For the Future of Fishing: Cast a line for the next generations
Gone Fishing Day for 2023 focuses on thinking about tomorrow.
This year’s flagship event revolves around the theme “For the Future of Fishing,” and OzFish Unlimited, Australia’s leading fishing conservation charity, is teaming up with BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing to champion the sport that enriches our lives in countless ways.
Gone OzFishing Weekend is not just about those of us who love to get outdoors but it’s also about ensuring future generations will be able to do the same by creating awareness about issues that affect the nation’s waterways and fish populations.
They say a true conservationist is one that plants a tree knowing they will not benefit from the shade it casts. At OzFish, we think the same can be said for restoring our waterways.
Australia’s waterways need help. For more than 100 years, our key habitats have been degrading at an alarming rate – 85% of seagrass has been lost, millions of snags have been removed, 90% of shellfish has depleted and millions of fish have died because of modern infrastructure and developments.
But all is not lost and balance is the key. OzFish and its blue army of volunteers are working to restore and protect the habitat fish rely on for tomorrow’s anglers.
With more than 90 habitat projects currently underway across Australia, OzFish is creating better habitat for better fishing. To see what your local Chapter is up to, click here.
On Gone OzFishing Weekend on October 8-9, OzFish is teaming up with BCF to raise funds for habitat restoration.
Together they are calling for all passionate anglers to head in store to donate whatever they can spare, with all funds going towards restoration projects in nearby waterways.
BCF has partnered with OzFish since 2017 and is committed to restoring lost habitat to improve fishing nationwide.
Earlier this year, BCF and OzFish were awarded the Best Partnership Award at the 10th World Recreational Fishing Conference held in Melbourne.
The BCF vision is to ensure great things happen when everyone joins together in pursuit of a common purpose.
Gone OzFishing Weekend is about uniting BCF’s customers to do our bit for generations to come because healthier waterways mean more fish and better fishing.
It’s the quintessential Aussie experience we all love, but it’s more than just a leisurely pastime, it’s about preserving our cherished waterways and securing a thriving fishing legacy for generations to come.
USE THE HASHTAG #ForTheFutureOfFishing
“Fishing has been such an integral part of my life for 60 years now! I can’t imagine life without fishing — and I don’t even want to imagine a world without healthy fisheries for future generations to enjoy, as I’ve done. That’s why I’m so committed to the habitat work OzFish Unlimited does. Better habits means more fish — and a bright future for our passionate pastime!” — Steve ’Starlo’ Starling, Recreational Fishing Communicator
“I grew up in Brisbane and holidayed on the Sunshine Coast pretty much every weekend and Dad would take my sister, myself and my mum up to the Coast and we would fish and snorkel and surf.” – Olivia Degn, Creek to Coast presenter.
“I grew up fishing the shores of Lake Macquarie, constantly in wetsuits and water shoes walking around the shallows. The things I learnt in that period of my life have been invaluable. It is the best classroom there is. I want to make sure that every generation can experience what I did. So do I want to protect the future of fishing? Absolutely I do” – Michael Guest, Reel Action TV.
“I just love being on the water. l love the scenery and everything that goes with it. There are so many beautiful places – sometimes they are breathtaking. It’s a good life, camping and fishing.” – Charlotte Klose, YouTube fishing expert.
“I grew up beach fishing as a kid with the old boy. That’s something I want to pass onto my kids. Being in the outdoors is so important, as well being able to catch a feed of fish. I have been fortunate enough to spend a lot of time on the water and make a career out of it, so I now have a huge interest in protecting the future of fishing.” – Sammy Hitzke, YouTube fishing expert.
