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The five Coastal Catchment Management Authorities (CMA) in partnership with the Boat Owners’ Association of NSW (BOA), Boating Industry Association of NSW (BIA), Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW (RFA), NSW Maritime and Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries) are undertaking an Environmental Education Strategy for NSW Coastal Boaters and Fishers.

The aims of the project are to:

• Raise the awareness of boaters and fishers to key aquatic environmental issues.
• Encourage, if needed, changes in behaviour to reduce impacts on our aquatic natural resources.
• Identify aquatic champions among boating and fishing groups to be trained and deliver peer education
• Encourage individuals to “get involved” in aquatic habitat rehabilitation projects e.g. marine debris clean up days.

SURVEY AND FORUM

A key focus in developing the Strategy has been consultation with boating and fishing groups. An online survey designed to gauge the current knowledge and attitude of boaters and fishers about aquatic environmental issues was conducted over the period December 2010 to February 2011. A key boaters and fishers consultative forum was held on 23^rd March 2011. Recommendations from the online survey and consultative forum are being used to inform and guide the implementation of the remainder of the project.

BOATERS AND FISHERS PRESENTATIONS

One of the key educational outcomes of the project is the delivery of community group presentations across coastal NSW. The presentation format has been trialled with 5 major boating and fishing associations and refined to reflect comments and advice received. A SMCMA staff training day was held in August 2011 with a focus on tailoring community group presentations to reflect local aquatic environmental issues. Presentations across the 5 Coastal CMA regions commenced in November 2011.

If you are interested in organising a ‘Healthy Waterways = better boating, more fish’ presentation for your boating and/or fishing club, contact John Naughton on 9895 6274.

Upcoming free ‘Healthy Waterways’ presentation for boaters and fishers:

Location:
Reef Theatre, Sydney Aquarium, Darling Harbour

Time/Date:
6pm, 7 March 2012

Further info/bookings:
Contact John Naughton on 9895 6274

AQUATIC CHAMPIONS

Research shows that peer education is the most effective way to communicate a message.  As part of the Environmental Education Strategy for NSW Coastal Boaters and Fishers, we are seeking volunteers who are interested in becoming Aquatic Champions.

WHAT?

Aquatic champions are boaters and fishers that spread the positive messages of this strategy to other boaters and fishers out on the waterways through conversation.  It is a casual, flexible approach.  You may also want to swap boating or fishing tips at the same time.

WHEN & WHERE?

This is flexible and entirely up to you.

If you are interested in becoming an aquatic champion, a one-day training workshop will be held to assist you.

Further information: Contact John Naughton on 9895 6274

MARINE DEBRIS CLEAN UPS

WHAT? Most of the rubbish that ends up in the oceans and waterways originates on land and seriously affects marine life.  Marine Debris Clean Ups aim to remove litter from foreshore areas. As part of the Environmental Education Strategy for NSW Coastal Boaters and Fishers, 5 marine clean up events will take place in 2012.

WHERE? Locations for the clean up events have not yet been confirmed.  However, one location in each Catchment Management Authority (CMA) area will be chosen for a marine debris clean up day.  The coastal areas are: Northern Rivers CMA, Hunter Central Rivers CMA, Hawkesbury Nepean CMA, Sydney Metropolitan CMA and Southern Rivers CMA.

WHO? Anyone is welcome to join in and participate. Bring along family and friends on the day to participate and make a difference to our waterways.

Further information: Contact John Naughton on 9895 6274