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5. SUPPORTING AND ENCOURAGING ACTIVITIES THAT PRESERVE, RESTORE AND ENHANCE FISHERIES AND FISH HABITAT
- We are all dependent on healthy ecosystems. Habitat destruction and modification resulting from human activities presents a continuing threat to the maintenance of fish stocks and the availability of other species such as shell fish, rock lobsters and crabs.
- Preserving, restoring and enhancing fisheries and fish habitat means:
- Recognising the fragility and environmental diversity of streamside vegetation, seagrass, mangroves, and reefs
- Being aware of zoning in Marine Protected Areas
- Participating where possible in scientific, educational and community programs that benefit the sustainability of our fish resources
- Participating where possible in the collection of recreational catch and effort data
- Participating where possible in research, rehabilitation and monitoring programs such as Fishcare, Coastcare, Waterwatch,Rivercare, Landcare and fish tagging programs
- Educating others, especially children, in sustainable fishing practices and humane fishing, handling and killing practices
- Becoming familiar with the life cycles of fish and other aquatic fauna
- Keeping a safe distance from aquatic wildlife, including birds, to minimise disturbance.
- Never using non-native fish as live bait or introducing fish from one catchment to another, especially exotic fish.