IN response to Animal Lover, in the Highway Mail, dated 20 January.
While I appreciate the fact that you show concern for fish in the sport of fishing, I think you are a little unreasonable.
The act of catch and release, in my opinion, is probably the most sustainable and least harmful sport in the world when it comes to the impact it has on the environment.
Fishing competitions have also been used to create much needed awareness for the threat our oceans are currently facing, often raising funds for very worthy causes.
Fishing is a skill I was taught by my father, and I was taught to do it in a manner which is not cruel, harmful or destructive. I for one fish responsibly, only in season and as sustainably as I can.
Commercial fishing, on the other hand, is a lot more harmful to the environment, and in my view, this needs to be regulated a lot more than it currently is. Another major concern for me is the catching of crayfish out of season, which are then sold along the highway heading down the south coast.
There’s good reasons why certain fish, and shellfish, are only supposed to be fished at certain times of the year. Catching fish out of season is a cruel and senseless act ad those who partake in it should be ashamed of their actions.
I for one enjoy the regular fishing articles and support it 100 percent as it can educate people and create awareness for our oceans, rivers and dams.
Fisherman’s Friend
New Germany
