OzFish Unlimited - Australia’s fishing conservation charity together with NSW DPI Fisheries are calling on recreational anglers to help clean up Elliot Lake and Bensons Creek this December 10th, 2023.
Through the statewide KEEP IT CLEAN initiative, both organisations want to see as many anglers get involved.
“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. Clean-ups like this make for a better fishing experience for all involved,” said Jonathon Bleakley, OzFish Unlimited spokesperson.
“Rec 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 anglers to come down and give a few hours to better the local environment,” said Jonathon.
Volunteers can meet the clean-up crew at Warilla Sports Club, Barrack Heights at 10am. Look out for the OzFish signage. OzFish will supply all the necessary equipment for the clean-up to take place but are encouraging volunteers to bring water and wear sun-safe clothing.
Prizes and giveaways will also be up for grabs.
This community event is also an Yabby Trap Drop Spot. Anglers can bring down their opera house yabby traps 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. Head over to https://ozfish.org.au/event/keep-it-clean-illawarra-nsw-december-2023/?swcfpc=1
Keep it Clean is a partnership with OzFish and the NSW Department of Primary Industries. It is 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.
ENDS
Interviews available
High Res Image available at: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/cobgdtkvye6hlfwienbpf/FFL_GetInvolved.jpg?rlkey=5wd2ednifgxqjn3x5w1v61i9x&dl=0
About us:
About OzFish
OzFish Unlimited is a national environmental conservation charity established to improve the health of our rivers, lakes and estuaries. It is a member-based organisation dedicated to make our fishing grounds healthy, vibrant and more productive. Their active work includes; habitat restoration such as resnagging, riverbank planting, clean-ups, fishways, shellfish reefs and educational and community capacity building programs.
Contact details:
Jonathon Bleakley – OzFish Unlimited Media Manager
jonathonbleakley@ozfish.org.au | 0402171914
