any negotiation to be directed to Course CO-coordinator.
• Current Senior First Aid. You may complete this post course, negotiation to be directed to the Course CO-coordinator.

Download the full information sheet.

Venus:

• Theory: 88 A Esplanade, Port Noarlunga SA
• Practical: Practical Pt Noarlunga Reef, meet at the jetty

Cost:

• $370.00 Includes AUF Membership, NCAS Fee, manuals and resources
• Course fees must be paid 4 weeks before course.

Pre- requisites:

• 18+ Years of age.
• Ability to snorkel.
• One years experience in club/competition in snorkelling activities, or at least one years experience in teaching aquatic activities. Any negotiation to be directed to Course CO-coordinator.
• Current Senior First Aid. You may complete this post course, negotiation to be directed to the Course CO-coordinator.

See the full results and details of the competition on the Australian Underwater Hockey Website.

 Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre

Olympic Boulevard, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127

 Rules of Competition

• CMAS rules will apply (except some in water starts will be allowed for Masters competitors and those with disabilities)
• One (1) start only
• Separate Awards and records will be issued for Mono and Duo events.
• Competitors entering an event using a Monofin, cannot enter the same event using Duo Fins (bi fins).
• Where entries are less than four (4) for an event, the men’s and women’s events may be combined or where there is an event for separate Mono and Duo these may be combined but individual awards and records will be taken into account.
• Age records will apply and results will include best in each age group, although medals will be presented as open medals.
• Entrants in the scuba events MUST be able to show proof of scuba certification to the minimum CMAS standard of open water diver.

Entry to the competition costs $50. Competitors must be AUF Members or International competitors must have CMAS affiliated membership.

This event is held in conjunction with ODEX.