Recently in from Antia

Got this from MAS:

As you will be aware the Monaro Acclimatisation Society Inc has been negotiating with Snowy Hydro for a Recreational Fishing Offset (RFO) to compensate anglers for the possibility of Redfin Perch and/or the Epizootic Haematopoietic Necrosis Virus (EHNV) being pumped into Tantangara Dam when Snowy 2.0 begins operation. An important part of the approvals process being undertaken by Snowy Hydro is the development of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

(Editor: For those of you who like summaries, the EIS is summarised here)

Snowy Hydro have released the EIS for public comment and it can be found at this link.https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/project/12891
This EIS is very lengthy and has over 1,800 pages. The Executive of the MAS are going through the document and we will make a submission. To assist those out there wanting to make a personal or club submission we have skimmed through the document and have identified the following chapters as being relevant to the impact on trout from redfin / EHNV being pumped into Lake Tantangara.

• EIS – Summary
• EIS – Main Report Part 2
• Appendix – G Mitigation measures table
• Appendix – I Stakeholder engagement report
• Appendix – M.2 Aquatic ecology assessment
• Appendix – M.3 Offset strategy
• Appendix – X.2 Recreational user impacts statement

One important thing to remember when reading this document is to understand that while mention is made of redfin and EHNV the scale of impact on trout has not been assessed. This is because the EIS is restricted to the impact on native species. However, reading through the document it will be noted that redfin/EHNV is of concern to the future of Tantangara Dam.
To this end the MAS will continue to negotiate with Snowy Hydro for the protection of the Tantangara trout fishery and we will continue to push for a strong RFO.
Steve Samuels
President
Monaro Acclimatisation Society Inc

(Closes around end of Oct)

Seems there are two currently being conducted and these, amongst other things, will provide evidence of the economic benefits and value of recreational angling. I’d suggest everyone consider participating.

With the first one, randomly selected NSW Licence holders will be asked to undertake the survey … it could be you!

The second is being conducted by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation. An Australia wide statutory body.

Read more about both of these in the October issue of the NSW RFA newsletter.

The event will follow the unveiling of Bryan’s plaque. Come for both.
The final Sunday of Fly Casting for the Public will also be held at Googong Dam (at the public barbecues near the boat ramp) from 10:00 to midday on Sunday 29 September. This will be an opportunity to help beginning casters get a line into the water and maybe catch a redfin. The sausage sizzle will be a celebration of the end of another very successful CAA event so bring your coins. The major raffle prize will be a Hawk fly fishing rod with a reel and line and another framed Trevor Hawkins trout fly fishing artwork will be exchanged for a two dollar raffle ticket – WHAT A BARGAIN!!! A NEW FLY ROD AND AN INSPIRATIONAL ART WORK!!!

Note that a NSW Fishing Licence is required for fishing at Googong.

It has been one year since the passing of Canberra’s recreational fishing identity Dr Bryan Pratt. As well as establishing the A.C.T. Parks and Conservation Service he lobbied strenuously to have Googong Dam stocked with fish and opened to recreational angling. Many of you will recall his willingness to provide angling advice from his fishing tackle shops in Canberra and his relaxed and humorous fishing stories from behind the counter.

In memory of Dr Pratt, Canberra Anglers’ Association, of which he was long time President, has arranged for a memorial plaque to be placed overlooking his beloved Googong Dam.

As part of bringing science into trout management DPI have been investing in some very innovative spawning run monitoring equipment. Check out this Facebook post – has an impressive video.

No need for you to have Facebook to view.

https://www.facebook.com/142000969329939/posts/1125445357652157/?app=fbl

The Recreational Fishing NSW Ministerial Advisory Council has been moribund for most of this year. Recall its responsibilities including oversight of spending of licence fees.

Finally, DPI has put out a request for expressions of interest from recreational anglers to join this body. Steve Samuels has been our voice on this body and I’m hoping he’ll re-apply, but others should think about it too.

Expression of Interest site, including remuneration and selection criteria is here.

More about the regions that members each represent is here.

Applications close on 29 Sep.