For years, many in the fly-fishing community, particularly older anglers, have viewed environmentalists with suspicion, seeing them as opponents to their beloved pastime. To their perspective, conservation groups often advocate for regulations and policies that, on the surface, seem to limit fishing opportunities. Nevertheless, the reality is that fly fishers and environmentalists have more in common than it might initially appear.

Shared Goals

Fly fishers rely on clean, healthy waters to ensure thriving fish populations, while environmentalists seek to preserve biodiversity and maintain the delicate balance of these ecosystems. In fact, both are invested in sustainable fish populations and environments that support a wide array of aquatic life.

Additionally, one key area of overlap is the desire to maintain sustainable fish populations. Fly fishers, especially those who practice catch-and-release, understand that overfishing or habitat degradation can severely impact their future fishing opportunities. Environmentalists, meanwhile, aim to protect biodiversity for the long term. Therefore, collaborating on conservation efforts, such as restoring natural habitats or advocating for responsible stocking practices, benefits both parties.

Furthermore, both groups recognise the importance of ecosystem health. Fly fishers need clean waters, vibrant insect life, and diverse fish species to enjoy the sport. Similarly, environmentalists emphasise preserving these habitats for the survival of various species. By focusing on this shared interest, both can contribute to the protection and restoration of aquatic ecosystems.

Ultimately, their efforts directly support sustainable fish populations, clean waterways, and thriving ecosystems, benefiting both recreational fishing activities and the preservation of native species.

Local Conservation Efforts

As many of you know, in recent years, Hastings Fly Fishers has been actively involved in conservation efforts to support local aquatic ecosystems. These initiatives include:

• Mangrove Replanting Trial in the Hastings River:
  In 2014, Hastings Fly Fishers participated in a pioneering mangrove restoration project on the Hastings River. Specifically, this initiative utilised coir mesh mats to stabilise and promote the growth of mangrove seedlings, aiming to enhance the river’s ecological health. The project was a collaboration among local oyster growers, DPI, fishers, and conservationists, marking a significant step in regional mangrove restoration. Although the trial itself netted mixed results, the project provided Hastings Fly Fishers with an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the importance of healthy fish habitat and ensure there are lots of fish now and in the future.
• Bass Fingerling Restocking:
  The Club has also been involved in restocking native fish populations by releasing Australian Bass fingerlings into local waterways. For instance, in 2018, and again in 2022, in collaboration with Dutton Trout Hatchery, Club members prepared to release fingerlings, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting native fish species and maintaining a healthy aquatic ecosystem.

These conservation efforts exemplify our club’s dedication to preserving and enhancing local aquatic environments, ensuring sustainable fishing opportunities for future generations.

Shared Goals: The Example of OzFish

A perfect example of shared goals between recreational fishers and conservationists is OzFish. Ozfish a not-for-profit organisation that brings together anglers passionate about conserving and restoring fish habitats across Australia. OzFish’s mission is to help recreational fishers directly contribute to the preservation and restoration of aquatic ecosystems, aligning their love of the sport with vital environmental work. By engaging in projects like habitat restoration, riverbank rehabilitation, and fish restocking, OzFish members demonstrate that enjoying fishing and protecting the environment can go hand in hand. Their efforts directly support sustainable fish populations, clean waterways, and thriving ecosystems, benefiting both recreational fishing activities and the preservation of native species.

Addressing Potential Conflicts

However, despite these shared goals, conflicts between recreational fishers and environmentalists can arise. Overfishing and the introduction of non-native species, such as trout, can negatively impact native fish populations and disrupt ecosystems. This has been a particular concern in Australia, where trout fishing is extremely popular, attracting many anglers and significantly contributing to the economy. Nevertheless, the practice of stocking non-native species, such as brown and rainbow trout, has raised environmental concerns due to their impact on native fish populations and ecosystems.

• Predation and Competition: Introduced trout are voracious predators, feeding on small aquatic animals, including juvenile native fish. This predation, combined with competition for food and habitat, poses a severe threat to native species, particularly smaller-bodied fish like galaxiids.
• Decline of Native Fish Species: Research shows that invasive trout are among the greatest threats to Australia’s most vulnerable native fish species. Fourteen of the 22 at-risk native fish species are galaxiids, which have been severely impacted by predatory trout introduced for recreational fishing.
• Ecosystem Imbalance: The introduction and stocking of non-native trout species can create ecological imbalances, leading to the decline of native fish populations and habitat degradation. We all understand the detrimental impacts that monocultures can have on ecosystems. Carp, for example, is an invasive species that has severely impacted native fish populations and water quality in many areas. Similar concerns arise with the unchecked stocking of trout, highlighting the importance of maintaining biodiversity in our ecosystems.

Finding the Balance

However, these conflicts aren’t insurmountable. By engaging in open dialogue and collaborative management, both groups can work toward solutions that protect native species without diminishing the joy of recreational fishing. Re-evaluating stocking practices and implementing conservation measures, such as regulations to protect vulnerable fish, ensures a balance between the sport and the preservation of ecosystems. Solutions include:

• Reevaluating Stocking Practices: This involves assessing the ecological impacts of stocking non-native trout species and considering alternative methods to support recreational fishing without compromising native biodiversity.
• Implementing Conservation Measures: Developing and enforcing regulations that protect native fish species and habitats will help ensure that recreational fishing practices do not contribute to their decline.

While recreational fishing is a valued activity, balancing this with the need to protect native fish species and their habitats is essential.

A Path Forward

In conclusion, while fly fishers and environmentalists may have historically seen themselves as adversaries, they share many common goals. Both want healthy, thriving aquatic ecosystems that support diverse fish populations. By focusing on these shared interests, fly fishers can become powerful advocates for conservation.

It’s time for our community to stop viewing conservationists as “the enemy” and instead recognise them as potential allies. Working together, we can ensure that our waterways are protected and that future generations of anglers can enjoy the same beautiful, bountiful rivers, estuaries, and lakes we cherish today.

Sources:

OzFish Unlimited. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://ozfish.org.au

Port News. (2018, November 21). Hastings Fly Fishers angling for sponsorship. Retrieved from https://www.portnews.com.au

Port News. (2013, May 13). World-first mangrove restoration in Hastings River. Retrieved from https://www.portnews.com.au

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) New South Wales. (n.d.). General information about carp. Retrieved from https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

Invasive Species Council. (n.d.). Trout are putting Australia’s little fish at risk of extinction. Retrieved from https://invasives.org.au

Sport Fishing Magazine. (2024). Time to work with recreational fishermen, not against them. Retrieved from https://www.sportfishingmag.com

Facets Journal. (2024). Collaborative conservation and recreational fishing: Working together for a sustainable future. Retrieved from https://www.facetsjournal.com