Former UK parliamentary angling spokesman Martin Salter will hold a public forum in Perth to discuss the marine parks debate on June 23.

Martin recently produced a report calling for a national campaign to protect recreational fishing.

Titled ‘Keep Australia Fishing’, the independent report was commissioned by AFTA and the Boating and Fishing Council of Australia (BFCA) and prepared by the former UK politician and Sydney resident.

Mr Salter, who served as Parliamentary Spokesman for Angling under the governments of both Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, said the 54-page report drew on “best practice” from other countries around the world where recreational fishing was properly respected and valued as a significant economic contributor.

“Australia’s recreational fishing industry has been under threat for many years, from fish kills on major rivers, habitat degradation, urban pollution and unjustified marine park lock-outs,” Mr Salter said.

“While Australia still boasts some of the best recreational fishing in the world, pressure is mounting from poor land use practices and extreme Green movements that regard anglers as part of the problem rather than the solution.

“Responsible recreational anglers are the true guardians of the aquatic environment and sensible conservationists should be working with them to protect and enhance our fisheries.”

Joining Martin for the evening will be former Olympian Emma George and Kane Moyle, from Recfishwest.

What: Fisheries management in Australia public forum

When: 7pm, Thursday, June 23

Where: Marmion Aquatic and Angling Club, West Coast Drive, Marmion

Entry is free.