Recreational Fishing to Continue off Cape Byron
Despite local conservationists labeling the move as ‘madness’, local anglers are still a bit miffed about losing access to some of their favourite beaches. The original plan (brought about by the National Party) was to lift bans on fishing from several once-popular beaches in the area. Now, those bans are staying in place to keep the conservationists happy, and these two points (which were about to cop a ban) are remaining open.
"The Cape Byron section encompasses some 400m of cliffs from the easterly point to the lighthouse; surely it is madness to encourage anybody to fish there."
Says conservationist Dailan Pugh.
He’s got a point, but any angler can appreciate the dangers of fishing off rocks in a well-documented danger zone like Cape Byron. So can the general public, and tourists, so for those anglers who fish less than once a year, it’s going to be Tyagarah beach for their fishing fix. Places still banned under the new rules are Belongil, Wategos, Broken Head and ‘the Moat’, among others in the Byron area, as well as several open beaches in the Solitary Islands.
It looks like this isn’t over however, with the conservationists once again going in to bat for Australia’s marine life. If you have something to say about it (from either side), get onto your local member and let them know!
Casey, TAS
