Australia’s fishing conservation charity OzFish Unlimited and the NSW Department of Primary Industry Fisheries are calling on recreational anglers to help clean up Lake Macquarie on January 21.
Through the statewide Keep It Clean initiative, both organisations want to see as many anglers get involved as possible.
“No-one wants to catch a plastic bag when they’re out on the water and we know the impacts litter can have on local wildlife and marine life,” OzFish spokesperson Jonathon Bleakley said.
“Clean-ups like this make for a better fishing experience for all involved.
“Recreational fishers see the impacts of litter.
“And it’s not always rec fishing litter that we’re cleaning up but by getting involved fishos are inspiring others to think local and create change.
“We simply need Lake Macquarie anglers to come down and give a few hours to better the local environment.”
OzFish Unlimited is a national environmental conservation charity established to improve the health of rivers, lakes and estuaries.
It is a member-based organisation dedicated to make fishing grounds healthy, vibrant and more productive.
Its active work includes habitat restoration such as riverbank planting, clean-ups, fishways, shellfish reefs and educational and community capacity building programs.
Lake Macquarie volunteers are asked to meet the clean-up crew at Marks Point boat ramp at 10am; just look out for the OzFish signage.
OzFish will supply all the necessary equipment for the clean-up to take place but is encouraging volunteers to bring water and wear sun-safe clothing.
Prizes and giveaways will also be up for grabs.
This community event is also a Yabby Trap Drop Spot where anglers can bring down their opera house yabby trap and swap it for a free Oar-Gee Plow lure to support sustainable fishing.
Opera house nets are now illegal in NSW and those collected will be recycled into useful fishing products.
Registration is essential for the event at https://ozfish.org.au/event/keep-it-clean-lake-macquarie-nsw-january-2024/?swcfpc=1
Keep it Clean is a partnership with OzFish and the NSW Department of Primary Industries and made possible through funding by the Recreational Fishing Trusts and Marine Estate Management Strategy.
If you would like to know more about the project or get involved become a member of OzFish online at www.ozfish.org.au or contact 1800 431 308.