Fishing legend Rex Hunt will join WA recreational fishers at a rally this week against proposals that threaten to ban fishing in areas of WA’s coastline.

The ‘Don’t Lock Us Out’ campaign by community group Keep Australia Fishing and supported by recreational fishing peak body Recfishwest urges fishers to protect their rights to fish in WA, while recognising the need for marine conservation.

Keen fishers and supporters are urged to join the rally by boat or foot at Langley Park in East Perth from 4pm to 6pm on Wednesday, August 29.

Mr Hunt said it is time recreational fishers stood up for their right to fish in local waters and against the influence of international firms on local policy.

“Australians’ right to fish is slipping out of our hands. It’s time we stood up as a collective group and protect the future of recreational fishing for not only our generation but for our children and encourage the government to make a fair and informed decision,” he said.

Recfishwest CEO Andrew Rowland explained that international lobby groups are pressuring the Federal Government into declaring areas of the State’s coast marine reserves, or no-fishing zones, which threatens the livelihood of some regional communities and falsely labels recreational fishers as irresponsible.

“The campaign being spear headed by overseas anti-fishing lobbyists treats recreational fishers with the same regard as destructive activities such as dredging. If successful we will see popular fishing destinations like Geographe Bay and the Perth Trench locked up and inaccessible for those wanting to enjoy a fish with their family,” he said.

“What hasn’t been recognised is that recreational fishers have been, and continue to be, at the forefront of marine conservation. There is no scientific or socioeconomic data or reasons to suggest that recreational fishing has any detrimental effect on these areas and it’s important that the government recognises this.

“The decision to lock-out fishing families from these areas forever can and will have a long lasting effect on a number of regional communities.  We should be embracing fishing rather than restricting it because it brings significant benefits to these communities. This decision affects all Australians and I encourage the people of WA to show their support at the rally.”

The Keep Australia Fishing campaign also encourages keen fishers to contact Federal Ministers against the proposed lock-out campaign. Information can be found at www.keepaustraliafishing.com.au or on the Keep Australia Fishing Facebook site.