Page 3440 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 17 September 2019
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The release of any live fish, other than into the waterway from which it was caught, is also prohibited under the Fisheries Act. This, of course, is to protect the ecosystems of our lakes and rivers and prevent the introduction of non-native or non-endemic species that might outcompete native fish for food or bring with them exotic diseases.
These provisions restrict the religious practice of karma release, which includes the release of fish into the wild—usually those destined to be sold for consumption—providing freedom for the fish and good karma for the person. This practice can have a significant impact on the environment through the introduction of invasive species or disease. The restriction of this practice is important for protection of our lakes and rivers, and for the welfare of the species being released. We will explore options to facilitate karma release in a safe and controlled way that is best for the environment and the released fish.
The bill also provides for the conservator to make guidelines regarding certain matters, including the conservation and management of fisheries, allowing guidelines to be made about fisheries management issues as they arise. This will allow more flexible management of fisheries and the greater provision of information and guidance on particular management issues.
These amendments and additions to the Fisheries Act support the existing provisions allowing declaration of numbers of fish, size, gear and seasons when they may be caught, to maintain a sustainable recreational fishery for present and future generations.
Another important amendment included in the bill is to the Nature Conservation Act, to facilitate cultural resource use by Aboriginal people. The review found that many other jurisdictions in Australia support cultural fishing by Aboriginal people through their fisheries legislation. This was an area that was lacking in the ACT. We consulted with the Ngunnawal people and found that the issue was wider than just the facilitation of cultural fishing. Access to natural cultural resources more broadly, such as the collection and use of certain plants, or access to areas for cultural activities across the ACT, are also important to the community.
For this reason the bill includes changes to the Nature Conservation Act, allowing the conservator to develop a statutory cultural resource use plan, in partnership with traditional custodians, which will allow for Aboriginal cultural activity, including traditional activities such as fishing or carrying out cultural practices on public lands. Amendments to the Fisheries Act allow the undertaking of certain activities if they are consistent with a cultural resource use plan.
There is a provision for the bill to commence on a date fixed by the minister. Many of the provisions of the bill will need to be enacted through a declaration, providing a chance for further stakeholder consultation on their implementation. This will ensure that stakeholders have the opportunity to become aware of the new requirements before the bill commences. The ACT government will also undertake targeted communication and engagement with recreational fishing groups, businesses that sell fishing gear and live fish, and the local Aboriginal community and Ngunnawal
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