 |
Ref:509/03 |
|
|
 |
australia
- Jan 14, 2003 |
|
|
|
Hysteria surrounds 'escaped Kingfish' debate |
|
|
|
|
There is too much hysteria
surrounding "escaped Kingfish" in the Upper Spencer Gulf.
That is according to the Upper Spencer Gulf recreational
Fishing Committee chairman Steve Walker.
He aims to tell Whyalla
that there is a group of people who are going to deal with the
Kingfish saga rationally and professionally - a group that
wants some fair and reasonable scientific evidence.
Steve believes the information circulating
is designed to alarm people - having the effect of confusion
and dissent within the community.
"There has been too much
over-reactionary commentary on the issue," he said.
"A lot of it is knee-jerk matter
with little or no scientific backing.
"People making outrageous claims
that are not proven.
"We are calling for a rational and
fair debate in the hope it will quell the hysteria."
Steve's group meets every second
month with other committee members from areas in the Upper
Spencer Gulf including Port Pirie and Port Augusta.
Issues discussed are usually then
taken to the South Australian Recreation Fishing Advisory
Council Inc which also takes under its umbrella other
recreation fishing committees from around the state.
Steve's committee is using SARFAC to
put a series of questions to the government body in charge of
regulating aquaculture practice - Department of Primary
Industries and Resources, South Australia.
"This is a neutral group who's job
it is to gather data and collate statistics," Steve said.
"We're going to ask the questions
and the answers will provide a balance to what is being said,"
Steve said.
"Aquaculture is here to stay, it
provides a fair amount of employment for the town."
The Upper Spencer Gulf Recreational
Fishing Committee expects PIRSA to reply by February.
|
|
|
